Researchers from the Anglia Ruskin University found that microplastic can curb the growth of earthworms, potentially affecting plant and soil health. Earthworms play an important role in the soil ecosystem as they dramatically alter soil structure, nutrient dynamics, water movement and plant growth. But the presence of microplastics is harming earthworms, according to the findings published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. “The … Continue reading Scientists warn that microplastics are harming earthworms, plant health and soil pH
Scientists: Long history of fertilizer use on land is threatening our water quality today
Imagine you’re driving down a long, straight road through rural farmland. One either side of you are beautiful green farms. The produce being grown on these farms looks healthy and appears to be thriving. Now picture the land beneath those farms as massive sponges. Like all sponges, put enough liquid in and eventually the absorption … Continue reading Scientists: Long history of fertilizer use on land is threatening our water quality today
The government is LYING about the safety of “biosludge”
Unbeknownst to the vast majority of Americans, the federal government has quietly given the green light for companies to take treated sewage and spread it all over America’s food crops as “fertilizer.” It’s a form of “recycling” that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims is completely safe, but that a whistleblower has revealed is actually … Continue reading The government is LYING about the safety of “biosludge”
Are bioplastics really as eco-friendly as they’re touted to be?
Approximately 165 million tons of petroleum-based plastic now pollute the ocean. Another nine million tons of plastic are added to the seas each year. Only nine percent of plastic is recycled. It takes at least 500 years for traditional plastic to decompose, as toxic chemicals break down and leach into the environment. In the rush … Continue reading Are bioplastics really as eco-friendly as they’re touted to be?
Organic fertilizer alternatives: Composted chicken litter promotes sustainable agro-ecosystems with minimal nutrient leeching
The idea of nutrient loss is a common but troublesome problem that plagues all kinds of soils. Efforts have been made by a number of institutions to combat this issue, to varying degrees of success. Yet, as a team of researchers has demonstrated, the answer could very well lie in a tool widely used by poultry … Continue reading Organic fertilizer alternatives: Composted chicken litter promotes sustainable agro-ecosystems with minimal nutrient leeching
Too Much Fertilizer Causes Loss of Plant Diversity
Scientists may have discovered why excessive fertilizer use leads to a loss of species diversity in grasslands, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and published in the journal Science. Rain washes fertilizers off of the fields where they are applied and into neighboring ecosystems, leading to an increase in … Continue reading Too Much Fertilizer Causes Loss of Plant Diversity
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 