Perspectives are different frameworks from which to explore the knowledge around sustainable sanitation and water management. Perspectives are like filters: they compile and structure the information that relate to a given focus theme, region or context. This allows you to quickly navigate to the content of your particular interest while promoting the holistic understanding of sustainable sanitation and water management.
The paper gives an overview on the terra preta phenomenon, the role of charcoal for this type of soil, benefits and related health aspects.
O’GRADY, R. ; RUSH, R. (2007): The Terra Preta phenomenon. In: ‘Managing the Carbon Cycle’, Katanning Workshop: , 21-22 . URL [Accessed: 11.05.2010]Website of the institute of municipal and industrial wastewater management (aww) at the University of Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH). Their research interest is directed towards efficient sanitation solutions that preferably produce reusable material rather than waste. The focus is both on municipal and industrial wastewaters with a view on the whole process and mass flows. This includes research on terra preta, too. See also http://www.tu-harburg.de/susan/downloads/index.html for a list of publications on sustainable sanitation.
This German internet page provides up to date information and knowledge on terra preta. There are various studies, publications and links to related pages available. German
Based on the recent discovery of the bio-waste and excreta treatment of the pre-Colombian Amazonian cultures, the author points out the potential of this technique (addition of charcoal and lacto-fermenting microorganism and subsequent vermin-composting of the bio-wastes and excreta) for the further development of dry urine diversion sanitation: the terra preta sanitation (TPS)
OTTERPOHL, R. (2009): Terra Preta Sanitation- providing new options in ecosan systems. Hamburg: Institute of Wastewater Management and Protection (aww), Technical University Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH). [Accessed: 11.05.2010] PDF
This presentation gives an overview on different concept for ecosan in (multi-storey) buildings. The second half of the presentation introduces the concept of terra preta sanitation (TPS) as an anaerobic alternative to urine diversion dehydration toilets.
OTTERPOHL, R. (n.y): b: Waste Water Reuse in Buildings. Hamburg: Institute of Wastewater Management and Protection (aww), Technical University Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH). [Accessed: 11.05.2010] PDF
This site contains an article on peak phosphorus, dating from 2009.
This site explains the nitrogen cycle in an easy-to-understand, richly illustrated and well-referenced manner.
This paper argues that the production of terra preta by burying charcoal into their soils would open new ways for farmers and laymen to earn money (from carbon sequestration funds) and improve land fertility. This would is also avoid nutrient loss from land to sea. The paper discusses how this could be done in practice at small- and large-scale and what would be the impacts.
GUENTHER, F (2007): Carbon sequestration for everybody: decrease atmospheric carbon dioxide, earn money and improve the soil. In: Energy and Environment : URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]
Modern agriculture is dependent on phosphorus derived from phosphate rock for the fertilization of agricultural fields. Phosphorus is a non-renewable resource and current global reserves may be depleted in 50–100 years. It is widely acknowledged within the fertilizer industry that the quality of remaining phosphate rock is decreasing and production costs are increasing. Yet future access to phosphorus receives little or no international attention. This paper puts forward the case for including long-term phosphorus scarcity on the priority agenda for global food security. Opportunities for recovering phosphorus and reducing demand are also addressed together with institutional challenges.
CORDELL, D. ; DRANGERT, J.O. ; WHITE, S. (2009): The story of phosphorus: Global food security and food for thought. In: Global Environmental Change 19 : , 292-305. URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]
In this PDF presentation, a new way to preserve nutrient form urine and faeces (as urine diversion dry toilet products): the inoculation with a bacterial mix leading to an anaerobic lacto-fermentation process.
RECKIN, J. (2010): New Insights in matters of Plant Nutrition, Soil Microbes and their role in Recycling of Human Excreta and regenerating Soil Fertility. Germany. [Accessed: 10.05.2010] PDF
This paper argues that water resources management should be a focus for climate change adaptation and that IWRM is the most suitable approach to adaptive action. It outlines the likely social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change; the challenges climate change poses for water resources management; the actions needed to address those challenges – investments in infrastructure, institutions and information; and approaches to financing IWRM for adaptation.
SADOFF, C. MULLER, M. (2009): Water Management, Water Security and Climate Change Adaptation: Early Impacts and Essential Responses. Stockholm: Global Water Partnership Technical Committee (TEC) URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]
Article on the potential of using slow burn agriculture and burning biomass to produce charcoal for terra preta soils and the potential of biomass pyrolysis and terra preta to contribute to carbon sequestration.
LEHMANN, J. (2006): Black is the new green. In: Nature : Volume 442 , 624-626. URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]
This resource kit aims to share information and experiences on participatory methods in the context of development cooperation. The primary focus concentrates on providing practical guidance and case examples.
RIETBERGEN-McCRACKEN, J. NARAYAN, D. WORLD BANK (1998): Participation and Social Assessment: Tools and Techniques. Washington: World Bank URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]The Global Water Partnership's vision is for a water secure world. Its mission is to support the sustainable development and management of water resources at all levels. The website contains numerous publications on sustainable water management, and, amongst others, also the "IWRM Toolbox".
This article reflects focus group discussions from a scientific point of view. It provides advantages and disadvantages of the use of focus groups as a research tool.
GRUDENS-SCHUCK, N. ; ALLEN, B.L. ; LARSON, K. (n.y): Focus Group Fundamentals. Departments of Agricultural Education and. Iowa City: University of IOWA URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]
Soil fertility and leaching losses of nutrients were compared between a Fimic Anthrosol (terra preta) and a Xanthic Ferralsol from Central Amazonia. The potential of charcoal additions among other organic and inorganic applications could to produce similarly fertile soils as these archaeological Anthrosols is assessed. Leaching of nutrients from soils where charcoal was added was significantly lower.
LEHMANN, J. ; PEREIRA DA SILVA, J. ; STEINER, C. ; NEHLS, T. ; ZECH, W. ; GLASER, B. (2003): Nutrient availability and leaching in an archaeological Anthrosol and a Ferralsol of the Central Amazon basin: fertilizer, manure and charcoal amendments. In: Plant and Soil : Volume 249 , 343-357. URL [Accessed: 10.05.2010]