Oregon marijuana season reveals more environmental damage Nov 16, 2009
They also came upon jury-rigged irrigation pools filled with chemical fertilizers, causing worry among officials and environmentalists that already-threatened steelhead runs could be at risk ... Pot-growing operations, most run by Mexican cartels, pour fertilizer into the pools and run irrigation lines to their plants ... Brent Fenty, executive director of the Bend-based Oregon Natural Desert Association, said fertilizer typically contains high nitrate levels. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Ryan Osmundson wins discussion meet at annual convention (37) Nov 16, 2009
Osmundson sells fertilizer, raises beef cattle and grows small grains. By winning the MFBF Discussion Meet, Osmundson received 500 and an all-expense-paid trip to compete in the national Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet during the American Farm Bureau Convention in January in Seattle. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Leaves falling? (36) Nov 16, 2009
Youll have one of the best gardens in the neighborhood because you added organic material and natural fertilizer. The leaves were the storehouses for the nutrients the trees took up from the soil all spring and summer. (Boerne Star, TX)
World Food Summit Opens as Global Aid Groups Say It May Be `Waste of Time' Nov 16, 2009
Soaring energy prices boosted costs of fertilizer and transport while also lifting demand for grain-based alternative fuels like ethanol. Todays summit opens as the Rome-based UN agency predicts world cereal stocks will expand by about 4 million metric tons to 509 million tons next year, the highest level since 2002. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Zimbabwe: Government Launches Inputs Subsidy Nov 16, 2009
Harare GovernmenT has established a farming inputs subsidy scheme that will see a 50kg bag of fertilizer selling for US$7 while maize and sorghum seed will both be available at less than US$1 per kg. ... "Farmers under Category A are communal and they will buy a maximum of 50kg of Compound D and ammonium nitrate fertilizers and 10kg of maize seed or 5kg of sorghum seed," she said ... Mrs Zemura said the 50kg bag of fertilizer costs US$7, maize seed had been pegged at 52 US cents a kg, with... (allAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Inputs Subsidy Welcome [editorial] Nov 16, 2009
Harare Zimbabwe's decision to start subsidising limited sales of seed and fertilizer for communal and small-scale grain farmers is a good route to follow, if the success of similar schemes in Malawi, Zambia and Botswana is anything to go by ... We would like to see an extra safeguard put in, with the packs of fertilizer and seed marked in a way that makes it difficult for those who buy them to resell them at a higher price ... There is plenty of seed and fertilizer readily available at normal... (allAfrica.com)
Farmers may want to think twice before selling corn stover (17) Nov 16, 2009
This price range depends on current fertilizer prices and the differences in nutrient content of the removed residue ... 51 per acre extra in fertilizer that will be needed to replace the removed nutrients, Jasa said. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Behavior Modification Could Ease Concerns About Nanoparticles Nov 14, 2009
Sludge often is stored in landfills or recycled as agricultural fertilizer. Uncoated nanoparticles, in contrast, stayed in the water and therefore remained in the effluent stream. (Science Daily)
Place lawn care in capable hands Nov 14, 2009
If so, ask them how often they fertilize, what rate of fertilizer they use ... By Jan. 1, 2014, anyone who applies fertilizer commercially must have this certification to receive a fertilizer license. (Florida Today)
CNG transport set to get costlier Nov 14, 2009
Sources said consumer price for power and fertilizer units outside north-east would be fixed at 10% above the producer price, while for the plants in that region it would be 60% of the price. Consumer price for transport and small consumers outside north-east may be fixed at 20% above the price for power and fertilizer sectors. (India Times, India)
Green Thumbs: Time to chop, rake, shred and spread Nov 13, 2009
After the borders have been trimmed and raked, an organic fertilizer, such as Plant-O-Ganic or Plant-tone can be broadcast among the waning perennials ... For older, depleted borders, a blend of compost, shredded leaves, peat moss, manure, lime, and fertilizer, mixed in a wheelbarrow, will be spread several inches deep around established perennials and shrubs, taking care not to bury the crowns of these plants and keeping the mixture away from the woody stems of trees and shrubs. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Chinese pistache rocks from coast to coast Nov 13, 2009
Feed in late winter with an 8-8-8 fertilizer, appl 00003C31 ying 1 pound per 100 square feet of planted area. This is the area from the trunk to just outside the canopy. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Farmers combine where the ground is firm Nov 13, 2009
Across the countryside, combines, tractors, trucks and self-propelled fertilizer or manure spreaders were started up around 9 that morning. I still saw some fields of soybeans standing in my 270-mile round trip. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
SPECIAL REPORT Nov 12, 2009
In particular, Africa boasts a dazzling array of soil types, climates and crops that have defied the one-size-fits-all solution of better seed, fertilizer and irrigation that worked in Asia half a century ago. Its perennial tendency to corruption and official incompetence has also played its part in keeping average grain yields on the continent at just 1. (AlertNet)
Sustainable Salads Nov 11, 2009
Certain crops require loads of phosphate fertilizer, for example, which is mined from the ground and can eventually cause stream-choking algal growth ... As it turns out, it's not hard to find digestible data on the use of fertilizers ... Bananas consume the most by a very large margin, requiring a whopping 427 pounds of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizer per acre of cultivation. (Slate)
More of this story Nov 11, 2009
It has carried cargo as varied as scrap metal, fertilizer, coal and also various grains, in addition to raw sugar. Matson manages the vessel, said Linda Howe, spokesperson for Matson parent company Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Sewage Industry Fights Phosphorus Pollution Nov 11, 2009
How flushing the toilet can lead to phosphorus for fertilizers ... Wastewater Wonder: Ostara's Crystal Green, a slow-release fertilizer, incorporates phosphorus retrieved from sewage streams ... Tucked away in Oregon s Willamette Valley, three massive metal cones could help address the world s dwindling supply of phosphorus, the crucial ingredient of fertilizers that has made modern agriculture possible. (Scientific American)
Zambia: Banda Cautions Farmers Nov 10, 2009
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has urged farmers not to abuse the agricultural inputs acquired through the fertilizer input support programme (FSP) to ensure high productivity and reduce reliance on food relief. Speaking at a public rally in Chama yesterday, Mr Banda said the inputs received from Government should be used for the intended purpose. (allAfrica.com)
Green thumbs up: Tips for over wintering tender plants and bulbs Nov 10, 2009
Although temperatures often drop slightly below freezing, the soil in the containers offers protection for the bulbs which begin to emerge as spring arrives; a little water, fertilizer, and an occasional rejuvenation of the soil as the plants break dormancy has enabled me to carry these bulbs over for many years in the same containers. A chilly basement with temperatures in the 40 to 50 degree range could also serve as an alternative for winter storage. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Plan now for spring fertilizer application (2) Nov 8, 2009
Plan now for spring fertilizer application ... A late crop with delayed harvest and wet field conditions left nearly 90 percent of fall fertilizer application incomplete ... is advising growers who missed fall fertilizer application to work with their retailer this winter to put a plan together for spring application. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
peter dublin Nov 8, 2009
They suggested that farmers will face production and fertilizer cost increases and lower farm income if this bill is enacted. All consumers will see increased fuel and energy prices. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Lesotho: A Mountain of Challenges Nov 7, 2009
"Because of the high prices of fuel, fertilizers and seeds, farmers could not buy inputs in time ... so they decided not to plough; most of the arable land was left fallow." FAO estimated that since 2007 the price of maize seed has gone up by 60 percent, and fertilizer by a whopping 170 percent. A heavy dependence on South Africa - Lesotho imports over 60 percent of its food requirements, livestock and almost everything else from their only neighbour - has often been blamed for stifling the... (allAfrica.com)
Fertilizer, exhaust tied to alpine lake pollution Nov 7, 2009
DENVER - Airborne nitrogen pollution from vehicle exhaust and farm fertilizer is turning algae in the alpine lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park into junk food for fish, a study says ... The nitrogen's sources include vehicle exhaust, fertilizer used on farms and livestock feed lots and power plant emissions. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Eisenberg: What is a biennial plant? Nov 7, 2009
Add an organic fertilizer once a month. If you ve started the parsley from seeds, harvest time is about 12 weeks. (Somerville Journal, MA)
First Look at Carbon Capture and Storage in a West Virginia Coal-Fired Power Plant [Slide Show] Nov 7, 2009
A little bit of ammonium sulfate a fertilizer is also produced; it is shipped to a farmer's cooperative just across the river in Ohio. "It's just like a shower," says Robert Hilton, vice president of power technologies and government affairs at Alstom. (Scientific American)
Chores await before cold closes in Nov 6, 2009
Give them fertilizer that is formulated for winter bloomers. If you're planting later in the month, buy bigger plants to ensure they can make it through winter. (The Augusta Chronicle)
The geek in charge at the Department of Energy Nov 6, 2009
His lecture ranged across a wide variety of topics, from the number of Nobel Prizes that have been granted for advances in fertilizer technology (two and a half) to the energy efficiency improvements in American refrigerators to the history of Bell Labs and how advances in quantum physics paved the path from the vacuum tube to the transistor. Through it all, he expressed confidence and optimism in the premise that technological progress will allow us to confront the challenges of climate change... (Salon)
Landscapers go green, save money Nov 5, 2009
Plants that are trimmed less frequently also require less water and fertilizer as they are not constantly recovering from being cut. Using mulching mowers also would result in fewer trips to landfills. (AZCentral -- News)
Zimbabwe: No to Donor Dependency Nov 5, 2009
"We are approaching that season of farming when we need inputs like seed and fertilizer. "The way we helped you last year is not going to be the same with how we will assist you this year. "The inputs will be provided at very low prices which the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Joseph Made will explain to you," he said. (allAfrica.com)
PINEAPPLE OPERATIONS ENDING Nov 5, 2009
Extra fertilizer required in Honolua also added to higher, not lower, expenses. Ultimately the plan was reversed and planting was halted in West Maui in favor of Upcountry. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Environmental officials urge halving of phosphorous levels in Upper, Middle Charles River Nov 5, 2009
Although some phosphorus occurs naturally, polluting levels are reached when storm-water runoff carries the substance from sources such as fertilizers, sediment, auto exhaust, and animal waste, and from waste-water treatment discharges ... All municipalities would need to regularly renew their storm-water drain permits with the EPA. The drains are used by residents and businesses alike, making it likely that towns and cities would try to educate homeowners about proper fertilizer use and... (Boston Globe)
Home, yard and garden, 11-4: Disorder affecting white oaks Nov 5, 2009
Or one container had more fertilizer in the container media than the other ... There are so many factors, including sun exposure, soil drainage, water distribution, fertilizer availability and soil pH that can vary considerably, even within the same planting bed ... A low-nitrogen/high phosphorus fertilizer is ideal for hydrangeas. (Vincennes Sun Commercial, IN)
Flemish Researchers Develop Revolutionary Technology For Use In Plant Breeding Nov 5, 2009
Another quite important advantage is that the more energy-efficient varieties do not require more water or fertilizer to produce higher yields. Adapted from materials provided by , via , a service of AAAS. Email or share this story. (Science Daily)
Modular plant offers new direction for ethanol production Nov 5, 2009
With other products, you would have a fertilizer produced or something else depending on what the feedstock is. The Modular Ethanol Production System is not just based for corn, but can use several types of feedstocks. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
For African violets, 'hands off' means healthier Nov 4, 2009
But the striking plants are often regarded as temperamental: a precise recipe of light, moisture, warm temperatures, high humidity, and fertilizer is required to encourage african violets to grow and flower. A recently published study by scientists Julia C. Brotton and Janet C. Cole from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University (in a recent issue of HortTechnology) could provide african violet enthusiasts with important care information about the... (EurekAlert!)
Keep dogs from mushrooms Nov 3, 2009
Spreading a pint or two of lawn fertilizer on top might speed decomposition, but I m not sure you d see much difference between this and an untreated pile. Q: There is a 15-feet-tall catalpa tree at my lake house. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Local hunter can't catch a break Nov 3, 2009
At one point, he started to buy a fertilizer plant, and from the looks of the things he plants and fertilizes, he should have ... If you consider the man hours, diesel for the tractor, lime, fertilizer and seed costs, not to mention miscellaneous expenses, Hancock will regain about $450 of the several thousand he spent raising this buck and others. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Farmers fight climate bill, but warming spells trouble for them Nov 2, 2009
Farm lobby groups and senators who agree with them argue that imposing limits on the nation's emissions of heat-trapping gases from coal, oil and natural gas would raise the cost of farming necessities such as fuel, electricity and natural gas-based fertilizer ... He also said the bill contained provisions that would prevent fertilizer price increases before 2025, even though fuel prices would rise. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Wholesaler spills seeds on pumpkins Nov 1, 2009
If you use too much fertilizer, the pumpkins grow too fast and split and are ruined. For some reason, when they use milk, the pumpkins grow big and don t split. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Women Play Leading Role in African Agriculture Nov 1, 2009
For example, African countries now are putting a lot of money into fertilizer subsidies. Malawi, for example, is spending, investing huge amounts of money in fertilizer subsidies. (allAfrica.com)
Making waves Nov 1, 2009
The wastewater is then released into a man-made wetland, where plants use the nitrogen as fertilizer. The wastewater is then refiltered and sprayed over a rock bed before being circulated through the constructed wetlands. (Slidell Sentry-News, LA)
Africa: Trees Can Increase Farm Yields and Transform Agriculture Says Agroforestry Group [interview] Nov 1, 2009
One of the most intriguing examples, which we're now developing in Africa continent-wide, is the use of what we call 'fertilizer trees' in farming systems: trees that are compatible with the crops but provide organic fertilizer - in effect creating a fertilizer factory, right in your field, to feed your crops and thereby feed your family ... "Fertilizer trees", which are systems that farmers can apply with virtually no cash investment, are a way in which farmers can ramp up their soil fertility... (allAfrica.com)
Green Thumbs: Notes of a difficult growing season Oct 31, 2009
An application of lime at any time during the fall is beneficial and early November is an ideal time to spread a winterizer fertilizer to promote a healthy root system and an early greening of the lawn next spring. Throughout the fall season, the statuesque clumps of maiden grasses (Miscanthus) offer distinctive architectural accents. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Sally Scalera: What to do in garden once weather cools Oct 31, 2009
Give vegetable plants granular fertilizer monthly. In addition, spray a liquid seaweed product, like Maxicrop 00004000 , on the foliage (both sides of the foliage with a fine mist sprayer) every week. (Florida Today)
The good and bad of technology Oct 31, 2009
When competition existed in the marketplace, technologies like hybrid seed, nitrogen fertilizers, confinement livestock, herbicides, computer records and no-till practices were affordable and added value above costs to a farmer;s bottom line. Fast forward to traited seed, variable-rate fertilizer, guidance systems, mega-machinery and the bottom line gets a bit fuzzy. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Growing and Caring for House Plants Oct 31, 2009
Indoor plants need a helping hand with the addition of fertilizers that supply essential minerals ... Depending on the plant, whether foliage or flowering, a nursery will be able to recommend the best type of fertilizer for it ... Too much fertilizer in a potted plant will cause the roots of the plant to burn and cause the plant to wilt. (Suite101.com)
Conservation District gets $5,000 grant to build native plant greenhouse Oct 31, 2009
In addition, natives require less fertilizer and watering than ornamental plants typically used in landscaping making a greenbelt an even greener alternative. As land gets developed and invasive species dominate a landscape, native plants are being lost and biodiversity is decreasing. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Schedule for fall leaf and yard waste collection Oct 31, 2009
All of the yard waste the City of Boston collects is composted and becomes natural fertilizer for Boston s community gardens. For more information, call 617-635-7573. (Rsolindale Parkway Transcript, MA)
Is it time we put ailing Bay on diet? EPA working on "pollution diet" for Virginia, other bay states Oct 30, 2009
Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer and treated sewage trigger algae growth in the bay, which leads to vast oxygen-starved "dead zones" that cannot support aquatic life. In addition, sediment, a serious problem in the Rappahannock, makes water murky and unable to support plant growth. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Ag cool on global warming bill Oct 30, 2009
But even if the Senate bill had such a provision, many agricultural officials say it would still lead to higher energy and fertilizer costs ... "(They) would bring higher fuel and fertilizer costs to American farmers and ranchers, which puts us at a competitive disadvantage in international markets with other countries that do not have similar carbon emissions restrictions," federation president Bob Stallman said in a press release. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Africa: Food Crisis Forces Changes on GM Crops [interview] Oct 30, 2009
They are not able to have resources to purchase fertilizers, pesticides, have irrigation systems in place. If money was not a constraint we could achieve a green revolution through not necessarily biotechnology, but if we could put irrigation systems in place, if we could afford to purchase fertilizer, pesticides, we should be able to reach a green revolution as what happened in Asia. (allAfrica.com)
* In Africa, urban dwellers are turning to a harvest on the side Oct 29, 2009
Fertilizer and spraying were both more expensive than I thought. While my wheat stalks are sprouting on schedule, I now fear that at harvest time X next month X prices will fall and I wont recoup my costs. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
• Pumpkin Paradise Oct 29, 2009
Megchelsen gave out as many chunks of the giant as he could, and the leftovers made it to his compost heap to become fertilizer for the next year's crop. Pumpkin Curry: A Thai Twist. (Juneau Empire)
Giant pumpkins: Big contest at parish fair Oct 29, 2009
That fertilizer proved beneficial, as Cancienne took home $75 and a trophy for his second-place effort. First-place winners took home $100 each, and third-place finishers each got $50. (Bogalusa Daily News, LA)
Colorful New Year Gardens with Spri... Oct 29, 2009
This is best done in early spring with a general purpose fertilizer. Read the instructions but normally 2oz per square yard is enough. (Suite101.com)
Drought, Storms to Limit Rice Supplies, Raise Prices in U.S., Roberts Says Oct 28, 2009
Higher oil prices may push up fertilizer costs, boosting prices further, he said ... In 2008 when prices shot up, when fertilizer prices moved up, when export bans were imposed, a free liberalized international trading order was not able to do anything for the world, especially the worlds poor and hungry, he said. (Bloomberg -- US)
CLIMATE CHANGEImpact on Agricultural Industry Oct 26, 2009
In the city and surrounding Weld County, the worry is it would raise energy and fertilizer costs for farmers. They need to pump water to irrigate their crops and rely on cheap manure - the same manure that will be tapped for energy - when high natural gas prices drive up the cost of fertilizer. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Welcome fall with plants, decorations at doorstep Oct 24, 2009
Use a well-draining potting mix, and add a time-release fertilizer. Finishing touch: Tuck a few pumpkins and gourds among your pots. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
* JOHNNY NEIHU'S NEWS WATCH: Vegetable renters vs Happy Farm Oct 24, 2009
Look no further than the screen of your nearest civil servants PC. If there is evidence of vegetables, bags of fertilizer or guard dogs chasing away wannabe crop rustlers then Happy Farm is the explanation. Hell, Happy Farm might also explain the disappearance of People First Party Chairman James Soong () from the public eye X and maybe even the bags under former chief China-baiter Lee Teng-huis (n) eyes. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Labels show Swedes their food's carbon footprint Oct 24, 2009
These take into account emissions generated by fertilizer, fuel for harvesting machinery, packaging and transport ... These take into account emissions generated by fertilizer, fuel for harvesting machinery, packaging and transport. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Africa: The Continent and Agriculture: A Winning Combination for Success [opinion] Oct 24, 2009
It included simple innovations like fertilizer for higher yield crops. One successful result is Malawi produced enough maize this year to feed its own people and sell the excess to world markets. (allAfrica.com)
Tallying the Real Environmental Cost of Biofuels Oct 23, 2009
Worse, all the fertilizer needed to grow those bioenergy crops would increase emissions of nitrous oxide, an extremely potent greenhouse gas, and water supplies would also be stressed. "We have to think about this very carefully," says Melillo. (Time.com)
Advanced biofuels will stoke global warming: study Oct 23, 2009
Biofuel crops also require nitrogen fertilizers, a source of two greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2) and the more powerful nitrous oxide ... Without steps to protect forests and cut fertilizer use, gasoline out-performs biofuels from 2000-2050 as well. (Scientific American)
Market has organic produce Oct 23, 2009
All of the produce is organic, although a number of the greens are hydroponics and some fertilizer must be used. "We are getting so much support and encouragement from a lot of people," Ms. Lee said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Brooke Vosika discusses how he turns peppers into hot sauces Oct 21, 2009
Neptune, baby, says Vosika, referring to the fish-based fertilizer, Neptune s Harvest, that s one of the keys to his pepper success. Preparing hot sauce might seem like something best done in a factory, but it s surprisingly easy to make at home. (Boston Globe)
