Have you ever wondered what is in the soil that supports a plant to survive, reproduce, and complete its life cycle? Where do all those nutrients present in your breakfast corn flakes, […]
Why do farmers need to test their soils?
Why is pennycress a good cover crop?
Soil is a living thing. It sustains life in many ways and plays a vital role in providing us with food, fuel, fiber, and shelter. Therefore, it is important to think about […]
Wild about peanuts – using crop wild relatives to improve today’s crops
However you eat your peanuts – shelled, salted, or in a favorite mix – they are a snack item enjoyed by many. They are also a main ingredient in many favorite dishes, […]
How do nutrients in leaves inform farming practices?
Last fall, I spent hours washing leaves as I would wash my hands – first, I dunked them in soapy water and wiped off any residues. Then I rinsed the leaves with […]
What are drain tiles?
Drain tiles are pipes buried in the ground at a shallow depth, to remove excess water from saturated soils. Modern drain “tiles” are actually perforated plastic drain tubes typically placed at a […]
“Does dew provide water to plants?”
In ancient times, the dew was believed to be a source of vegetative and plant life and considered a great blessing. According to the literature, the accumulation of dew at night on […]
What are public food forests?
Imagine a space in your downtown – no matter the size – where fruit is grown. Planners have intentionally planted woody, perennial plants as key components of a community food production system. […]
What is sustainable turfgrass?
Turfgrass is also known as “natural grass.” It’s a natural, root-bearing plant. Artificial turf is made of nylon or polypropylene fibers. Natural turfgrass can be managed in sustainable ways, but artificial turf […]
Low-glycemic, high-protein rice – The quest for a perfect food
Rice is a main staple food of more than 2.4 billion people. Rice continues to expand into communities that are traditionally non-rice eating with the increasing levels of cross culture exchange, travel, […]
What are corn tillers?
If you want to start a heated discussion, ask your social group for their thoughts on pineapple pizza the next time you order take-out. While the opposition is strong, more pie-lovers approve […]