Editing Bamboo (section)

===Leaching===
Leaching is the removal of sap after harvest. In many areas of the world, the sap levels in harvested bamboo are reduced either through leaching or post-harvest photosynthesis.
For example:{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}
* Cut bamboo is raised clear of the ground and leaned against the rest of the clump for one to two weeks until leaves turn yellow to allow full consumption of sugars by the plant.
* A similar method is undertaken, but with the base of the culm standing in fresh water, either in a large drum or stream to leach out sap.
* Cut culms are immersed in a running stream and weighted down for three to four weeks.
* Water is pumped through the freshly cut culms, forcing out the sap (this method is often used in conjunction with the injection of some form of treatment).

In the process of water leaching, the bamboo is dried slowly and evenly in the shade to avoid cracking in the outer skin of the bamboo, thereby reducing opportunities for pest infestation.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Durability of bamboo in construction is directly related to how well it is handled from the moment of planting through harvesting, transportation, storage, design, construction, and maintenance. Bamboo harvested at the correct time of year and then exposed to ground contact or rain will break down just as quickly as incorrectly harvested material.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Myers|first1=Evan T.|title=Structural Bamboo Design in East Africa|url=https://www.academia.edu/5108420|publisher=[[Kansas State University]]|access-date=18 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216111453/http://www.academia.edu/5108420/Structural_Design_of_Bamboo_in_East_Africa|archive-date=16 December 2016}}</ref>