threaded | unthreaded | newest first

Bamboo

topic posted Thu, March 26, 2009 - 10:03 PM by  Benjamin 		Share/Save/Bookmark
Advertisement
Has anyone had experience growing Japanese bamboo or other Bamboo in underground containers ( to keep them in check)?

I've been working on an interesting project to grow a forest of Bamboo, one acre by one acre for developmental resourcing. I understand that there are around 1000 species of Bamboo and that it can be extremely invasive. I'm interested in finding ways to use counter-invasive techniques as a means to develop a forest that can be maintained.

I've been working with bamboo in Thailand for the past 5 months, which grows nearly a foot overnight in a zone 4. I'm interested in working in a zone 2 with both a seasonal bamboo and a regional zone 4 bamboo in a zone 2 area in the states.

Any suggestions?
posted by:
Benjamin
offline Benjamin
41 friends
join to post
Advertisement
Advertisement

  • Re: Bamboo

    Fri, March 27, 2009 - 4:45 AM
    There are two main types of bamboo, runners and clumpers, so named because of the way they spread or don't spread. It is the runners that have to be contained, i do not think you would run into that difficulty with a clumper species.

    There are not as many clumpers, and most of them are more tropical, but there are probably a lot of them for zone 2.
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_species

    What are you growing the bamboo for? What kind of developmental resourcing? Where are you? There are some very good regional resources on this. I would figure exactly what you want to use it for and then look for a species that is best for that. There are different varieties that would be better at particular pulp, biomass, building material or crafts depending on size, durability, density, etc.

    I sure love bamboo, and wish you luck in your project!
    join to post
    • Benj...
      Benjamin
      offline 41

      Re: Bamboo

      Sat, March 28, 2009 - 12:30 AM
      I want to use it for everything: The project is a for creative resourcing. For building houses, for food and medicine, clothing and for creating a peaceful environment. Farming is where it's at and I hope to do this where resourses for wood is running scarce. I have a few places in mind but I can't share that information at this time. I'm interested in growing runners in a zone 2. I'm also interested in higher tec. to improving warmth to the root systems during the winters, using passive solar heating (hydro), but, i can't get into that right now (another project entirely).

      At the moment, i'm in south east asia on a research assignment with the U.N. Thankfully, not a volunteer job. I would like to be in the states soon (next 3 months).

      Wil: What do you grow Bamboo for?
      join to post

      • Re: Bamboo

        Sat, March 28, 2009 - 7:46 AM
        I've been interested in bamboo for a long time, and used to be a member of the ABS, the american bamboo society. www.americanbamboo.org/
        I made several pilgrimages to a usda research station in savannah georgia that used to be devoted to bamboo.
        savannah bamboo research station
        www.n-georgia.com/savannah-...-farm.html

        I've planted a number of varieties here, we do not have a long list of species that will go down to -10 F or so, which is our minimum winter temp in zone 6. P. decora, and P. rubramarginata are my favorites of these so far. Don't have any where i'm living now though.

        I would not think that it would much be cost or energy effective to heat the root system during the winter, but do not know. Interesting idea. Might screw it up if getting one signal from the Earth and another from the ambient air temp.

        I love the feeling of a grove. Very powerful and so tranquil at the same time. I just love it. What a remarkable plant. What a good and faithful friend to humankind it has been!

        I think the textile use is pretty high tech, but do not know so much about it. I think it has a lot of potential for replacing trees as a source for pulp for paper. You do not have to disturb the soil to harvest like happens with using pine plantations( which are not forests) for that purpose, and it has a much higher yield than pines in the long run. We are in it for the long run and should behave accordingly.

        The food quality varies a lot from species to species. Most are edible, but some so bitter that they need a couple of changes of water in cooking them. P. dulcis might be your best choice for this, depending on where you are planting it.
        www.jmbamboo.com/pdulcis.htm

        So i'd say it is very site specific, and you should shop online for a species that fits the requirements of wherever you end up wishing to plant a particular grove. I think it good practice for communities to manage several species of bamboo for different purposes.

        Here is a very interesting resources for bamboo in the pacific nw

        jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/orgrte/orgrte.php


        If you are wanting to do this project somewhere in the states then the question is going to be where, as different choices would be appropriate for ohio than louisiana for sure. Louisiana has good prospects, and i wonder what has become of the extensive collection of species that used to be held on avery island... i will ask the great google......still there, just missed the grove clearing
        www.bamboocraft.net/forums/s...hread.php

        Best of luck to you in this!
        Good path, the one that leads through the bamboo grove.





        join to post
        • Benj...
          Benjamin
          offline 41

          Re: Bamboo

          Sat, March 28, 2009 - 9:00 AM
          Well ther my friend, you are a man with a specialality. Sounds like you have a nack for it.

          Well, for me, i'm just in it to see if I can do it. I'm not interested in lots money to do create resources. I always think that the least amount of money possible is always the best way to go. Hopefully the vision and dream of many might join or even have an interest if they know it will improve their lives. I do want to comment on your comment about cost effiecancy, in regards to heating the root system. Have you heard of geo thermal vaults or vents that mostly run under ground but, keep the ground warmer in some places, more then others? ...(boy, that was painful). Any ways, there are also some other tricks to use if better circuation was a priority (again, another story).

          I do appreciate all the research you shared with me. It was real nice. I'll be checking out Savannah. I have an investment there as well.

          What are you doing at the moment? Still working with Bamboo?
          join to post
  • coco
    coco
    offline 16

    Re: Bamboo

    Mon, March 30, 2009 - 11:09 PM
    That's great ! it's sad to see how much rainforest disappears every few months, let alone every year.

    Unfortunately I dont have information for you, but I always like to read how people are trying new things and new methods
    join to post
  • Gnomama
    Gnomama
    offline 10

    Re: Bamboo

    Wed, April 1, 2009 - 4:47 PM
    I live in zone 7-8 and have had no success with growing bamboo, or maybe I am using a dwarf variety? My clump has not grown an inch in 5 years but it is alive and well. Is it the climate or the species? My pampas grass is out of control.....
    join to post

Recent topics in "Grow Organic!"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
Poison Found in Canned Foods... especially Campbells. Lana 26 Yesterday, 10:57 AM
Earth Fare Trish 3 January 1, 2010
Wellcome On Dragonmill. christian 0 December 30, 2009
FOOD INc Deborah 13 December 28, 2009