Lesotho: A Mountain of Challenges Nov 7, 2009
Less than 10 percent of the country's total area of 3 million hectares is arable - which equates to less than a single hectare of suitable farmland per rural family - but soil erosion and urban encroachment have brought down the quality and quantity of land available for growing food at an alarming rate. Government estimates put the loss of soil to erosion at 40 million tons annually - equivalent to more than 2 percent of the country's topsoil. (allAfrica.com)
• Mosses: More than just green forest dwellers Nov 7, 2009
They can help slow the runoff from rain and help prevent erosion. Mosses also provide a nursery for seeds and spores of other plants - a moist germination site for propagules that happen to land there at the right time. (Juneau Empire)
Federal effort gathers input on wildfire prevention, safety Nov 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 Edition. The CWPP project website is http://tinyurl. (Malibu Times, CA)
PCMH board approves landscaping option Nov 6, 2009
The hospital is held responsible for soil erosion by the state until there's 95 percent coverage, PCMH chief executive officer Russell Tippin said. If we don't, there are fines and penalties. (Fort Stockton Pioneer, TX)
Obama Election Defeat Termed 'Astonishing' Nov 4, 2009
"It shows the apathy of the Democratic base, the erosion of the Democratic base, and the intensity of the Republican electorate," he told Newsmax. With nearly all votes recorded, GOP challenger Chris Christie, 47, a former corruption-busting attorney general, becomes the first Republican in a dozen years to seize a statewide office in New Jersey. (Newsmax)
Blowing jobs to China Nov 4, 2009
The report examined many facets of the future strategic environment, but its most startling, and news-making, finding concerned the projected long-term erosion of American dominance and the emergence of new global competitors. "Although the United States is likely to remain the single most powerful actor [in 2025]," it stated definitively, the country's "relative strength -- even in the military realm -- will decline and U.S. leverage will become more constrained.". (Salon)
Nigeria: Erosion a 'State of Emergency' Nov 4, 2009
com: Nigeria: Erosion a 'State of Emergency' (Page 1 of 1). Erosion a 'State of Emergency ... Abatete Severe erosion over many years in Anambra, southeastern Nigeria, has cut off or destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses, farms and schools, prompting the governor to call for a state of emergency in the area where he says thousands of people now risk being displaced. (allAfrica.com)
Yosemite upgrades natural by design Nov 3, 2009
Consider the stretch of El Portal Road rebuilt last year by the Federal Highway Association because of erosion from the Merced River alongside it. Rock replicas. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Property owners along Rogue bemoan removal of dam (3) Nov 3, 2009
And the new river edges are devoid of riparian vegetation, leaving banks unstable and at risk for erosion. It s riverfront property, Tarantino said. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Move to restore mangrove forests Nov 3, 2009
Studies have also shown that the mangroves could protect coastal areas from rising tides, storms and natural erosion. The trees have a high storage capacity for carbon, which helps to regulate the quantity of carbon dioxide in the environment. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Program helps farmers who help the environment Nov 2, 2009
He already reduces soil erosion on his land by limiting his tillage, but he has proposed to do more if the conservation payments will cover his extra costs. He has offered to plant grassy strips around the wetlands on his land, a move that provide wildlife habitat but cost him some crop revenue. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Making waves Nov 1, 2009
He said by stopping the saltwater intrusion and building the marsh back up, erosion will also be decreased. Therefore the wetlands will offer a better buffer for the city against storms. (Slidell Sentry-News, LA)
Possible class action suit in DePue? Oct 31, 2009
Bottom line: Lawyers are investigating whether wind erosion and surface and groundwater movement have allowed toxic heavy metals to migrate from DePue;s New Jersey Zinc Superfund site into residents; yards and homes, where they could pose health concerns. Right now, (attorneys) are involved in an ongoing investigation of what appears to be serious contamination covering the entire village of DePue,; Eric Wetzel, a spokesperson for Chicago firm Korein Tillery, said this week. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Conservation District gets $5,000 grant to build native plant greenhouse Oct 31, 2009
The OCD encourages the use of native plants in greenbelts around lakes and streams because they are excellent at improving and maintaining water quality by reducing soil erosion, filtering contaminants from runoff and trapping sediment. In addition, natives require less fertilizer and watering than ornamental plants typically used in landscaping making a greenbelt an even greener alternative. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Eyeing flood waters, Argentine ranchers move cattle Oct 31, 2009
Deforestation has opened the way for rivers to spread across the flat landscape and has also increased erosion, clogging streams and rivers with sediment. "People figure it's because of the deforestation from planting soy, and climate change. All that that comes down from the north is because of that and it comes down here," said local cattle rancher Carlos Gomez. (Scientific American)
Rot-resistant Wheat Could Save Farmers Millions Oct 30, 2009
Minimum till cropping minimises soil disturbance and retains plant stubble from previous crops in order to promote soil health and limit erosion. Developing Crown Rot resistant wheat and barley varieties is an essential strategy in fighting the disease. (Science Daily)
Saving Sand: South Carolina Beaches Become A Model For Preservation Oct 29, 2009
"As a result of this work, we were able to identify offshore sand sources that could be used for future beach replenishment without causing a bigger erosion problem elsewhere," said Barnhardt. Controlling beach erosion will likely become more difficult as a result of climate change with its attendant sea-level rise and increase in the number and intensity of storms ... identify ocean processes that drive coastal erosion. (Science Daily)
City sends water truck to douse dust at DeBenedetti Park (1083) Oct 29, 2009
stucknlodi wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:18 PM:" Jeff Hood: The city should have an erosion control plan at the job site. There is a section in the CASQA manual EC-5 that talks about soil binders to help with wind erosion at construction sites. the city should be following this or other approved methods to minimize the dust storms. I am not an adjacent property owner but if I were I would be filing a complaint with the SJ air control board for starters till the city does something to fix the mess. ".... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
More of this story Oct 29, 2009
He demonstrated the effects of natural and unnatural elements that can ruin a river: pollution and erosion to name a few ... Jeremy Laisnez, of the Boone and Crockett Club's Lee and Penny Anderson Conservation Education Program, facilitated a station called Erosion in the Bob focusing on the inevitable erosion of the state's watersheds ... Student's role-played parts as plants and rain drops to study the effect of erosion on water quality and learned what measures are taken to reduce erosion in... (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
Frito-Lay receives LEED Gold Existing Building Certification Oct 28, 2009
The building uses a variety of high-efficiency systems to further reduce the companys carbon footprint, including chillers that reduce annual energy consumption and eliminate the use of ozone-depleting refrigerants; a daylight harvesting system that turns off indoor lights when there is enough sunlight in the area, and landscaping that uses native and adaptive plants to reduce water consumption and soil erosion. The company also educates its employees. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Incumbent mayor faces two in Nov. 3 election Oct 28, 2009
If elected, Bergen says she d work to stop the erosion of Holly Hill, where so many businesses are pulling out and homes are up for sale. In addition to downtown revitalization, she also calls for improved health care facilities and better relations with other communities and Orangeburg County. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Kenya: Govt Sets Timetable on Disputed Land Oct 24, 2009
Area MP Alfred Sambu, who attended the meeting on the evictions, said the hills had to be conserved to protect Webuye Town against environmental hazards like landslides and soil erosion. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
This madness must be stopped immediately!! Oct 23, 2009
Too much water is passing under the bridge while those in officialdom appear not to know what to do to coordinate activities in a manner that will prevent the erosion of public confidence in governments handling of critical national issues. Every day comes with its hot potato and the government appears to be interested in only shifting skeletons from one grave to the other. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
China's `Growth on Steroids' Risks Next Slowdown as Lending Binge Subsides Oct 22, 2009
Extending the stimulus for too long risks the diversion of funds into stocks and real estate, an erosion of bank asset quality and inflationary pressures, the Asian Development Bank said in a report last month. Severe Reaction. (Bloomberg)
Boutique resort: Oct 22, 2009
However, the tariff does help pay for the labour-intensive outdoors work the tree planting, the field guides who accompany guests on bushwalks, mountain bike rides or horse and four-wheel-drive adventures on marked trails to avoid areas of soil erosion that are now being rehabilitated. A stand of rare, ancient Wollemi pine, planted under licence a few years ago, can be looked at but not touched. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Diverting Sediment-rich Water Below New Orleans Could Lead To Extensive New Land Oct 21, 2009
(July 21, 2006) While erosion and wetland loss have become huge problems along Louisiana's coast, the land 30 to 50 feet beneath much of the Mississippi Delta has been very stable for the past 8,000 years, with low. (May 20, 2009) Sediments released by many of the world's largest river deltas to the global oceans have been changed drastically in the last 50 years, largely as a result of human. (Science Daily)
The Field Narrows For Cover Crops In Biofuel Production Oct 20, 2009
He s evaluating perennial grass crops to assess their potential for mitigating soil erosion and enhancing soil organic matter even in fields where every bit of corn and stover stalk, leaves and all is harvested either for grain or cellulosic ethanol production. Perennial groundcovers root systems may contribute enough carbon to the soil to offset the loss of carbon when stover is removed. (Science Daily)
Lost link, disrupted lives Oct 20, 2009
But engineers from the state Department of Transportation ordered it closed Friday afternoon -- shortly after the Woods had returned from visiting their son in Vermont -- because of significant erosion of two concrete piers that support the bridge. Late Monday, the Essex County Board of Supervisors called for New York and Vermont to declare a state of emergency, and install a temporary bridge at Crown Point while the existing historic bridge -- which was dedicated by President Franklin D.... (Albany Times Union)
Study: Many Willamette Basin streams too warm to protect fish Oct 20, 2009
The Department of Environmental Quality assessment also found that almost half the 11,000-plus miles of streams in the basin have a shortage of tree cover and streamside plants, hurting aquatic life by boosting water temperatures, erosion and water pollution. The study sampled 650 sites throughout the Willamette Valley, consolidating work done by government biologists, watershed councils and Oregon State University researchers. (Longview Daily News, WA)
After storm, Central Park renewal effort takes root Oct 19, 2009
Now, crews are filling in holes caused by uprooted trees and, to avoid erosion on now-bare ground such as the slopes of the Great Hill, lining up hay bales and planting grass seed. The tree trunks downed by the storm lie in two massive log piles like the ruins of ancient temples. (USA Today)
Kohl Secures Funding for Wisconsin Projects in 2009 Agriculture Spending Bill (12) Oct 19, 2009
310,000 for Driftless Area Initiative - The Driftless Area is comprised of geologically challenging terrain in southwestern Wisconsin which has greater risk for erosion. These resources will help local RCnizations and non-profit collaborators promote conservation, stewardship and economic development which is compatible with local conditions. (Agri-View, WI)
Farmers Urged to Empty Manure Storage Now, Weather Permitting Oct 17, 2009
Reduce nutrient losses from fall applications by planting a cover crop that can make use of the nitrogen in manure and reduce erosion. Develop a nutrient management plan. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Invasive vines assault East Coast beaches Oct 17, 2009
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY A fast-growing vine imported from Korea to stop massive erosion of sand dunes home to sea turtle hatchlings and such shore birds as plovers is destroying dunes in the Carolinas and threatens to creep into beaches up and down the East Coast. The beach vitex, a woody plant with waxy leaves and a pretty purple flower, was planted widely along the Carolina coast after Hurricane Hugo ravaged beaches and dunes in 1989. (Florida Today)
Rip Currents Pose Greater Risk To Swimmers Than To Shoreline, Study Suggests Oct 15, 2009
Rip currents are responsible for more than one hundred deaths on our nation's beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association, and if rip currents persist long enough they can cause beach erosion ... 29, 2004) Engineers who were studying beach erosion got more than they bargained for recently when they discovered unexpected wave behavior in the water along an east coast shoreline. (Science Daily)
German pleads guilty in Oregon to coral smuggling Oct 15, 2009
Acting U.S. Attorney Kent Robinson said in a statement that coral removal frequently results in the loss of important nursery areas for marine life, feeding grounds, refuge for fish and invertebrates, and increased erosion of reef systems. "This activity has an immeasurable negative impact on our shrinking resources in the world," added Paul Chang, special agent in charge of law enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Region, based in Portland. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Ten national parks that make for the perfect holiday Oct 15, 2009
The rock formations change constantly due to natural erosion and the colours and forms of the Colorado plateau are unique. In the west of the Republic of Ireland lies the picturesque Connemara National Park, Ireland (Connaught) with large moorlands, mountains , 4,000-year-old megalithic chamber graves, wild Connemara ponies and red deer, besides orchids and carnivorous plants. (India Times)
* Humans are main cause of disasters Oct 14, 2009
Excessive forest development aggravates soil erosion problems. Although natural disasters are inevitable, man-made calamities can be mitigated. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
MDA alerts farmers about spotted knapweed (29) Oct 13, 2009
"When it becomes established in an area, it crowds out forage plants and other desirable vegetation. This can lead to loss of pasture productivity, erosion problems and degradation of wildlife habitat.". Spotted knapweed is not native to Minnesota, but there are extensive infestations in the northwest and it has been found recently in several central Minnesota counties. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Want to know who built the nanny state? Oct 12, 2009
In both cases, certain right wing types would attribute it to the erosion of christian values which constitute a more distributed nannying system. John Howard's government tried to fuse the modern welfare state with christian based welfare, giving normally secular positions to people with obvious religious agendas, as an attempt to untangle the 'socialist' spider webs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Crop of the Week: Sesbania Oct 11, 2009
Vegetable growers can achieve increased yields, pest suppression and reduced soil erosion and nutrient leaching by growing such a crop prior to planting winter crops. Cover crops suppress pests and fix the nitrogen in legumes which enhances plant development especially in organic crop production where synthetic pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers are not permitted. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Pedal extremities: walkers v cyclists in parks Oct 10, 2009
Ken Higgs from the National Parks Association said bikes formed erosion gullies and destroyed plants. They travel fast, accelerate hard, turn sharply, brake hard and skid frequently,'' he wrote in a letter to the NSW Government in July. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Conservation group honors farmer, rancher, students Oct 9, 2009
Conservation practices such as drip irrigation, fire as a rangeland management tool, arroyo erosion control and livestock watering systems were highlighted in the 38 photos. This annual banquet has been a tradition for more than 25 years. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
In Search Of Wildlife-friendly Biofuels: Are Native Prairie Plants the Answer? Oct 8, 2009
CRP is a voluntary program that pays rent to landowners to convert their agricultural land to natural grasslands or tree cover, reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and benefiting wildlife ... The natural diversity of prairie plants offers many benefits, including increased carbon storage in the soil, erosion control and the maintenance of insect diversity, which does double duty by providing food for birds and helping to pollinate nearby crops. (Science Daily)
Water judge way out of line Oct 8, 2009
We haven t considered the cost of this growth in terms of other impacts such as deforestation which raises summer temperatures and contributes to erosion. No consideration of new demands for WATER, electricity, etc. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Spitzer Finds Largest Ring Around Saturn Oct 7, 2009
23, 2008) Saturn s rings may be more massive than previously thought, and potentially much older, according to calculations that simulate colliding particles in Saturn s rings and their erosion by. (Feb. (Science Daily)
West Africa's forests are depreciating at an alarming rate- Expert Oct 7, 2009
Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - The continuing erosion of forests in West Africa has been identified as putting pressure on the region's biodiversity, which is home to more than a quarter of Africa's mammals and 1,800 endemic species of plants. "It is pathetic to also note that only 17 per cent of the region's forests are technically under some form of protection, while only three per cent of is conserved for biodiversity purposes." Speaking at the launch of a seminar organised by The Katoomba Group,... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nobel in Medicine Goes to 3 Americans Oct 6, 2009
In addition, scientists believe that the DNA erosion the enzyme repairs might play a role in some illnesses. "The discoveries by Blackburn, Greider and Szostak have added a new dimension to our understanding of the cell, shed light on disease mechanisms, and stimulated the development of potential new therapies," the prize committee said in its citation. (CBS News)
Thai villagers in bid to halt disappearing coast Oct 6, 2009
And some do both to fight back against erosion transforming centuries-old communities on the Gulf of Thailand. Only a half hour drive south of Bangkok, coastal regions already show alarming signs of erosion: electricity poles, once on land, are submerged in parts of Bang Khun Thien, a district on the outskirts of Bangkok ... Kongsak Lerkngam, who lives in Bang Khun Thien and works on an erosion protection initiative in six coastal provinces, said about 1,140 acres (460 hectares) of village land... (AlertNet)
Alfalfa sprouts key to discovering how meandering rivers form and maintain Oct 6, 2009
"We found that you need enough vegetation on the outer bank to slow down erosion and let the bars grow on the inner bank; otherwise, the stream cuts through the point bars and creates a braided river," Braudrick said. During the experiments, as the channel migrated into chutes or the sinuosity increased, individual bends cut off as the channel took a shorter path. (EurekAlert!)
Saving the mangroves Oct 5, 2009
Studies have also shown that the mangroves could protect coastal areas from rising tides, monsoon storms and natural erosion. The trees have a high storage capacity for carbon, which helps to regulate the balance and quantity of carbon dioxide in the environment. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Gerrish Advises: Leave Ample Residual, Return to Pasture More Frequently (2) Oct 4, 2009
Continuous grazing and over short residual also results in more compacted soil, making for less water infiltration, more runoff and lost nutrients, more erosion. In other words, pastures can t capture most of the water that falls on them and they become more drought prone. (Agri-View, WI)
Prince Harry leads Diana tributes Oct 4, 2009
Bangladesh boat diary: River erosion. MOST READ. (Yahoo News -- Princess Diana)
Conservatism and The Commonwealth Oct 4, 2009
Evangelical Christian voter erosion away from the Republicans and toward the Democrats in 2008 was undoubtedly a significant factor in the election of Barack Obama. It didnt work out too badly for those clinging to his coattails, either. (Townhall.com)
Mortgage Deadbeats Plague Home Market, Steven Malanga, Real Clear Markets Oct 3, 2009
But perhaps the greatest cause of the rise in mortgage defaulters is the gradual erosion of social and moral standards in a market where cheating became common and a loan nothing more than a financial strategy to be discarded at the first sign that it no longer made sense. Zingales and Sapienza's research found that mortgage defaults have spread fastest in places where a few homeowners employed this strategy early on and word spread among others. (Harper's Magazine)
October 2009 Geology and GSA Today highlights Oct 2, 2009
Additional papers cover geology and health hazards, erosion and climate, and tsunamis and sedimentation ... Vegetation is often used to stabilize soils and reduce erosion in terrain that has been subject to land-use practices, such as cultivation or grazing ... As a result, it is commonly assumed that climate-driven variations in vegetation have influenced past erosion rates in a fairly straightforward fashion: The more extensive and deeply-rooted the vegetation, the more resistant it would have... (EurekAlert!)
A Short Introduction to Oil Prices and Oil Inventories Oct 2, 2009
5 dry tons of excess stover (not needed for erosion control) per acre, of which 15-20% (0. 22-0. (Energy Pulse, CO)
No rest for the gardener with frost approaching Oct 2, 2009
To prevent erosion during the winter, Nardozzi recommends planting winter rye or winter wheat seed. At the community gardens in Portland, Ore. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Berkshire, AIG Benefit as U.S. Escapes Hurricane Damage in Third Quarter Sep 30, 2009
As far as damage goes, you can pretty much say coastal erosion from Bill is all weve had. . (Bloomberg -- US)
Land Disposal of Coal Combustion Byproducts - Upsets and Implications (Part 1) Sep 30, 2009
Typically slopes greater than two horizontal (H) to one vertical (V) are prone to erosion, slip failures, and global stability failures. Soil types, strength of the soils utilized for construction of these slopes, and groundwater conditions all impact slope stability. (Energy Pulse, CO)
Australia's Million Tons of Dust Create Ocean Feast, to Cut Carbon Dioxide Sep 30, 2009
Concerns about respiratory problems and soil erosion have subsided. The air quality index for Sydney fell back to the mid- 40s, or good, a day after the Sept. 23 storm sent the gauge to almost 3,400, with anything above 200 deemed potentially hazardous, the New South Wales showed. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
How does your garden grow? Garden program spreads through Cambridge Public Schools Sep 30, 2009
Students find out about ecosystems by observing the bugs that live among the plants; the students also dissect flowers and re-enact erosion. They learn about asexual reproduction by studying the strawberries in the garden. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Changing Climate, Part IV Sep 30, 2009
Published: Saturday, September 26, 2009 9:09 PM HST Climate change presents Kaua i and other Pacific Islands with unique challenges including sea-level rise, less rain, contamination of freshwater resources with saltwater, coastal erosion, an increase in extreme weather events, coral reef bleaching, and ocean acidification. As this article series has begun to lay-out, it is already past time to begin planning in order to adapt our land use policies, agricultural systems, and marine and fresh... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
El Morro: History written on stone Sep 30, 2009
It's allowing park officials to assess the rate of erosion for the first time. "That's a question we want to get at ... how fast are they eroding at different places," Baumann said. (MSNBC -- Travel)
All gas, no vodka,for Putin in Yamal Sep 30, 2009
Such remarks seem to imply either erosion in the commitment to Shtokman or another change in the order of export priorities from that project. Putin's proposal seems to entail a cartel-type arrangement for price setting and market allocation among Yamal LNG stakeholders. (Asia Times Online)
Land being excavated for new Vogtle reactors Sep 30, 2009
The 42-acre site, surrounded by more than seven miles of silt fence and erosion barriers, includes 79 wells that capture and remove water that seeps into the area during construction. Once online, the new reactors will roughly double the site's 850-person work force to 1,700. (The Augusta Chronicle)
