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farming

11/02/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Manure-based fertilizers are ideal alternatives to conventional varieties, according to a study

A seven-year-long study conducted by Spanish researchers in a farm under the Mediterranean sun has concluded its comparison of natural and synthetic fertilizers. The researchers reported that manure-based fertilizer greatly improved the crop yield, both on its own and when added to chemical fertilizer. The goal of the Universitat de Lleida (UDL) research team was […]

10/11/2018 / By RJ Jhonson

Amending hardwood biochar with compost tea improves soil quality

Compost tea — compost steeped in water — has been used as an amendment for biochar, charcoal that’s used in agriculture as a soil amendment. Evidence of the practice’s positive effects is scarce, prompting researchers to investigate the matter in a study published in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture. The researchers investigated the effects of combining […]

10/09/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo

For the organic farmer: Cattle manure is best for crop growth

A study, published in Horticultural Science, compared the effects of different organic treatments on the growth of the Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. var. pekinensis Lour [Olson]). They considered treatments such as the type of organic fertilizer, location, and the cabbage hybrid used. Growth was estimated using the following parameters: yield, plant height, and cabbage head […]

09/16/2018 / By Janine Acero

Protecting your chickens from heat stress: How to make your own homemade electrolytes for poultry

Much like humans, animals and pets experience stress from heat and dehydration, which leads to sickness and even death if not given immediate attention. If you own backyard chickens or ducks, electrolytes are one of the things you must have at the ready in case your flock is under stress from these conditions. Read on […]

08/29/2018 / By Russel Davis

The single women who thrived in homesteading the West

Women have long been spearheading farming and homesteading across the U.S. for about 150 years. According to a Rethink Rural article, a provision by the Homestead Act of 1862 has enabled qualifying women to broaden their skills by managing acres of land. Under the law, 21-year-old females who serve as the heads of their households are […]

08/04/2018 / By Rita Winters

Starting your own farm? 7 Questions to ask yourself first

When starting a small farm, there are considerations you have to make. A small farm is a small business, and as harmless as it may sound, there are painful downsides when it is not managed properly. Nevertheless, a small farm is a good way to fulfill your nutritional and financial needs. Small farms can be […]

05/11/2018 / By David Williams

7 Reasons why you should start building an aquaponics garden now

Traditional farming methods have their perks, but now that viable alternatives such as aquaponics exist, some people consider them entirely obsolete. You might think that’s an overreaction, but when you look at the actual benefits of aquaponics, you’ll quickly understand. With aquaponics, there is a clear symbiotic relationship between all of the organisms contained within […]

04/17/2018 / By Joel M. Harrison

Food Independence: Learn how to build a simple, sustainable and humane system of raising meat chickens

Growing and harvesting your own vegetables and fruits is one thing. Living off them is another. Unless you’re growing plants that are particularly robust in terms of calories, the amount of effort put into growing them and the energy yielded from their consumption doesn’t balance out. Fortunately, adding meat to your diet more than makes up […]

04/01/2018 / By David Williams

Soil management through crop rotation and organic amendments found to support sustainable vegetable production, eliminate need for conventional fertilizers

Nowadays, the use of conventional types of fertilizers is a common practice, as it is seen by most people as necessary to achieve success in growing food crops. However, a study published in Agronomy Journal shows that it is possible to avoid using them altogether. The researchers wanted to find out whether or not it was possible to achieve […]

03/30/2018 / By Jayson Veley

Authorities look for new ways to CRUSH food freedom as interest in food independence grows and raising poultry becomes more popular

Over the past few years, raising poultry has become immensely popular in the United States – more popular than it has been in quite some time. Naturally, given the power-hungry nature of those who claim to represent us, the government is continuously looking for ways to regulate this growing trend of food independence. As noted […]

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