Thus, many local building codes will probably allow for bamboo construction. Structural bamboo poles do comply with the current International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). In the North American context, however, what exactly is the market for bamboo? Structural Bamboo Farming Bamboo poles are used in farming, and the edible shoots of bamboo are often an integral part of local cuisine, making it an important part of local revenue streams. In tropical regions of the world, bamboo is often one of the most commonly used resources for home construction. The quick growth of bamboo also provides abundant organic matter for mulch and can regulate water levels in local watersheds. These small bamboo forests can grow well on poorer and degraded soils and thus play a major role in controlling soil erosion. Unlike many crops, bamboo is mostly grown as part of diversified, agro-ecological smallholdings. Project Drawdown, which analyzed dozens of the most effective solutions for capturing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, found that bamboo production could potentially capture between 8.27 and 21.31 gigatons of carbon dioxide between 20. The fast growth tendencies of bamboo make it an excellent crop for carbon farming applications. Bamboo “forestry”, then, has long been an important source of income and use for indigenous and agrarian societies in the tropical regions of our world. In some cases, a 100-foot bamboo timber can be harvested for use in as little as five years. Some species of bamboo (there are an estimated 1,400 known species around the world) can grow up to three feet in height within a 24-hour period. Unlike trees, however, bamboo is extremely fast-growing. Its thick stems often make us equate it with a timber species. The Ecological Benefits of Bamboo Farmingīamboo, which is actually a type of perennial grass, grows in almost all ecosystems around the world. Below, we offer a complete rundown on the ecological benefits of bamboo, and how bamboo farming could lead to a sustainable source of diversified homestead income. While we might appreciate bamboo as a sustainable (and beautiful) alternative for our hardwood floors, most folks in North America probably equate bamboo farming with the tropical forests of the Philippines or South America.īamboo farming, however, is set for massive growth in North America in the coming years. This is certainly a strong case for bamboo farming! Bamboo Farming for a Homestead Incomeīamboo, as exotic as it may sound, is probably not high on the list of most homesteader’s plans. Most of the effort in growing your bamboos is preparation and the first few months after planting.Bamboo can grow 3 feet in height in 24 hours – do you know another crop that gives you amazing growth like that? Bamboo farming is a great option for your homestead, returning a profit in as little as 3 years.Ĭompare that to more conventional homestead income crops like a market garden or orchard, which might return a profit in 5-10 years. The guides are helpful and easy to follow, and assist you in achieving the best results in the shortest amount of time. Cleaning out the older smaller stems as the new thicker shoots grow through it will achieve a more open grove look.įollow our bamboo planting guide (provided with your purchase) to achieve the best results. Moso is quick growing and can be a fully grown grove within 3-5 years, but this completely depends on the initial establishment and soil it is planted into. Moso is low maintenance & extremely drought tolerant once established. Different circumstances have different solutions! Using some machinery to turn over the soil surface is best, allowing the soil structure to be open and more pliable for the rhizomes to grow through. For more information, talk to one of our helpful and knowledgable staff members for professional advice on your garden circumstances. The best way to plant Moso out is to cultivate the soil around 50cm deep in the entire area you wish it to grow. Moso is the best choice for a walk through grove or open spaced runner for dam or creek wall stability and to prevent soil erosion. They are not recommended for planting uncontained in suburbia. It has a vertical growth habit with minimal branches and foliage down low. The natural spread of a running bamboo has no limit, so they are wonderful for creating groves or forests in acreage or large blocks. It can be trimmed down in height if necessary, though looks best left natural. Moso is an ornamental running bamboo, the best choice for growing a forest or grove. Moso will naturally grow between 10-12mtrs tall.
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