Want to get the most yield and the biggest tubers from your crop of potatoes, protect them from certain pests and weeds, and not use any artificial chemicals? An American study reported that adding straw mulch to the soil around emerging potatoes will result in bigger, healthier tubers. Mulch was also shown to protect the crops against … Continue reading Want bigger, healthier potatoes? Use straw mulch; it improves soil quality and suppresses weeds
Baking soda in the garden: 10 natural remedy uses for this basic household staple
Baking soda is an incredibly useful product that can be used in your garden. The household staple has been gaining popularity in the last few years because it is an inexpensive and abundant alternative to many synthetic chemicals out there. What’s more, baking soda — being all-natural — offers little to no side effects. We … Continue reading Baking soda in the garden: 10 natural remedy uses for this basic household staple
Graphene could make fertilizer more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly
Researchers continue to search for fertilizers that are more efficient and affordable. One study, published in the journal Applied Materials and Interfaces, looked at graphene as a carrier for fertilizers to exhibit these characteristics, without causing more harm to the environment. A team of researchers at the University of Adelaide developed a fertilizer carrier using graphene oxide sheets to make effective … Continue reading Graphene could make fertilizer more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly
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
Saving seeds is simple and easy: Basic tips and how-to wisdom
Seed saving is exactly what it sounds like: it’s the practice of saving seeds, tubers, and other reproductive materials from plants. It’s a simple yet highly beneficial agricultural art that, sadly, has dwindled in application thanks to the rise of the industrial revolution. These days, it’s mostly home gardeners that take part in seed saving. … Continue reading Saving seeds is simple and easy: Basic tips and how-to wisdom
Organic farming employs more workers than conventional farms and encourages community development, according to survey
Organic farming has gained steady ground in the U.S. farm sector over the recent years due to the growing demand for healthy food products by consumers. While conventional farming is still the more prevalent type of agriculture – yielding significantly more produce than its organic counterpart – one study suggests that organic farming may present more job opportunities down the … Continue reading Organic farming employs more workers than conventional farms and encourages community development, according to survey
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 