Food prices hitting home; signs of relief on horizon Nov 23, 2008
Lola Raska, vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association in Great Falls, said that while the dropping cost of fuel has provided some relief, fertilizer and some chemicals remain too expensive. There is some indication that those prices are starting to drop, she said. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Food or fuel?Move afoot to avoid using edible crops as alternative energy sources Nov 23, 2008
It said the real culprits were oil prices, which pushed up fertilizer and transportation costs, and the sharp drop in the dollar's value. On the high end, a World Bank report in June calculated that 70-75 percent of the price rise was due to biofuels and the cascading effect they had on grain stocks, export bans and investor speculation. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Compost improves the garden Nov 21, 2008
On top of this, spread one cup of complete garden fertilizer or some type of nitrogen for each 25 square feet. Next, add a one-inch layer of soil. (The Augusta Chronicle)
2008 was stressful year for local, state farmers Nov 21, 2008
Some people may be putting down fertilizer, but I don't think many this year, he said. We're doing some leveling and cleaning up a lot of trees from that high wind with a backhoe. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Hard times are back for U.S. farmers Nov 21, 2008
But it cost about $6 a bushel in fuel, seed and fertilizer to put the crop in. That is $1 more than they could sell it for today, and never mind other expenses like renting land. (International Herald Tribune)
Zimbabwe: 'If you rest, you starve' Nov 20, 2008
They were advised to make do with what seed they had left, and with animal manure for fertilizer. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- International)
Lavender fields of Kula Nov 20, 2008
"We'd water it and give it fertilizer, but it would get all angry and ugly," Chang said. "We realized it wants to be left alone and once we found that, it was great.". (Honolulu Advertiser)
TOPP institutes award scheme for farmers Nov 20, 2008
It also called for the inclusion of the company's small-holder farmers in the recently announced package of fertilizer subsidy for farmers by government ... Currently the company is registering Tenera farmers to help them with inputs such as fertilizers, farm maintenance cost and also infrastructural work, such as road and bridge repairs. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Think of the chemical stream Nov 20, 2008
While there may be some disagreement about the safety of chemical traces that accumulate in the human body from eating crops grown conventionally, there is no doubt about the toxic accumulation of chemicals in the soil and water as a result of nonorganic fertilizers and pesticides. One of the most dramatic consequences of these chemical inputs is the vast "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, the result of chemical pesticide and fertilizer runoff from the conventional farms of the American... (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Dr. Jesse, B.A. Nov 20, 2008
More importantly, though, several types of worms have been receiving waves of media coverage in the past decade because they have the ability to turn all kinds of toxic waste into nutrient-rich compost, usable as detoxified fertilizer. The best part about worm labor is that they don't care about their working conditions, as long as there is garbage or something funky to munch on - one species' idea of a corner office is a pile of manure. (Middlebury College -- The Campus, VT)
Mother's Garden: Time to start thinking about next years vegetable garden Nov 20, 2008
As the soil warms up in April add fertilizer, and plant cold weather crop seeds, peas first. Then a week or two later, lettuce, chard and radishes. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Farm meeting looks to the future Nov 19, 2008
While prices for some crops have been stable, costs for fuel, fertilizer and water over the past year have squeezed profits for many, and land values that once recorded double-digit increases have slowed, said John Penson Jr., agriculture professor at Texas, Aersity and one of the event's speakers. A tighter job market means fewer opportunities for farmers and their spouses to earn income off the farm, he said. (Fresno Bee)
Secrets of Season-long Stunning Color in Your Garden Nov 19, 2008
Canton Daily Ledger - Ara. for more local weather conditions. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Silicon Valley Awards Tech-Minded Idealists Nov 19, 2008
Reduced fertilizer use has two benefits ... Second, not all fertilizer is absorbed by the crops ... Therefore, using less fertilizer reduces the release of this greenhouse gas. (ABC News)
U.S. Farms: Fecund In '09 Nov 18, 2008
Although U.S. farmers have been delaying purchases of fertilizers and chemicals in the fourth quarter, Juvekar said he believes the trend is a result of a delayed harvest ... Although farmers may stall investments on farming equipment and fertilizer, spending on seeds likely will remain strong. (Forbes -- Markets)
Composting Fall Leaves Turns Garden Trash into Treasure Nov 18, 2008
But if you've avoided composting because it seems like too much work and mess -- or you just weren't sure how to start -- fall is a great time to try your hand at turning this year's yard debris into next year's natural fertilizer ... Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to convert your yard debris into "black gold" - a nutrient rich, all-natural, safe fertilizer for next spring's planting season ... They may be even more surprised to learn that compost can suppress plant diseases... (Pekin Times, IL)
Environmental Damage to Coral Reef ... Nov 18, 2008
Intensive farming methods involving large amounts of fertilizer cause nutrient runoffs into the ocean, playing havoc with the coral reef environment. Coral reefs have existed for thousands of years, and are quite adept at combating natural changes, but and other human factors could spell the death knell of these rainforests of the sea. (Suite101.com)
How to Grow Cauliflower Nov 18, 2008
Apply a general purpose fertilizer and give them a good slow soaking with water. In summer, mulch well to retain moisture. (Suite101.com)
• State officials solve mystery of floating beets Nov 18, 2008
He told state officials that he had been piling the beets to be used later as cattle feed and fertilizer. He was surprised by sudden storms that washed the vegetables into the water. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
German prisoners housed here remembered by local veteran Nov 18, 2008
In 1944 and 1945, according to Army records, 5,000 to 8,000 German POWs worked in Michigan in seed companies, fertilizer plants, canning factories and harvested fruit on farms. POW workers received wages of 80 cents a day compensation, based on the pay of a U.S. Army private in 1941, which was $21 a month, according to Norris. (Paw Paw Courier Leader, MI)
FDA to open China offices after product scares Nov 17, 2008
The nitrogen-rich chemical is used in the manufacture of plastics and fertilizer. The groups will also discuss reforms that could improve the safety of consumer products and will exchange data on the toxicity to humans of melamine, which was added to Chinese milk to make it appear protein-rich in quality tests that measure nitrogen. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
By Lynn Welp Nov 17, 2008
Fluff up the bottom of the hole for the same reason and make sure any granular fertilizer, when deemed necessary, is stirred in so it has no direct contact with the sensitive roots or they will burn ... Olsen-Haworth recommends watered-down liquid fertilizer at half-strength and low in nitrogen for fall application. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Hospitals take part in effort to reduce waste, emissions Nov 17, 2008
Dharmais has been encouraging staff members to reuse administration papers and recycle organic waste as compost fertilizer for the past five years, Bambang said ... He said the hospital produced up to a ton of compost every month, mostly used as fertilizer for plants on the hospital grounds. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Tumbling soybean prices worry Brazilian farmers Nov 16, 2008
"What's happening in Primavera do Leste is playing out across soybean country in Brazil and indeed in rural towns elsewhere that depend on other crops. Prices for wheat, corn and rice also have plummeted in recent months. This comes on top of a general weakening of the Brazilian economy.All across South America, a continent that's prospered thanks to record high commodity prices, uncertainty abounds with the crashing prices.Oil-dependent Venezuela suddenly faces a bleaker future. The decline in... (Anchorage Daily News)
There are lots of chores for the November gardener Nov 16, 2008
Store leftover garden chemicals and fertilizers in a dry, dark place where temperature will not fall below freezing ... Remember with the reduced light levels and temperatures, houseplants will require less fertilizer and probably water than when the weather was warmer and the plants were actively growing. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Chesbro:make wastea resource Nov 16, 2008
"The next step is to make sure that the economic and job benefits stay in the community. He cited the example of Eco-Nutrients Inc, a Del Norte fertilizer-making company that uses fish waste to make its nutrients. "Eco-nutrients fertilizer is shipped long distances, and from what I have heard is well-sought-after," Chesbro said. California currently ships much of its recyclables to China, where they are used to manufacture goods, he said. "They have been creating jobs with our waste material,"... (Daily Triplicate)
Local man harvests 7-pound sweet potato Nov 16, 2008
Besides basic maintenance, he didn't put any fertilizer on the plant as it grew. The garden behind his home is about 200 by 75 feet and grows mustard plants and okra. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Letters for Sunday, November 16, 2008 Nov 16, 2008
Hemp would take one year, not 10, and use less water and fertilizer. The world, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp for over 90 percent of the world s paper, sails, building materials, clothes, etcetera. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Scientists discover unusual microbe Nov 16, 2008
It provides natural fertilizer to the oceans by "fixing" nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form useable by other organisms. "For it to have such an unusual metabolism is very exciting," Zehr said. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Trimming the trimmings Nov 15, 2008
And many vendors have decided not to raise their prices, even as the cost of fuel and fertilizer has doubled or even tripled. "Everything," said O'Connor, "has gone up in price.". (Boston Globe)
Green Gardening: Save Time, Money and the Environment Nov 15, 2008
Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, for best results. Milorganite fertilizer is slow release and resists leaching ... Cover with soil, sprinkle on a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite and water. (Pekin Times, IL)
Roadside bloomer a good yard plant, too Nov 15, 2008
Fertilize with any balanced formula water-soluble or timed-released fertilizer. The bamboo orchid is a welcome addition to our tropical landscaping. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Mysterious Microbe May Be Important For Oceans Nov 15, 2008
The mysterious microbe can do something very important, though: It provides natural fertilizer to the oceans by "fixing" nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form useable by other organisms ... 9, 2001) New findings suggest that the deep ocean is teeming with organisms that produce essential natural fertilizers ... (May 16, 2008) A large quantity of nitrogen compounds -- emitted into the atmosphere by humans through the burning of fossil fuels and the use of nitrogen fertilizers -- enters the... (Science Daily)
Mysterious microbe plays important role in ocean ecology Nov 15, 2008
The mysterious microbe can do something very important, though: It provides natural fertilizer to the oceans by "fixing" nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form useable by other organisms. "For it to have such an unusual metabolism is very exciting," Zehr said. (EurekAlert!)
Look for signs it's citrus hrvest time Nov 15, 2008
It is important that your young citrus tree receives adequate sunlight, water and proper fertilizer applications. Bees are also essential for pollination, and there are a few citrus varieties that require another tree that serves as a pollinator. (Florida Times-Union)
Scotts eyes private label production Nov 14, 2008
may seize on the chance to improve its fertilizer sales in the wake of a competitor s plan to exit the private label business. Atlanta-based will cease its private label fertilizer and plant growing products operations by Jan. 31, after trying to sell the business unit without success ... Marysville-based Scotts (NYSE:SMG) responded, saying it is in talks with its biggest U.S. retail customers to provide them with private label lawn fertilizer and growing products for fiscal 2009 and possibly... (Columbus Business First, OH)
Free Rice For Ghana From India? Nov 14, 2008
Towards augmenting the food crop stock in the country and ensuring good harvest, he stated that government would subsidize the cost of fertilizer, worth over $7million and work to make for effective distribution of the agricultural inputs. To ensure further food security in the country, President Kufuor disclosed that government was stepping up attention and investments in the agricultural sector. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Plantations struggle as CPO prices in free fall Nov 14, 2008
However, by 2008, with rising gas prices, fertilizer costs have rapidly grown to replace labor as the largest cost component. Fertilizer, which previously accounted for just 14 percent of total cost, now takes up 34 percent of the CPO cost structure ... Efforts are underway to use fertilizers more efficiently and to look at replacing costly chemical-based fertilizers with natural organic compost waste. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Why we might all want to think twice about the virtues of a green, lush lawn Nov 14, 2008
In addition to requiring a lot of water, traditional landscaping uses nitrogen-rich fertilizers and pesticides ... They don't require a lot of fertilizer and often don't require weekly maintenance. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Agrium Wilts Despite Positive Outlook Nov 13, 2008
Shares in the once-flourishing fertilizer sector have hit the dirt in recent weeks after investors worry that global recessionary pressures would stem demand for commodities despite assurances from the agribusiness sector that its fundamentals remain strong ... Fertilizer companies Potash (nyse: - - ), Mosaic (nyse: - - ) and CF Industries Holdings (nyse: - - ) closed down by 12 ... Farming equipment companies are likely to be the most affected by tightened credit markets, since farmers can... (Forbes -- Markets)
Dark months are a great time to grow edible sprouts Nov 13, 2008
No soil, no fertilizer, no supplemental lights nor any other fuss or muss. Later, once you or your child gets some confidence, you can try radish, broccoli, cabbage and other seeds left over from this summer. (Anchorage Daily News)
How to Buy, Store, and Eat a Pomegr... Nov 13, 2008
In return, the birds transport and distribute the seeds, complete with fertilizer, to new locations. Under primitive circumstances, you would no doubt do the same favor for pomegranates. (Suite101.com)
Biotech deserves Obama's full support Nov 13, 2008
An analysis by the Keystone Center shows that in the last 20 years, corn yield per acre has increased 30 percent while energy needed to produce a unit of corn has decreased by 30 percent and fertilizer use has remained flat ... More environmentally sound improvements are on the horizon, such as drought tolerant crops and corn that uses fertilizer more efficiently ... These products could lessen the need for irrigation and ensure that any fertilizer that is applied is taken up by the crop rather... (Montana Standard, MT)
Health of Potomac at 'the tipping point' Urban runoff the biggest threat to Potomac River water quality Nov 13, 2008
Rainwater mixes with substances such as vehicle fluids and fertilizer from streets, parking lots, suburban lawns, farm fields and commercial developments to form a toxic soup of contaminants. That's a concern because much of Northern Virginia's drinking water is pulled from the Potomac. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Preview: 10 annual Guitar Pull Nov 13, 2008
-- Worked in his family's fertilizer business after college until his father told him to move to Nashville or be fired. Lady Antebellum. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Mature wisteria plant has sudden growth spurt Nov 13, 2008
Or did you fertilize it, or something near to it, especially with a high-nitrogen fertilizer ... Wisterias do not, generally, require any fertilizer. (San Francisco Chronicle)
* Free trade and freer farmers can combat the food crisis Nov 13, 2008
Simply farming more efficiently and using better inputs, such as fertilizer, could nearly double current crop yields. This would allow Ukraine to export 50 million to 80 million more tonnes of cereal a year. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Grain prices may be on way up Nov 12, 2008
Currently corn accounts for the largest share of nitrogen use of all crops and fertilizer is the largest expense of the variable costs for producing corn. Fertilizer is 43 percent, seed 21 percent, fuel lube and electricity 14 percent, chemicals 11 percent, repairs 6 percent and custom work 5 percent ... In 2008, farmers saw a 65 percent increase in fertilizer prices paid over 2007, a 43 percent increase in fuel, 30 percent increase in seed costs, 7 percent for machinery, 6 percent in wages and... (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
K+S Cuts 2008 Sales Target as Order Intake Slows; Third-Quarter Net Gains Nov 12, 2008
Nov. 12 (Bloomberg) -- K+S AG, Europe's largest producer of potash used in fertilizers, cut its full-year sales forecast as customers hold back on purchases of the soil nutrient ... A ``reluctance in fertilizer purchases can currently be observed as a consequence of the global financial crisis,'' K+S said in today's statement ... Yara International ASA, the world's largest fertilizer producer, last month posted quarterly net income that missed analyst estimates and said deliveries are slowing. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Maintain Your Landscaping the Easy Way Nov 12, 2008
A separate fertilizer spreader and mower attachment are also available. For more information about the Arctic Cat SpeedPoint System and accessories, visit your local Arctic Cat dealer or log on to www. (Pekin Times, IL)
Buy L&T at a target price of Rs 1,118: BNP Paribas Nov 11, 2008
Process plant equipment for coal gasifiers, oil refineries, cracker plants and fertilizer plants are manufactured here ... There is upside risk to our estimates due to a potential pick-up in fertilizer plant equipment orders. (India Times)
USDA Crops Harvest Estimates Nov 11, 2008
TheMarket Vectors Agribusiness (amex: - - ) ETF, which invests in shares of companies in the food-producing industries -- seed and fertilizer companies are among the heaviest weightings -- was up 1. 6%, or 42 cents, to $27. (Forbes -- Markets)
How to Build Your Own Pet Waste Com... Nov 11, 2008
Eco-friendly poop disposal poses a problem for many pet owners; keeping potential fertilizer out of landfills and put to better use as compost might be the answer. Turn Pet Waste Into Compost. (Suite101.com)
Urea tanks on diesel trucks -- that's the law in the United States starting in 2010 Nov 11, 2008
Automotive grade of world's most widely used nitrogen fertilizer used to meet new US environmental regulations to cut air pollution ... The advent of DEF and AdBlue is creating a new demand for urea, the world's most widely used nitrogen fertilizer ... Some are concerned that the new use will drive fertilizer prices higher. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Volunteer groups plant trees Sunday Nov 11, 2008
The group of Keokuk Rotary Club members, Konnections kids, Midwest Academy students, Keokuk Garden Club members and Boy Scouts took a quick course in tree-planting from Garden Club ornamental tree expert Charles Hunter and then deployed with shovels, mulch and fertilizer to find their trees ... He demonstrated each technique, including sprinkling fertilizer around the inside perimeter of the hole and covering it with a layer of dirt before placing the tree. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Mr. Ethanol Fights Back Nov 10, 2008
(This doesn't include fossil fuels used to make fertilizer, run tractors or haul crops. . (Forbes)
In food crisis, Mexican valley offers lessons Nov 9, 2008
The cost of fertilizers has tripled, and their overuse has depleted soils, spewed more greenhouse gas into the skies and polluted water with farm runoff ... The center in Texcoco, near Mexico City, was the outgrowth of Borlaug s work here in Sonora state s Yaqui Valley, where he developed his seed varieties and launched his revolution, giving farmers in the developing world 20th-century technology disease-resistant crops, fertilizers, fungicides ... What Borlaug did here comes to life along a... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
New technology is producer-friendly, frees up space in the cab (4) Nov 9, 2008
We've got variable rate technology, autosteer, planting and fertilizer rate control and autoboom ... November 3In the world of fertilizer management in Minnesota, some nutrients such as N,P,and K work to improve. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Composting Fall Leaves Turns Garden Trash into Treasure Nov 9, 2008
But if you've avoided composting because it seems like too much work and mess -- or you just weren't sure how to start -- fall is a great time to try your hand at turning this year's yard debris into next year's natural fertilizer ... Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to convert your yard debris into "black gold" - a nutrient rich, all-natural, safe fertilizer for next spring's planting season ... They may be even more surprised to learn that compost can suppress plant diseases... (Pekin Times, IL)
GV Gardening: Appreciating that old standby, salvia Nov 9, 2008
In early spring, apply slow-release or organic fertilizer. If you prune your sage to rejuvenate or keep it in bounds, it is recommended to do so in late winter or very early spring. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Fall is a great time to test your soil Nov 9, 2008
To determine the number of samples for testing, divide your yard or garden into areas in which the soils look different, received different amounts of limestone and/or fertilizer, or where plant varieties being grown have significantly different soil requirements ... After submitting a sample for testing, you will receive limestone and/or fertilizer recommendations based on test results. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Seventeen farmers honoured in the Afigya-Kwabre District Nov 9, 2008
Mr. Karikari-Achamfour said the government has over the years put in some interventions including the Cocoa Mass Cocoa Spraying Exercise, subsidy in the form of fertilizer, access to credit facilities through poverty alleviation funds and financial institutions to help boost the sector. The DCE commended the award winners for their immense contributions and urged them to continue to be dedicated and committed to help sustain the economy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Why composting is a good idea Nov 9, 2008
"I hope they are introduced to a natural process that happens that they might not be aware of, that they realize there's an easy way to impact their environment by having this process happen and diverting the waste. And I hope they get out of it a really easy way to create their own fertilizer.". Lars Hundley, who owns Clean Air Gardening, an online retailer of environmentally friendly lawn and garden products and sells 10 different compost bins, says that the decomposition process just happens. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Secrets of Season-long Stunning Color in Your Garden Nov 9, 2008
Canton Daily Ledger - Ara. for more local weather conditions. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Authors say you can overwinter tender perennials Nov 9, 2008
For most plants, this is a resting time so you shouldn t be trying to stimulate growth with fertilizer. The McGowans got interested in tender perennials when they owned a greenhouse. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
