The word “riparian” refers to the place where streams meet land. This important intersection controls a lot of processes – especially with regard to water quality. Human use of land near streams […]
What are riparian buffer strips?
Crops and livestock on the same farms, the same fields – why?
Integrated agricultural systems often have both crops and livestock on the same farm. And, yes, integrated crop-livestock systems can have many benefits! Years ago, it was tradition for farmers to grow a […]
What are denitrifying woodchip bioreactors, and how do they help the environment?
Woodchip bioreactors are sophisticated, engineered water treatment systems. Yet, they are simple woodchip-filled trenches, too. If that sounds complicated, it’s really not. These bioreactors clean water with no negative crop production impact. […]
How can I use natural materials to build soil fertility in my garden?
Not much beats the taste and nutrition of fresh vegetables that travel from your garden to your kitchen! Or the fragrance of fresh cut flowers that go straight to your vase. What […]
What should I consider before using fertilizers and pesticides at home?
Walking through the aisles of any home improvement or garden store, there is a seemingly endless array of products for your lawn and garden. Before making your selection though, there are few […]
Why are weeds so competitive with my plants?
Every summer I battle an enemy that can come back from the dead and there seems to be more of them every time I turn around! That’s right, I’m talking about zombies […]
What are the general uses of pesticides?
For centuries, farmers – and their crops – were defenseless against diseases. Insect pests can ruin a crop in days. So can diseases like “rust” and “molds”. Weeds can outcompete crops and […]
How do fertilizers help with food security?
Did you ever wonder where plants get their nutrients? It’s from the soil that they are grown in! Tiny seeds planted by farmers and gardeners grow into plants that can produce grain […]