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Intermediate wheatgrass as a dual use crop for grain and grazing
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Table of Contents: Land Report (Number 4, February 1978)
Page 2
Third Term Completed
This article summarizes the activities of the fall semester, including student projects on solar and wind energy, guest speakers, and visits to organic farms and alternative shelters.
Page 3
New Directions on the Prairie: The Land Summer Program
The Land Institute announces upcoming one-week summer workshops focused on solar and wind energy, featuring practical instruction and expert staff.
Community Programs
A review of recent public events highlights discussion evenings on environmental books, a solar collector workshop, and a lecture series on famous American naturalists.
Page 4
Prairieland Food Co-op Organized
Following a feasibility study, a steering committee has organized a food cooperative in Salina to provide bulk natural foods and is currently seeking a storefront location.
Page 5
Land Associates are Resource People
Land Institute staff members are scheduled to participate in various regional workshops and seminars concerning wind energy, farming conservation, and world hunger.
Adventures in Conservation with Paul Sears
Renowned botanist Dr. Paul Sears visited The Land and gave a public address regarding the history of the conservation movement and the necessity of preserving ecological capital.
Page 6
A Cold Frame Garden
Student Michele Adams details her construction of a cold frame using hay bales and patio doors, which successfully protected cool-weather vegetables through freezing temperatures.
Page 7
Companion Planting: a Help or a Hoax?
An analysis of organic gardening literature investigates whether companion planting relies on scientific principles of complementary plant needs or is merely a form of folklore.
Page 8
Microbes to Man: The Story of a Prairie Farm
This review recommends a film about Gene Poirot, a Missouri farmer who successfully restored soil fertility by mimicking natural prairie ecosystems.
Page 9
First Efforts Toward Establishing a Prairie Students describe the labor-intensive process of collecting native grass and forb seeds to replant experimental quadrants with prairie vegetation.
Page 10
Soil Loss and the Search for a Permanent Agriculture
Wes Jackson argues that the “human-nature split” has led to destructive annual monocultures, proposing instead a research focus on herbaceous perennial polycultures to save soil.
Page 16
Kansas Organic Producers’ Annual Meeting
The upcoming annual meeting will feature William Lockeretz, who will present research comparing the economic and energy efficiency of organic versus conventional farms.
Page 17
Building a Solar Hot Water Heater: Mel Stampe explains the design and construction of a passive thermosiphon water heating system for the “Doings” building, utilizing salvaged materials and a standard water tank.
Page 18
Lighting the Path with a Six-Volt Wind Generator
Bill Elliott recounts the process of carving a new propeller and repairing a storm-damaged Windcharger to power outdoor path lighting.
Page 19
Consumer-Utility Conference
Students attended a conference in Topeka, where they engaged in challenging discussions about energy consumption habits and utility rate structures.
Page 20
Energy Notes
Short updates cover the installation of Jacobs wind plants, a philosophy on simplifying energy needs, and the search for low-speed alternators.
Wind Power Research Project
A study is underway to analyze wind system designs that can be manufactured locally, with a focus on systems suitable for rural residences.
Page 21
Earth Walls on the Indian House
Dave Kearns describes the construction of a round building modeled after Indian earth lodges, utilizing tamped earth and lime stabilization for the walls.
A Talk With Malcom Wells about Underground Houses
Architect Malcom Wells visited The Land to discuss the energy efficiency, aesthetics, and public acceptance of underground architecture.
Page 22
The Crafts’ Hay Bale House
Carol Craft shares her experience building and living in a simple, energy-efficient home constructed primarily from prairie grass hay bales and reclaimed lumber.
Page 23
The “Doings” Building Number 2
Following the destruction of the first building by fire, the new “Doings” building has been reconstructed and is now hosting classes and community meetings.
Page 24
The Land Institute and Third World Technology
Dana Jackson reflects on her trip to South Asia, discussing how “appropriate technology” must be adapted to local cultures rather than imposed by foreign experts.
Page 28
Friends of The Land
The Institute invites individuals to join a support network that provides financial backing for its educational and research activities.
Special Events at The Land
A calendar lists upcoming activities, including a gardening workshop, a mushroom identification course, and an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony.
