Last month’s column focused on the efficacy of no-till farming as a method for boosting production while lowering CO2 in the atmosphere. If conventional no-till can be effective, can organic no-till be even more effective in lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide? Can yields achieved with organic no-till agriculture match yields achieved with conventional no-till? Organic No-till vs. … Read more
Trade shows bring a lot of excitement as well as a time to improve your ag business. Attending or having a booth at a trade show is a great investment. Here are some tips to prepare for and get the most out of them. Prepare For Trade Shows Read about: Insecticides Aren’t Going Anywhere 1. Map out … Read more
Although treated as a social or political wedge, insecticides represent an important tool for growers dealing with the hordes of insect predators vigorously pursuing their share of the yearly crop. A major problem for growers is the daunting task of choosing the right insecticide and using it effectively to achieve personal and community-wide economic and … Read more
The insects that are most destructive to lettuce are thrips, aphids, loopers and leafminers, according to Shimat Joseph, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) advisor in the Entomology Department with the University of California’s Cooperative Extension. Currently, he said springtails seem to give growers a fit compared with lygus bug, the major pest last year. The … Read more
Excessive heat can stunt plant growth and requires more frequent watering to keep plants healthy. The “ideal” house temperature will somewhat vary based on the crop. The majority of plants require daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly lower nighttime temperatures. Other crops grow better with cooler overnight lows. In general, as … Read more