Carbon neutral Chennai by Bamboo Exnora -II
Global warming is a major problem in today’s world. Carbon dioxide emission is at a historic high. When fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are burnt CO2 is released into the atmosphere. This is a greenhouse gas that increases global warming. A weapon to tackle global warming is Bamboo. Bamboo removes CO2 from the atmosphere and incorporates it into plant parts,
“Why Bamboo?!”
Bamboo is the best practical atmospheric carbon sequestering (absorbing) plant.It is the fastest and least expensive way to solve the problems of carbon dioxide emission and water pollution. The best clones of bamboo, under ideal condition can sequester 500 kgs. of carbon dioxide which in other words is over 60 tonnes of Co2 per acre in a year when it is grown as plantations. The carbon content in bamboo is 50% in its biomass. The superiority of bamboo in reducing carbon dioxide level is due to the fact that it has the ability to grow 1½ feet a day. While clearing carbon dioxide, huge quantity of Oxygen is produced as a byproduct and released in the surroundings which makes the place oxygen rich and carbon neutral.
The depletion of wood around the world is getting to a dangerous level. Planting bamboo sustains the green cover of the world and adds to the greenery sorrounding your home.
There are many reasons to use this ancient plant as a modern solution to today’s problems. The recommendation to plant Bamboo is based on proven ecological factors that show conclusively that bamboo is good for the environment. Planting bamboo is a effective defense against air pollution, water pollution and problems of solid wastage. Degraded lands can be easily brought into cultivation by growing bamboo for 5 to 10 years. Bamboo can be effectively used for checking pollution due to discharge of effluents in water bodies.
Bamboo can be grown in all types of soil and in wide range of climatic conditions. It can be grown both inside and outside the house .By planting bamboo in home gardens and roadsides, every citizen can take pride in making the city a greener and healthier place to live in.
Considering the immense benefits of Bamboo for the citizens of Chennai, Exnora has promoted “Bamboo Exnora”. Bamboo Exnora will play the role of an active partner with citizens of Chennai, in this endeavour to control pollution. It‘s mission is to promote community growing thereby creating a natural carbon sink which absorbs poisonous CO2. Bamboo Exnora will function under the guidance of Mr.Nirmalji and Dr.N.Bharathi, Director, Grow More Biotech -Ltd, Hosu.The implementation of the program will be done by Mr. Sindhur Pari and his team. Bamboo can provide abundant oxygen for each one of us to throughout our life time so let us grow more Bamboo.
How to grow Bamboo?
A pit size of 2 ft length, 2 ft width and 2 ft depth is required. The pit should be filled with soil mixture made out of one part of soil, one part of sand and one part of farmyard manure (well rotten cow dung). Pour water to the pit, for the soil to settle. 1 kg of vermicompost should be placed on top of the pit. The hybrid bamboo plants grown in polybag should be planted carefully without disturbing the roots. The planted bamboo should be watered immediately to avoid drying up of bamboo plants. During summer, partial shade can be provided to avoid the heat wave hitting the young plants directly.
Daily watering is necessary till the bamboo plants establishes well in 2 to 3 months time. Afterwards water the bamboo plants twice a week. One bucket full of water is enough for a plant for two days. From second month onwards apply any complex fertilizer at the rate of 50 grams per plant per month, ½ to 1 ft away from the plant. Increase the quantity of water and nutrient depending on the growth of the plant from 50 gm to 200 gm (1 kg of fertilizer for five months).
Bamboo growth can be measured from the new emerging shoots. The main shoots planted will remain same in the land. The new emerging shoots will grow taller than the previous one. 6-month-old bamboo shoots measures 5 to 8ft whereas in one year it would be 15 feet. Bamboo grows well if adequate amount of water and nutrients are given. Three-year-old bamboo will give a growth of one ft per day and attains a height of 60 ft.
Once in six months remove weak shoots, side branches and shoots affected by insects.
The variety of bamboo given does not have thorns and hence does not attract snakes and the variety is ever-growing for atleast 200 years till it is uprooted and thrown away.
Grow more bamboo and enjoy the benefit of oxygen rich air.