There he addressed British and Omani troops on the equally harsh soil of the Arabian peninsula - not far from where the world's most wanted man lived until he found his lethal calling.
The verdict came after about five hours of deliberation in the case against Suleiman Abu Ghaith, the highest-ranking al-Qaida figure to face trial on US soil since the attacks.
More practical reasons suggest themselves for the success of Chilean wine: the central valleys boast rich alluvial soil, and the climate found between 28 and 38 degrees of latitude is perfect for the vines.
Method: Attempts to tackle the resulting problem of soil fertility have largely flopped so far.
How she set up the farm as a home for a group of young people from all over the world to work their summers tending the soil, gathering eggs, feeding the pigs and sorting salad leaves.
Greens grown on soil in good heart, salad leaves produced without the aid of chemical sprays, animals that have lived a good life and eaten good food.
Yes, it is principally about the soil, its fertility and the lack of chemicals and pesticides used, but it's also about "the unseen forces and energies of life and growth that permeate all living things".
The Russian Football Federation clearly believes it is getting value for money from the former Milan, Roma and Real Madrid title-winner because it has extended his contract up to and including the 2018 World Cup on home soil.
Specialist officers will then begin sifting through the soil, looking for any remains.
Lemon thyme in a chequerboard pattern needs plenty of sun and shallow, well-drained soil.
It laid down a valuable marker before next week's world time trial championship and with his team-mate Ian Stannard coming second and moving into the runner-up slot overall, it put Wiggins and Team Sky in a promising position in their quest to win a first stage race on home soil.
