Soil News: January 2005

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Sunday, January 30, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Department of Agriculture Aims to Help Beekeepers
Southern Pines Pilot Sat, 29 Jan 2005 12:31 PM PST
To some people, bees may represent a nuisance to be avoided in the yard and garden. But to fruit and vegetable farmers, bees are as important as the soil the plants grow in.

1/30 MIKE GAGE: Northern Zone votes for Boll Weevil eradication
Corsicana Daily Sun Sun, 30 Jan 2005 0:06 AM PST
The Texas Department of Agriculture announced the results of the Northern Blacklands Boll Weevil Eradication Referendum vote that concluded Friday. The producer vote favored the referendum with an 85 percent approval while the acreage vote approved the issue with a 67 percent approval.

Organic farming seminar ends; Valley agriculture issues addressed
Valley Morning Star Sat, 29 Jan 2005 9:05 AM PST
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND In Max Pons opinion, a widespread switch from conventional to organic farming is likely to depend on farmers wallets. Better efficiency means burning less $2-a-gallon fuel. Less fertilizer means a lower cost to cultivate crops. Both are sure to turn a farmer s head.

Demystify 5 myths of gardening
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Sun, 30 Jan 2005 3:41 AM PST
WASHINGTON – “Everybody knows ... everybody says ...” These are some of the most deceptive words in gardening. Just because something is conventional doesn’t mean it’s wisdom.

Flower & Garden 2005: Fresh faces and ideas promise to perk up this perennial show
Seattle Times Sun, 30 Jan 2005 2:08 AM PST
The Northwest Flower & Garden Show will be Feb. 9-13 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. For show information call...

Stink not the only thing skunks leave
Bowling Green Kentucky - Daily News Sat, 29 Jan 2005 10:54 PM PST
It is coincidental that for the past week I have noticed a number of skunks along U.S. 68-Ky. 80 and U.S. 79, scurrying in the dawn mist across the road, and a few more that lost their encounters with automobiles.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Saturday, January 29, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Desalination to rehabilitate agricultural lands by Uditha Kumarasinghe
Daily News Fri, 28 Jan 2005 11:47 AM PST
The Agriculture, Lands and Irrigation Ministry has formulated plans to remove the salinity of soil in cultivated lands in the tsunami stricken areas.

Three receive conservation district honors
Albany Democrat-Herald Fri, 28 Jan 2005 1:59 PM PST
tangent Three persons received honors from the Linn Soil and Water Conservation District, the district has announced.

Researchers work to link bio-based products, economy
High Plains Journal Fri, 28 Jan 2005 3:18 PM PST
When most in agriculture look out across a corn field in autumn, shortly before harvest, they often dream of sky-high, bin-busting yields. But, filling bins and feed bunks is just the beginning for the crop and others.

Ag land losses are piling up
Decatur Daily Democrat Fri, 28 Jan 2005 10:10 AM PST
By 2034, the amount of acres used for agriculture in the United States will be converted to nonagricultural uses in an amount equal to the size of Indiana.

e4engineering.com - Engineering news, engineering information and engineering jobs for engineering professionals
E4: Engineering Fri, 28 Jan 2005 8:32 AM PST
While applications of biotechnology in medicine and agriculture are well documented and understood, there is less awareness of its role in a manufacturing context.

World Briefings
New York Times Fri, 28 Jan 2005 8:10 PM PST
CHILE: PINOCHET SECURITY CHIEF TAKEN TO PRISON Gen. Manuel Contreras, the feared director of military intelligence during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, was forcibly taken into custody after he failed to appear before a judge to begin serving a 12-year prison sentence for his role in the disappearance of a young leftist presumed to have been killed in 1975. General Contreras was said

Evacuees return home
Tri-City Herald Online Sat, 29 Jan 2005 5:06 AM PST
GRANDVIEW -- Dixie Day stood Friday afternoon near the entrance of Lamplighter Village, clutching a stack of white instruction sheets and flashing a wide smile.

Garden expo a jump start to Spring planting
Northwestern Sat, 29 Jan 2005 3:10 AM PST
Though grass has been covered by a white blanket of snow and ice, area gardeners are thinking green in preparation for spring.

State's avo commission hones strategy to meet import threat
The Californian Fri, 28 Jan 2005 9:34 PM PST
PALA ---- It's OK to be angry, but accept the reality of increased competition from Mexico ---- and know that there is a plan.

India to raise aid to Bhutan:
New Kerala Sat, 29 Jan 2005 1:19 AM PST
[India News]: New Delhi, Jan 28 : India today decided to raise the aid to Bhutan from Rs 430 crore to Rs 710 crore for that country's 9th Five-year Plan (2002-07) as the two sides affirmed "support and cooperation" in addressing cross-border concerns to improve border management and security.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Friday, January 28, 2005 7:04 AM PST

American Soil Technologies, Inc. Announces Domestic and International Sales Concentration Addressing Worldwide Drought
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Fri, 28 Jan 2005 6:30 AM PST
American Soil Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has launched a domestic and international sales concentration, targeting governmental agencies and commercial applications to address a major worldwide concern, drought.

Our hero of agriculture now not quite so unsung
Narooma News Thu, 27 Jan 2005 2:33 PM PST
A BINGIE man who has been described as "an unsung hero of global agriculture" is being honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.

Major plans to boost agriculture on anvil
Navhind Times Thu, 27 Jan 2005 11:55 AM PST
Panaji Jan 27: The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar said that Krishi Bhavan, the headquarters for the administrative activities of the directorate of agriculture would be supplemented by new extension offices, to be set up in talukas like Ponda and Sattari.

Hong Kong hunts for infestations of dangerous red fire ants
AFP via Yahoo! News Thu, 27 Jan 2005 9:08 AM PST
Hong Kong agriculture chiefs have launched territory-wide inspections for dangerous red fire ants after their anthills were found here for the first time, the health chief said.

NDSU geospatial Web site offers access to GIS information and more
Tri-State Neighbor Fri, 28 Jan 2005 6:17 AM PST
If you're looking for a good source of information on precision agriculture, there's an easy-to-use site sponsored by the North Dakota State University Extension Geospatial Program.

SeedQuest - Central information website for the global seed industry
SeedQuest Thu, 27 Jan 2005 9:59 AM PST
A consultation of experts convened at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), recommended that any responsible deployment of Genetically Modified (GM) crops needs to comprise the whole technology development process, from the pre-release risk assessment, to biosafety considerations and post release monitoring.

FAO Told More GM Study Needed
Ag Report Thu, 27 Jan 2005 7:19 AM PST
ROME - Jan 27/05 - SNS -- An expert panel convened by the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) wants to see more study done on the impact of genetically modified (GM) crops before their use becomes more widespread.

U.N. Food Agency Recommends Guidelines on Environmental Impact of Biotech Foods
Technology Review Thu, 27 Jan 2005 5:26 PM PST
Frankenfoods continue to keep scientists on their toes, even as small farmers around the world adopt genetically-altered seeds.

Conservationists say little progress in water cleanup
Iowa Farmer Fri, 28 Jan 2005 6:50 AM PST
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) _ A coalition of conservation groups is threatening to sue the state, claiming it has failed to enforce the Clean Water Act and has made little progress in cleaning up Iowa's polluted lakes, rivers and streams.

House & Garden Briefs
This Ithaca Journal Fri, 28 Jan 2005 4:26 AM PST
ITHACA -- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is hosting a free seminar on attracting birds, choosing the right seed, deciding on the best feeder design, and outwitting squirrels, at least some of the time.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Thursday, January 27, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Soil, water conservation funding may flow
Iowa Farmer Wed, 26 Jan 2005 8:18 AM PST
DES MOINES -- A disagreement over state funding of soil and water conservation districts may result in new legislation this spring. The first bill introduced in the legislative agriculture committees this month deals with funding for soil and water conservation districts.

Conserving soil moisture in coconut gardens
The Hindu Wed, 26 Jan 2005 11:44 AM PST
CONSERVING ADEQUATE soil moisture in coconut gardens is an independent factor during summer as moisture stress leads to stunted growth, drooping of leaves and immature nut fall.

2020 Vision report on agriculture
Trinidad Express Wed, 26 Jan 2005 7:05 PM PST
Last week I commenced discussion on six issues that need to be addressed if the 2020 Vision Report is to have any meaningful effect. - Dealing with the above issues while Government is to be only a facilitator.

Monitoring the Environmental Effects of GM Crops
PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 27 Jan 2005 6:28 AM PST
A consultation of experts convened at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization , recommended that any responsible deployment of Genetically Modified crops needs to comprise the whole technology development process, from the pre-release risk assessment, to biosafety considerations and post release monitoring.

No rat race, no sour grapes
Network World Fusion Wed, 26 Jan 2005 9:03 PM PST
Net industry veterans savor switch to wine making. "It's hard to love enterprise software." That's half the reason why so many network industry veterans seem to end up squinting into the California sun, weighing a handful of stony soil, standing between rows of grapes.

Pilot program for treating chicken litter presented
Arkansas News Bureau Thu, 27 Jan 2005 0:52 AM PST
LITTLE ROCK - Developers of a product that could reduce the amount of phosphorous in chicken litter by as much as 75 percent gave a presentation to lawmakers Wednesday and asked for $350,000 to do a pilot project in West and Northwest Arkansas.

"We all know that phosphorous runoff in Northwest Arkansas has been pretty significant," said Field Selby of Conway, chief operating officer for

NDSU Geospatial Website offers access to GIS information and more
Prairie Star Wed, 26 Jan 2005 2:34 PM PST
If you're looking for a good source of information on precision agriculture, there's an easy-to-use site sponsored by the North Dakota State University Extension Geospatial Program.

UA technology patenting, licensing surge
Arizona Daily Star Thu, 27 Jan 2005 2:22 AM PST
The University of Arizona boosted its overall technology patenting and licensing activity in fiscal 2004, led by the biosciences. Not surprisingly, UA colleges and research units related to the

Pilot program for treating chicken litter presented
Arkansas News Bureau Thu, 27 Jan 2005 6:22 AM PST
LITTLE ROCK - Developers of a product that could reduce the amount of phosphorous in chicken litter by as much as 75 percent gave a presentation to lawmakers Wednesday and asked for $350,000 to do a pilot project in West and Northwest Arkansas.

India likely to have surplus wheat for exports
Yahoo! India News Thu, 27 Jan 2005 5:41 AM PST
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India, one of the world's leading grain producers, is likely to have 2-3 million tonnes of surplus wheat for exports from the summer crop, a top farm scientist said on Thursday.

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- soil agriculture

Library to give agriculture history presentation
Register-Pajaronian - Watsonville,CA,USA
As rich as the soil and the produce of the Pajaro Valley are, so is the preservation of its ... Also at the fairgrounds is the Agriculture History Project. ...

2020 Vision report on agriculture
Trinidad & Tobago Express - Trinidad and Tobago
... plan produced for the development of agriculture on the lands of the former Orange Grove sugar estate. Experts in drainage engineering, soil science, crop and ...

Agriculture needs to adjust itself to realities of the global ...
Financial Express - New Delhi,India
... Global climate change is a reality and has a definite impact on agriculture. ... remained for more than two days, electrical conductivity in the soil has gone up ...

Conserving for the future
Pittsfield Pike Press - Pittsfield,IL,USA
... White built his first terraces in 1987 but says he valued soil conservation even ... sons - Jeff, Greg and Craig - who have all pursued a career in agriculture. ...

'A lot of house' and a long wait
Concord Monitor - Concord,NH,USA
... foundation when Steve Taylor, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture, learned of ... A soil survey showed that the land on the far southeast corner of ...

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- soil science environment

US, Valdez spill effects slow to fade
Keralanext - Kerala,India
... nearby areas, with parts of the environment still far ... oil that percolated into beach soil remains largely ... the US Geological Survey's Alaska Science Centre, who ...

Business People
Centre Daily Times - Centre County,PA,USA
... of management experience in the health-care environment. ... associate professor of turfgrass science; Andrew S ... assistant professor of soil science; Max Schlossberg ...

Agriculture needs to adjust itself to realities of the global ...
Financial Express - New Delhi,India
... revolution and participate in the global economic environment. ... We need a more science-friendly administration ... days, electrical conductivity in the soil has gone ...

From UWGB to Mars
The Green Bay News-Chronicle - Green Bay,WI,USA
... One of the things Mars Science Laboratory is ... MSL is going to do is find out what resources we can use in the soil. ... The best example of an environment like Mars ...

New Zealand: Green Haven for Biotech?
TechnologyReview.com - USA
... higher yields, grow in harsher soil conditions, and ... packaged-food processors, and life science companies billions ... claims of possible harm to the environment. ...

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Farm tax issues top S.D. bill slate
Grand Forks Herald Tue, 25 Jan 2005 10:13 AM PST
F ARGO, N.D. — An early agriculture issue in this year’s South Dakota Legislature is whether tax assessment of agricultural land is keeping up with the market value.

NDSU geospatial Web site offers access to GIS information and more
Tri-State Neighbor Tue, 25 Jan 2005 12:17 PM PST
If you're looking for a good source of information on precision agriculture, there's an easy-to-use site sponsored by the North Dakota State University Extension Geospatial Program.

Ag building on time, on budget
The Smithfield Herald Tue, 25 Jan 2005 7:17 AM PST
SMITHFIELD -- Construction of the Agriculture Services Complex on N.C. 210 west of town is on schedule and should wrap up in mid-August.

P.O. Box 598, Gaylord, MI 49734 989-732-1111, 877-819-6170 toll free
Gaylord Herald Times Wed, 26 Jan 2005 6:19 AM PST
EAST LANSING - Organic farmers and those interested in transitioning to organic production should attend "Growing Michigan's Organic Future," a conference set for March 5 at Michigan State University's (MSU) Eppley Center.

Crop management programs offered
Midwest Messenger Wed, 26 Jan 2005 6:29 AM PST
Lincoln, Neb. - University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Crop Management Winter Programs in February and March will provide producers and agribusiness professionals the latest information on weed management, corn rootworm control and digital agronomy.

How to avoid pests, naturally
Seattle Times Wed, 26 Jan 2005 2:13 AM PST
Thinking about your garden can be as important as doing the work. Every year is a potential fresh beginning, and now is the time to reflect...

Most County Departments Meeting Effectiveness Goals
Southern Pines Pilot Wed, 26 Jan 2005 5:32 AM PST
By the middle of the fiscal year, most county departments and agencies had reached or exceeded goals set to determine the effectiveness of services. Finance Officer Lisa Hughes presented the mid-year report to the Moore County Board of Commissioners at a Jan. 18 meeting.

Clarke Officials Praise Colt Sale
Winchester Star Tue, 25 Jan 2005 11:05 PM PST
“We’re very proud of Audley Farm’s accomplishments in the equine industry,” said Clarke County Supervisor A.R. “Pete” Dunning Jr.

HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY
Tri-State Media Tue, 25 Jan 2005 11:12 PM PST
In this section you will find an interesting historical account of the communities that make up Gibson County. Gibson County was once a wilderness situated in the Northwest Territory which, in 1784, was ceded to the United States of America by Virginia.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Ravalli Republic Tue, 25 Jan 2005 8:39 PM PST
Restoring water quality in the Three Mile and Ambrose Creek watersheds is going to take community support and involvement, said Jim Rokosch, a local landowner and aquatic biologist.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Tuesday, January 25, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Soil, water conservation funding may flow
Iowa Farmer Mon, 24 Jan 2005 8:03 AM PST
DES MOINES -- A disagreement over state funding of soil and water conservation districts may result in new legislation this spring. The first bill introduced in the legislative agriculture committees this month deals with funding for soil and water conservation districts.

Portugal boosts aid to drought-hit farmers to 25 million euros
AFP via Yahoo! News Mon, 24 Jan 2005 12:33 PM PST
Portugal will grant livestock farmers up to 25 million euros (32.5 million dollars) in aid to help them cope with the effects of a severe drought and an outbreak of blue tongue disease, Agriculture Minister Carlos Costa Neves said.

NEWS
Cornell Daily Sun Tue, 25 Jan 2005 3:15 AM PST
Researchers in Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will enter the new year with more resources and opportunities thanks to three grants earned in mid-December.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION ORGANIZATION IMPLEMENTS FOOD SECURITY PROJECT
AzerTag Tue, 25 Jan 2005 3:59 AM PST
With the financial support of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization is implementing “Preparation of the Regional Program for Food Security” project.

SeedQuest - Central information website for the global seed industry
SeedQuest Mon, 24 Jan 2005 7:13 AM PST
Legumes--beans, peas and other edible seeds that are enclosed in pods--are celebrated worldwide for their edible oils, protein and essential amino acids, as well as for their ability to convert airborne nitrogen into useable soil nutrients for other plants.

Debate arises over Venezuelan-Cuban accord on judicial assistance
La Nueva Cuba Tue, 25 Jan 2005 3:52 AM PST
Research Dept. CARACAS, Venezuela - A new accord between Venezuela and Cuba to cooperate in judicial affairs is stirring debate over whether the agreement could be used by the Cuban government to pursue its critics in Venezuela.

(Valley News — David Barreda)
Valley News Tue, 25 Jan 2005 6:24 AM PST
Ben Fuller, 17, right, helps with evening chores as his father, David, cleans the cow stalls at Fuller farm in Perkinsville yesterday. David Fuller is worried plans to further regulate manure handling could spread to small farms such as his.

Kalam's mantra for national prosperity
Rediff.com Tue, 25 Jan 2005 5:32 AM PST
This is the complete text of President A P J Abdul Kalam's address to the nation on the eve of the 56th Republic Day.

President Kalam's 'Action Plan for Employment Generation':
New Kerala Tue, 25 Jan 2005 6:18 AM PST
"Everyone has inside of him or her, a piece of good news. The good news is, that you don't know how great you can be!" Dear Citizens, on the eve of the 56th Republic Day of India, my greetings to all of you, including those living abroad.

Crop management programs offered
Midwest Messenger Tue, 25 Jan 2005 6:29 AM PST
Lincoln, Neb. - University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Crop Management Winter Programs in February and March will provide producers and agribusiness professionals the latest information on weed management, corn rootworm control and digital agronomy.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Monday, January 24, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Ex-agriculture teacher growing turf for Super Bowl XXXIX
Macon Telegraph Mon, 24 Jan 2005 0:13 AM PST
RIDDLEVILLE - The Super Bowl will never come to Riddleville, but the big game will be played on Riddleville turf. For the past 18 months, a four-acre patch of grass on Phillip Jennings Turf Farms has been the home of the turf on which Super Bowl XXXIX will be played.

Tsunami seawater fatal to crops
The Philadelphia Inquirer Mon, 24 Jan 2005 0:06 AM PST
U.N. experts fear it could be five years before the worst-hit rice fields recover. LAMTUI, Indonesia - The tsunami that swept away homes and lives in South Asia also left behind a poisonous legacy for farmers: salt. Rice and many other plants won't grow in soil fouled by briny waters.

Weather favours grain crop in Kazakhstan
AgriMarket Mon, 24 Jan 2005 6:38 AM PST
With account of favourable weather conditions, Kazakhstan estimates its grain crop prospects this year at more than 12.4 million tonnes, ITAR-TASS news agency informed with reference to Kazakhstan's agriculture ministry.

Web Site Offers a Detailed Look at Legumes
Agricultural Research Magazine Mon, 24 Jan 2005 3:51 AM PST
Legumes--beans, peas and other edible seeds that are enclosed in pods--are celebrated worldwide for their edible oils, protein and essential amino acids, as well as for their ability to convert airborne nitrogen into useable soil nutrients for other plants.

One Month Post-Tsunami, Farmers Face Fallow Fields
Environmental News Network Mon, 24 Jan 2005 5:05 AM PST
LADONG, Indonesia — A small, grassy field that once held 200 broad-leafed banana trees now has only a dozen, and their owner is sure they'll die soon.

Minister aglow over new reactor
Sydney Morning Herald Mon, 24 Jan 2005 5:28 AM PST
Global role ... Dr Nelson at a the new particle accelerator at Lucas Heights. A state-of-the art particle accelerator switched on at Lucas Heights yesterday by the federal Science Minister, Brendan Nelson, will play a vital role in the worldwide detection of clandestine nuclear testing.

Environmental connection
Prescott Daily Courier Mon, 24 Jan 2005 5:11 AM PST
PRESCOTT – High school students from Prescott, Chino Valley, Flagstaff, Tempe and Buckeye prepared Saturday for a statewide competition by attending lectures, examining water quality and soils, and measuring tree diameters.

City, NRCS review repair to Doe River dam
Elizabethton Star Mon, 24 Jan 2005 6:44 AM PST
Biologists and engineers with a federal conservation agency visited Elizabethton Friday to review rebuilding the city's Weir Dam and rechannel a portion of the Doe River to slow erosion of a riverbank lying in close proximity to several city residences.

Lewis Creek cleanup plan to be reviewed
News Leader Mon, 24 Jan 2005 2:58 AM PST
STAUNTON The Department of Environmental Quality wants to hear from you about Lewis Creek.

Free conservation easement workshop planned
News Leader Mon, 24 Jan 2005 2:58 AM PST
MIDDLETOWN The Shenandoah Resource Conservation and Development Council, based in Verona, will present the conservation easement workshop "What's the Difference Between a Purchased and a Donated Easement?" at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Smith Conference Center at Lord Fairfax Community College.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Salt slows Indonesia's restoration
Billings Gazette Sun, 23 Jan 2005 0:43 AM PST
LAMTUI, Indonesia - The Dec. 26 tsunami that swept away homes and lives also left behind a poisonous legacy for farmers: salt. Rice and many other plants won't grow in the soil that was fouled by briny waters.

Go forth and propagate
Pacific Daily News Sat, 22 Jan 2005 8:08 AM PST
Another way: John Borja, division chief of the agriculture development section of Guam's Department of Agriculture, prepares to propagate a mango plant, showing another way to grow fruit trees instead of planting seeds.

Tsunami sea salt, mud spoil farming, fishing
Pioneer Press Sun, 23 Jan 2005 1:13 AM PST
It could be years before rice paddies and shrimp ponds return to previous production levels. LAMTUI, Indonesia — The Dec. 26 tsunami that swept away homes and lives also left behind a poisonous legacy for farmers — salt.

Tsunami Notebook: Cropland damaged by salt from sea
Seattle Times Sun, 23 Jan 2005 2:10 AM PST
The tsunami that swept away homes and lives on Dec. 26 also left behind a poisonous legacy for farmers: salt. Rice and many other plants...

Field to fuel
Columbian Missourian Sun, 23 Jan 2005 6:12 AM PST
[see full size image] Ryland Utlaut, a farmer for the past 35 years, is the chairman of Mid-Missouri Energy Incorporated Group, which now comprises 729 farmer shareholders. He initiated the building of the Malta Bend ethanol plant, set to open at the end of this month.

Landowners, wildlife benefit from program
The State Sun, 23 Jan 2005 0:09 AM PST
EVERY TIME WE travel, while my wife drives I often watch the power-line rights-of-way to see if I can spot a deer or a flock of turkeys. My chances of seeing wildlife are greatly improved if the right-of-way has been managed for wildlife.

Global warming will impact nitrogen use
Green Island Independent Sat, 22 Jan 2005 11:05 PM PST
A two-year study by the Agricultural Research Service found that wheat grown under elevated levels of carbon dioxide over the next half century will need slightly more nitrogen to grow, but not as much as previously predicted.

Agency aids removal of dangerous trees
San Diego Union-Tribune Sun, 23 Jan 2005 2:39 AM PST
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN –; The residents of Bailey Meadow live among the trees.

Home almanac
San Diego Union-Tribune Sun, 23 Jan 2005 2:40 AM PST
Jerry Rife / Union-Tribune Cat call Can';t wait to get your paws on a different flavor of cat art? Enter the Cat Gallery, a New Mexico company that poses the question, how would Picasso, Matisse, Manet and other famous artists have painted their cats? The resulting cat-art parodies are executed in watercolors, acrylics and mixed media in the masters'; styles, but do not carry the astronomical

1/23 GAGE: Pesticide recertification and crop update seminar has been set
Corsicana Daily Sun Sun, 23 Jan 2005 0:06 AM PST
Area farmers and ranchers needing credits to recertify their private, commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicators' license are invited to attend the Navarro County Recertification and Crop Update Seminar set for Tuesday, Feb. 1 at the Navarro County Exposition Center, Fannie Mae Vernon Room located at 4021 W. Hwy 22 in Corsicana.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:04 AM PST

Soil, water conservation funding may flow
Iowa Farmer Fri, 21 Jan 2005 1:48 PM PST
DES MOINES -- A disagreement over state funding of soil and water conservation districts may result in new legislation this spring. The first bill introduced in the legislative agriculture committees this month deals with funding for soil and water conservation districts.

Water everywhere, only one drop to drink
Niles Daily Star Sat, 22 Jan 2005 3:17 AM PST
Sure, water covers 70 percent of the earth's surface. But if you could somehow pour it all in a two-liter bottle, the proportion left for the world's drinking and daily use, including industry and agriculture, would be one drop.

Water Quality funding applications to be taken by Conservation districts
News Democrat & Leader Fri, 21 Jan 2005 4:16 PM PST
The Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Program was created to help agricultural operations protect the soil and water resources of Kentucky. This program is a result of House Bill 377 that was passed in the 1994 General Assembly.

SeedQuest - Central information website for the global seed industry
SeedQuest Fri, 21 Jan 2005 8:42 AM PST
A new type of plastic cover that helps stop chemical soil fumigants from escaping into the atmosphere could provide a timely alternative for farmers facing a ban on methyl bromide, according to Agricultural Research Service scientists.

Bee Web site helps farmers find beekeepers
Bladen Journal Fri, 21 Jan 2005 9:03 AM PST
To some people, bees may represent a nuisance to be avoided in the yard and garden. But to fruit and vegetable farmers, bees are as important as the soil the plants grow in.

Conservation district sponsors speaking contest
Enterprise Mountaineer Fri, 21 Jan 2005 8:33 AM PST
Haywood County seventh and eighth grade students will soon have a chance to do something many adults find intimidating — public speaking. The Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring its annual speech contest.

An idealistic farmers’ paradise
Santa Cruz Sentinel Sat, 22 Jan 2005 5:08 AM PST
PACIFIC GROVE — Benjamin Fahrer, an organic vegetable farmer north of Bodega Bay, said he’d love to return to the barter system. Cash would be useless, he said, food would be priceless, and virtually all goods and services would revolve around the end product: Better food on your table.

Report: Bolster state's ag sector
The Indianapolis Star Fri, 21 Jan 2005 11:40 PM PST
BioCrossroads analysis has blueprint for giant eco-parks that utilize Indiana crops. Imagine the state being dotted with giant-sized industrial parks that turn crops into products like meat, ethanol and plastics -- while being a model of environmental responsibility.

How Will Rising CO2 Affect Nitrogen Use?
Science Daily Fri, 21 Jan 2005 9:01 PM PST
Wheat grown under elevated levels of carbon dioxide over the next half-century will need slightly more nitrogen to grow, but not as much as previously predicted, according to a two-year study by Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators.

Plan forage activities now
Green Island Independent Fri, 21 Jan 2005 11:05 PM PST
Put your 2005 calendars to good use by planning this year's forage activities now. Make notes on calendars to complete needed work on a timely basis. For example, order alfalfa and other seeds now.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Friday, January 21, 2005 7:05 AM PST

Soil, water conservation funding may flow
Iowa Farmer Thu, 20 Jan 2005 7:26 AM PST
DES MOINES -- A disagreement over state funding of soil and water conservation districts may result in new legislation this spring. The first bill introduced in the legislative agriculture committees this month deals with funding for soil and water conservation districts.

Technology Complements Methyl Bromide Alternative
Agricultural Research Magazine Fri, 21 Jan 2005 5:53 AM PST
A new type of plastic cover that helps stop chemical soil fumigants from escaping into the atmosphere could provide a timely alternative for farmers facing a ban on methyl bromide, according to Agricultural Research Service scientists.

NBC Newschannel 6 Where News Comes First
KPVI-TV Thu, 20 Jan 2005 6:15 PM PST
The agriculture industry brings billions of dollars to Idaho's economy each year. But it seems the face of the old family farm is changing. Jeremy Couch attended the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo and shows us the latest in farming technology.

Two join Oldham extension agency
Oldham Era Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:45 AM PST
On Dec. 1 - her first day at the Oldham County Cooperative Extension office - Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Traci Missun arrived to find a snake on her desk.

Money tight for open space
phillyburbs.com Fri, 21 Jan 2005 7:01 AM PST
Despite a trimmer budget, Bucks County will continue efforts to protect prime farmland from developers.

Wet feet
Daily Press Fri, 21 Jan 2005 6:36 AM PST
When it gets too much water, a Joshua tree expels extra moisture through its green leaves. The living, green leaves and the brown, dead leaves both serve to capture moisture when rainfall has been meager.

Meetings will let landowners plan restoration work
Jefferson City News Tribune Fri, 21 Jan 2005 0:07 AM PST
For admirers of bobwhite quail and other grassland birds, the past 20 years have been discouraging. But a dedicated group of citizen conservationists are organizing an effort to reverse the trend. In April, they will invite Missouri landowners to join them.

Ecke Ranch owner calls for public vote on project
The Californian Thu, 20 Jan 2005 9:12 PM PST
ENCINITAS ---- The owner of Paul Ecke Ranch told the City Council on Wednesday that plans to build housing and a public works facility on his family-owned property on Saxony Road should be put to a public vote.

HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY
Tri-State Media Fri, 21 Jan 2005 0:25 AM PST
In this section you will find an interesting historical account of the communities that make up Gibson County. Gibson County was once a wilderness situated in the Northwest Territory which, in 1784, was ceded to the United States of America by Virginia.

Celebrate New Year's Day for Trees on Tuesday
Redlands Daily Facts Thu, 20 Jan 2005 9:10 PM PST
"Well, I hope all of you go out in the garden next Tuesday," yours truly announced at dinner last evening. The patient eyes of my family looked slowly and sadly at what the professor might come up with next. "Because next Tuesday is the New Year's Day for Trees."

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- soil science environment

Scientists Decipher Genome Of Bacterium That Helps Clean Up Major ...
Science Daily (press release) - USA
... Pseudomonas putida, a soil bacterium that ... Claire M. Fraser, a coauthor of the Science paper ... of microbial metabolism, genomics can be a boon to the environment.". ...

OHSU-Led Study Finds Advantages To Iron Nanoparticles For ...
Nanotechwire.com (press release) - Philadelphia,PA,USA
... cleaning up contaminants in groundwater, soil and sediments is ... at OHSU's OGI School of Science & Engineering ... effects of metal nanoparticles in the environment.". ...

Jeanette Fitzsimons: "Picnic for the Planet 2005"
Scoop.co.nz (press release) - New Zealand
As we enjoy our spectacular environment and privileged way of life, I know ... training courses on low-energy, sustainable farming and invest in more soil science. ...

Nanotechnology Used to Study Environment
Daily Californian - Berkeley,CA,USA
... kinetics of reactions in the pore scale environment. ... also includes chemists, biochemists, soil scientist and ... we're bringing these methods to earth science. ...

Tsunami forms salty crust over farmland
Mail & Guardian Online (subscription) - Johannesburg,South Africa
... salt water, warns a report on the Science and Development ... is beginning to form a crust on the soil. ... impact, while he United Nations Environment Programme has ...

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Thursday, January 20, 2005 7:06 AM PST

PSCD offering scholarships to high school seniors
Lamar Daily News Wed, 19 Jan 2005 9:11 AM PST
The Prowers Soil Conservation District is proud to announce that they will once again award two $300 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the district wishing to pursue higher education in any agriculture or conservation related field.

SeedQuest - Central information website for the global seed industry
SeedQuest Wed, 19 Jan 2005 9:42 PM PST
Some 30,000 acres of Arkansas soybeans had to be replanted in 2004 because of fungal seedling diseases, according to best estimates, said Dr. Chris Tingle, soybean specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

South Perth, Western Australia January 20, 2005
SeedQuest Wed, 19 Jan 2005 9:42 PM PST
The Department of Agriculture is showcasing Western Australia’s ‘clean and green’ image to a delegation visiting from Thailand this week. The delegation is visiting Western Australia to inspect the high health status of local potato production systems.

NDSU geospatial Web site offers access to GIS information and more
Tri-State Neighbor Thu, 20 Jan 2005 6:32 AM PST
If you're looking for a good source of information on precision agriculture, there's an easy-to-use site sponsored by the North Dakota State University Extension Geospatial Program.

Agriculture, Water, Ads
Migration Dialogue Wed, 19 Jan 2005 9:43 AM PST
California's farm sales totaled $28 billion in 2003, including $7 billion from livestock, dairy and poultry products and $21 billion from the sale of crops.

Goranson Farm Loses Produce in Barn Blaze
Lincoln County News Wed, 19 Jan 2005 10:21 AM PST
Produce for 112 community supported agriculture customers was completely consumed Jan. 12 in a blaze that leveled a two-story barn behind the main house of Goranson’s Farm on Rt. 128 in Dresden.

Good news on tree disease
San Jose Mercury News Thu, 20 Jan 2005 3:06 AM PST
Sudden oak death has run its course in the most vulnerable forests in coastal Bay Area counties, although it continues to pose a threat to new areas of wilderness as well as commercial nurseries, experts said Wednesday.

Article
africast.com Thu, 20 Jan 2005 5:21 AM PST
KUMASI, Ghana, January 20 -- The Director-General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr Mohammed ElBaradei would witness the inauguration of Radiotherapy Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Friday in Kumasi.

Auld Lange Syne and all, 2005 won't be 2004
Midwest Messenger Thu, 20 Jan 2005 6:43 AM PST
When bidding my first, large free-lance writing job decades ago, I telephoned an experienced friend for guidance. Should I bid low to get the work or high to make some real money, I asked. His two-step, can't-lose advice was priceless.

Skip-row field trials continue to show profitable yields
Tri-State Neighbor Thu, 20 Jan 2005 6:32 AM PST
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. - The second year of skip-row planting field trials for dryland corn continued to show positive results for this water-rationing strategy, a University of Nebraska cropping systems specialist said.

[TOP]

First National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and HEP C

First National Conference on
Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis C
"Science and Response in 2005"

August 19th and 20th, 2005 in Salt Lake City

This biannual conference has been designed to provide an arena in which our
nation's preeminent scientists, providers and professionals will gather to
discuss the intersection between Methamphetamine, HIV & Hepatitis C.

The conference program is currently being developed and will include
plenaries, break out sessions, and opportunities for discussion. Information
regarding registration, accommodations, the program, etc., will be available
at http://www.harmredux.org/conference2005.htm on February 1, 2005.

If you have any urgent questions, please contact Amanda Whipple at
801.355.0234 ext 3 or via email at methconference2005@harmredux.org

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 7:06 AM PST

Now is time for preparing soil in home orchard
The Charlotte Observer Wed, 19 Jan 2005 0:17 AM PST
Home orchard management should be high on your agenda in winter. Fertility, soil preparation, dormant spraying and pruning are all part of good care and sound planning.

American Soil Technologies Announces the Establishment of a Sales Program for the Retail Horticulture and Garden Markets
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 19 Jan 2005 6:36 AM PST
American Soil Technologies Inc. announced today that through its sales and marketing consultant, Spectrum Advisors LLC, it has been able to establish its first sales program for the retail horticulture and garden markets.

Mercury in Willamette from soil erosion, air
Corvallis Gazette Times Tue, 18 Jan 2005 5:15 PM PST
State environmental officials say they have calculated the sources of the mercury contamination in the Willamette River. Almost all of it comes from the erosion of soil or directly from the air, they say, and only a tiny proportion comes from industry, old mines or city treatment plants.

Agriculture seeks Tk 381cr subsidy from finance
News From Bangladesh Tue, 18 Jan 2005 9:49 PM PST
With irrigation getting costlier due to a recent diesel price hike, the agriculture ministry has submitted a Tk 381 crore subsidy proposal for finance ministry's approval.

Chinese Government Eliminates Agriculture Tax, Benefiting 800 Million Chinese Farmers
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 18 Jan 2005 7:12 AM PST
Bodisen Biotech, Inc., announced that the Chinese government has adopted new policies in supporting the agricultural sector by eliminating a 50 year old agriculture tax. China has a population of 1.3 billion; approximately 800 million Chinese are farmers.

2005 EQIP sign-up underway for Minnesota producers
Tri-State Neighbor Wed, 19 Jan 2005 6:15 AM PST
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals.

SeedQuest - Central information website for the global seed industry
SeedQuest Tue, 18 Jan 2005 3:13 PM PST
Progressive leaders in no-till agriculture were honored at the National No-Tillage Conference on Jan. 14, 2005, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ninth Annual No-Till Innovator Awards, which are sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and No-Till Farmer magazine, were presented in four categories: Consulting, Crop Production, Organization and Research and Education.

FAO to focus on providing relief aid in coastal areas
The Jakarta Post Tue, 18 Jan 2005 7:12 PM PST
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced on Tuesday that it would focus on resuscitating the livelihoods and socioeconomic activities of fishermen affected by the recent devastating tsunami in Aceh.

Ministry seeks Tk 3.8b to supply diesel at subsidised rate
News From Bangladesh Tue, 18 Jan 2005 10:19 PM PST
irrigation pumps, keeping the hike in the administered diesel price, reports UNB. Agriculture Minister MK Anwar stated this Tuesday at a press conference of his ministry.

From the Fields
The Prairie Advocate Tue, 18 Jan 2005 5:18 PM PST
By now, those involved with production agriculture know that Asian soybean rust was confirmed for the first time in the continental United States in November 2004. Soybean rust is a fungal disease that infects leaves, stems, petioles, and even cotyledons of the plant and can cause defoliation and significant yield loss.

[TOP]

Plant Biology 2005

Plant Biology 2005
16 to 20 July 2005
Seattle, WA USA

The annual meeting of the American Society of
Plant Biologists (ASPB) features 5 major
symposia, minisymposia, posters, exhibits,
workshops, networking and social events!

To be considered for inclusion in a minisymposium,
please be sure to submit your abstract by February 28, 2005.
For poster sessions only, submit by April 1, 2005. And for
inclusion in the Program Book, submit by May 2, 2005.

Enquiries: info@aspb.org
Web address: http://www.aspb.org/meetings/pb-2005/
Sponsored by: American Society of Plant Biologists

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Monday, January 17, 2005 7:06 AM PST

30 towns in Central Mindanao prone to erosion
ABS-CBNNEWS.com Mon, 17 Jan 2005 6:43 AM PST
KORONADAL CITY - The economic growth of more than half of the towns in the agriculture-rich Central Mindanao is facing obstacles as they were identified to be prone to moderate or severe soil erosion.

USAID keen to support agricultural dev
News From Bangladesh Sun, 16 Jan 2005 8:33 PM PST
American aid-agency USAID is willing to strengthen their support to agriculture-sector development of Bangladesh by way of assisting in research, extension and marketing of farm products, reports UNB.

USAID to support farm development
News From Bangladesh Sun, 16 Jan 2005 8:34 PM PST
American aid-agency USAID is willing to strengthen their support to agriculture-sector development of Bangladesh by way of assisting in research, extension and marketing of farm products.

Skip row planting shows promise for water rationing
Agriculture Online Mon, 17 Jan 2005 6:19 AM PST
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- The second year of skip-row planting field trials for dryland corn continued to show positive results for this water-rationing strategy, a University of Nebraska cropping systems specialist said.

Enviro-friendly
Grand Forks Herald Mon, 17 Jan 2005 1:14 AM PST
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gabe Brown hasn't been afraid of trying new things in farming and ranching. To him, everything has been new, and the government's new Conservation Security Program fits right into his environmentally friendly farming.

Business
Grand Forks Herald Mon, 17 Jan 2005 1:13 AM PST
Gabe Brown of Bismarck, N.D., says the federal Conservation Security Program is a great concept. He's in one of the first North Dakota regions where the program is offered. He hopes to qualify in 2005, but says its value will depend on decisions not yet made, and budget limits.

'Mangroves reduce tidal waves'
Rediff.com Mon, 17 Jan 2005 2:38 AM PST
'We have to initiate a bio-shield movement along the coastal areas,' says Dr M S Swaminathan.

The Rediff Interview/ Dr M S Swaminathan
India Abroad Mon, 17 Jan 2005 3:04 AM PST
A s chairman of the government's National Commission of Farmers, Dr M S Swaminathan has been asked to submit his report on how to face natural disasters like the tsunami.

On the Andaman Islands, life and geography are rewritten by the tsunami
The Californian Sun, 16 Jan 2005 9:07 PM PST
PORT BLAIR, India -- Someday, perhaps, he'll be able to rebuild his house, and take his family back to the island that they fled. Maybe one day he'll again have a coconut grove set along the shimmering blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY
Tri-State Media Mon, 17 Jan 2005 0:27 AM PST
In this section you will find an interesting historical account of the communities that make up Gibson County. Gibson County was once a wilderness situated in the Northwest Territory which, in 1784, was ceded to the United States of America by Virginia.

[TOP]

Call for papers: In-situ methods and Investigations in Environmental Science, ACS Meeting, Washington, DC

Apologies for cross posting!

Announcement and Call for Papers

for a symposium about

"In-situ Methods and Investigations in Environmental Science"

230th Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Division of Geochemistry

August 28 - September 1, 2005

Washington, DC

Organizers: Bernd Nowack (ETH Zurich), Phil Bennett (University of Texas), Anthony Hay (Cornell University)

Keynote speakers:

Jennifer Field, Oregon State University

Kevin Jones, Lancaster University

Mark Conrad, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Bernhard Wehrli, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Bill Davison, Lancaster University, UK

Chemical and biogeochemical reaction rates and processes studied under controlled conditions in laboratory systems can rarely be directly transferred to the field. Reasons for this include the inherent heterogeneity of natural systems, uncontrolled boundary conditions (e.g. water flow, temperature, microbial interactions), and competition reactions.
This symposium will address recent advances in characterizing chemical, geological and microbial processes in situ, including new field techniques for sampling, experiments, and analysis. This could also involve characterizing element or pollutant cycling and bioavailability in water, sediments, soils, or macro-scale laboratory experiments. We invite contributions that investigate the in situ aspects of:

- organic and inorganic reactions

- dissolution, weathering and phase transformation of mineral phases
- sampling techniques (e.g. DGT or passive samplers)
- analytical techniques (e.g. XAFS methods, X-ray CT, or magnetic resonance imaging)
- speciation of metals
- use of stable isotopes
- bioavailability of pollutants and bioassays
- pollutant biodegradation and microbial activity
- rhizosphere processes

Please consider contributing a poster or oral presentation to this symposium. To be considered for a presentation, potential presenters are required to submit a short abstract to ACS by April 26, 2005, using the ACS online system (OASYS) at http://oasys.acs.org/ . OASYS will become available for abstract submission on February 28. Instructions for submitting the abstract are available at this web site.

For details, please contact the symposium co-chairs.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Washington!

Best regards,

Bernd Nowack, Phil Bennett and Anthony Hay

--

______________________________________________________________________
PD Dr. Bernd Nowack
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ITOe), ETH Zuerich
Grabenstrasse 3
CH-8952 Schlieren
Switzerland

Phone:+41 1 633 61 60
Fax:+41 1 633 11 23
email: nowack@env.ethz.ch
http://www.ito.umnw.ethz.ch/SoilProt/staff/nowack

[TOP]

Last call for papers

Last call for papers

Special Symposium EGU (European Geosciences Union)
Vienna, Austria 24-29 April 2005

Seasonal and spatial variation in soil and sediment redox conditions; consequences for trace element mobility

http://www.copernicus.org/EGU/ga/egu05/index.htm

Deadline for abstracts 21 January 2005

Dr SiobhᮠSTAUNTON
UMR Rhizosph貥 & Symbiose
INRA
place Viala
34060 Montpellier Cedex
FRANCE

T鬯Phone 33 (0)4 99 61 23 31
Fax 33 (0)4 67 63 26 14

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Sunday, January 16, 2005 7:07 AM PST

CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District
Kingsport Times-News Sat, 15 Jan 2005 11:56 PM PST
CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN The Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for a Part-Time Conservation Technician.

Be curious, children advised
Billings Gazette Sun, 16 Jan 2005 0:50 AM PST
On Saturday, soil scientist Steve Van Fossen showed three dozen kids and their parents what happens when water is mixed with volcanic ash.

THE PILOT LIGHT: Board to Face Long Agenda
Southern Pines Pilot Sun, 16 Jan 2005 4:31 AM PST
Presentations on 911 Center improvements and on voluntary agriculture districts are on the long agenda for the Tuesday meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

Book details county's agricultural history
Sun-Sentinel Sun, 16 Jan 2005 0:26 AM PST
It was a seed no one had yet planted in more than a century of local agriculture.

Federal program rewards farmers for conservation efforts
AberdeenNews.com Sat, 15 Jan 2005 9:55 AM PST
NEW MUNICH, Minn. - Conserving the land isn't a new concept for Chuck Uphoff. The New Munich dairy farmer has been following conservation practices for three decades, including applying only nutrients his crops need, limiting how much he tills the soil and planting an estimated 3,000-4,000 trees.

Floods strip vital topsoil from area farmland
Saint George Spectrum Sat, 15 Jan 2005 10:10 AM PST
ST. GEORGE -- Of all that fell in the path of this week's torrents, the greatest devastation to farmers and ranchers may be the loss of land. "The thing that cannot be replaced is topsoil," said Vernon Parent, agriculture agent for Utah State University Extension in Washington County.

Historic Partnership Formed at Pheasant Fest in Omaha
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Sat, 15 Jan 2005 2:00 PM PST
Pheasants Forever announced a formal partnership with the Farm Service Agency this afternoon at Pheasant Fest. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding , PF and FSA established a broad working relationship to deliver Federal Farm Bill conservation programs that benefit farmers; as well as soil, water, and wildlife.

Study recommends major changes in irrigation
Billings Gazette Sun, 16 Jan 2005 0:58 AM PST
ALBANY, N.Y. - A growing population coupled with diminishing fresh water supplies should force major changes in the way the world's farmers tend their crops in coming decades, a recent study recommends.

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Saturday, January 15, 2005 7:07 AM PST

Biotech Crop Harvest Comes Amid Discord
Environmental News Network Sat, 15 Jan 2005 2:34 AM PST
Food is one of our most basic needs; it nurtures and sustains our bodies and minds. It brings us together with our friends and loved ones. Yet today's industrial agriculture depletes the soil and water supplies and damages our health.

Federal program rewards farmers for conservation efforts
Duluth News Tribune Fri, 14 Jan 2005 10:16 PM PST
NEW MUNICH, Minn. - Conserving the land isn't a new concept for Chuck Uphoff. The New Munich dairy farmer has been following conservation practices for three decades, including applying only nutrients his crops need, limiting how much he tills the soil and planting an estimated 3,000-4,000 trees.

SeedQuest - Central information website for the global seed industry
SeedQuest Fri, 14 Jan 2005 2:10 PM PST
The United States wants to work cooperatively with cotton-producing countries in West Africa to address the region's cotton production and promotion issues, says Jim Butler, deputy under secretary of agriculture for farm and foreign agricultural services.

Welcome
USDA Sat, 15 Jan 2005 2:37 AM PST
In 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln founded the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he called it the "people's Department." In Lincoln's day, 58 percent of the people were farmers who needed good seeds and information to grow their crops.

Two join Oldham extension agency
Oldham Era Fri, 14 Jan 2005 2:22 PM PST
On Dec. 1 - her first day at the Oldham County Cooperative Extension office - Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Traci Missun arrived to find a snake on her desk.

2005 EQIP sign-up underway for Minnesota producers
Tri-State Neighbor Fri, 14 Jan 2005 1:03 PM PST
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals.

Toxic Test Results Alarm Gert Town Residents
WDSU TheNewOrleansChannel.com via Yahoo! News Fri, 14 Jan 2005 2:17 PM PST
Neighbors in Gert Town fear traces of pesticides and other chemicals from a now-defunct plant will make them sick.

Skip row planting shows promise for water rationing
Agriculture Online Sat, 15 Jan 2005 2:39 AM PST
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- The second year of skip-row planting field trials for dryland corn continued to show positive results for this water-rationing strategy, a University of Nebraska cropping systems specialist said.

Feb. 8 conference delves into nitrogen and yields
Agriculture Online Sat, 15 Jan 2005 2:41 AM PST
Were you frustrated with 2004 corn yields where manure management plans restricted nitrogen application?

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Thursday, January 13, 2005 7:07 AM PST

Agriculture Officials Warn Residents Of Termite Season
WESH 2 Thu, 13 Jan 2005 4:49 AM PST
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The termite season is here and Florida agriculture officials say this is the time of year when termites begin to swarm or look for new nesting sites.

American Soil Technologies Announces Dealer Agreement with Ag Pro Tech Inc. of Grand Forks, Minn.
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 13 Jan 2005 6:30 AM PST
American Soil Technologies Inc. announced today that it has entered into a dealer agreement with Ag Pro Tech Inc., a Minnesota corporation, with its principal location in Grand Forks, Minn.

Agriculture scientist moots consortium of farmers:
New Kerala Wed, 12 Jan 2005 7:54 PM PST
[Business India]: Chennai, Jan 12 : A US-based agriculture scientist today suggested formation of a consortium of farmers, to help them identify problems, analyse situations and find answers.

Farmers learn about preserving land
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette Thu, 13 Jan 2005 5:04 AM PST
LANCASTER -- Landowners in Fairfield County were educated on how they can keep development from destroying their farmlands. "Undeveloped land costs the public less in taxes to keep it up," said Brad Tolbert, urban specialist for the Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District.

2005 EQIP sign-up underway for Minnesota producers
Tri-State Neighbor Thu, 13 Jan 2005 7:02 AM PST
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals.

VICE CHANCELLOR S AWARDS PRESENTED AT CONFERENCE
AgNews Thu, 13 Jan 2005 4:18 AM PST
COLLEGE STATION -- Twenty-two individuals and three teams with the Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program were honored with the Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence, the highest honor for employees.

EXPERIMENT STATION FACULTY FELLOWS NAMED
AgNews Thu, 13 Jan 2005 4:19 AM PST
COLLEGE STATION The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station named five Faculty Fellows and its first Senior Faculty Fellow into its Hall of Honor at the annual Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program Conference today.

State halts effort to ban plants
The Courier Journal Wed, 12 Jan 2005 7:43 PM PST
State agriculture officials have suspended an effort to ban all plants from California after federal measures designed to stop the spread of a devastating tree disease went into effect this week.

Termite Season is Here By First Coast News Staff
First Coast News Wed, 12 Jan 2005 3:41 PM PST
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is warning homeowners that this is the time of year when termites begin to "swarm" or leave their colonies to search for new nesting sites.

News & Information for the Grain, Milling, Feed & Seed Industries
Grainnet.com Wed, 12 Jan 2005 8:46 AM PST
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday estimated the 2004 corn crop in the United States will be a record-setting 11.8 billion bushels, up 17% over last year's record crop of 10.1 billion bushels.

[TOP]

soil science environment

Charnele Dawson named to Jason program
Clarksdale Press Register - Clarksdale,MS,USA
... "Science is my favorite subject," Dawson says. ... the environment affects me and how I influence the environment.". ... from the river that once added rich soil to the ...

APS Fellows
RedNova.com - Dallas,TX,USA
... in 1974, a Master of Forest Science degree from ... truly surface in "Pathogens, the Environment, and Society ... populations of microscleiOtia were added to the soil. ...

the ever-clean suit
Christian Science Monitor - USA
... the leaves and instead rolls around as droplets, removing grime and soil as it ... If the new fabric treatments take off, the environment would benefit from fewer ...

Historical, Physical and Geographical Aspects of the Chechen ...
Global Politician - Brooklyn,NY,USA
... [2] Chechnya boasts a fertile soil in the ... property being destroyed, the natural environment is under ... in Chechnya," The Christian Science Monitor (electronic ...

The Muslim Public Affairs Council's War on Steve Emerson
Frontpagemag.com - USA
... been generally not carried out in this soil until we ... public." The day after that, the Christian Science Monitor stated ... But in a post 9/11 environment, it was ...

Jobs in Soil Science through Earthworks Jobs Careers
... Research studentships - October 2004 - Soil Science, Reading, UK, University of
Reading School of Human and Environmental Sciences, 03/06/04. 123count hit counter

.

[TOP]

- soil agriculture

Agriculture scientist moots consortium of farmers:
New Kerala - Ernakulam,Kerala,India
[Business India]: Chennai, Jan 12 : A US-based agriculture scientist today ... have to be used to dilute and flush out the saline water that had entered the soil. ...

Record harvest brings its own woes
Bloomington Pantagraph - Bloomington,IL,USA
... growing season coupled with some of the richest soil and most experienced farmers in the nation," said Chuck Hartke, Illinois Department of Agriculture director ...

Serious funding woes bedevil state ag priorities
FarmWeek - Bloomington,IL,USA
... programs, including the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), C-FAR, agricultural education, the University of Illinois Extension, Soil and Water ...

State halts effort to ban plants
Louisville Courier-Journal - Louisville,KY,USA
... the disease is spread on wind-blown spores, by rain and through soil. ... Barry Skipper, director of the state Agriculture Department's division of environmental ...

Termite Season is Here
WJXX - Jacksonville,FL,USA
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson ... consumers are subterranean termites, which live in soil and attack ...

.

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 7:12 AM PST

AGRICULTURE: Mixed blessings for farmers
Santa Barbara News-Press Tue, 11 Jan 2005 8:27 AM PST
The storms and recent heavy rains are a mixed blessing for farmers, according to Bill Gillette, agricultural commissioner for Santa Barbara County. He said the wind and rain could bring down some avocados, which then would have soil washing over them.

Winter Wheat Seedings Details - 1/12/2005 From Pro Farmer
AgWeb.com Wed, 12 Jan 2005 6:15 AM PST
Released January 12, 2005, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Not over yet
Chillicothe Gazette Wed, 12 Jan 2005 5:33 AM PST
KINNIKINNICK -- Mother Nature decided flooding the Scioto River last week wasn't enough. Thanks to soil already saturated by a week of flooding, Tuesday's deluge is leaving standing water in ditches and low-lying areas. This time, however, it's not related to the Scioto River.

Drought forces Cape farmers to adapt
Independent Online World News Tue, 11 Jan 2005 11:49 PM PST
The drought hitting the Western Cape's farmlands is becoming so severe that farmers and planners are considering switching to other crops. A task team chaired by agriculture department head Piet van Rooyen has been set up to find a speedy solution for the short, medium and long term.

Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms
AP via Yahoo! News Wed, 12 Jan 2005 5:25 AM PST
A growing population coupled with diminishing fresh water supplies should force major changes in the way the world's farmers water their crops in the coming decades, a recent study recommends.

Scientists Use Hazing to Drive Crows Away
AP via Yahoo! News Wed, 12 Jan 2005 5:26 AM PST
In a city where a huge flock of crows has been pestering people for years, officials are fighting back with a hazing program aimed at disrupting the birds' sleep with noise and light and driving them into the countryside.

More mad cow found in Alberta
USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News Wed, 12 Jan 2005 6:06 AM PST
Canadian officials Tuesday confirmed the discovery of a new case of mad cow disease in a Charolais beef cow from the province of Alberta.

2005 EQIP sign-up underway for Minnesota producers
Tri-State Neighbor Tue, 11 Jan 2005 1:03 PM PST
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals.

Miracle-grow kid
Carmel Topics Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:21 PM PST
FISHERS -- Simon Willman discovered his green thumb after taking his first horticulture class at Hamilton Southeastern High School this semester. The senior had never taken agriculture courses, but teacher Tom Younts saw potential when Willman sat down for class at the beginning of the semester.

Scientists Use Hazing to Drive Crows Away
ABC News Wed, 12 Jan 2005 4:47 AM PST
Scientists Use Hazing Program to Drive Crows Out of Upstate New York City

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 7:11 AM PST

Agriculture ministry okays draft law on fertiliser quality
News From Bangladesh Mon, 10 Jan 2005 8:40 PM PST
The government is drafting a new law empowering farmers to sue directly the manufacturers and sellers of adulterated fertilisers that ruin crops and soil both.

Grant assists in commercialization of methyl bromide alternative
SeedQuest Mon, 10 Jan 2005 9:10 AM PST
The United States Department of Agriculture awarded AgraQuest a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant for " Development of a Volatile-Producing Microorganism for Controlling Post Harvest and Soil-Borne Diseases. "

Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms
ABC News Tue, 11 Jan 2005 4:39 AM PST
Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms Since Agriculture Uses 30 Percent of World's Fresh Water

Draft of ';Fertilizer (Contl) Act 04 finalised
News From Bangladesh Mon, 10 Jan 2005 8:07 PM PST
The government is drafting a new law empowering farmers to sue directly the manufacturers and sellers of adulterated fertilizers that ruin crops and soil both, reports UNB.

Alfalfa water use complicated
Alamosa Valley Courier Tue, 11 Jan 2005 0:24 AM PST
ALAMOSA âNothing is simple when it comes to water and agriculture in the San Luis Valley. Alfalfa, for example, has been tagged as the Valleyâs âwater hogâ crop because it takes more water to grow than other Valley crops.

Bodisen Biotech Receives $9.88 Million in Contracts at China National Agricultural Expo
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 11 Jan 2005 6:30 AM PST
Bodisen Biotech, Inc., participated in the 20th China National Plant Protection Trade Conference hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture of China.

Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms
AP via Yahoo! News Mon, 10 Jan 2005 6:10 PM PST
A growing population coupled with diminishing fresh water supplies should force major changes in the way the world's farmers water their crops in the coming decades, a recent study recommends.

Chalk talk
The Christian Science Monitor Mon, 10 Jan 2005 2:13 PM PST
What's happening in learning.

Dominican studies oak death
Marin Independent Journal Tue, 11 Jan 2005 4:12 AM PST
Dominican University in San Rafael is spearheading a project to determine how a fungus-like organism - the same pathogen that has infected thousands of trees with sudden oak death - spreads in nurseries.

Texas farmers' case argued at high court
Star-Telegram Tue, 11 Jan 2005 2:26 AM PST
WASHINGTON - An attorney for Texas peanut farmers told a receptive Supreme Court on Monday that they should be allowed to sue a herbicide company, claiming that it misrepresented its product as safe, even though the chemical's warning label lawfully disclosed its risks.

[TOP]

Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Saturday, January 8, 2005 7:18 AM PST

Agriculture for urbanites
The Morning Sun Fri, 07 Jan 2005 11:03 PM PST
TOLEDO, Ohio - Inside a greenhouse here, high school students studying hydroponics are growing lettuce and basil without soil. In Philadelphia, teenagers tend to a herd of cows. And in Minneapolis, students are researching how grass grows in different kinds of soil.

Project promotes ag education
Fairmont Sentinel Fri, 07 Jan 2005 10:25 PM PST
EAST CHAIN -- Tired of children's books that do not accurately depict modern agricultural production practices and marketing, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture wants to help change that.

Pheasant Fest supported by conservation agencies
Green Island Independent Fri, 07 Jan 2005 10:42 PM PST
OMAHA -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are key habitat sponsors for the National Pheasant Fest 2005, which is set for Jan. 14-16 at the Qwest Center in Omaha.

Stop patronizing chemical fertilizers, farmers told
Sun Star Fri, 07 Jan 2005 9:03 AM PST
LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat -- Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap strongly urged farmers in this remote coastal town and in other parts of Mindanao to resort to organic farming in lieu of the practice of utilizing expensive chemical fertilizers for better farm yields.

2005 EQIP sign-up underway for Minnesota producers
Tri-State Neighbor Fri, 07 Jan 2005 9:33 AM PST
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals.

Functional Analysis of Methylthioribose Kinase Genes in Plants1
Red Nova Sat, 08 Jan 2005 1:10 AM PST
Through a biochemical and a genetic approach, we have identified several plant genes encoding methylthioribose (MTR) kinase, an enzyme involved in recycling of methionine through the methylthioadenosine (MTA) cycle.

Good snowpack raises hopes of end to drought
North County News Sat, 08 Jan 2005 2:22 AM PST
SALT LAKE CITY -- The abundance of snow piling up is leading to hopes that Utah's six-year drought might be over. But officials say final snowpack totals won't be compiled until April 1, and much can still happen before then.

Paying the price for growth
Toronto Star Sat, 08 Jan 2005 2:07 AM PST
POMAIRE, ChileâAs Chile forges ahead with new free trade deals, resulting in an exponential increase in its exports, the added production has put more pressure on the lands and the people that supply the bulk of the agricultural stuffs on which this South American nation thrives.

Protecting the land Conservation agent retires after 37 years on job
Monroe Times Fri, 07 Jan 2005 10:58 PM PST
MONROE -- One of the most hotly contested subjects over the past decade, especially with regard to presidential elections, has been the protection of the environment.

Salt-resistant rice variety to be tried on tsunami coastline
Outlook India Sat, 08 Jan 2005 2:59 AM PST
Armed with indigenously developed salt resistant rice varieties, agricultural scientists here are all set to turn green the tsunami-devastated paddy fields dotting the Andaman and Nicobar islands rendered unfit for cultivation due to high salinity.

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Keyword News: [soil agriculture]

Monday, January 10, 2005 8:22 AM PST

Brattleboro soil scientist heads to Afghanistan
WCAX 3 Mon, 10 Jan 2005 7:07 AM PST
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. A U-S Department of Agriculture official from Brattleboro is headed to Afghanistan to work for six months as an agricultural adviser.

Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms
ABC News Mon, 10 Jan 2005 5:32 AM PST
Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms Since Agriculture Uses 30 Percent of World's Fresh Water

LOCAL NEWS from
Northwestern Mon, 10 Jan 2005 2:47 AM PST
A âWinnebago Welcomeâ goes out to Jason Kruse, 27, the newest agriculture educator for the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Winnebago County. Kruse has farming in his blood, having worked on the family farm in Hagerman, Idaho.

700 000 tons of cocoa
Ghanaweb.com Sun, 09 Jan 2005 11:02 PM PST
I am least surprised that Ghana pulled over 700 000 tons of cocoa from its soil in 2004. During my school days, my âteacherâ told me that Ghana was the leading producer of cocoa and that had it not been for the Europeans who determined the prices, we would have made higher earnings.

Study Urges Water Conservation on Farms
AP via Yahoo! News Sun, 09 Jan 2005 8:25 AM PST
A growing population coupled with diminishing fresh water supplies should force major changes in the way the world's farmers water their crops in the coming decades, a recent study recommends.

Conservationists say little progress in water cleanup
Iowa Farmer Mon, 10 Jan 2005 7:56 AM PST
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) _ A coalition of conservation groups is threatening to sue the state, claiming it has failed to enforce the Clean Water Act and has made little progress in cleaning up Iowa's polluted lakes, rivers and streams.

Cornell study says water conservation should begin on farms
KVOA.com Sun, 09 Jan 2005 11:09 PM PST
ALBANY, N.Y. A recent study recommends changes in the way the world's farmers water their crops in the coming decades. That's because of the growing population coupled with diminishing fresh water supplies.

Farmers fear worst as drought crisis deepens
Independent Online World News Mon, 10 Jan 2005 0:33 AM PST
Farmers in the Western Cape say they are at a loss about how to get through a second year with scant rain and are encouraging the government to declare the province a disaster area.

Cornell study says water conservation should begin on farms
WSTM-TV NBC 3 Mon, 10 Jan 2005 0:35 AM PST
ALBANY, N.Y. A recent study says a growing population coupled with diminishing fresh water supplies should force major changes in the way the world's farmers water their crops in the coming decades.

BUGS CEO Foresees Prosperous 2005
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 10 Jan 2005 6:25 AM PST
Robert Brehm, CEO of U.S. Microbics, Inc., today announced that he foresees a prosperous business year in 2005 based upon recent developments in new business, the revenue potential of new joint ventures and alliances, anticipated acquisitions, institutional financing, and a favorable U.S. economic outlook.

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Call for Papers

CALL FOR PAPERS

21^thAnnual International Conference on Soils, Sediments and Water

University of Massachusetts Amherst

October 17-20, 2005