Bio-fuel growth raises concerns about forests Nov 22, 2009
But government officials say there's plenty available and they point to guidelines that are aimed at maintaining tree debris to give the soil nutrients ... Removing too much woody debris, instead of letting it decay and nourish soils, can damage the health of the forest, he said. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Notching up your nitrogen knowledge for the new year (2) Nov 22, 2009
The quick answer is no, but it depends on how the fertilizer N was managed, the soil chemical, physical, and micro biological properties, and the environmental conditions. Some of the applied N that is not directly recovered by the crop in the season N was applied, may be found as ammonium in the soil on cation exchange sites, trapped in the lattice of clay minerals, and in the soil organic matter pool ... Often, the greater the ratio of precipitation to evapotranspiration, and the warmer the... (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Dick Peck Picks More Produce Than Just Peppers (2) Nov 22, 2009
He s the one in the family who discovered that the sandy soil that warms so readily was ripe for melon growing ... In true farmer fashion, he reports, I like to wait until I can go out there and just feel the soil and plant when it feels right. (Agri-View, WI)
On this rock, a myth was built Nov 22, 2009
The Pilgrims, lacking a reliable source of fresh water, frightened by their hostile encounter with the Native Americans, unable to imagine farming the sandy, windswept soil, left for what they would call Plymouth. In the streamlined story of the Pilgrims that has survived beyond the museum s walls, we are left with the myth of the rock - an igneous intrusion upon historical fact. (Boston Globe)
* FEATURE: Couple embraces organic farming Nov 22, 2009
Chen said that when farmers decide to shift to organic farming, they have to let their fields lie fallow for three years to get rid of the chemicals in the soil ... In their case, pesticides probably leeched from nearby plots into the soil on the land the contract farmers in northern Taiwan used to plant the vegetables, Lin said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Height of design Nov 22, 2009
He uses self-sustaining plants that can grow without soil and places them in custom made frames ... Without soil, the plants are very light ... In Malaysia, some 2,500 plant species out of 8,000 grow in the wild without soil. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Toxic drinking water finally tied to old mine Nov 22, 2009
They say they have been met by a stone wall from state regulators, local politicians and the huge oil company that inherited the toxic site BP. Those interests have insisted uranium naturally occurs in the region's soil and there's no way to prove that a half-century of processing metals at the former Anaconda pit mine is responsible for the contamination. That has changed. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Groups worry about negative environmental impact Nov 22, 2009
"The potential consequences of those types of events are so severe that if we saw something like that on U.S. soil, most likely we'd see a massive public outcry that could dwarf the consequences of 9-11," Dr. Lyman said. From the Sunday, November 22, 2009 edition of the Augusta Chronicle Reader Comments Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Augusta Chronicle. (The Augusta Chronicle)
On the Origin of Nematodes: Phylogenetic Tree of World's Most Numerous Group of Animals Nov 21, 2009
It is relatively straightforward to define species-specific DNA barcodes on the basis of this data set that allows for the detection of nematodes in soil with an unprecedented accuracy. Nematodes are the world's most numerous group of animals with two to 20 million individuals, usually smaller than one millimeter, per square meter of soil ... This makes finding out which nematodes are present in a soil of a given area an extremely time-consuming and a specialist task. (Science Daily)
Sustainable Farming May Help Maintain Healthy Climate Nov 21, 2009
20, 2009) Sustainable farming, initially adopted to preserve soil quality for future generations, may also play a role in maintaining a healthy climate, according to researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge and Los Alamos national laboratories ... ORNL and LANL scientists are exploring the large potential of the earth's soils to sequester carbon, with estimates claiming that new land-use practices could greatly reduce U.S. carbon emissions by as much as 25 percent ... But exactly... (Science Daily)
Is There a Palin Doctrine? Nov 21, 2009
Certainly those other events have their place in history, but are NOT EVEN CLOSE to the first attack on US soil for over fifty years. The repercussions are global(not so the Velvet Revolution)and will affect economies and diplomacy for years. (Slate)
More Answers Needed Nov 21, 2009
Would this waste be harmful to ground water when it is used to treat the soil where there is wet clay soil (plastic soil). What would the impact be with waste from other coal-burning power plants transferred to Labadie. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
David Streeter, HHS Group Recognized as South Arkansas Earth Team Volunteers of Year Nov 21, 2009
"Other educational benefits will include how these trees provide wildlife habitat and food, if the trees can be used for lumber or firewood, how they provide protection from wind and soil erosion, and other environmental enhancements." ... "The students surveyed the area to locate high and low areas, placed stakes where fill material was needed and added the material to improve drainage. Once the area was level, soil amendments were added by the students to improve fertility. They also seeded... (Hamburg Ashley County Ledger, AR)
Bug that dines on kudzu has pluses, minuses Nov 21, 2009
From the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s, farmers in the South were encouraged to plant it to prevent soil erosion. But in the warm Southern climate, the invasive species quickly got out of control, growing at a rate of up to a foot a day and smothering trees and other plants. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Colored-creek mystery solved Nov 21, 2009
An unidentified complainant called the EPD and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission about the water Thursday after the usually clear water in Tanyard Creek ran milky white Thursday morning, then darkened to red and pink in the afternoon. The creek runs beside a Tate Student Center parking lot on campus, then drains under Sanford Stadium and East Campus Road and flows beside part of Oconee Hill Cemetery before emptying into the North Oconee River. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Sewer rates may increase 11 percent in Keokuk next year Nov 21, 2009
Protecting trees would enhance property values; help stabilize the soil; help reduce air, noise and visual pollution; help cut atmospheric carbon dioxide; reduce energy consumption; and enhance the aesthetics and general quality of life in the city, according to the proposed ordinance ... She also said the general contractor for the project will conduct soil tests to ensure the upriver location is a suitable spot ... The soil tests will be done after a building permit is issued, she said. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Yard and Garden: Forget the rake -- mulch those leaves! Nov 21, 2009
The objectives were to determine if different leaf types would have an effect on soil pH or turfgrass quality ... No differences were observed regarding soil pH for the duration of the field experiment ... Soil cores taken in the fall of 1998 concluded that there was an increase in the amount of organic matter in plots that had oak and maple leaves mulched into them compared to the check plot. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Local architect takes on $1.4 million Hallmark rehab project Nov 21, 2009
Additionally, Latuszek plans to give the project a green spin by installing a geothermal heating and cooling system and a partially living roof, with plants and soil to absorb sunlight and rain. He d like to name the development Project Emerald -- sort of a diamond in the rough, but greener. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Open Space Steward: Native trees Nov 21, 2009
As far as the community garden itself, Phil Jones got the green light to cultivate a piece of land adjacent to the current half-acre garden next spring to test the soil for agricultural use. If all goes well, this land could become additional garden plots for use by town residents which would eliminate the waiting list and get more people involved in community gardening. (Chelmsford Independent, MA)
Westlands Irrigation District wields major clout in California water wars Nov 21, 2009
Westlands is protecting its farmers, who have been losing water to environmental reform efforts since the 1990s and idling land because of soil contamination since the 1980s. This farming giant is in a slow-motion transition, struggling to turn the next page in a 57-year history. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Spotting Evidence of Directed Percolation Nov 21, 2009
20, 2009) A team of physicists has, for the first time, seen convincing experimental evidence for directed percolation, a phenomenon that turns up in computer models of the ways diseases spread through a population or how water soaks through loose soil. Their observation strengthens the case for directed percolation's relevance to real systems, and lends new vigor to long-standing theories about how it works. (Science Daily)
Why Israeli Rodents Are More Cautious Than Jordanian Ones Nov 21, 2009
The Dorcas gazelle is a protected animal in Israel, while hunting it in Jordan is permitted and compromises the presence of the Jordanian ant lions' soil engineers. "The current studies clearly display the influence that man has on nature -- for better and for worse. Over the past years, advanced agricultural technology has been transferred from Israel to Jordan; and we must strengthen our understanding of the influences that modern agriculture has on nature, so that we can assist in preserving... (Science Daily)
* Kenyan squatters evicted from Mau basin in Rift Valley Nov 20, 2009
But human destruction of the once-thick Mau forest, causing aquifer levels to plummet and soil erosion to increase, played a major part. At its root, as so often happens in Kenya, is politics and corruption. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Fall cleanup Nov 20, 2009
"The plants will have all winter to get established before having to face summer heat and drought. The soil is still warm, winter moisture is available, and the plants will require less maintenance. Also, we have comfortable weather for working outdoors.". But please, Hoffman cautions: Don't commit "crepe murder.". (The Clarion-Ledger)
Ag businesses on display at Expo Nov 20, 2009
He said the tractor's precision technology can also apply different down pressure, which varies depending on the type of soil being used. All the vendors at the conference were from western Kentucky and southern Illinois, but two, TapLogic and Ag Connections, are located here in Calloway County. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
* Commissioner says rice samples not contaminated Nov 20, 2009
Tainan County Commissioner Su Huan-chih () said yesterday that tests had not detected excessive levels of heavy metals in samples of rice grain from Houbi Township (), where soil from rice paddies was reported to be contaminated with chromium and arsenic. For years, rice from Houbi Township was highly regarded, but recent reports that the towns rice paddies adjacent to a slag recycling plant contained excessive amounts of chromium have raised concerns about its quality. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
More precise future in store for growers Nov 20, 2009
For example, they have fertilizer applicators that automatically put more or less onto different parts of a field based on a database of satellite-derived information about soil quality and other factors. Thats a definite good. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Snapdragons are simply irresistible Nov 20, 2009
Apply a good layer of mulch to keep soil temperatures moderate and add winter protection. Small pocket plantings of snapdragons are very effective at entryways or near the front door or patio, but mass plantings combined with other cool-season flowers can give an incredible look. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Focus on a merger of farms, tourism Nov 20, 2009
The dairy industry was going through rough times, milk prices were low, and the soil was so rocky all they could grow was hay. But it wasn t until she started dipping into the family savings to pay monthly expenses she realized her husband was right and they had to do something if they wanted to keep the farm in the family. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
State offers 'bittersweet' message about those holiday wreaths Nov 20, 2009
The placement of wreaths and garlands outdoors or disposing of them in compost piles can lead to new infestations when the fruits on these decorations are broadcast onto the soil. Birds and other animals also eat the fruit from wreaths and garlands and deposit seeds elsewhere. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
What the Hell are the Chinese Heave... Nov 20, 2009
The ninth sign in representing the ground by the middle horizontal line shows equally the roots storing strength from the soil and the remaining part of the plant standing above the ground. It is also a sign of stitches which suggests sewing and other domestic work. (Suite101.com)
Test project uses algae to recycle emissions Nov 20, 2009
The managing director of MBD Energy, Andrew Lawson, said the idea of storing carbon dioxide from coal-fired plants by recycling it through algae or in the soil is a likely solution to the problem of carbon pollution from power stations, smelters and refineries. The company's pilot project is recycling carbon emissions by using them to grow algae which can then be turned into plastics, biodiesel for transport and, more likely, animal feed. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
How Viruses Destroy Bacteria Nov 20, 2009
12, 2007) Metagenomic analysis of microbial biodiversity in soil samples suggest that non-bacterial species greatly outnumber bacterial species. This means the majority of microorganisms on the Earth remain. (Science Daily)
Literary Technique: Overstatement Nov 20, 2009
The untilled soil produced bigger fruits and vegetables than the over-worked European soil. The mountains seemed taller, the rivers wilder, the land more vast. (Suite101.com)
The Benefits of Stress ... in Plants Nov 20, 2009
A recent article by Dr. Yuri Springer in the November issue of the American Journal of Botany finds that certain wild flax plants growing in poor soils have succeeded in balancing the stress in their lives -- these plants are less likely to experience infection from a fungal pathogen ... For plants, serpentine soils are one example of an extreme environment ... Serpentine soils are those that provide a stressful medium for plant growth, due to features of the soil, such as a rocky texture, low... (Science Daily)
Council votes to deny pot permit appeal (234) Nov 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Edition. IrrigationThatMakesSense. (Malibu Times, CA)
Farming 09: It could be worse Nov 19, 2009
We have heavier soil here, he said. Also he planted a little later, resulting in about a ten percent loss in rice and about 20 percent in soybeans. (DeWitt Era-Enterprise, AR)
County added to fire ant quarantine Nov 19, 2009
Soil, separately or with other things, except soil samples shipped to approved laboratories. Potting soil is exempt if commercially prepared, packaged, and shipped in original container ... Plants with roots and soil attached, except house plants maintained indoors and not for sale. (DeWitt Era-Enterprise, AR)
How Plant Stem Cells Guard Against Genetic Damage Nov 19, 2009
Drought, high salinity and the accumulation of hazardous chemicals in the soil are side-effects of a changing climate, so knowledge of how plants cope with theses stresses is of fundamental importance to agricultural science's response to climate change. This is one aim of the research carried out by the John Innes Centre, an institute of the BBSRC.. (Science Daily)
Dredging stops for now Nov 19, 2009
Dredging of PCBs from the river bottom around Fort Edward ended at about 4 a.m. Tuesday, but crews will remain on the river for another couple of weeks, dumping clean soil and gravel into the river to patch over the dredged areas -- a process comparable to laying down a new lawn to replace one that's been stripped away. Next spring, scuba divers will start hand-planting aquatic plants on the new river bottom to speed up the restoration, said General Electric Co. spokesman Mark Behan. (Albany Times Union)
Question about lake water terminology: Nov 19, 2009
Some of the phosphorus may date back to what was in the native soil before the lakes were formed by building the dam, and some of it has since come in from farm fields, shorefront lots, and street drainage over time. "Internal loading" refers to the part of the load already in the lake itself, separate from what is coming in from tributaries each year. (Chetek Alert, WI)
Surplus and capital formation Nov 19, 2009
Countering the massive problems of large-scale deforestation, soil erosion and land degradation could not be realistically done on an individual basis or through the market mechanism. It requires the socialization of hundreds of millions of individual households on a network of local projects, not driven by individual profit incentives but by a unified sense of national purpose. (Asia Times Online)
For an interesting houseplant, gather ye moss Nov 19, 2009
It seems that unless you grow bonsai, the appearance of moss on the surface of the soil of an indoor plant is cause for alarm. This is probably because garden columnists note that mosses like acid soils and are an indication there is something wrong with the soil and the plant needs to be repotted in fresh stuff ... You might even skip the soil (which should be very rich in organics) and grow on bark. (Anchorage Daily News)
Elizabeth 'Liz' Zottu Lane, 74, CDC lab inspector Nov 19, 2009
She encouraged her sons to till the soil, but they lacked her green thumb. "She'd hand me stuff and say, Here, just throw it out and it will grow," said her son, John. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Natural super glue found on asparagus spears Nov 19, 2009
As the University of Minnesota Pest Management program points out, the insect's tiny eggs hatch in about a week, whereupon the larvae drop to the ground and bury themselves in soil "causing relatively minor damage to the spears.". 2009 Discovery Channel. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Africa: Climate Change Likely to Increase African Hunger Woes Nov 19, 2009
Furthermore, wrong agricultural policies have damaged the soil in many African countries, making it more susceptible to erosion, and reducing farming yields, Windfuhr added. "To make things worse, subsidies for agriculture in Europe and North America and increasing export of these highly subsidised agricultural goods to developing countries have crowded out local food production," he pointed out. (allAfrica.com)
Fact check: Guantanamo detainees and U.S. prisons Nov 19, 2009
CHICAGO -- As the Obama administration considers a plan to move Guantanamo Bay detainees to prisons on U.S. soil, including possible sites in Illinois and Michigan, proponents and critics are spinning the facts. The nearly vacant Thomson Correctional Center in the western Illinois farming town of Thomson is the latest potential candidate being evaluated to hold detainees after President Barack Obama promised to close the military-run detention center in Cuba. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Pretty stand-in for traditional cranberry Nov 18, 2009
Lingonberry and blueberry are such congenial companions in the ground because both require the same specialized soil conditions, that is, soils that are very acidic, well drained and rich in humus. Easily create these soil conditions by digging plenty of acidic peat moss into the soil before planting and, after planting and from then on, maintaining a mulch of some organic material such as shredded leaves, fine bark or sawdust on top of the ground ... The mulch will keep the soil cool and moist... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Online stores make gifting easier Nov 18, 2009
The beloved sons of our soil have established their mark on the international circuit, and achieved glory for their country and family. Non-resident Indians (NRIs), as they are called, generally like to pamper their loved ones back home with a lot of gifts. (India Times, India -- Intl Business)
* Tainan bureau fines firm over toxic pollutant leaks Nov 18, 2009
Workers place netting over a pile of kiln ash in Tainan Countys Houbi Township yesterday to prevent dust from blowing onto neighboring fields and polluting the soil. The countys Bureau of Environmental Administration has given the kilns owners one month to remove the ash heap. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Here’s my (personal) beef with meat Nov 18, 2009
We know that farming touches every aspect of our lives the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil we need ... Now, if someone told you that a particular corporation was trashing the air, water and soil; causing more global warming than the transportation industry; consuming massive amounts of fossil fuel; unleashing the cruelest sort of suffering on innocent and sentient beings; failing to recycle its waste; and clogging our arteries in the process, how would you react. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Water board fines grower $405K Nov 18, 2009
The w 00004000 ater board says Kooyman failed to control erosion on his land and allowed soil to build up in Peaslee Creek and the Tuolumne River ... Regulators say finely textured soil drifted from the hilly orchard and muddied the Tuolumne River. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Our down-to-earth pioneers Nov 17, 2009
The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. John NewtonNovember 17, 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Bacterial 'Ropes' Tie Down Shifting Southwest Nov 17, 2009
17, 2009) Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered that several species of microbes (cyanobacteria), at least one found prominently in the deserts of the Southwest, have evolved the trait of rope-building to lasso shifting soil substrates ... Though known as pioneers in the biostabilization of soils, scientists have long puzzled over the factors that control and promote the twisting of some species' individual threads into thick cords sometimes inches in length ... Ferran... (Science Daily)
Medalling in the market Nov 17, 2009
They graze on enriched lucerne that springs from the rich, red volcanic soil of the southern slopes. We knew we had a good product but we were selling it through the sales yard and it was being gobbled up by the supermarkets,'' he says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
For the environment Nov 17, 2009
"KALAMUNGAY: THE UNTHIRSTY MIRACLE TREE" WORKSHOP on the water-saving and nutritional benefits of the traditional Filipino ingredient for soups and stews, with Theodore Radovich, of the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science; 10-11 a.m. Nov. 21, Halawa Xeriscape Garden, 99-1268 Iwaena St.; $5/public, members free; registration closes Nov. 20, 748-5363; information, 748-5041. BE A GREENIE. (Honolulu Advertiser)
David Streeter, HHS Group Recognized as South Arkansas Earth Team Volunteers of Year Nov 17, 2009
"Other educational benefits will include how these trees provide wildlife habitat and food, if the trees can be used for lumber or firewood, how they provide protection from wind and soil erosion, and other environmental enhancements." ... "The students surveyed the area to locate high and low areas, placed stakes where fill material was needed and added the material to improve drainage. Once the area was level, soil amendments were added by the students to improve fertility. They also seeded... (Hamburg Ashley County Ledger, AR)
Brookline Recycling Corner: Leaf it to them Nov 17, 2009
Sand, soil, logs and stumps will not be collected. It is illegal and hazardous to rake leaves into the street or sidewalk. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Going hungry Nov 17, 2009
He said while farmers like his parents inherited the traditional knowledge of observing the moon to determine the right time to clear the land, burn the soil and sow seeds to ensure a bountiful harvest, inexperienced farmers who did not observe the subtle changes failed to adapt and suffered crop failure. He suspected that the food shortage crisis in Ulu Belaga in central Sarawak in August was linked to climate change. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Plants prefer their kin, but crowd out competition when sharing a pot with strangers Nov 17, 2009
The research, which appears in the current issue of the American Journal of Botany, suggests non-kin plants will not only compete underground for soil nutrients, but will attempt to muscle out the competition above ground in the ongoing struggle for light. It follows previous research from McMaster University which found that plants can recognize their kin through root systems and will compete more strongly for soil nutrients and water with non-sibling plants ... When nearby strangers were... (EurekAlert!)
Tequila: 5 Things You Didn't Know Nov 17, 2009
Second, the volcanic soil and climate in Jalisco is especially conducive to growing the plant. The region is further subdivided into two regions, the lowlands and the highlands, which has an affect 00000A67 on the profile of the final product. (Fox News)
Soup's on with winter harvest Nov 16, 2009
Despite concerns that the potato eyes wouldn't send out roots or would rot because of our October start, we've spotted Yukon Gold sprouts peeking through the tangle of chicken wire, soil and mulch. Around the potato tower, we planted turnips and leeks. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Dakotas might see record sunflower yields Nov 16, 2009
Planting in late May and into June was hampered due to lack of soil moisture. "We had a rocky start," said Smith, 36, whose acres got rain in time. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Lesson to be learned from deforestation Nov 16, 2009
Chepstow-Lusty, David Beresford-Jones of the University of Cambridge and their colleagues used pollen in the soil to trace the horticultural history of the valley, revealing a sobering history of environmental depredation ... "It's a deflated landscape, the wind has blown away the topsoil, so that features such as canals that were once cut into the landscape are now standing up above it, preserved in hard calcite." ... Dunes have built up on the windward side of the canals, preserving the soil... (San Francisco Chronicle)
* The anti-hunger imperative Nov 16, 2009
Varieties that are tolerant to drought and flood can not only increase productivity, but also can prevent soil erosion and desertification. In southern Ghana, for example, farmers have managed to reduce crop failures arising from rainfall variability and unpredictability by cultivating several drought-tolerant types of the same crop species. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
