Exotic timber plantations found to use more than twice the water of native forests Sep 16, 2009
But years of these practices led to increased soil erosion, and fast-growing non-native trees were planted to hold the soil in place and to preserve water by preventing runoff. At the time, however, the importance of biodiversity and the dangers of exotic species weren't as clear as they are today. (EurekAlert!)
Dairying Down Under (33) Sep 15, 2009
Grass is sown using no-till practices, thereby minimizing soil erosion. Run-off is minimized as well since there is little row cropping and fewer pesticides used. (Agri-View, WI)
Marchionne Managing Chrysler Means Having Five Mobile Devices in Backpack Sep 14, 2009
an analyst at the Center of Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said Chrysler needs Fiat-based products to prevent further erosion. If fuel prices rise and theres a car-buying resurgence next year, and they dont have anything out there, they could be getting down into the 6 percent market share range, said Dziczek. (Bloomberg)
The green revolution wasn't green enough Sep 14, 2009
With the loss of organic matter the soil s structure is weakened so it becomes unstable and subject to erosion, either by wind or rainfall. Around the world soils are eroding at a faster rate than at any time in history. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Tiskilwa group tackles cemetery upgrades Sep 12, 2009
Erosion has caused the lowest landing to shift downward ... The Friends have contracted with M.C. Jones Concrete Co. of Tiskilwa to shore up, repair and replace the steps, landings and railings, as well as to construct a ;dead man wall; at the lowest landing to redirect run-off water and prevent erosion. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
ACROSS THE POND AND BEYOND: Branch out your tree knowledge Sep 12, 2009
They prevent erosion. They are important providers. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)
City/county considers updates to old jail Sep 11, 2009
Some improvements include erosion control and rain gardens or plants to soak up and filter water runoff ... Still, frequent testing for pollutants is necessary, she added, and farmers and residents interested in saving their land from erosion into the creek should contact her at 563-263-7944. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
PCBs Are Declining In The Housatonic Sep 11, 2009
The EPA first identified its priority of human health and safety and pinpointed its goals of targeting erosion to the river bank and bottom sediment layers, decreasing downstream PCB migration, increasing the diversity and productivity of the plant and animal community and decreasing invasive species ... "One of our goals was not to go back to the property owners for maintenance," said Dean Tagliaferro, the EPA's project manager for the upper two miles of the Housatonic River's remediation, of... (Litchfield County Times, CT)
Beyond the textbook: Logan High’s environmental science class gets hands-on Sep 10, 2009
He explains that they will be working to correct erosion just off the trail by planting a mix of native seeds and strategically placing logs to divert the flow of rainwater. Garrett Ermer, a senior, said he took the class hoping for experiences such as the field trip. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Tour funds environmental work Sep 10, 2009
The three-year-old plan was to allow Safari Helicopters to land on Robinson property on a ridge above Olokele Canyon, allow visitors to stroll through Robinson s endangered-plant reserve, and use a portion of the proceeds to fund soil-erosion work and the endangered-species work that is Robinson s passion ... If tourism is directed, managed properly, it can be used to support environmental preservation, said Robinson, adding that the slight profit will be put right back into his endangered-plant... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Kenya: Hope and Fear Ahead of El Nino Rains Sep 10, 2009
"The environment is quite sick, it is not wearing any clothes, the pastures are degraded and the impact is likely to be more soil erosion and siltation," Mukabana said. Flooding and mudslides, he added, were likely to occur in parts of the country. (allAfrica.com)
Advice from King Compost Sep 9, 2009
Among his many extra-curriculars, he now works as an erosion consultant for contractors and as an expert witness in land erosion cases, and he began teaching about compost years ago after writing a manual on the subject for a Pennsylvania extension office. "I've got the academic knowledge, as well as dirt under my fingertips," he said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Behind U.S. Open's "Cinderella" Sep 9, 2009
Boxer Focuses on Looming Erosion Problem. News in Pictures Scroll Left Scroll Right. (CBS News)
Human-made Erosion Comparable To Natural Forces Sep 7, 2009
Humans Causing Erosion Comparable To World s Largest Rivers And Glaciers, Study Finds ... Humans Causing Erosion Comparable To World s Largest Rivers And Glaciers, Study Finds ... "But while exploring that, we found that many of the areas currently experiencing the highest rates of erosion are being caused by climate change and human activity such as modern agriculture," says Koppes, who conducted the study with David Montgomery of the University of Washington. (Science Daily)
It's harvest time on an organic farm near Richardton Sep 7, 2009
We channel the nutrients from mountain erosion down to the ocean ... Originally the silt from mountain erosion in Yellowstone National Park (for example) would end up fertilizing the flooded areas along the Missouri River. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Environmental effects of cold-climate strawberry farming Sep 6, 2009
The AMR system was best for erosion control in the first year, but the CCP was better the following year. AMR runoff also had the lowest pesticide levels. (EurekAlert!)
US: Greening of roofs gaining popularity Sep 5, 2009
But a healthy roof requires a plant species that can survive extreme climates and propagate easily to reduce erosion and weed growth. Kristin L. Getter, Michigan State University (MSU) horticulturist, conducted a study to determine the effect of the soil depth on success of green roofs. (India Times)
East Point, College Park, Hapeville: While waste grows, garden gets ignored Sep 5, 2009
By teaching natural growing techniques, TLW also shows gardeners how to preserve and protect the land by improving the soil and reducing erosion ... Much of those problems are created by the silt being deposited into area streams because of soil erosion ... Finding inexpensive ways to prevent soil erosion is a lot cheaper than paying fines and cleaning up the streams. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Africa: 'World Trade Body's Policies Caused Global Food Crisis' Sep 4, 2009
The organisations, of which 13 are in Africa, argue in a letter to the 36 countries attending the mini-ministerial meeting that the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) policies have resulted in "a failed global agricultural system including extremely volatile commodities markets, a lack of global access to nutritious and affordable food, an increase in hunger, and the erosion of farmers' incomes. "These policies have culminated in the global food crisis we face today, where about 30,000 people die... (allAfrica.com)
LIMITING DAMAGE Sep 4, 2009
Projected sea level rise this century would worsen coastal erosion and lead to the loss of beaches on tropical islands that depend on tourists. -- Some ski resorts are using temperature projections for coming decades to site ski lifts. (AlertNet)
Shoreline fires food for thought, algae: Sep 3, 2009
Shoreline burning also kills vegetation and changes the soil structure with the end result being more soil erosion into the lake ... However, forces continue to threaten the system's health, like replacing wildlife habitat along shorelines with walls, rock and lawn up to the water's edge; wetland erosion due to artificially manipulated water levels, fertilizer runoff, bacteria and sediment that continues to degraded water quality; and residential development that causes natural views to... (Chetek Alert, WI)
Police Perception Problems Sep 2, 2009
We're not suggesting a fast rising tide of public opinion against police but rather a gradual if not steady erosion of the public's confidence in law enforcement. Police misconduct fuels those perceptions. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
For the environment Sep 1, 2009
Available from city Department of Environmental Services, useful for ground cover, moisture retention, weed suppressant, erosion control and soil enhancement; 768-3200. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP MAINTAIN NU'UANU STREAM inside Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden; information, 621-5463. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Changing climate: Part II Sep 1, 2009
On Kaua i, we are already experiencing a coastal erosion rate of -0 ... Chip Fletcher, professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at University of Hawaii, writes: In Hawaii, as the ocean continues to rise, natural flooding occurs in low-lying regions during rains because storm sewers back up with saltwater, coastal erosion accelerates on our precious beaches, and critical highways shut down due to marine flooding ... Suggested adaptation strategies covered at the Hawai i Conservation... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Seeing The Tree From The Forest: Predicting The Future Of Plant Communities Aug 30, 2009
23, 2005) Researchers from Texas A&M University created a model to better understand the impacts of development and coastal erosion on plant communities, including plants that grow in the ever-shrinking. (July 13, 2005) The way aquatic plants respond to plant disease and climate change may have applications for managing land-based agriculture, say plant pathologists with The American Phytopathological Society. (Science Daily)
Tropical weather hits NJ again Aug 30, 2009
But forecasters said the latest storm-Danny, which weakened to a tropical depression early Saturday-would not be as troublesome as Hurricane Bill, which spawned dangerous rip currents, large waves and some beach erosion last weekend. Heavy rains associated with Danny caused some minor- to moderate flooding in the Garden State early Saturday, mostly along small rivers and creeks and in areas with poor drainage. (NJ.com -- News)
After eruption life inching its way back to Kasatochi Aug 30, 2009
During his last day on the island, Sikes nosed into cracks between rocks of a former cliff face now again being exposed by erosion ... Erosion and storms will beat down the plant life for years, and much time will pass before rock outcroppings emerge from the muck to become filled with bird life. (Anchorage Daily News)
RDC honing plans for riverfront projects Aug 29, 2009
After holding two public meetings about the riverfront cobblestone area, the organization received some comments about trying to preserve boat docking at the site and about using riprap, a type of course stone that protects the river bank from erosion, for part of the project. The RDC s initial plans involve a walkway along the west side of the cobblestones along the Mississippi River, connecting Beale Street Landing and Jefferson Davis Park. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Grant will help conservationists study pollution levels in Mad Creek Aug 28, 2009
Newbrough said some of the improvements to be considered include constructing ponds or erosion-controlling buffer strips in rural areas ... Other solutions could include installing structures on banks where erosion is occurring and placing permeable pavement around drainages to slow and filter water. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
* Managing disaster risks is feasible Aug 28, 2009
As roads, hydroelectric schemes, fruit farms, recreation areas and many other developments cause extensive environmental degradation, the landscape is responding with increased rates of erosion, mainly in the form of landslides, debris flows and floods, that put the population, buildings and infrastructure at unacceptable levels of risk. I do not believe that the way ahead is for a ban on construction in the mountains in Taiwan, and nor am I advocating that mountain communities are relocated... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Rwanda: Banana Wilt Spreads to 17 Districts Aug 28, 2009
"The disease has many ways of spreading and so it has become very difficult to contain. The widespread is a result of sharing farm tools, materials and soil erosion," Niyikiza said. "Though we have been able to contain the disease in Kirehe and Rwamagana, the disease is still present and spreading in areas like Rubavu, Gatsibo and Nyagatare," Niyikiza said. (allAfrica.com)
Agriculture self-sufficiency Aug 27, 2009
Our next big push in Kekaha is to develop a master plan for erosion control in the area. Although the agriculture industry is an intrinsic part of Hawai i s history, its viability is not a foregone conclusion. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
The business of bones Aug 26, 2009
Erosion has worn away the rock, revealing the bones. The result: "There's just no other place anywhere on the planet where they're just so beautifully exposed for the public to see. It's the most famous place to see dinosaurs still in their host rock anywhere in the world," said Jim Kirkland, the Utah state paleontologist, who works for the Utah Geological Survey. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Unique Acacia Tree's Promise To Revive African Soils Aug 26, 2009
With its nitrogen-fixing qualities, the tall, long-lived acacia tree, Faidherbia albida (Mgunga in Swahili) could limit the use of fertilizers; provide fodder for livestock, wood for construction and fuel wood, and medicine through its bark, as well as windbreaks and erosion control to farmers across sub-Saharan Africa ... With its nitrogen-fixing qualities, the tall, long-lived acacia tree, Faidherbia albida (Mgunga in Swahili) could limit the use of fertilizers; provide fodder for livestock,... (Science Daily)
As Farmland Grows, the Trees Fight Back Aug 26, 2009
And even if a stand of trees doesn't produce anything worth selling or eating, it still creates shade, protects against erosion and preserves water quality. Trees are present more among farmlands in the dense tropical areas of Southeast Asia and Central America, along with much of South America. (Time.com)
Program aims to control soil erosion Aug 25, 2009
WAIMANALO A $400,000 program to reduce erosion from agriculture land is seeking growers who can benefit from expert advice that will lead to cleaner streams ... But with the help of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service previously known as the Soil Conservation Service a series of drainage swales and erosion control through plantings has resulted in only clean water flowing from his seven-acre nursery, Sekiya said ... "I didn't have any knowledge of soil conservation and erosion... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kenya: Govt to Pay Heavily for Failure to Tackle Climate Change Aug 25, 2009
"The problem is that policy makers and planners have been slow to recognise this phenomenon and take advantage of the beneficial effect of planting trees on farms." ICRAF is working with partners to encourage agroforestry to help lessen effects of climate change and provide farmers with food, windbreaks and erosion control, fuel for heating and timber for housing. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
Dust to dust Aug 25, 2009
Their lands were destroyed by drought and soil erosion. It was called the Dust Bowl. (BBC News -- Americas)
Whats the holdup? (1038) Aug 25, 2009
The contractor mobilized their equipment to the project site on or about the 20th of June, he said, and erosion control and sign installation work was reportedly completed by the end of June. The June 3 article in The Garden Island entitled Road repairs cause summer traffic notes that some of the equipment for the road work near Princeville had already arrived. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Bill Weakens After Two Die on East Coast Aug 24, 2009
He said strong rip tides and beach erosion were the biggest concerns Sunday. Dozens of people showed up at South Beach on Martha's Vineyard with their cameras and camcorders to watch the big waves and churning Atlantic. (Time.com)
Research finds higher acidity in Alaska waters Aug 24, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Erosion threatens to topple coastal Alaskan villages ... Alaska has already seen more than its share of global warming effects: shrinking glaciers, coastal erosion, the march north of destructive forest beetles formerly held in check by cold winters, melting Arctic Ocean ice that also threatens walrus and other marine mammals. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
New research shows half of farmlands globally have tree cover Aug 24, 2009
"The problem is that policymakers and planners have been slow to recognize this phenomenon and take advantage of the beneficial effect of planting trees on farms. Trees are providing farmers with everything from carbon sequestration, to nuts and fruits, to windbreaks and erosion control, to fuel for heating and timber for housing." ... As equally important on the service side are uses such as erosion control, water quality and biodiversity. (Xinhuanet, China)
Malawi: Activists Look Askance At New Mine [analysis] Aug 24, 2009
Rather than moving the tailings back into the mine-pit at closure, as would be required in Australia, Paladin plans to leave them in the tailings dam exposed to erosion and extreme weather conditions. On the ground. (allAfrica.com)
More of this story Aug 22, 2009
Some of the highest erosion rates are related to man-made interruptions in sand transport along the shore, writes Jim O Connell, a coastal geologist for the University of Hawai i Sea Grant on Kaua i, in a document pertaining to shoreline setbacks. Approximately 72 percent of the sandy shores of Kaua i are eroding, while approximately 28 percent are accreting (building up sand), according to a study conducted by the University of Hawaii s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Gardening: Native plants easy to care for Aug 22, 2009
Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa): Ground cover, to 1-inch tall and 4- to 8-foot spread, full sun to partial shade, tolerates wide range of pH, can tolerate wet or dry soils, turf alternative that can be mowed, great for soil erosion control. Considering exotic plants (or non-natives) need amended soil whereas natives don't, you could consider growing natives as a form of low-impact gardening. (Florida Today)
America's Food Crisis and How to Fix It Aug 21, 2009
Those hidden prices are the creeping erosion of our fertile farmland, cages for egg-laying chickens so packed that the birds can't even raise their wings and the scary rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among farm animals. Add to the price tag the acceleration of global warming our energy-intensive food system uses 19% of U.S. fossil fuels, more than any other sector of the economy. (Time.com)
NASA researcher nets first measure of Africa's coastal forests Aug 21, 2009
The large, dense root systems are a natural obstacle that helps protect shorelines against debris and erosion. Mangroves are often the first line of defense against severe storms, tempering the impact of strong winds and floods. (EurekAlert!)
La Brea crews get closer to full containment Aug 20, 2009
Eight Hotshot crews worked on a 3- to 4-mile section in the center of the steep and rugged terrain of the San Rafael Wilderness throughout the day to reduce the risk of erosion from fire suppression work by building water bars, a series of shallow channel or ridges, and placing dead vegetation back on indirect fire lines with backup support from heavy-lift helicopters, according to David Olson, a U.S. Forest Service information officer. Although the blaze about 21 miles east of Santa Maria is... (Santa Maria Times)
CSP Signup Under Way Aug 20, 2009
The priority resource concerns identified for Ag land in South Dakota are; water quality, soil erosion, soil quality, and plants. Priority resource concerns for nonindustrial private forestland include water quality, animals, and plants. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Construction Erosion and Sediment C... Aug 19, 2009
Construction Erosion and Sediment Control. Construction Erosion and Sediment Control ... Prior to 1991, erosion from construction sites was common. (Suite101.com)
Vegetative Reproduction in Flowerin... Aug 19, 2009
The rapidity with which some plants spread by this method enables us to use perennial grasses, legumes, and other plants in the control of erosion on sloping lands, in gullies, and on sand dunes. The masses of roots and subterranean stems, along with the aerial parts of the plants, stabilize the soil against the destructive action of water and wind. (Suite101.com)
Daylily passion: Gardeners bewitched by lovely, durable and oh, so user-friendly flower Aug 19, 2009
Try to breed daylilies that can "hold the hill," he coaxed, meaning ones that spread in ways that prevent soil erosion. Not long after soaking up the gospel according to Apps, Daugherty was back at it in his garden. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
* US consumer morale declines Aug 16, 2009
The erosion in confidence, coming a day after a government report showed an unexpected drop in retail sales added to fears that consumers would not drive the anticipated recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression, leaving the economy vulnerable to a double dip. Even though economic output is probably increasing again, consumers certainly appear to still be in a funk. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Economy seems to be coming back; consumers not so sure Aug 15, 2009
The erosion in consumer confidence supports the belief that the economic recovery is going to be weak. Consumers fuel about 70% of economic activity but are fearful about their futures. (USA Today -- Money)
Consumer gloom raises recovery doubts Aug 15, 2009
The erosion in confidence, coming a day after a government report showed an unexpected drop in retail sales added to fears that consumers would not drive the anticipated recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression, leaving the economy vulnerable to a double dip. "Even though economic output is probably increasing again, consumers certainly appear to still be in a funk. This is not entirely surprising given how many jobs are still being lost," said Abiel Reinhart, an economist at... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Alien Invasion? An Ecologist Doubts the Impact of Exotic Species Aug 15, 2009
Initially introduced in the U.S. Southwest for erosion control, the salt cedar rapidly established itself along desert waterways and was soon vilified for displacing native vegetation, sucking up scarce water resources, and releasing salt into the soil. 1. (Scientific American)
Roxbury Wetlands Panel Refers Complaint to Town Attorney Aug 12, 2009
At its June 23 meeting, the Inland Wetland Commission upheld the cease and desist order and required: a temporary stabilization erosion plan with silt fencing and hay bales be in place by July 1; the mitigation plan be reviewed by the Northwest Conservation District; a mitigation plan be presented at the Inland Wetland Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 28 ... Mr. Moeller reported he sketched the total area of exposed soil and found no evidence of soil erosion or sedimentation from that area to... (Voices, CT)
Catching the Cape in restless motion Aug 12, 2009
But the topic is more than sand dunes: It s erosion ... Wit, wear, and tear Like Peretz, sculptor Varujan Boghosian is interested in erosion. (Boston Globe)
The (green) holy grail Aug 10, 2009
The green jobs created at plants like this have been hailed as both the future and the saviour of the so-called rust belt, which has been decimated by the recent collapse of the auto industry and the decades-long erosion of America's manufacturing might. Michigan - which as home to the Big Three US automakers has been hardest hit by their collapse - is determined to capture as many of those green jobs as possible. (iAfrica.com)
N.D. appeals ruling on anti-corporate farming law Aug 8, 2009
Bekken decided the nonprofit could keep wetlands, farmland vulnerable to erosion and property that offers nesting cover for ducks and other wildlife. The state's appeal argues Crosslands should be required to sell all its property in Griggs County. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
* Island nations will pay dearly for other polluters: PM Rudd Aug 6, 2009
Speaking alongside Climate Change Minister Penny Wong and Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Natapei, Rudd said climate change could lead to storm surges, flooding and erosion, which could have severe economic impacts in sectors like agriculture, fishing and tourism. He called for concerted action from world leaders to commit to aggressively cutting carbon emissions at the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen in December. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
In the Garden: Using ground cover plants in your garden Aug 6, 2009
They can conquer challenges you may have with erosion, dense shaded areas, or poor soil conditions. Ground cover can also create an attractive carpet of color and texture where grass will not grow or it can be planted under trees and shrubs where mulch would otherwise be needed. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
Ghana launches Agric Sustainable Land Management Strategy Aug 6, 2009
He said currently the productivity of most agricultural lands in Ghana were below average and there were indications that the situation would continue to deteriorate due to increasing land degradation including soil fertility decline and erosion. Speaking at the launch of the Agricultural Sustainable Land Management Strategy (SLM) and Action Plan to be implemented within the period of 2009 and 2010, Mr Ahwoi said whilst land degradation in Ghana could be due to the fragility of sub-Saharan... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
MARSHFIELD NATURE, HUMAN AND OTHERWISE: Saquish and the Gurnet Aug 6, 2009
Cannonballs, fire and erosion each plagued the lighthouse over the years, and thus it was rebuilt several times and moved back from the edge of the cliff ... Champlain s map shows Saquish Head as an island, but by 1774, it was connected to the Gurnet by a sandy barrier beach, created as a natural consequence of tides, storms and shoreline erosion farther north. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Are Organic Veggies Better for You? Aug 6, 2009
Likewise, the environmental virtues of organic agriculture are conspicuously (and deservedly) touted, but the glowing reports rarely note that most organic food comes from large corporate operations, that some organic farmers rely heavily on natural pesticides that are toxic in high doses, that organic compost can than conventional fertilizer, and that soil erosion can be as bad or worse on organic farms. There is no standard "organic" or "conventional" farm, so any broad comparison is little... (Slate)