tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50968152561237383402024-02-08T07:10:20.930-08:00Organic Farming TipsDigest our fun filled interesting facts by comparing various articles or opinions on everything related to organic farming, organic soil, organic seeds, organic fertilizer, aquaponics, composting, animal husbandry and more.Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-33354655107324734392019-05-21T07:08:00.004-07:002019-05-22T18:30:48.290-07:00Rearing catfish for profit & food source of protein<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Commercial and small scale catfish farming business is
gaining popularity day by day. There are numerous catfish species available
throughout the world. Among those species, some are very large in size and some
species are smaller. Nowadays catfish are highly available in the market and
most of the people love this fish on their table. Although the number of
catfish in natural water resources is reducing due to numerous reasons. Aquaculture
catfish are a very popular source of protein as well as a healthy and delicious
source of food. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0usK?sub_aff_id=blog+bof&sub_id1=catfish&sub_id2=meals" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="745" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLT5LpqW3ug/XOQCjPyXosI/AAAAAAAAAt0/SNrZSyD6V2wW3nRwHQsJOE2TwEZ_RmVowCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Catfish farming is an easy and flexible agriculture based
business that can also be profitable. Farming catfish can be done anywhere if
you have a suitable place and you can either take care of the protein needs of
your own family or sell it to make more profit. Lack of natural living place
and fishing in a plenty are the most common reason for reducing the number of
catfish species. But now people are becoming interested in catfish farming and
establishing large or small scale catfish farm commercially. If you like fish
farming business, then you can also stock and manage catfish in your pond.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0usK?sub_aff_id=blog+bof&sub_id1=catfish&sub_id2=meals" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="724" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_R30Pll355M/XOQCq0fnKyI/AAAAAAAAAt4/0hWU1MhxUYUvI_DsxRbw0Ava4iH5EQ2nQCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">There are many species of catfish available in the market.
The type of catfish you want to grow depends on what your target market is,
what your feeding plans are, and what size pond and area you are thinking about
setting up your farm on. Catfish has a great demand and price in the market.
Almost all types of people like to have catfish dish on their menu. Catfish
also has medicinal value and very suitable for the patient. As a result,
doctors advice their patient to eat catfish. However, catfish farming is also a
very suitable way to earn some income along with your current job. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0usK?sub_aff_id=blog+bof&sub_id1=catfish&sub_id2=meals" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="735" height="458" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1BdCbEcXTE/XOQCxLwwCKI/AAAAAAAAAt8/XKMr_BhuKGM5XudcXZsTr99FdJj5_TiLACLcBGAs/s640/image%2B003.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">And also a great source for fulfilling your daily family
nutritional demand. On an average, you can produce about 4 tons of catfish (in
proper care and management) from a pond of one acre within 10 months. Keep your
fish healthy, make a point to detect early signs of diseases, and take the
necessary actions to prevent them. Follow safety guidelines and medication
regulations for your fish farm. Know what chemicals are safe to use and how to
treat diseases and the water in an eco-friendly manner to treat diseases and
pests.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0usK?sub_aff_id=blog+bof&sub_id1=catfish&sub_id2=meals" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="745" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBC6u7MTLRM/XOQC2qLR9uI/AAAAAAAAAuE/RKAQBQ_tZQUibA9JsNtMmWc30EecODuxwCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Catfish does not contain any carbohydrates, but it is dense
with protein: Approximately 53 percent of the total caloric content of a
3-ounce serving of cooked catfish -- about 63 calories -- is contributed by
protein. Consuming 3 ounces of catfish supplies you with 15.7 grams of protein.
This amount fulfills 28 percent of the daily protein requirement for a man and
34 percent of a woman's protein needs per day.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Frg8fQNxtuM/XOQC7-g9wgI/AAAAAAAAAuM/OE-qkC3LBToc3ELLUK05FFZQrD6zUSGTwCLcBGAs/s1600/image%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="627" height="634" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Frg8fQNxtuM/XOQC7-g9wgI/AAAAAAAAAuM/OE-qkC3LBToc3ELLUK05FFZQrD6zUSGTwCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B005.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Catfish is an excellent source of vitamin B-12. Every
3-ounce serving contains 2.3 micrograms of vitamin B-12, or nearly 100 percent
of the 2.4 microgram-requirement for adult men and women. Catfish is also rich
in the B vitamins, niacin and pantothenic acid. With 2.2 milligrams of niacin
per serving, catfish supplies 13 percent of the daily recommended dietary
allowance of niacin for men and 15 percent of the RDA for women. Eating 3
ounces of catfish would fulfill nearly 14 percent of an adult's recommended
daily intake of pantothenic acid.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qffyEWEYn-k/XOQDDvuLUbI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0Jnqc8ngt9k93uWVtmvSPC5YIpO2ELDUgCLcBGAs/s1600/image%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="777" height="454" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qffyEWEYn-k/XOQDDvuLUbI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0Jnqc8ngt9k93uWVtmvSPC5YIpO2ELDUgCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B006.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Try these interesting recipes:</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><u>Baked catfish</u> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/baked-catfish/</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><u>Catfish with Okra & Corn</u></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/249940/louisiana-catfish-with-okra-corn/</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><u>Catfish Kabayaki</u></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">https://www.justonecookbook.com/catfish-kabayaki/</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><u>Sichuan Catfish Recipe - A Recipe for Chinese Catfish</u></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">https://honest-food.net/fish-and-seafood-recipes/easy-fish-recipes/sichuan-catfish-with-garlic/</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><u>Asian ginger catfish recipe</u></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">https://www.crecipe.com/asian+ginger+catfish+recipes</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "1f40a562152765bfb2081d5865f63c54";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B07R4LJVDD,1561642010,B00Q3DXUGE,B00FP4SF1M";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-3599867715451418132019-05-17T02:16:00.007-07:002019-06-18T20:10:29.518-07:00Clay Pebbles leca Hydroton for Hydroponic & Aquaponic<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">One of the first decisions you will have to make before
planting your new crop is the choice of a growing medium (or substrate). As you
may have read in our hydroponics growing medium page, growing media may be used
to sprout seeds (or cuttings) before transplanting, and it is mostly used to
give hydroponic plants an anchor for its roots after transplanting to into a
hydroponics system.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Not only does the
grow media acts to support the plant, but it also provides a way to oxygenate
and hydrate the root zone. Clay pebbles are quite possibly the best grow medium
for hydroponics because it fits all the criteria you want in an effective grow
media.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.bZp6?sub_aff_id=Clay+Pebbles+leca+Hydroton&sub_id1=blog+bof&sub_id2=hydroton" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="820" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5L6aISguVM/XN5534X_WfI/AAAAAAAAAtc/-ezYOpZdtFcWtEHcLgXmxrOyXXarrLeuQCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA)<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>– often referred to Hydroton or clay pebbles
–<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>consist of balls of clay that has
been super-heated (in a rotary kiln) from anywhere between 1100 to over 2000°
F. This process causes popping, which creates the pebbles’ characteristic
pores. These pores, in addition to the spaces between pebbles, make Hydroton a
light and airy growing medium that provides water, air, and drainage. They are
pH-neutral, non-degradable, and do not add any additional nutrients or substances
into the nutrient solution within a hydroponic system reservoir. Clay pebbles
are also reusable, which makes the initial cost easier to stomach. Because of
their advantageous properties, clay pebbles are very popular with both
hydroponics. In fact, clay pebbles are also the most popular aquaponics grow
media as well.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.bZp6?sub_aff_id=Clay+Pebbles+leca+Hydroton&sub_id1=blog+bof&sub_id2=hydroton" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="938" height="410" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9GoB-2uBt8/XN56ABbqg1I/AAAAAAAAAtg/sbplecmSxuQqAlq05cIU4TeAAwyrfJnegCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The clay pebbles are the most favorable medium for flood
& drain systems. We have listed some do’s and dont’s to consider while
working with them. When using for hydroculture (Aquaponics/ Hydroponics/
Aeroponics):</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-Rinse new hydroton once with clean lukewarm water before
using as there can be dust that may cause clogging issues in drippers or mesh
filters.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-Sometimes clay pebbles float! Nothing to worry here!
especially newly bought ones. It is normal and you can soak the pebbles for at
least 6 – 24 hours. You can hold them down by putting something heavy on top.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-Remove the dirt as much as possible from the roots of the
plant.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-Spread a 3-4 cm thick layer of hydroton in the plants’
container.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-Put the plants in the container and fill it with pebbles
until a water margin of 2cm is left. Move the plant gently up and down to
spread clay all around the roots while While topping up.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-Try to keep an inch (or as much as possible) of dry balls
on the top to protect the system from fungus and algae growth.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-During the first week only apply water. Subsequently, add
hydro-fertilizer.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.bZp6?sub_aff_id=Clay+Pebbles+leca+Hydroton&sub_id1=blog+bof&sub_id2=hydroton" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="499" height="636" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WC_zvuZe46s/XN56L5U83xI/AAAAAAAAAtk/zXpdUcpnk5I6Lydqu43Pg5sR-E6R0ha3wCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While grow stones are smoother than some media, they are not
so smooth as to discourage colonization by microbes. As you may know from
biological surface area (BSA) resources, BSA provides habitat for the microbes
which make nutrients from organic sources like fish feed available to plants.
Less BSA means fewer microbes, which means a less responsive and less stable
system. Though possessing less BSA than some media, this grow medium still
offers high BSA.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "7c03fd6647c9a97643d0e437b7fccae8";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B00GN9A6LK,B01KYYZ9DE,B01D8X8T2G,B012TUG4J4";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-66217142981993005592019-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:002019-05-16T06:43:56.891-07:00Fruit tree grafting<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grafting means to join two living trees from the same family into one by uniting a shoot or a bud with a standing tree. <span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The main benefit that comes to mind is having two (or more) different kinds of fruits on one tree. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Since you still have just one tree it means you still have to take care of just one tree. You don’t need additional space, you don’t need to water more, you don’t need to fertilize another tree or prune another tree, yet at the end of the day, you’ll get two different kinds of fruits.</span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Grafting also saves you waiting time. When you plant a new tree, it will take it a few years to start producing a nice amount of fruit for you. When you graft onto an existing tree you’ll have fruit ready for picking in just a couple short seasons. Grafting can also save a sick or broken tree. You will see this in the tutorial below. What we did is used the trunk and roots of a tree that was not producing anymore to support a new tree.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Another benefit for grafting is fighting insects and diseases. If your tree is suffering but you know of another variety that is doing much better in your area, you can graft the new variety on your tree to help it produce better. Also, some trees have a female and a male tree and you have to plant both in order for them to pollinate each other and produce fruit – this is called cross-pollination. Pears, plums, and pecans are among the trees in this group. So in this case, you can graft a female on a male or a male on a female and you will have one tree that can pollinate itself.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 28.8px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Attaching the Scion to the Rootstock</span></span></span></h3>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="goog_1837409493"></span><a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0Hrs?sub_aff_id=garden+tools&sub_id1=blog" target="_blank"><img alt="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0Hrs?sub_aff_id=garden+tools&sub_id1=blog" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="692" height="508" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niL5nPhrzvY/XNrjSdn_C3I/AAAAAAAAAtA/0TvN2Ijryv85wYoXvPGtqAE87taNQCcqwCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B001.JPG" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_1837409494"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Cut back the rootstock to between 15-30cm – too low a graft union invites pathogen risk from splash back from the soil. Too high, especially on dwarfing rootstock can make for a weak union.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The ends of each joining piece should be cut in matching clean elliptical slices so that when joined together, as much of the cambium layer (the part of the wood between the outer bark and the woody bit) as possible is touching. This may take some practice!</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Leave a small ‘church window’ of internal scion wood sticking over the top of the rootstock wood to help with callusing.</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Putting horticultural wax on the open cuts will help prevent water loss.</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 28.8px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bud Grafting</span></h3>
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0Hrs?sub_aff_id=garden+tools&sub_id1=blog" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="682" height="558" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1agWKIF_WcQ/XNrjZW96bgI/AAAAAAAAAtE/lu8kIWeLtAwUYcHBb5SttXHjntbBKTjggCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">For bud grafting, look for a plump, healthy looking bud from the outside/sunny side of the tree that is not dry and shrivelled or with obvious damage to create your scion.</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Using a grafting knife, cut a small slit into the bark ½ an inch underneath the bud and slowly pull the knife upwards taking in the cambium layer and outer bark without cutting into the heartwood, or inner part of the branch. End the slice ½ an inch above the bud, so it comes away neatly.</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Cut a 1 inch vertical slit into the branch where the bud will be placed, cutting only into the bark layer. At the top of this incision, cut a cross-wise slit, creating a T-shape.</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Then, gently lifting the corners where they meet, slide in the scion bud with the growing tip pointing upwards, ensuring that the cambium layers on each are touching.</span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Wrap the join in grafting tape to keep dry and in the following spring prune off the tip of the branch as soon as the grafted bud begins to grow.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span data-spm-anchor-id="a2o4k.pdp.product_detail.i1.3cd6265dz4SLHF" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">How To Use Pruner</span></b></span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c.lazada.com.my/t/c.0Hrs?sub_aff_id=garden+tools&sub_id1=blog" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="514" height="630" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_BV7vtCgCo/XNrjg13dp1I/AAAAAAAAAtI/r392lvrg914TcqV8r7-v4gSSIzTfVkS2gCLcBGAs/s640/image%2B003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #404040; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Step 1: Hold the grafting stock in the grafting tool and squeeze the handle to make the cut, repeat this step to cut stem from the donor plant. Take care to ensure that the groove is cut in the stock plant.</span></span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Step 2: Slide the donor stem into the groove of the stock plant, matching the cut surfaces as closely as possible. If the stock and donor plant are not the same size, match on the side only.</span></span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Step 3: Place sterilizing material around the joint, and bind with tape, the sterilizing material will protect against bacteria and weather conditions.</span></span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Step 4: Use the pruner to cut useless branches from the plant.</span></span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.33px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Step 5: The blade and the end of blade both can cut, one piece blade can be used as two pieces blade, so you would have total six pieces blade.</span></span></div>
<div data-slot-rendered-dynamic="true" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px 30px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></div>
</span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "9bcdb35968a68d9fed193d229a584a1b";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B07Q56MZQ8,B079M6W6WV,1604694637,0789441160";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-17489314875452698242017-06-20T02:32:00.000-07:002019-05-01T09:46:27.728-07:00Papain. Natural meat tenderizer.Papain is a powerful digestive enzyme commonly found and extracted from the papaya fruit (Carica papaya) , it is also referred to as papaya proteinase. The papaya enzyme papain plays a key role in digestive processes involving breaking down tough protein fibers. For this reason, it has been commonly used in its native South America as a digestive support for meat eating. Science is catching up with the wisdom of traditional healers in South America. Papain can play a significant role in the breakdown of toxins and is a powerful digestive aid and antioxidant.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bsp3lFLa" target="_blank"><img alt=" Papain" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" height="409" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHY9db76pV0/WUjnlRPiZSI/AAAAAAAAAqA/w7CzGanF4OgB2pkBnfhmMbXspUlT23--wCLcBGAs/s640/papaya.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
Papain is usually produced as a crude, dried material by collecting the latex from the fruit of the papaya tree. The latex is collected after scoring the neck of the fruit whereupon it may either dry on the fruit or drip into a container. This latex is then further dried. It is now classified as a dried, crude material. A purification step is necessary to remove contaminating substances. This purification consists of the solubilization and extraction of the active papain enzyme system through a government registered process. This purified papain may be supplied as dried powder or as a liquid.
<br />
<br />
The papaya enzyme papain is able to break down larger proteins into smaller proteins or peptides or even into the smallest amino acid subunit by cleaving the bonds in the interior of the protein chain or the end of the chain (endopeptidase and exopeptidase activity, respectively) in a broad pH range. This gives it a marked ability to enhance the total digestive process and increase the nutrient absorption of protein-based foods. Its ability to hydrolyze (break down) proteins also means that it can play a key role in many normal physiological processes and potentially influence disease processes for the good.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bsp3lFLa" target="_blank"><img alt=" Papain" border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="675" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ7O0NP0wD4/WUjoehQtSNI/AAAAAAAAAqM/sPDuj0J-dhwUHltKKxr2b0cPQ8twM2W8gCLcBGAs/s640/HTB149K9IXXXXXbcXVXX760XFXXXn.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
Papain is the most temperature stable and can require a temperature as high as 170-185oF to completely inactivate it. This has certain advantages and certain disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that a piece of meat cooked to what we call “medium rare” will not reach a temperature high enough to inactivate the papain. Thus, subsequent storage of the meat will allow the enzyme to continue to tenderize and if extended over too long a period will produce a mushy unpalatable texture. Papain should be used in very controlled processes where each step and cut of meat is under controlled time and temperature and served properly to the consumer. This is the best process for large scale highly organized restaurant chains where the process is thoroughly outlined and adhered to. The pH optimum of papain is typically similar to that of meat itself.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bsp3lFLa" target="_blank"><img alt=" Papain" border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="688" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--E-I7AbBEvY/WUjovNZqnSI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/3h1qEWrws0QduBDfhYWFL8GrEbrGy4lxACLcBGAs/s640/Honson-Ingredient-Natural-10-1-Papain-Enzyme.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The term proteolytic actually means protein digesting and, as an enzyme, papain is one of the most effective at breaking down meat and other proteins, comparable to the enzyme pepsin that we produce in our pancreas. Papaya enzymes protein In fact, papain is often preferred to pepsin in scientific cell isolation procedures as it is considered a more effective enzyme. It is also used commercially as a meat tenderizer. Papain works by cleaving the peptide bonds of complex proteins, breaking them down to their individual amino acids, ready for use in the growth and repair of your body.<br />
<br />
Introducing the papaya enzyme papain into a meal containing meat can significantly speed up its digestion. It may also help with the breakdown of other ‘troublesome’ proteins, such as the gluten in wheat and the casein in milk, that are often implicated in digestive problems.<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "2c8f50605a73839a0ac97543945f6735";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B002DXZIUE,B00VEJ3X8W,B07BN1P5KG,B07GH4YXL2";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-43696520142636832842016-04-07T06:17:00.000-07:002019-05-01T09:49:57.512-07:00From kitchen waste to rich compostMore than half of what we carelessly throw into the trash is organic matter, which if composted, can produce rich top soil for our plants. Unfortunately most of us do not segregate our dry waste from wet waste, which makes composting impossible. The precious wet waste, what can potentially become black gold remains unusable junk inside our landfills. Food waste is a growing area of concern with many costs to our community in terms of waste collection, disposal and greenhouse gases.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1904871704?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1904871704&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" kitchen waste" border="0" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm6_y5t4UwA/VwZX1a_jfHI/AAAAAAAAAoA/d7eRtKWWbv8uYHYdVgz6ngF9YgM3m0hFw/s640/kitchen%2Bwaste.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
When your rotting food ends up in landfill it turns into methane, a greenhouse gas that is particularly damaging to the environment. Food waste costs you money and also wastes the valuable water and energy resources used to produce the food. Composting your kitchen food waste is easy and requires little time, effort or space, depending on which system you use. The compost is invaluable for the soil in your garden or potted plants: It's a complete and natural food for the soil, helping to improve its structure, water-retaining abilities and overall health.<br />
<br />
Landfills are not the ideal environment to create compost, since food waste is made toxic by the plastic and metal waste. Further waste gets piled up everyday like a mountain and the layers below are cut off from oxygen. Kitchen waste is high in moisture and has very little structure once it has decomposed. Add a supply of dry material, such as cardboard, scrunched-up paper, coarse twigs and stems to stop the compost heap collapsing in on itself and becoming slimy. Wine corks, party hats and streamers can also be added to the compost heap, as can tissue paper, which biodegrades quickly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1904871704?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1904871704&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" landfill waste" border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM8itqcuGlo/VwZXxOAYnVI/AAAAAAAAAn8/5dYT94OxxnUgMV07ZMJoNg497O5Bseq1w/s640/landfill%2Bwaste.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Cardboard packaging from food and gifts can also be composted. In most cases we wish to be able to just store away, take away and throw away the waste. Like in all kitchens you will see wastepaper baskets, bins and bags to sort and store all that stuff that always seems to magically appear. Composting food scraps at home is one of the most important aspects of home composting. Food scrap items such as vegetable and fruit waste, meal leftovers, coffee grounds, tea bags, stale bread, grains, and general refrigerator spoilage are an everyday occurrence in most households.<br />
<br />
Not all food waste is created equal. You should know this or else you may have problems popping up in your compost bin or pile. Do not compost meat or meat waste, such as bones, fat, gristle, skin, fish or fish waste, dairy products, such as cheese, butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, grease and oils of any kind. Composting is great for your garden, but unless you have a compost bin on your counter it can attract flies and stink up your kitchen. Compost pails come in all different sizes, styles and prices, so it is easy to find one that matches your home decor while still being functional.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1904871704?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1904871704&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" kitchen waste composting" border="0" height="562" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixzz24ERNMk/VwZXv4UTckI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Tv1fYTTfYOczrYZB0OaF9QpX-FNzsbPRw/s640/kitchen%2Bwaste%2Bcomposting.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With a compost pail on your countertop, you don’t have to worry about emptying your scraps into your outdoor compost bin or pile after every meal. You can let the scraps build up during the week without worrying about attracting flies, pests and bad smells into your home. It wouldn’t really be stretching the truth to say all you need are a shovel and a patch of dirt for kitchen waste composting. Dig the scraps at least 8 inches down and cover them with dirt so animals aren’t tempted to feast on them. Chop up the scraps with a shovel or spade. Smaller pieces have open surfaces for anaerobic bacteria to attack. This makes composting a faster process.</div>
<div>
<br />
Composting requires warm temperatures at least 160 deg F (71 deg C), moderate moisture, and space to turn the pile. You can really make kitchen waste composting as simple or as complex as you want. The end results are finer with multiple bins or a rotating tumbler, whereas piles on the ground or mixing into garden beds yields more robust and chunkier compost. Kitchen composting can also be accomplished in a worm bin where the little guys eat their way through your debris and deposit moist worm castings for fertilizer and soil amendment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1904871704?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1904871704&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" indoor worm composting" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDJqMceWTmc/VwZXu1NLZCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/aupp3FjDxpQppLUzxCtPI2ofbi6xhhZMg/s640/indoor%2Bworm%2Bbin.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Yes, do consider using worms to turn our kitchen waste into garden fertilizer by using indoor worm bins. You don't ever have to take your garbage outside; you don't need to horde bags of leaves; and the castings produced by the specialized redworms in these bins are superior to even the best yard waste compost. You buy the worms, build or buy the bin, fill it with bedding and then add your garbage to a certain section. When that area is done, you push it to the side, harvest the finished castings, put in fresh bedding and keep on keeping on. There are many styles and sizes of bins out there and they don't smell!</div>
</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "269562efff20ee618362efc3d86e0eb6";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B0085O6NXQ,B003HOR8BK,B003ZFW0YQ,B00LJZ9QO6";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-39322377884430398742016-02-16T03:55:00.000-08:002019-05-01T09:55:46.131-07:00Lemongrass, medicine and mosquitoesLemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisine and also as medicinal herb in India. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. Lemongrass is a tropical herb packed with strong citrus flavor. The lemon taste is prized in Asian cooking, as well as in sauces. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental grasses and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape.<br />
<br />
When you go to the grocery store, find the freshest lemongrass plants you can buy. When you get home, trim a couple of inches off the top of the lemongrass plants and peel away anything that looks somewhat dead. Take the stalks and put them into a glass of shallow water and place it near a sunny window. After a few weeks, you should start seeing tiny roots at the bottom of the lemongrass herb stalk. It’s not much different than starting any other plant in a glass of water. Wait for the roots to mature a little more and then you can transfer the lemongrass herb to a pot of soil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHOEX2?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005FHOEX2&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Lemongrass plants" border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei5SNfncIXQ/VsMML_aUo1I/AAAAAAAAAmY/gxc6c-cnI0c/s640/lemongrass%2Bplants.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Few pests bother lemongrass. This herb is actually sometimes used in concoctions to repel insects. Occasionally, though, spider mites will attack plants overwintering indoors. As lemongrass grows, it forms a tight clump that’s difficult to dig into. Use a sharp spade or hatchet to remove roots in early spring. Slice it like a pie, then pry slices of roots free. Keep an eye on plants in pots. With sufficient water, roots can quickly fill a too-small pot and burst it.<br />
<br />
Growing lemongrass is as simple as taking your started plant out of the water and putting the rooted stalks into a pot containing all-purpose soil, with the crown just below the surface. You want to put this pot of lemongrass plants in a warm, sunny spot on a window ledge or out on your patio. Water it regularly. If you live in a warm climate, you can plant your lemongrass plants out in the backyard in a bog or pond. Of course, growing the plant indoors is nice for having easy access to the fresh plant whenever you need it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHOEX2?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005FHOEX2&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Lemongrass leaves" border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVep_Y5RsCc/VsMMKbKv7MI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/i7cFfsB2IBg/s640/lemongrass%2Bcuts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaves make a great addition to marinades and can be steeped in hot water for tea. Try these lemongrass recipes.<br />
<br />
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/1067/ingredients/herbs-and-spices/herbs/lemongrass/<br />
<br />
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/lemongrass-curry-with-broccoli-and-tofu/<br />
<br />
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/19650/lemongrass+chicken<br />
<br />
After use, add leaves to your compost pile or puree them and scatter them in the grass along the edges of a patio or deck to help deter insects.<br />
<br />
Lemon grass has long been used in natural insect repellents which contain citronella oil. Native to Asia, the grass can grow up to six feet tall and is quite an attractive ornamental grass. To help deter mosquitoes with its strong fragrance, plant lemon grass along walkways and in locations close to seating areas. Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. As the name implies, lemongrass smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter. This herb is used in various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHOEX2?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005FHOEX2&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Lemongrass recipes" border="0" height="438" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYOlHzZ6K0c/VsMMK9lCUSI/AAAAAAAAAmU/xNH7UFNMj2o/s640/lemongrass%2Brecipes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins. Along with its culinary uses, lemongrass is useful in alternative or complementary remedies for a wide range of ailments. It has many beneficial medicinal properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, insecticidal, sedative, and anti-cancer properties. The leaves, stems and bulb of lemongrass are used in various treatments.<br />
<br />
The link between lemongrass and cholesterol was investigated by researchers from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, who published their findings in the medical journal Lipids in 1989. They conducted a clinical trial involving 22 people with high cholesterol who took 140-mg capsules of lemongrass oil daily. While cholesterol levels were only slightly affected in some of the participants, cholesterol was lowered from 310 to 294 on average. Other people in the study experienced a significant decrease in blood fats. The latter group, characterized as responders, experienced a 25-point drop in cholesterol after one month, and this positive trend continued over the course of the short study. After three months, cholesterol levels among the responders had decreased by a significant 38 points.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "756a967be77564e3f46d054cad4df140";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B00ZDO39XI,B006NOGWZ4,B005OTX3VK,172633998X";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-50568859302239302182016-02-07T22:38:00.000-08:002019-05-01T10:04:43.479-07:00Rice paddy field terraces in Southeast AsiaThe construction of Rice Terraces date back to ancient times. Terraced fields are used widely in rice farming in east, south, and southeast Asia, as well as other places. It comes with no surprise when two of the most populated countries on earth like India and China, that populate around 40% of the planet, along with Vietnam and Indonesia (more than 50 million inhabitants), along with the rest of South East Asia have rice as their number one consumed crop. Rice makes up for around 20% of the worlds nutritional intake or in a more fancy manner dietary energy supply.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Water supply, the most important aspect of rice terraces, is provided from rivers and mountain streams; irrigation flows through the same complex canals and river ways that are centuries old. The different levels of rice terraces allow water to flow successively down each level. A seed is first planted on a seedbed, after a couple of weeks, the seed is transplanted to rice terraces filled with six inches of water, otherwise known as paddies. This technique gives the slightly more mature seed a head start over any competing weeds. As the seed matures, the water levels in the paddies decrease— by full maturity, the grounds should be completely dry, allowing for an easy harvest.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1107044391?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1107044391&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Rice field Bali" border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATIE9rdDqrs/Vrg1M6WciYI/AAAAAAAAAl4/sf_4ivhVMA4/s640/padi%2Bfields%2Bbali.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Tegallalang Rice Fields in Bali Indonesia are definitely one of the best rice fields on Bali. The way these rice fields clime up to the mountain is breathtaking. Tegallang alone has an outlook that spreads down before you and away to the rice terraces on the slopes across the valley. The high roadside location is cool and breezy and it is a well-known spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot, and there are numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The construction of rice terraces is not an easy task and require constant maintenance, yet the same method has been passed on for many centuries. After choosing an ideal location, a pond where water will be retained should be constructed on the highest point of the terrace. Builders then lay down marking stones that act as the foundation for retaining walls that help keep the terraces in tact. Since this technique alters the natural state of the earth, multiple layers of retaining walls backed with gravel support needs to be constructed. Next, eight to ten inches of earth and topsoil are transported to the newly constructed rice terraces. The soil is then stomped and smoothed to create a flat surface suitable for agriculture. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1107044391?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1107044391&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Rice field Philippines" border="0" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh6KuxYzvmE/Vrg1N-hfDAI/AAAAAAAAAl8/R2ul4eQSTcw/s640/rice%2Bfields%2Bterraces%2Bphilippines.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Flooding the land with water marks the completion of a rice terrace. A paddy field is a flooded parcel of arable land used for growing semiaquatic rice. Paddy cultivation should not be confused with cultivation of deep water rice. In agriculture, a terrace is a piece of sloped plane that has been cut into a series of successively receding flat surfaces or platforms, which resemble steps, for the purposes of more effective farming. Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease both erosion and surface runoff, and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation, such as rice.<br />
<br />
The Ifugao Rice Terraces in the Philippines, which follow the natural contours of the mountains, only enhance the region’s rugged natural beauty. They also epitomize a harmonic, sustainable relationship between humans and their environment. These fields, and the knowledge to farm and sustain them, have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The structures' original builders used stone and mud walls to carefully carve and construct terraces that could hold flooded pond fields for the cultivation of rice. They also established a system to water these plots by harvesting water from mountaintop forests. These incredible engineering feats were done by hand as was (and is) the farming itself.<br />
<br />
One of the benefits of terraces is water retention and flood adjustment. The terraces function as dams by holding rainwater, which slowly seeps underground and gently flows into the rivers without flooding them. At the same time, the terraces serve as filters that purify the water. Another benefit is landslide prevention. Many rice terraces are located in landslide-prone areas. This may be due to the fact that slopes resulting from landslides retain water well and thus are relatively easy to till. Regular maintenance of the land surface through its use as rice fields leads to landslide prevention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1107044391?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1107044391&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Rice field China" border="0" height="460" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zlDzu6MsKrk/Vrg1NH-WSzI/AAAAAAAAAl0/dSJ0iC7IkVQ/s640/rice%2Bfield%2Bterraces%2Bchina.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Another example of rice terraces is the the Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin, China. The terraces have become one of the most important tourist destination. They are located in Heping District, Longsheng County, Guilin Prefecture, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Guilin. The Longji Rice Terraces are at an altitude of 300–1,110 meters (1,000–3,700 feet), and the gradients of some rice terraces reach 50°. Rice terraces are hilly or mountainous slopes claimed from nature for cultivation, usually by minority peoples. Some are hundreds (or even thousands) of years old.<br />
<br />
Rice terraces benefit the environment and its inhabitants. Their construction allows for farmers to sow and harvest land otherwise not suitable for farming. This method of farming is highly effective for growing plants that require high amounts of water. Terraces conserve the ecosystem. Rice terraces support slow, natural circulation in the ecosystem, cycling the water held by the nearby forests and woods and nurturing organisms that make their home in that water, such as frogs and insects. The landscape of rice terraces is a work of art created by humans for the purpose of producing food. The terraces blend in with the natural scenery and give viewers a great sense of peace and comfort.</div>
</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "fca148613319fc2ab3aea95c018306a1";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B07DN3H75T,1786575450,B06ZYV9T4Q,B01AYXIPV8";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-29562453321560793172016-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:002019-05-01T10:07:58.149-07:00How to grow beautiful Orchidaceae or Orchid plants?Many orchids are relatively easy to grow, and given the right care will give a long-lasting flower display. Orchidaceae is a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants, with blooms that are often colourful and often fragrant, commonly known as the orchid family. Indoor orchids are mainly epiphytic (growing on trees) or lithophytic (growing on rocks). In their natural habitat this means using trees or rocks as a support and feeding from plant debris accumulated around their roots. There are some terrestrial species that grow in the ground. Most cultivated orchids are native to the tropics. In their natural habitat, they attach themselves to the bark of trees, or the surface of other plants.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Their thick, white roots are specially adapted to absorb moisture and dissolved nutrients. Because these tropical orchids usually grow high in the trees, rather than on the forest floor, they are accustomed to good air circulation and plenty of light. They prefer a 12-hour day, all year-round, and require a high intensity of light — about the same as midsummer conditions in temperate regions. Many people make the mistake of assuming that since orchids are native to tropical rainforests, they must be watered several times a week. Unfortunately, watering this frequently will kill the roots of any orchid in short order.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452101280?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1452101280&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Orchid flowers" border="0" height="500" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96h4mdbZFy8/Vrfsmj9ptWI/AAAAAAAAAlc/B19hOS5W2OE/s640/orchid%2Bflowers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The general rule of thumb for orchids grown in the home is to water every 5 to 12 days, depending on the type of orchid, the temperature the plant is grown in, and the time of year. Unlike ferns, philodendrons, palms and Swedish ivy, orchids do not grow in soil. Potting an orchid in soil is actually one of the best ways to kill it. Most orchids in the wild are not rooted in the ground, but instead attach themselves by thick roots to the sides of trees and on branches. Clinging to the bark, the plants absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain and whatever drips down the tree. They are adapted to surviving when rain is scarce, hoarding water in thick leaves, stems and roots.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Orchids prefer high air humidity, but their roots will rot easily in wet compost. Water them about once a week, ideally using tepid rainwater. Water from above and tip out any water that collects in the saucer under the pot. Alternatively, plunge the container into a bucket of water and allow to drain thoroughly. Be sure to use an orchid food that is formulated for orchids and follow the instructions on the label. In general, most orchid fertilizers recommend usage once a month. Less frequent fertilizing may stunt growth and inhibit flowering; more frequent fertilizing may burn the roots and leaves and inhibit flowering. Most orchids require moist, well-draining conditions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452101280?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1452101280&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Outdoor orchid plants" border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eubIjPaaL8/VrfsmukZaFI/AAAAAAAAAlY/G9iBqS19PSg/s640/outdoor%2Borchid%2Bplants.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fertilize orchids weekly or bi-weekly while they are producing new growth and decrease to monthly or bi-monthly intervals once they mature. Discontinue altogether once the plants go dormant. There are several types of growing media that can be used with orchid plants—redwood or fir bark, sphagnum peat moss, rocks, cork, charcoal, sand, potting soil, etc. A basic mix for growing orchids consists of coarse perlite, fir bark, and sphagnum moss. You can also add charcoal but this is optional. Generally, the grade of bark is dependent on the type of orchid grown. For instance, phalaenopsis orchids are usually grown in coarse bark, cattleyas in medium bark, and young orchid plants are best grown in fine bark. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Orchids are usually grouped into two broad categories that characterize their growth habits. Monopodial orchids have a single, upright stem, with leaves arranged opposite each other along the stem. The flower stem appears from the base of the uppermost leaves. Orchids with this growth habit include the phalaenopsis and vandas. The more common growth habit is sympodial. These orchids grow horizontally, sending out new shoots from the old rhizome. Leaves and flower scapes form at the top of the new shoots. Many sympodial orchids form pseudobulbs, which are swollen shoots that store water and nutrients to help the plant survive periods of prolonged drought. Sympodial orchids include cattleya, cymbidium, oncidium and dendrobium.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452101280?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1452101280&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Indoor orchid plants" border="0" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UegwQfd7swU/Vrfsml6E5uI/AAAAAAAAAlk/HB6-aPSCimI/s640/indoor%2Borchid%2Bplant.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When there are many, long roots over the edge of the pot, this plant has most likely been growing for several years since its last repotting. If your plant is not currently in bloom, you should repot now. Be sure to remove all dead roots that are usually dark-colored, soft and mushy. Sometimes they may be dry, with a fiber running through the middle of the root. Center the plant with all of its roots down in the pot and add moistened bark until the level of the bark is just below the bottom of the lower set of leaves. Wait a week before resuming your normal watering and fertilizing routine. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Repot every two years regardless of whether the orchid has outgrown its pot, as older orchid compost breaks down, preventing air reaching the roots which leads to disease. Always use proprietary bark-based orchid compost, never a loam-based or standard multipurpose one as these will kill your orchid. Care of indoor orchid plants is easy once you learn how to grow them properly. These interesting flowers can be found in a range of colors and sizes depending on the variety. They make excellent accent plantings to nearly any home décor. Orchids require little care once all their basic needs are met such as light, temperature, and humidity. Orchids are different from other houseplants. Take note of that.</div>
</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "98ab6c985232a9cbbee645d50252dfc9";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B06XQWHW1H,B01LBTR05G,1604690550,0754833631";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-31282353281265019672016-02-03T21:17:00.000-08:002019-05-01T10:28:40.722-07:00How to grow Yams? Consume this tuber and learn its benefits.Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea that form edible tubers. These are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania. Yams are monocots, related to lilies and grasses. Yam tubers vary in size. People often confuse the yam and sweet potato. Although both are tubers, they belong to different botanical families -- the yam belonging to the lily family and the sweet potato belonging to the morning glory. Africa, the native land of the yam, grows 95 percent of more than 600 varieties of the crop.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yams favor tropical and sub-tropical weather during their growing season and do not tolerate freezing. Yams are a very ancient food plant, believed to have been cultivated for more than 12,000 years. They are twining vines with shiny, heart-shaped, purple-tinged leaves and grow from underground tubers which have a brown skin and white flesh and can weigh many kilos. Vibrant green Yam leaves are heart like in shape with a pointed tip. Leaves are veined with lengthy stems that are attached to the vines of the plant. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/161186187X?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=161186187X&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Yam plant" border="0" height="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8NkFIqHSaA/VrLdeZiSZdI/AAAAAAAAAk0/YsJHmgC1fBU/s640/yam%2Bplant.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Less bitter than most greens, Yam leaves are mild in flavor with a taste similar to that of Water spinach. Yam leaves are rich in vitamins A and C as well as riboflavin, fiber and iron. The leaves are also high in polyphenols, specifically anthocyanins and phenolic acids which are being studied for their ability to fight prostate cancer. To best preserve the nutritional content of Yam leaves eat raw or just slightly sautéed or steamed. Yams require a fertile, well-drained soil with a high organic matter content. Plant at the beginning of summer in areas that receive a wet season. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They will grow in full sun or semi-shade but need a trellis. Plants need plenty of water during the growing season. Yams favor loose clay soil with good drainage. Gardeners test soils and adjust pH levels to about 5.5. They plow the planting area and dig trench rows with 3 1/2 feet between them. Gardeners then add compost into the trenches and check the soil for proper drainage. Tuber crops do not grow well in overly wet soils and require loose soil to allow room for drainage and growth. Yams are sensitive to shade leading to low yields and should be grown under full sunlight. The best soils for growing yams are the sandy clay loams.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/161186187X?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=161186187X&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Yam tuber" border="0" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp93VzqVI0Q/VrLddXmRlHI/AAAAAAAAAkw/4VXO-ecoCgY/s640/yam%2Btuber.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, yams can be cultivated on most soil types once the yam holes are properly dug and filled with organic material. Organic matter improves soil structure, acts as a slow release fertilizer and allows for optimal growth of the tubers. Adequate drainage, proper aeration, a friable soil and sufficient moisture (not waterlogged) are other critical requirements for yam growth. After the tuber cuttings have lain out for one week, gardeners plant them 2 inches deep into the trenches with 18 inches between each planting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gardeners lay mulch along the trenches after initial planting. Mulch keeps the ground moist without drowning the crop, protecting the tubers from extreme heat. About one month after twines emerge, gardeners place stakes into each mound at an angle to meet the stake in the adjacent mound, creating an A-frame structure for the two twines to climb and meet. The vines of yam plants are not sturdy and need support to produce high yields.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/161186187X?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=161186187X&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Yam recipe" border="0" height="554" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29oeNb20ig0/VrLdcugcAHI/AAAAAAAAAks/6JiIyAUYIyo/s640/yam%2Brecipe.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yam leaves can be used in both raw and cooked preparations. They will work well in recipes where spinach or greens are called for. Add to salads, sautés, curries and stews. Most commonly the leaves are used in stir-fries and soups. Yam leaves are a popular ingredient in the traditional Korean dish of sautéed vegetables known as Namul. The flavor of Yam leaves pairs well with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, curry, sesame oil, onion and tomatoes. <br />
<br />
To try out some great yam recipes, go to this site:<br />
http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/yam-recipes.html<br />
<br />
Some variety of yam slightly itches the skin while cleaning and to minimize this apply some oil on your hands. Sometimes cooked yam gives throat/tongue irritation while eating. Add little curd or lemon juice or tamarind juice when cooking yam to minimize this irritation.</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "93985d86a2713e6bdf5a04442975f702";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B01MD08KH6,B07DW8CJ9P,B004T5GA7O,B07Q3J3DYY";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-72989463995253894672016-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:002019-05-02T06:55:10.261-07:00Planting during full moon. Superstition & folklore.<div>
It’s no secret that when it comes to being superstitious, farmers are one of the groups that lead the pack. From predicting the weather to knowing when to plant, many farming practices are rooted in superstition. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that superstitions develop as a result of experience and making correlations between seemingly unrelated things in order to predict future events. Though it may not be the case in modern times, there was a time when farming and the outcome of a single crop could mean either life or death to a community. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Any time something becomes important to survival we see a spring of superstition sprout offering hope of a good harvest, forewarning of a bad one and explanation for everything in between. Even if these superstitions may offer you little help today, they are interesting all the same. Long before farmers had satellite images and Doppler radar, they had the soil, the trees, the animals, and the sky to help them see into the future. For people who ate or starved based on the yield of each year’s crop, being able to use whatever information was available to their advantage could literally save their life and the lives of their families.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FIOUI32?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00FIOUI32&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Full Moon" border="0" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mf6B52WyzwE/VrIelndrqqI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/KqUSWxQUwrc/s640/full%2Bmoon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Planting by the moon is an idea as old as agriculture, based both in folklore and superstition, but there are scientific ideas to back it up. The Earth is in a large gravitational field, influenced by both the sun and moon. The tides are highest at the time of the new and the full moon, when sun and moon are lined up with earth. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages growth. The highest amount of moisture is in the soil at this time, and tests have proven that seeds will absorb the most water at the time of the full moon. Ha ha … make sense?</div>
<div>
<br />
Although the sun and moon both influence the gravitational field surrounding the earth, the pull of the moon is stronger because it’s closer. The moon’s gravitational pull influences all water on earth including ocean tides, lakes, rivers and streams. It also affects moisture in the soil and how close that moisture is to the surface. The Farmers' Almanac, for example, advises planting crops that are valuable because of the parts that grow above ground (such as corn and wheat) while the moon is waxing, so that the moon pulls the plant out of the ground while it grows bigger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FIOUI32?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00FIOUI32&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt="Moon Gravity" border="0" height="488" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nX6lrxV2O3k/VrIelrCIO9I/AAAAAAAAAkU/YSwoxL4-PZk/s640/full%2Bmoon%2Bgravity.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For instance the Moon is said to be the most fruitful when in the signs Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces. Seeds planted, therefore, whilst the Moon is occupying any of these signs and in a favourable phase could produce more promising results than for example if the Moon was occupying Gemini, Leo or Virgo which are said to be ‘barren signs’ or Aries, Sagittarius and Aquarius which again aren’t so ‘fruitful’. Nevertheless these ‘barren’ signs as regards the position of the Moon are thought to give best indication of when to weed, destroy pests, spray or dig.<br />
<br />
There is another method to determine the ideal time to plant. Moon gardening is the practice of planting and harvesting crops to coincide with the lunar phases of the moon. Moon planters believe that the same gravitational force that pulls the tides, the same cosmic rhythms that draw a horsehoe crab ashore to mate, also cause crops, especially those that bear above ground, to leap right out of the earth. And conversely, when the moon is on the wane and its light and gravitational pull are on the decrease, the earth's gravity kicks in again, and roots burrow happily into the ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FIOUI32?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00FIOUI32&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Full Moon Planting" border="0" height="502" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiBdwuz5aaU/VrIem8DDBZI/AAAAAAAAAkY/XIbYOYLSriE/s640/new%2Bmoon%2Bplanting.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Conversely, it advises planting root crops while the moon is waning so that the diminishing moon helps the vegetables grow deep into the ground. The new moon is said to help plants grow balanced roots. During a new moon, the gravity of the moon pulls water up in the soil, which increases a seed’s ability to germinate. Plants also benefit from increased moonlight during the night. According to folklore, the new moon is the ideal time to plant crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit like lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach. As the moon wanes, the gravitational pull is at its highest, resulting in moist soil and decreased moonlight. These conditions are ideal for root plants including carrots, potatoes, radishes,onions and beets.<br />
<br />
According to a study done by Dr. Lili Kolisko in Germany in 1939, the success rate of seed germination increases a few days before a full moon. Gardening folklore also suggests that pruning is best done during a full moon because it encourages root growth. Maybe that's basically what it is: a ritual of chores, a giant almanac as old as the Pyramids and the rising of the Dog Star, which has marked the onset of spring, and spring planting, since the first man, or woman, first put a seed in the ground. Are people superstitious in thinking that plants have personality? This is a controversy that continues to this day.</div>
</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "3ca2689f50e22deda22d5dd0ad7eded5";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B01LX0JBUU,B01BOY6Y2I,B074753J5V,B0006VK68E";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-77061821437596903952016-01-24T05:31:00.000-08:002019-05-02T06:57:36.120-07:00Make your own soil conditionerSoil conditioners repair damaged soil and help maintain the soil quality for plant life. Over time soil will become compacted soil. Conditioners help to loosen the soil as well as replenish and maintain nutrients in order for the plants to flourish. For the best result it is important to mix the soil and the soil conditioner before planting. Though some soil conditioners do work better when placed on top of the soil after planting the crop. Soil conditioners may consist of organic matters. These would be the plant and animal remains that are in various stages of decomposition, typically referred to as compost.<br />
<br />
A wide variety of materials have been described as soil conditioners due to their ability to improve soil quality. Some examples include biochar, bone meal, blood meal, coffee grounds, compost, compost tea, coir, manure, straw, peat, sphagnum moss, vermiculite, sulfur, lime, hydroabsorbant polymers and biosolids. Many soil conditioners come in the form of certified organic products, for people concerned with maintaining organic crops or organic gardens. Soil conditioners of almost every description are readily available from online stores or local nurseries as well as garden supply stores.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0824701178?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0824701178&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Soil conditioning" border="0" height="538" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVWWKuvGZ8E/VqTPQk9sZkI/AAAAAAAAAj0/HuLBnqrJcrA/s640/soil%2Bconditioning%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In classifying a soil amendment we basically evaluate the product based on its impact. Does the product provide nutrients? If so then it is a fertilizer. Does the product deliver biology to the soil? If so then it is an inoculant. If the product does not provide any of nutrients or biology but is deemed as beneficial for plant life then by default it is a soil conditioner. It should be noted that many soil amendments take on aspects of a fertilizer, inoculant and or a conditioner but their objective should be clearly defined.<br />
<br />
<b>How to make your own soil conditioner using humus?</b><br />
<br />
Mix together one part active humus and one part stable humus with one part well-rotted manure (for extra nutrients) and one part shredded leaves or leaf mould (for aeration). For new beds, add a thick, 10-centimetre layer to the soil surface, and dig the conditioner in to a depth of 25 centimetres. For established plantings, rough up the soil surface with a cultivator or stiff rake to a depth of three centimetres, and spread an eight-centimetre layer of conditioner on top. You can add soil conditioner at any time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0824701178?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0824701178&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Humus soil conditioning" border="0" height="630" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_CgWzDk0YQ/VqTPRlhwtDI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Yp-s0w-6yuM/s640/soil%2Bconditioning%2Bhumus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How to make Lactobacilli Solution as a Soil Conditioner and Foliar Spray?</b><br />
<br />
How to Make It: Mix the rice wash and kitchen refuse, then fill 1/4 of a plastic container with the mixture and let it stand for a week. After that, dispose the thin-film like substance that developed on top of the fermented mixture. Set aside half of the mixture then add ten parts of evaporated milk and one part molasses or brown sugar with the other half. Cover the container with cloth and let it stand for a week in a cool and well-ventilated place. The fermentation will be complete after a week. The lactobacilli in the milk have killed the harmful microorganisms in the mixture.<br />
<br />
How to Use: Mix 45ml or about 3 tbsps. of the concoction with 16 liters of water then spray it to the soil regularly. When it is applied as foliar spray, sprinkle the plants with water afterwards.<br />
<br />
<b>Vermicompost as soil additive, conditioner, and fertilizer</b><br />
<br />
Vermiculture, which some advocates have dubbed “the organic garbage disposal,” recycles food waste into a rich, dark, good-for-your-garden soil conditioner. Vermicompost functions to add humus and organic matter to the soil providing bioavailable nutrients to the plants, increasing soil tilth. Vermicompost helps with water infiltration and retention, while buffering excessive acid or alkaline soil conditions. Vermicompost helps store nutrients and keeps them safe from leeching and irrigation, functioning to balance hormones within plant physiology, and adding beneficial biology to your soil.<br />
<br />
Vermicompost Applications: For potting & garden soil amendment apply 1:10 ratio vermicompost to soil.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0824701178?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0824701178&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Vermicompost soil conditioning" border="0" height="550" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEqXkfyvx3U/VqTPSVYBcbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/6OlD9TPMDp8/s640/vermicompost%2Bsoil%2Bconditioning.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Soil conditioners may be applied in a number of ways. Some are worked into the soil with a tiller before planting. Others are applied after planting, or periodically during the growing season. Soil testing should be performed prior to applying a soil conditioner to learn more about the composition and structure of the soil. This testing will determine which conditioners will be more appropriate for the conditions. While adding a soil conditioner to crops or a garden can seem like a great way to get healthier plants, over-application of some amendments can cause ecological problems.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For instance, salts, nitrogen, metals and other nutrients that are present in many soil amendments are not productive when added in excess, and can actually be detrimental to plant health. Runoff of excess nutrients into waterways can also occur, which is harmful for the environment. What makes organic growing different is that it uses only naturally-occurring materials for all phases of the growing operation including improving the soil, fertilizing, and preventing and solving pest problems. Each of the product is uniquely different and will provide everything you will need to make your soil the healthiest ever.</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "fa68dcfe4b16e8238ed0585cd7b69514";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B071VWCRBD,B00062KQ42,B005KLOJXS,B000BY8L92";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-57053186853699053382016-01-24T00:52:00.000-08:002019-05-01T09:09:58.055-07:00How to grow vanilla plants?Vanilla plants are climbing plants that prefer high humidity and bright, indirect sunlight. They also require ample water and extremely warm temperatures. If you can provide the right growing conditions, you can grow your own vanilla at home. Vanilla is an edible pod from orchids of the Vanilla genus. It is commonly cultivated in Mexico, Madagascar, Reunion and several other tropical locations, where it vines up trees. Growing vanilla at home can be a difficult and long process. Three major species of vanilla currently are grown globally, all of which derive from a species originally found in Mesoamerica, including parts of modern-day Mexico. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881929891?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0881929891&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Vanilla plant" border="0" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_P_vk5PV3k/VqSO16m7qOI/AAAAAAAAAjE/pLna7LBY7Io/s640/vanilla%2Bpods.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The various subspecies are Vanilla planifolia, grown on Madagascar, Réunion, and other tropical areas along the Indian Ocean; V. tahitensis, grown in the South Pacific; and V. pompona, found in the West Indies, and Central and South America. The majority of the world's vanilla is the V. planifolia species, more commonly known as Bourbon vanilla, Madagascar vanilla, which is produced in Madagascar and neighboring islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean, and in Indonesia. Vanilla beans are the fruits of a few very particular kinds of orchids, and they require special growing conditions and careful handling to thrive. <br />
<br />
Once harvested, the pods also have to be dried, cured, and then aged — all before becoming the baking ingredient we know and love. This means that real, whole vanilla beans are one of the most expensive spices in our cupboards. But vanilla beans return the favor by providing us with such rich, intense aromas and flavors in our baked goods. They're a special ingredient, but worth it. The cultivation of vanilla is extremely labor-intensive. The plants themselves don't even start producing vanilla beans until after three years. Thus, you'll need to purchase a vanilla bean plant from a reputable grower. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881929891?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0881929891&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Vanilla plant" border="0" height="390" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c30hSn5Aj4Y/VqSO3ahrGKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/WDHw-_hWDXY/s640/vanilla%2Bplants.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As a vanilla plant takes 3-5 years to bloom, it doesn't make sense to try to start a plant from seed. You can do an online search for “vanilla bean plants” or “vanilla orchids.” Or visit a local orchid grower, if there is one in your area. Vanilla orchids are evergreen plants with 6 " inch, yellow-green, fleshy foliage. Vanilla likes a neutral soil pH (6.6 - 7.5). Although you may not see a bloom on a cutting for a couple of years their blossoms show up in mid-spring to late summer -- and only for one day. The tubular flowers are white, yellow or green and about 5" inches across. <br />
<br />
If the flowers are successfully pollinated, 6"-10" long seed pods will follow about nine months later. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times taking care not to over-water at the same time. This orchid may not like its feet to dry out between waterings, but it doesn't want rotten roots either. During the spring and summer, lightly fertilize your vanilla bean plant every two weeks with an orchid fertilizer. Offer the vines some type of support for climbing and clinging such as a wooden trellis. Vanilla bean plants aren't especially hard to grow but if your outdoor climate isn't ideal they're well-suited to the greenhouse, as well as indoors among other houseplants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881929891?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0881929891&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Vanilla plant" border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LZb-ytRYs4/VqSO2K9ulxI/AAAAAAAAAjI/HjbVj8jGcy0/s640/vanilla%2Bplantation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Go to this site to learn how to grow your own vanilla plant.<br />
http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Vanilla<br />
<br />
Most vanilla is grown in the third world. Vanilla farmers sell raw vanilla beans to central curing houses. Curing houses process the raw pods into the fermented, fragrant vanilla beans that we know. These professionals process tons of vanilla from all over a region. When you buy vanilla processed by a curing house, there is little chance to get beans from the same farm. At plantations in the first world, and select plantation elsewhere, vanilla is cured ‘on the farm’ and marketed as a high quality niche product. This vanilla will always be more expensive because labor, land, and other expenses are higher in the first world. <br />
<br />
Throughout human history, if you wanted to make a dish taste like vanilla, you had no choice but to add a vanilla. But in the 19th century, scientists began to understand how to synthesize flavor chemicals, whether from plants or from byproducts of coal processing, to evoke familiar flavors. While the technology to evaluate the flavor molecules of a particular food have become increasingly sophisticated in the past century, the basic concept of synthetic flavor has remained unchanged. Yet despite the wide-ranging efforts, the future of the spice remains uncertain.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881929891?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0881929891&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Vanilla pods" border="0" height="460" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6e_rnanZMA/VqSO0DOcAaI/AAAAAAAAAi4/lKewTcCDn9U/s640/vanilla%2Bnatural%2Bextract.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Synthetic vanilla is now used in a majority of vanilla products and is significantly cheaper to produce than natural vanilla, though it lacks the same quality of flavor. The rising popularity of the synthetic product has been a major contributor to falling prices in the natural market. However, recent years have given rise to consumer concern over the chemicals used in synthetic vanilla and a desire for organic or pure products. Imitation vanilla may also be called “vanilla flavor”, and is often combined with sugar, corn syrup, or a similar low-quality sweetener to make the product taste better. It’s chemically produced to mimic the taste of vanilla but is not however, true vanilla.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_asins = "0881929891,3330000066,B07GQD8LBV,B07GC3VGTT";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "1661e85f00eca7c572e180fb62f93f94";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-59563590860420325222016-01-20T07:09:00.001-08:002019-05-10T16:43:30.556-07:00Manure, Poop, Shit! An organic treat.Many gardeners use manure instead of processed fertilizers. Manure is the ultimate in organic gardening. It has both advantages and drawbacks. Fresh manure is not recommended. Some people still fertilized their lawns with fresh manure. It smelled, and it burned the lawns because of the ammonia and high concentration of ammonia. Well-rotted manure has been allowed to partly decompose. It loses most of the odor and it won't burn plants. Sheep, cow, chicken and even rabbit manure can be used as a fertilizer once it has been composted. It's often mixed with peat moss to be used as either a soil amendment or a top dressing.<br />
<br />
Frequently many people ask questions about the use of animal manures in their gardening schemes. Thousands of years ago, the ancient organic farmers used animal manures as a mandatory and essential agent for soil conditioning and plant fertilization. Today many people are fearful of the use of any animal manures in gardening, due to more and more scary reports of potential diseases. Also there are less farmers today that apply animal manures in their farming techniques, than several hundred years ago. So the world is finding it harder and harder to dispose of animal manures in our society today, than several centuries ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603582517?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1603582517&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Manure poop shit" border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiinpGE8JJY/Vp-iNJJgInI/AAAAAAAAAiU/mYUlAyeO2qs/s640/manure%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some waste treatment plants burn human excrement or ship it to landfills, which aren’t the most economically or environmentally friendly solutions. But not all poop ends its life by fire or burial. Some human waste ends up in forests and farm fields as the treated, human-feces-based fertilizer known as biosolids. We may find the idea of growing tomatoes with human excrement repulsive. Humans have been repurposing their feces for thousands of years, some more safely than others. Often known by its euphemistic name “night soil,” the most famous example of raw human waste application might be China, where human excrement was used for centuries in an attempt to close the nutrient cycle in their fields. <br />
<br />
Manure primarily contains nitrogen, so there may be a need to use additional fertilizers that contain phosphorous and potassium which are both need for plant growth as well as trace elements such as iron and magnesium. In this way it has two advantages, acting as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and as a soil builder. It improves soil structure and increases fertility. In addition, the addition of manure helps soil retain moisture. Compacted clay soil greatly benefits by its addition by loosening up the soil structure. It also adds organic matter to the soil which may improve soil structure, aeration, soil moisture-holding capacity, and water infiltration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603582517?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1603582517&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Manure poop shit" border="0" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYcRWwxTMyM/Vp-iNcJHhAI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wAT3Dm7Q7TM/s640/manure%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nutrient content of manure varies depending on source, moisture content, storage, and handling methods. When developing a manure by-product market is important to understand that manure is a necessary by-product of the livestock industry and it is the technology involved in the treatment system that determines whether manure is a valuable resource or a costly liability. The simple fact is, untreated manure is simply animal feces while properly treated/processed manure is a value added marketable organic residual. In addition to agriculture, the potential markets for high quality, composted manure products include horticulture i.e. gardening, landscaping, nurseries or topsoil production.<br />
<br />
Fresh manures are too strong and raw for most growing plants. It contains a lot of available soluble nitrogen in the form of ammonium or proteins. Most raw animal manures contain the wrong form of nitrogen and the wrong form of bacteria for gardening use, from the original animal's digestive tract. This can burn or kill plants if abused. Compost will never burn or kill plants. Fresh manures also contain too many complex undigested materials like pathogens, or NaCl salts from animal feeds, that may harm plants or soil organisms if not careful. Compost has all these things broken down and digested by aerobic microbes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603582517?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1603582517&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Manure poop shit" border="0" height="414" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2JH7FeR3vA/Vp-iOf6bPpI/AAAAAAAAAig/FKn6FBH1ErY/s640/manure%2Bfertilizer.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Healthy soil is essential for the production of crops used to feed humans and livestock. In addition to providing a stable base to support plant roots, soil stores water and nutrients required for plant growth. Unfortunately, industrial agriculture practices continue to damage and deplete this valuable natural resource. While intensive plowing and monocrop agriculture systems have caused nutrient depletion and wide-scale soil erosion, over-application of fertilizers and pesticides has contaminated our soils and polluted our waterways. Fortunately, many farmers are choosing to use sustainable agricultural techniques such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and organic fertilization in order to protect our valuable soil resources.<br />
<br />
Despite the value of manure as a fertilizer and soil amendment, there are challenges in effectively using manures as fertilizers. Variability in nutrient content and form, which necessitates manure sampling and analysis to determine appropriate rates of application to meet crop nutrient requirements. Manure is not an “off-the-shelf” fertilizer and may not match the crop’s relative requirements. It has low nutrient content per unit weight or volume, which limits the distance which manures can be transported economically. As with any fertilizer, over-application of manures and improper application increases the risk of manure nutrient losses to the environment and deterioration of environmental quality.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "9519ca47c6e8a8896c9e7c51bcf75ee2";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B0083LYBA8,B01CQ3IAAU,B000KL5FP4,B008JSJO2K";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-90900062755202068372016-01-19T02:12:00.001-08:002019-05-10T16:46:26.379-07:00The humble coconut & its many usesThe coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many uses of its different parts and found throughout the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are part of the daily diets of many people. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The term coconut is derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish word coco meaning "head" or "skull", from the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0941599604?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0941599604&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Coconut" border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ryudQ8JsDQY/Vp4JVuKNp7I/AAAAAAAAAhc/nQb3-hAB-ak/s640/coconut%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When mature, they still contain some water and can be used as seed nuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. Coconut oil is great for cooking, and using it in this way is probably the simplest way to start seeing the health rewards of coconut oil. Coconut oil is slow to oxidize, even when heated at high temperatures, which means it is less likely to go rancid and become unhealthy. Also, the fatty acids in coconut oil contain antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties that contribute to overall wellness. Using coconut oil for skin care is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to reap its full benefits.<br />
<br />
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a “functional food” because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called “The Tree of Life.” Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut’s amazing healing powers. As an added bonus, the low molecular weight of coconut oil helps it to penetrate the skin easily, thus improving the health of your skin at the cellular level.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0941599604?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0941599604&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Coconut" border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TICQa7F4hIk/Vp4JVSbfl9I/AAAAAAAAAhY/plOlYazFbyE/s640/coconut%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Coconut oil has been described as “the healthiest oil on earth.” That’s quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats? The caprylic and lauric fatty acids in coconut oil reduce inflammation, while providing superior hydration. Some of the favorite ways to use coconut oil on the skin include as a face wash, to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and in an irritant-free deodorant. While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it’s the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine. <br />
<br />
Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food. Coconut water is a great natural electrolyte, and it contains high amounts of potassium. It is also lower in carbohydrates. It only contains about 4.5% carbohydrates, whereas typical sports drinks can contain a 6%-8% carbohydrate concentration. Researchers found that those who drank coconut water experienced significantly less nausea and felt less full. However, most studies have shown that water is still the best choice for hydration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0941599604?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0941599604&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Coconut" border="0" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ryeJUu2wvfw/Vp4JWp942EI/AAAAAAAAAho/cJ6F8y60DdA/s640/coconut%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The roots of coconut are commonly used in beverages and medicine. These roots are used for dye, tooth brush, and mouth wash. It can also be used in treating diarrhea, dysentery, and other digestive problems. The trunk is the largest part of the tree which is used in many construction purposes like buildings, and residential houses. The wood products from the trunk are useful in creating furniture, and even paper pulp. The pinnate leaves of the tree of life seem to be useless but in reality, it has different uses. The leaves when dried can be used for paper pulp and brooms. It can also be used for creating bags, shades, decors, fans, and hats. Some people in rural areas use it in covering roofs, creating fences, and kindling fires. <br />
<br />
The shell is actually the part of the coconut fruit. It is also used as a material in different handicrafts. In cooking, its shells are used in producing charcoal and creating dishes and kitchen utensils. When the husk is soaked in salt water, its fibers are separated to produce coir. Coir is commonly used material in creating ropes, mats, and coarse clothes. Flowers are useful in creating apparels. The sap of the flower can be used in creating alcohol and vinegar. Usually, the sap is boiled in order to make syrup. The syrup is processed and fermented to produce alcohol or vinegar. Coconut flowers have many medicinal uses. They are an ingredient in many traditional remedies, especially medicines for new mothers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0941599604?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0941599604&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Coconut" border="0" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHmUWIsnX4/Vp4JXTdHePI/AAAAAAAAAhs/7AyIDD89jHs/s640/coconut%2B4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is an innovative technique done in India to increase yield in coconut plantation. It is called pentagonal planting. In this method, seedlings are placed in such a way that one plant is planted in centre and four plants at a distance of eight feet in all four directions. A pit for planting is dug and inputs like water, manure etc are placed into it along with the seedlings. Organic wastes are also dumped into the pits which act as vermicomposting sites. The whole area is covered with fallen coconut fronds and other organic waste. In paired system, the inter-space between the seedlings is reduced to six feet. Two plants are planted in a three cubic metre pit filled with coconut husk, compost, red earth tank silt etc. The entire pit is covered with fallen coconut fronds and other available organic waste of farm. Two trenches are dug about eight feet away from the pit which act as catchment for rainwater.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "2603c1e8db8114eb91c01c0715b3d1ae";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B00LNURL94,B004T80BYE,B007FS8AL6,0062690299";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-77509132960645056962016-01-18T02:40:00.001-08:002019-05-10T16:50:11.725-07:00Free range chicken for eggs and meatsThere's nothing new about raising free-range poultry, of course. It used to be done that way all over. A natural part of every old-time farmstead was a half-wild flock of chickens scratching around the barnyard and fields after bugs, native seeds and berries, plus whatever feed grain got past (or passed through) the larger farm animals. Free range denotes a method of farming husbandry where the animals, for at least part of the day, can roam freely outdoors, rather than being confined in an enclosure for 24 hours each day. On many farms, the outdoors ranging area is fenced, thereby technically making this an enclosure, however, free range systems usually offer the opportunity for extensive locomotion and sunlight prevented by indoor housing systems. <br />
<br />
Free range may apply to meat, eggs or dairy farming. The idea is to convince your birds to get out into the country and eat as much as they can for free. You don't need a lot of land; a flock can find a whole bunch of bugs and seeds on an acre or two. The more the better, of course, and our flock has several square miles of wild mountain to wander over, if they want. However, they restrict most of their travels to the orchard and woods that abut the henhouse side of the barn, as well as the barnyard and a couple of pastures in the other direction. The flock patrols perhaps five acres in all, seldom going much over 100 meters from the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118547543?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1118547543&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Free range chicken" border="0" height="460" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8oieFoGfu4/Vpy_DLqar9I/AAAAAAAAAg0/rpa4rZM2MC0/s640/free%2Brange%2Bchicken%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Chickens will eat many different things other than just feed, they will eat insects, worms, and various greens. What is meant by high quality food? The eggs laid by free range chickens have a much higher nutritional value than store bought eggs. Free range eggs contain twice the amount of vitamin E, six times the amount of vitamin A; they contain less saturated fat, and have four times the omega-3 fatty acids. They also have half as much cholesterol as eggs that are produced by factory raised hens. There are, however, genuine misconceptions when it comes to choosing between certified organic eggs and poultry, and free-range eggs and poultry.<br />
<br />
Whilst free-range production is a method of food production, organic farming is part of a complete farming ethos whereby participating organic producers use a total production system which works in harmony with nature and with our environment. Organic chicken must be fed only certified organic feed, which is grown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides, from the time they are two days old. They may not receive hormones or antibiotics at any time, though they may receive vaccinations to prevent common diseases. In order to label chicken as free-range, producers must demonstrate through affidavits or testimonials that their poultry have free, continuous access to the outdoors for more than half of their lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118547543?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1118547543&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Free range chicken" border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_L9TGO9dJE/Vpy_GxRMRRI/AAAAAAAAAhE/mkT0aYlm7cQ/s640/free%2Brange%2Bchicken%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You will need coops to protect the chickens while they roost at night. Ensure that they coop is large enough to comfortably house the number of chickens you intend to raise. You need some feed in case they run low on natural foods in your area. Depending on your property situation, you may or may not need to fence in an area where the chickens can roam. Once you have things ready at your home buy some chicks from a dealer. You will want to purchase the proper type of chicken; some varieties have been bred to produce more breast meat while others have been bred for superior laying ability. The chickens you raise will depend on whether you want more meat or more eggs.<br />
<br />
Once you have the chicks they need to be kept in the brooder until they are large enough to go outside. Free-range system requires adequate space for the chicken to forage for food and coops to shelter at night. Chicks younger than two months need to be placed in portable enclosures that allow them to bask in the sun without threat from hawks and other birds of prey. Then the birds should have places to perch and rest. Then you have to feed them mixed diet. To cut the high cost of feeds, you can feed the chicken with maize germ, sorghum, millet, wheat, and sunflower or groundnut cake. You can also give them weekly bone meal and salt. In addition, free-range chicken forage for insects and green plant matter. This gives their eggs and meat a tasty flavour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118547543?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1118547543&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Free range chicken" border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJvjpl_3V9g/Vpy_Fg-cR7I/AAAAAAAAAg8/3tCi6B_WZ5c/s640/free%2Brange%2Bchicken%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The free-range label is slightly controversial, since some producers insist that the label applies even if the birds do not actually go outdoors very much or at all; they merely need the option to go outside. Organic chickens contain higher omega 3 essential fatty acid levels because of greater access to forage for their natural diet and the organic feed they are supplemented with is more nutritionally balanced. What is clear is that organic birds are raised without the use of antibiotics, hormones or coccidiostats and the ration is also guaranteed free of chemicals, herbicides and fertilisers. It's one thing to start a chicken farm, but to start an actual business out of it is something else entirely.<br />
<br />
You are not only going to become a chicken farmer, but a businessperson as well, depending on what markets you want to target and what part of the chicken industry you want to tap into. In the chicken industry there are two main sectors: Layers, which are chickens bred and raised to produce eggs, or broilers, chickens raised and bred to be slaughtered. Whatever sector you choose, you have to make responsible managerial and financial decisions to make your chicken farm business a profitable one. The most important key factor for free-range chicken farming is your manpower or your poultry caretaker. A caretaker should at least attend a seminar to learn and know the basic principles of free-range chicken farming.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "06cab3db08ed9e04c96492f6008dcac1";
amzn_assoc_asins = "1604692375,0812977114,1118547543,B01M9CS60R";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-69396699661330068832016-01-15T06:28:00.000-08:002019-05-10T16:54:11.617-07:00Bean Sprouts. Grow it & Cook it fresh.Bean sprouts are a common ingredient, especially in Eastern Asian cuisine, made from sprouting beans. The typical bean sprout is made from the greenish-capped mung beans. Other common bean sprouts are the usually yellow, larger-grained soy sprouts. They are remarkably easy to grow indoors, and the process only takes a few days to complete. Growing bean sprouts indoors is an ideal endeavor for individuals interested in learning how to grow their own food, and it is also a fun project for kids since they actually get to see the sprouts grow.<br />
<br />
The young, tender sprouts of germinated beans, beansprouts are nutritious, white and crunchy. Mung beansprouts, also known as Chinese beansprouts, are the most common variety and have a delicate flavour. They are short and stubby with a little green ‘head’; soya beansprouts are longer and fatter with a yellow tip. Alfalfa, aduki, chickpea and lentil sprouts can be used in the same way as mung and soya. Experiment with a variety of beans and seeds. Mung beans make an especially good choice, but adzuki beans, lentils, and soybeans are also common.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1479197688?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1479197688&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Bean Sprouts" border="0" height="472" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufjF3mfKk5w/VpkAGdeTciI/AAAAAAAAAgU/x9r_hk5xkso/s640/bean%2Bsprouts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Other seeds, such as clover, red cabbage, sunflower, snow pea, beet, broccoli, onion, and wheatgrass, can also be used. Avoid large beans, since larger beans are more likely to develop mold. Small, soft beans work best. Individuals with weak immune systems should avoid consuming raw, homemade sprouts. Homemade sprouts carry a greater risk of contamination than pre-packaged sprouts. Mung Bean Sprouts are the most widely consumed sprout on our planet! Absolutely unique, Mung Bean Sprouts are fun to grow and lend themselves to great Recipes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sprouts from mung bean have been used for food since ancient times. These sprouts have nutrient value similar to asparagus and mushroom, which contain high quantities of Vitamin A. Sprouts can be canned or frozen in addition to eating them fresh. Mung bean seeds can be purchased from mail-order commercial seed companies and health food chain stores. Regardless of the source, do not use seeds that have been treated with a fungicide. Treated seeds are inedible and may be recognized by the pink or green colored coating.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1479197688?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1479197688&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Growing Mung Beansprouts" border="0" height="394" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXXiuuQ9zVU/VpkAGj4fjgI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/B0SQhbFL1gs/s640/grow%2Bbean%2Bsprouts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How to grow Mung bean sprouts?</b></div>
<div>
<br />
Pick out any broken or blemished beans. Wash and drain and soak the beans in cold water for 24 hours. The next day, place the mesh net on the bottom of the planter and add a paper towel over it. Drain the beans and put them into the planter on the paper towel. Wet the beans with cold running water one last time. Put the small bowl upside down in the large basin. Put the planter on top of the small bowl, so the water will drain out nicely into the basin, and the planter won’t sit in the water. Cover it with the black cloth.</div>
<div>
<br />
Water the beans as often as you can, at least every 3 hours. It’s ok not to water them all night, but if you happen to wake up you can water them. Otherwise, be sure to water them first thing in the morning. On the 3rd day, the beans will start sprouting. On the 5th day, the sprouts will grow 2 to 3 inches long. The 6th day should be harvest day. You’ll get 5 pounds of bean sprouts. Put them into plastic bags and keep them in the fridge. You can store the sprouts for up to 7 days, longer than that and they may brown and wither.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Try this recipe:<br />
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/vegetablesrecipes/r/beansprouts.htm<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1479197688?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1479197688&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Stir fry beansprouts" border="0" height="486" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YDR4rkKmrk/VpkAHeh-QtI/AAAAAAAAAgc/C7gltKJXm8o/s640/stir%2Bfry%2Bmung%2Bbean%2Bsprouts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sprouts are regarded as a healthy food source, rich with vitamins, minerals and non-meat proteins, but they've also been recalled many times for salmonella and hundreds of people have become sick due to them. Activists can complain about GMOs but, after decades in use, not so much as a stomach ache has been caused by them. You can feed sprouts to your kids, just avoid advocacy-based evidence and cook the things unless you grew them yourself. Mung beans produce an edible sprout that’s crisp and described as nutty tasting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These sprouts are substantial enough to stand-up to stir-frying, but they're often used raw in salads and on sandwiches. Mung bean sprouts are low in calories, have fiber and B vitamins, and deliver a boost of vitamins C and K. Vitamin K is essential for the process of blood clotting. It also regulates bone mineralization and helps maintain bone density. A vitamin-K-dependent protein inhibits the build-up of calcium in blood vessels, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. One cup of raw mung bean sprouts delivers 14 milligrams of vitamin C.</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "147b24b174cc8c09934ee97e225bb518";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B0001W2W2Q,B01NGWL16D,B01AJJOJD0,B07H3X9M49";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-55885807096133417522016-01-14T06:23:00.000-08:002019-05-10T16:58:53.273-07:00Millipedes, Centipedes, compost Bugs and ChickensSome folks confuse millipedes with centipedes. These two groups of many-legged, creepy-crawlies belong to different arthropod classes. Millipedes are round bodied and have two pairs of legs per body segment. They are vegetarian and help with the decomposition process. Millipedes are not the same as centipedes. Centipedes are flat-bodied and have only one pair of legs per body segment. Centipedes kill worms. Millipedes do not. None of these pests transmit diseases to plants, animals, or humans. Millipedes are vegetarians while centipedes are carnivores. They don’t damage furnishings, homes, or food—but they can frighten people.<br />
<br />
Centipedes are fast moving predators found mostly in the top few inches of the compost heap. They have formidable claws behind their head which possess poison glands that paralyze small red worms, insect larvae, newly hatched earthworms, and arthropods - mainly insects and spiders. Millipedes are slower and more cylindrical than centipedes and have two pairs of appendages on each body segment. They feed mainly on decaying plant tissue but will eat insect carcasses and excrement. All of her creatures, big and small, serve a very specific purpose. Therefore, if you see these bugs in your compost pile, rest assured it's for a very good reason.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1448813638?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1448813638&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Millipedes and centipedes" border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRPksDfbdWY/VpetCeuPmFI/AAAAAAAAAfw/s6HjgbZH-hA/s640/millipedes%2Bcentipedes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Active composting generates a lot of heat during the initial breakdown phases and most bugs are not attracted to such conditions. On the other hand, since passive composting methods don't tend to generate as much heat, bugs are more prone to be found in these systems. That is not to say, you'll never find these bugs in an active compost system, you'll just tend to see less of them...at least until the pile cools down. These specific compost critters have the ability to break down larger ingredients in your compost. That's why they're sometimes referred to as "shredders". This shredding of larger parts into smaller parts allows smaller organisms, such as the bacteria, to finish the process.<br />
<br />
At night they venture out and feed on decomposing organic material. They will feed on the tender foliage, stems and roots of young garden vegetable transplants, seedlings, and bedding plants. They also rasp the outer skin of cucumbers lying on the ground in gardens, causing fruit to be deformed and blemished. Most gardeners do not categorize them as pests, but think of them as beneficials for converting decayed vegetation into humus. They help to break down the contents, they also feed on vegetables and can destroy seedlings, small benefits they confer are far outweighed by the harm they can cause, particularly when their numbers are high.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463592116?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1463592116&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Compost bugs" border="0" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqYL2maYHdw/VpetA2qUtrI/AAAAAAAAAfk/QUJ4-Gre7Wk/s640/compost%2Bbugs.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To exclude millipedes from entering your home, walk around the outside of your house with some sealant and a caulking gun. Seal up any cracks in the foundation and around any cables, wires, and plumbing that enter the house. Take your time with this, as they can get through the tiniest openings imaginable. Inside moisture control is a very important step in getting rid of millipedes because they require high humidity to live. The more you can dry out your home, the better. Install a few dehumidifiers and set up some fans in rooms that don’t get a lot of air flow. Make sure you don’t have any leaky plumbing in the walls, ceilings, or under sinks. If the faucets are dripping, fix it. Move furniture around to find their nice, damp little hidey-holes. <br />
<br />
So how does chicken get into this story? <br />
<br />
Well, it so happen that when chickens started to free-range some time ago, it was noticed that the millipede infestation problem was diminishing. At first it was thought it must be the cooler wet season that had discouraged the bugs, but now that the sun is out, there are still no problem as did previous year, thanks to the chickens! So if anyone has the problem with millipede migration, you can attest to an easy solution: chickens. They love those critters and enjoy the free meals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604692375?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1604692375&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt="Chickens and bugs" border="0" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U4S1Ci6Hxw/VpetAr5DP8I/AAAAAAAAAfo/EMTt91jCuvU/s640/chicken%2Bbugs.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Free range chickens are chickens which are raised on pasture and allowed to feed themselves on a normal diet of grass and bugs. They are free to range over the ground, out in the sunshine and fresh air, eating what they choose. They may eat some commercial grain based food, but they are not confined in cages. Chickens are scavengers and omnivores, and they need protein in addition to plant foods. Bugs, grubs and worms provide this protein and contribute to the chicken’s optimal state of health. If allowed, they will spend a great deal of their time scratching and scavenging over wide areas, looking for food. Chickens and compost are “a match made in heaven”, because of their love of digging and scratching. <br />
<br />
You know all that labor-intensive, back-breaking work of having to turn your compost pile? Chickens will gladly do it for you! If you don’t bother to turn your compost, it will take six months to a year to fully decompose. But, now with the chickens doing the work, you can have usable compost available any time of the year. Not only do you derive benefit from it, but the chickens find great pleasure in digging through the compost in search of “goodies”. The high protein bugs and beneficial microbes are a favorite “snack”, as well as, the weed seeds, food scraps, and any edible green plant tossed into the compost pile. This free food not only improves the quality of the eggs, but it also reduces the amount of feed you have to buy. Because of their constant scratching, the raw compost materials break down a lot faster.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "941487a8a4abeab6a1fffd2a172e466f";
amzn_assoc_asins = "1426313764,0500650675,1616461438,1541645766";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-41568569087535585712016-01-13T07:35:00.000-08:002019-05-10T17:06:45.107-07:00Making compost from sugarcane fiber waste Sugarcane fiber waste or bagasse is what is left after juice extraction. Sugarcane is a tree-free renewable resource. Historically, bagasse waste has been burned in the fields, and thereby creating pollution. Now, bagasse is used to manufacturer eco friendly food service products replacing traditional paper, plastics and styrofoam products. Products manufactured from bagasse require less energy than plastics products. By adopting bagasse products, you indirectly help in reducing the pollution and energy consumption. Bagasse sugarcane plates, bowl, compartment trays, to go containers, clamshells are much better alternative for food service industry.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500306630?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1500306630&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sugarcane fibre waste" border="0" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l762SPPQP_E/VpZtEjumdBI/AAAAAAAAAfI/ARnQAJklOdA/s640/sugarcane%2Bfibre%2Bwaste.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
For each 10 tonnes of sugarcane crushed, a sugar factory produces nearly 3 tonnes of wet bagasse. Since bagasse is a by-product of the cane sugar industry, the quantity of production in each country is in line with the quantity of sugarcane produced. The high moisture content of bagasse, typically 40 to 50%, is detrimental to its use as a fuel. In general, bagasse is stored prior to further processing. For electricity production, it is stored under moist conditions, and the mild exothermic reaction that results from the degradation of residual sugars dries the bagasse pile slightly. For paper and pulp production, it is normally stored wet in order to assist in removal of the short pith fibres, which impede the papermaking process, as well as to remove any remaining sugar.<br />
<br />
Compost made from mixtures of sugarcane byproducts bagasse and press mud are produced in several countries. In this work experimental results are presented for composting trials in which bagasse was substituted with waste sugarcane in the mixture with press mud. A trial was carried out in large scale windrows mechanically turned. Three mixture piles and one pile for each raw material were processed in 140 days. Substituting cane bagasse as bulking agent for waste whole sugarcane did not introduce significant changes in the composting process which proceeded smoothly.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500306630?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1500306630&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Bagasse" border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n22IBFfGcuk/VpZtEL4cG3I/AAAAAAAAAfA/x50UF3mHzC0/s640/sugarcane%2Bbaggase.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sugarcane trash is lengthy one. Handling and heaping the trash will be more cumbersome. It is recommended to shred the waste into small particles. This process reduces the volume of material, increases the surface area of the waste. If the waste material contains more surface area, more microorganisms work effectively on the surface and degradation will be faster. Shredder is the ideal instrument to shred all the sugarcane trash. Chop cutter machine can also be used for this purpose. If no machinery is available manual shredding is recommended. Without shredding the composting process will take long time. <br />
<br />
The detrashed material has to be pooled together and transported to the compost yard. If no compost yard is available to farmer, anyone of the corner area in the sugarcane field itself can be used for making composting. There is no necessity to make a pit for composting. Composting can be done above the soil.<br />
<br />
There are 6 essential compost ingredients needed: <br />
<br />
1) Heat <br />
2) Moisture <br />
3) The correct carbon to nitrogen ratio in the organic material <br />
4) Getting air to the compost heap <br />
5) Insects and micro-organisms <br />
6) Time!<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500306630?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1500306630&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sugarcane fibre waste compost" border="0" height="414" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRoyS9g93_s/VpZtEM-VuHI/AAAAAAAAAfE/ZiSKK3x7XBc/s640/sugarcane%2Bcompost.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Composting is often likened to baking. That is, you add the ingredients, stir and "bake"and out comes your compost. There are three main ingredients: the activator, the sugarcane residues and the acidified solution. The activator contains cellulolytic fungi such as Trichoderma koningii, T. resii, T. viride, T. harzianum and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. These organisms are cultured in liquid media such as a rice bran decoction, coconut water and slops.<br />
<br />
Next, you need sugarcane residues such as cane trash, bagasse and mudpress, wastes and manure. The scientists said that mudpress ranks first in nutrients, however, these nutrients are organically bound which means it needs to be broken down to make it readily available for plant use. This is the work of the fungi in the activator. Manure and green leaves are added to the compost pile since these are rich sources of nitrogen that are needed to promote accelerated growth of the microorganisms.</div>
</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "0a82d0527bab0c03cc2154b6fe5fb238";
amzn_assoc_asins = "0824840003,1580170234,1591866928,0811718379";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-24130771212390314142016-01-12T06:44:00.000-08:002019-05-10T17:09:35.113-07:00Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful GardeningCompanion planting in gardening and agriculture is the planting of different crops in proximity for pest control, pollination, providing habitat for beneficial creatures, maximizing use of space, and to otherwise increase crop productivity. There are many ways you can find to incorporate these useful plants in your garden, orchard, flower beds etc. Nature integrates a diversity of plants, insects, animals, and other organisms into every ecosystem so there is no waste. The death of one organism can create food for another, meaning symbiotic relationships all around. Companion planting can combine beauty and purpose to give you an enjoyable, healthy environment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580170277?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1580170277&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Companion planting" border="0" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcftP7gY95I/VpUPyGnTCeI/AAAAAAAAAeg/nc7zWOV2l5A/s640/companion%2Bplanting%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We consider companion planting to be a holistic concept due to the many intricate levels in which it works with the ecology. By using companion planting, many gardeners find that they can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial allies. There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants. Be open to experimenting and find what works for you. Some possibilities would be using certain plants as a border, backdrop or interplanting in your flower or vegetable beds where you have specific needs. Use plants that are native to your area so the insects you want to attract already know what to look for! Plants with open cup shaped flowers are the most popular with beneficial insects.<br />
<br />
Tomato allies are many: asparagus, basil, bean, carrots, celery, chive, cucumber, garlic, head lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, pea, pepper, marigold, pot marigold and sow thistle. One drawback with tomatoes and carrots: tomato plants can stunt the growth of your carrots but the carrots will still be of good flavor. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes, improves growth and flavor. Bee balm, chives and mint improve health and flavor. Borage deters tomato worm, improves growth and flavor. Dill, until mature, improves growth and health, mature dill retards tomato growth. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580170277?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1580170277&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Companion farming" border="0" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oieNou3uqp8/VpUPxYzjK4I/AAAAAAAAAeY/TJA3jpGLUV8/s640/companion%2Bfarming.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Carrot pals are chives, leaf lettuce, leeks, marigolds, onions, parsley, radish, salisfy and tomatoes. Plant dill, fennel, kohlrabi and parsnips away from carrots. Sow leeks and carrots in the same row for protection against carrot fly. Then harvest the carrots and leave the leeks to mature for later. For onions and carrots plant them in separate rows next to each other to repel carrots flies. Flax produces an oil that may protect root vegetables like carrots from some pests. <br />
<br />
The following vegetables and flowers also support or inhibit the growth of other plants and/or which pests they deter.<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Basil can be planted near most garden crops. It help improves the flavor and growth of garden crops, especially tomatoes and lettuce. Help repels mosquitoes.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Bush Beans can be planted near beets, cabbage, carrots, catnip, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, marigolds, potatoes, savory or strawberries. Keep away from fennel, garlic, leeks, onions or shallots. Potatoes and marigolds help repel bean beetles. Catnip repels flea beetles.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Pole Beans can be planted near corn, marigolds, potatoes or radishes. Keep away from beets, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, onions or shallots. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts can be planted near beets, buckwheat, calendula, carrots, chamomile, dill, hyssop, marigolds, mints, nasturtiums, onions, rosemary, sage, thyme or wormwood. Keep away from strawberries. Marigolds help repel cabbage moths. Nasturtiums repel aphids.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cabbage and Cauliflower can be planted near broccoli, brussels sprouts, celery, chard, spinach or tomatoes. Keep away from strawberries. Tomatoes and celery repel cabbage worms.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Chives can be planted near berries, carrots, grapes, peas, roses or tomatoes. It help Improves flavor and growth of companions. Deters aphids and Japanese beetles.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Corn can be planted near beans, cucumbers, early potatoes, melons, peas, pumpkins, soybeans or squash. Soybeans help deter chinch bugs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cucumbers can be planted near beans, cabbage, corn, early potatoes, radishes or sunflowers. Keep away from late potatoes. Radishes help deter cucumber beetles. Cucumbers encourage blight in late potatoes.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Epplant can be planted near green beans, peppers, potatoes or tomatoes. Green beans deter potato beetles.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Garlic can be planted near cabbage, cane fruits, fruit trees, roses or tomatoes. Keep away from peas or beans. Help deters Japanese beetles and aphids.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580170277?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1580170277&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Companion Gardening" border="0" height="434" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAXZ9nd-TK8/VpUPxU5YnUI/AAAAAAAAAec/JSjupnNACXU/s640/companion%2Bgardening.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It takes more than good soil, sun, and nutrients to ensure success in a garden. Plants have to grow well with one another. Like people, some plants are friends and some are foes! One of the keys to successful companion planting is observation. Record your plant combinations and the results from year to year, and share this information with other gardening friends. Companionship is just as important for gardeners as it is for gardens. Organic gardeners know that a diverse mix of plants makes for a healthy and beautiful garden. Many believe that certain plant combinations have extraordinary powers to help each other grow. Have fun, let your imagination soar.</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_asins = "1580170277,1580178294,0875968473,1580170285";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "8de93851d01a949834f11e248114e98f";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-58111155950735065892016-01-10T07:10:00.000-08:002019-05-10T18:10:39.555-07:00Grape grown in the TropicsThe grapevine is probably the most widely grown temperate fruit crop in the tropics and subtropics with a total world production of over 3 million tonnes. Currently India with a production of over one million tonnes is the major world producer followed by Brazil producing somewhat less than one million tonnes in the tropics. Other tropical producers include Yemen 163,000, Peru 136,000, Thailand 40,000, Colombia 19,000, Tanzania 14,000, and Venezuela 11,500 tonnes. Some are also produced in the tropical parts of both Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Many tropical countries produce small amounts of table grapes for local consumption.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890132829?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1890132829&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Growing grape in india" border="0" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbYCGvajvMA/VpJyi0MtV0I/AAAAAAAAAd0/O2DP18jNSs8/s640/grow%2Bgrape%2Bindia.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before 1960, table grapes were imported from the United States and Australia to Thailand, incurring high costs. At that time more than one hundred varieties were also introduced for testing from the United States and other countries. It was found that grapes can be adapted and grown well in the country. In 1956, Professor Pavin Punsri and his colleagues of the Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, tried to study and solve the problems of grape culture. The grape industry in Thailand has been a success since this time. The initial commercial table grape production areas were located in the Central Plain region at Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram provinces, which are near Bangkok. At present, the grape industry has expanded to the Northern, Northeastern and the Western regions.<br />
<br />
Grape cultivation is one of the most remunerative farming enterprises in India. Cultivated grapes are believed to have been introduced into the north of India by the Persian invaders in 1300 AD, from where they were introduced into the south during the historic event of changing the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad by King Mohammed-bin-Tughlak. Ibn Batuta, a Moorish traveller who visited Daulatabad in 1430 AD, reported to have seen flourishing vineyards in south India. Grape was also introduced in the south into Salem and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu by the Christian missionaries around 1832 AD, and into Hyderabad province by HEH, the Nizam of Hyderabad in the early part of the 20th century. From Delhi, Daulatabad, Madurai, Salem and Hyderabad, grape cultivation spread to different parts of the country.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890132829?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1890132829&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Growing grape in Thailand" border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awL7inPfmss/VpJyjb89UcI/AAAAAAAAAd4/V6cikdAt3g0/s640/grow%2Bgrape%2Bthailand.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Grapes can be grown in the Philippines. This has been proven in Arevalo, Iloilo, La Union and Cebu where they have been growing grapes since 1950. Grapes like terrain that is somewhat sloping so as not to lodge water and hurt the roots. Grapes grow best in areas with warm and dry climate and where sufficient irrigation is available. Places frequently by typhoon and continuous rain are least suitable. Suitable regions for grape production are western parts of Luzon, Palawan, Mindoro, Panay and Negros Occidental. Growing conditions, however, vary depending on the variety. Most commercial vineyards are below 1,000 feet in elevation, some almost at sea level. <br />
<br />
Muscadines variety are well adapted to the warm, humid conditions and therefore will grow well in all humid areas of tropical Asian countries including Australia where European grapes are unsuitable. Both east and west coasts and through the “top end” provide the climatic requirements for growing muscadines successfully. Ripe grapes are sweet and juicy with a distinctive fruity flavour. Vigorous self fertile vine with medium sized (15-20mm), round golden-bronze fruit when ripe. It can set a small percentage of smaller seedless fruit. Highly disease resistant and should not require spraying making them ideal for coastal subtropical climates. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890132829?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1890132829&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Growing grape in the tropics" border="0" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTs-JNuo1QI/VpJyhhZLjMI/AAAAAAAAAds/69f1xvjV9Ww/s640/grapes%2Btropics.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Growing grapes from seeds is not the ideal way of reproducing a grape vine as the genetics of a variety is not completely carried over by the seeds – in other words, if you plant a Concord seed, and you successfully get the seed to germinate, the chances are good that the new grape vine will not have all the true Concord characteristics! This is a very time consuming process as it can take up to three years to propagate a new grape vine from seeds. Another big problem with growing grapes from seeds is the fact that a very low percentage of the seeds will germinate. The grape seed is covered with a very tough seed coat that keeps the seed dormant until ideal conditions for germination.<br />
<br />
Should you decide to grow grapes, several factors would have to be considered.<br />
<br />
1. Location. As mentioned above, the local climate will determine which varieties would grow best in your area. Grapes vary in flavor, color, size and texture. Some are sweet and ideal for the table, others are best suited for jellies, juices and wines.<br />
<br />
2. Sun. Grapes require full sun. If you don’t have a spot in your yard that’s sunny all day, find a place where it can at least receive the morning sun.<br />
<br />
3. Air flow. Good air circulation helps to prevent funguses from attacking your vine. Find an area away from trees, tall brush or buildings that can block breezes from blowing into your vine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890132829?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1890132829&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Grapevine pruning" border="0" height="492" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZeufUayfDk/VpJyhsuW1XI/AAAAAAAAAdg/xNib-cNwadM/s640/gravevine%2Bpruning.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The secret to growing very productive grapes is good pruning. It’s probably the most important and demanding task you’ll have to do in caring for your vines. Note that fruit is produced from the current season’s growth, which in turn grew from the previous season’s wood. So don’t be afraid to remove up to 90 percent of last season’s growth – your grapes will grow better because of it. Heavy pruning produces the best quality fruit, while light pruning results in large yields of poor quality. Also, if you want to produce bigger fruits, cut off every third bunch the moment they form so that more energy goes into developing the remaining fruits.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "2bef3f54c91477ea0855aead97bfccfd";
amzn_assoc_asins = "1604692855,1623491800,1502361051,0882662287";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-74845323590699433662016-01-07T21:06:00.000-08:002019-05-10T18:14:48.724-07:00How to remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables?Many people are going organic these days, but it can be hard to afford an all-organic lifestyle when it comes to buying fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the organic selection at traditional grocery stores can be limited, especially at certain times of the year, so you are forced to buy non-organic produce. Either way, it is helpful to be able to remove some of the pesticides that coat the outsides of non-organic produce! Questions have been raised about the safety of imported fruit and vegetables, with suggestions they're more likely than locally-grown produce to be contaminated with toxic pesticides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0700621288?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0700621288&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Pesticide in Fruits" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vbY9jExrFs/Vo9CLhmaSoI/AAAAAAAAAdA/-eWu37T7p1s/s640/pesticide%2Bfuits.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The importance of washing produce before eating or cooking it was driven home today by the release of a list of fruits and vegetables that tested positive for the highest concentration of pesticides. Apples, a staple in many refrigerators, topped the list with 98 percent testing positive for a pesticide and 92 percent testing positive for two or more pesticides. Coming in second was celery, with more than 95 percent testing positive for at least one pesticide. Others on the list of shame include: strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce and kale or collard greens.<br />
<br />
Therefore wash all your fruits and vegetables. Washing them with 2% of salt water will remove most of the contact pesticide residues that normally appear on the surface of the vegetables and fruits. Almost 75 to 80 percent of pesticide residues are removed by cold water washing. Also, be more thorough with these fruits and vegetables in specific: grapes, apples, guava, plums, mangoes, peaches and pears and vegetables like tomatoes, brinjal and okra as they might carry more residue in their crevices.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0700621288?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0700621288&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Pesticide in Vegetables" border="0" height="458" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvJRYj9u-sM/Vo9CLji5TII/AAAAAAAAAdE/pRw9L7AMe_k/s640/pesticide%2Bvegetables.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alternatively, you can simply wash your fresh produce in distilled white vinegar and water solution. Suggest soaking your veggies and fruits in a solution of 10% vinegar to 90% water. Make the mixture, and let the produce sit in for 15 to 20 minutes. When you remove them, you’ll notice that the water left in the bowl is dirty and may contain some gunk. Rinse fruits and vegetables in fresh water, and then enjoy your cleaner product. This method shouldn’t be used on fragile fruits, such as berries, as they have a very porous skin and might get damaged and soak in too much of the vinegar. With other fruits, there should be no lingering vinegar aroma. If you wish, you can also use lemon juice.<br />
<br />
Try this <b>DIY produce Spray</b><br />
<br />
This pesticide-removing natural spray is super simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
2 tablespoons baking soda<br />
1 cup water<br />
<br />
Mix these ingredients until the baking soda has dissolved, and pour into a clean spray bottle. Spritz the mixture onto your fruits and vegetables, and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the mixture off, and enjoy your produce!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0700621288?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0700621288&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Pesticide remover spray" border="0" height="371" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUzBzxYC7hw/Vo9CLijQ3fI/AAAAAAAAAdI/9IlMrD0LM90/s400/fruit%2Bvegetable%2Bwash.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A lot of the data comes from studies of farmworkers, who work with these chemicals regularly. Studies have linked long-term pesticide exposure in this group to increased risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease; prostate, ovarian, and other cancers; depression; and respiratory problems. There’s some suggestion that adults and children living in farm communities could also be at risk for chronic health problems. The rest of us may not handle the stuff, but we are exposed through food, water, and air. The fact that pesticide residues are generally below EPA tolerance limits is sometimes used as “proof” that the health risks are minimal. But the research used to set these tolerances is limited.</div>
</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "c2d08b5a2b41dbc93bf2042b6598cfcc";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B001OHV29G,B000VUYYXI,B01BZ0KGY8,B07DPXCT62";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-19931751903037799862016-01-05T05:54:00.000-08:002019-05-12T03:24:24.264-07:00Organic food vs Genetically modified foodOrganic farming is the production of food without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified components. Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free. They may be grown on land not previously used for organic food production and, therefore, might contain chemical residues. However, the pesticide residues in organic food are considerably lower than those found in foods produced with synthetic chemicals. Organic foods promote healthier and more sustainable use of natural resources. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by using physical weed control, and animal and green manure.<br />
<br />
Our ability to manipulate plants by introducing new genes promises innovative solutions to these and many other real-world problems. Yet there is considerable opposition to the use of genetically modified plants for food production and other uses. Genetic engineering offers a time-saving method for producing larger, higher-quality crops with less effort and expense. Yet such benefits must be balanced against the risks of changing the genetic makeup of organisms. Despite the controversy surrounding them, genetically modified plants have taken root in our world. As with any new technology, members of society have the responsibility to become informed about genetically modified plants, in order to make decisions about their responsible use and regulation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573929964?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1573929964&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Organic Food" border="0" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LY9wp9Nsf_g/VovJuvpS5vI/AAAAAAAAAco/4niAN9NDlBs/s640/organic%2Bfood.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Making a commitment to healthy eating is a great start towards a healthier life. Beyond eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats, however, there is the question of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. How foods are grown or raised can impact both your health and the environment. This brings up the questions: What is the difference between organic foods and conventionally grown foods? Is “organic” always best? Are GMOs safe? What about locally grown foods? Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally grown food. But if you set some priorities, it may be possible to purchase organic food and stay within your food budget.<br />
<br />
Purchase the organic versions of the foods you eat the most and those that are highest in pesticides if conventionally grown. Conventional food producers claim that there are not enough scientific evidence for organic food production being better for the environment. Organic food production in fact eliminates soil and water contamination by avoiding toxic chemicals. Using of mixed planting as a natural pest control measure, and maintaining field margins and hedges, organic farming provides a retreat to local wildlife rather than taking it away its natural habitat like conventional agriculture. It helps conserve biodiversity. Organic crop production methods do not foresee elimination of all vegetation except for crops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573929964?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1573929964&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" GM Food" border="0" height="520" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i17eBWtvZjI/VovJt3yLjsI/AAAAAAAAAcc/_o6qPAsvhV0/s640/gm%2Bfood.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A new study shows organic crops typically yield less than those raised with artificial fertilizers and pesticides. That lower yield means feeding the world organically would require more land. But good farmland is limited. And scientists say deforestation from the clearing of land for agriculture is already a problem for climate change. In a new study, researchers wanted to measure the difference between conventional and organic yields. So they combined the results of sixty-six earlier studies. They found that some organic farms can yield almost as much as conventional farms.<br />
<br />
A fair number of agribusiness executives, agricultural and ecological scientists, and international agriculture experts believe that a large-scale shift to organic farming would not only increase the world's food supply, but might be the only way to eradicate hunger. After all, organic farmers scorn the pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other tools that have become synonymous with high-yield agriculture. Instead, organic farmers depend on raising animals for manure, growing beans, clover, or other nitrogen-fixing legumes, or making compost and other sources of fertilizer that cannot be manufactured in a chemical plant but are instead grown-which consumes land, water, and other resources.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "0dd8f29c4656fbd785e2bc13d299dfab";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B00KLLFFWQ,B072K36L7N,B07J67SY8H,B007SYT7LO";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-53189468633117931132015-12-21T15:59:00.000-08:002019-05-12T03:29:22.478-07:00Boer Goat rearing for profit. How to get organic certification?<div>
The Boer goat is a breed of goat that was developed in South Africa in the early 1900s for meat production. Their name is derived from the Afrikaans (Dutch) word "boer", meaning farmer. The Boer is an improved indigenous breed with some infusion of European, Angora and Indian goat breeding many years ago. Several researchers agree that the indigenous populations were probably from the Namaqua Hottentots and from southward migrating Bantu tribes. The name probably used to distinguish the native goats from the Angora goats which were imported into South Africa during the 19th century. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967038103?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0967038103&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-6RgTu0d48/VniQXDIAVTI/AAAAAAAAAb8/uy2HmJuPAAg/s640/boar%2Bgoats%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The present day Boer goat appeared almost 100 years ago when ranchers in the Easter Cape Province started selecting for a meat type goat. Boer Goats are a moderately sized heavy goat with good meat producing capabilities. Boer Goats are adaptable animals that provide quality produce and they provide a great return on investment. Performance records for this breed indicate exceptional individuals are capable of average daily gains over 0.44 lb/day (200 g/day) in feedlot. More standard performance would be 0.3-0.4 lbs/day (150-170 g/day). The Boer goat also has an extended breeding season making possible 3 kids every 2 years.<br />
<br />
One of the requirements for raising goats that can be organically certified is that goats be on pasture at least one-third of each year entails more than just putting them in just any outdoor or indoor area for the required amount of time. It also requires that they have shade, shelter, exercise space, fresh air and direct sunlight. In order to be certified organic, goats must be raised on pasture that is certified organic. This requires that no pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers or any other restricted materials be used. Recordkeeping is critical to raising goats organically and dairy goat farmers need to set up a recordkeeping system prior to applying for organic certification.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967038103?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0967038103&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Rearing Boer Goat" border="0" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57BjDGRmCzk/VniQXIwR2hI/AAAAAAAAAcA/chtpuKyVsDs/s640/boar%2Bgoats%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While there are many reasons why a producer may choose to produce sheep and goats organically, the decision should not be taken lightly. Organically-produced lamb and goat is not the same as naturally-raised, free-range, or grass-fed. Pastures must be certified organic and be maintained without the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or other restricted materials. Anything fed (hay, grain, pellets, milk replacer) to ewes, does, lambs, and kids must be certified organic. Organically grown feed cannot contain synthetic hormones, antibiotics, coccidiostats, urea, or other restricted materials. Even bedding, which may be consumed by animals, must be certified organic.<br />
<br />
A big tip on how to raise goats is to feed them hay (grasses or legumes) that have been cut at an early stage of their development and allowed to dry in the sun. It should be green in color and be grass grown specifically for feed, such as orchard grass, alfalfa and timothy grass. The quality of the hay is determined by how it is cured in the field. If it rains while the hay is drying, then it loses its nutritional value and could mold. But on the other hand, if the hay gets too dry, the nutrition will be shattered and lost during the baling process. The best hay for goat care is alfalfa or clover hay because it has a high level of protein and calcium.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967038103?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0967038103&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Rearing Boer Goat" border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6m5CbC9VvlM/VniQW7Lt8tI/AAAAAAAAAb4/UHMq6Gp-XQI/s640/boar%2Bgoats%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The most economical way to feed Boer goats and other meat goats is to provide plenty of high quality pasture, feeding purchased feed only during winter and droughts when pastures are short. Proper feeding is important for keeping goats healthy and productive. While the feeding of animals has become commonplace in more recent times, this practice does the hardiness and adaptability of the Boer Goat an injustice. Selective breeding practices have specifically selected for the attributes whereby Boer Goats are able to forage great distances, utilise low quality roughage under extensive conditions, and kid in the veld with minimum inputs.<br />
<br />
Goats should be provided unlimited access to fresh, clean, nonstagnant sources of freely accessible water. They appear to be less subject to high temperature stress than other species of domestic livestock. In addition to a lesser need for body water evaporation to maintain comfort in hot climates, goats can conserve body losses of water by decreasing losses in urine and feces. Goats grazing lush pastures may consume much lower quantities of water than those feeding on dry hay. Still, it is imperative to allow free access to water for all goats regardless of age, breed, purpose, stage of life cycle, or environment.
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "4f054cb9818517182e064d8218b19c56";
amzn_assoc_asins = "1909151424,1603425829,0760340420,1482648156";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-2785480301685288502015-12-13T21:01:00.000-08:002019-05-12T03:33:35.176-07:00How to grow avocado from seed? The avocado is a tree native to Mexico and Central America, classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae along with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel. In today's marketplace, the largest producers of avocados are Mexico, Chile, the United States, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, Columbia, Peru, Brazil, China, and Guatemala. Mexico is an especially large exporter of avocado into the U.S. Avocados are a creamy, buttery fruit grown in warm climates. The versatile avocado is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of monounsaturated fat. Avocados are a naturally nutrient-dense food and contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKEHBPO?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00EKEHBPO&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Avocado fruit" border="0" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sr7RogqWbiY/Vm5LNFNft9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/dzYxmngq120/s640/avocado%2Bfruit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This fruit is prized for its high nutrient value and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its good flavor and rich texture. Avocados do contain carotenoids, in and of themselves. And thanks to their fat content, you can get good absorption of the carotenoids that they contain. However, if you happen to be consuming an avocado-free meal or snack that contains very little fat yet rich amounts of carotenoids, some added avocado might go a long way in improving your carotenoid absorption and vitamin A nourishment. Salad greens including romaine lettuce and mixed greens like kale, chard, and spinach are great examples of very low fat, carotenoid-rich foods that might be eaten alone but would have more of their carotenoid-richness transferred over into your body with the help of some added avocado.<br />
<br />
To prepare avocados, use a stainless steel knife to cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Gently twist the two halves in opposite direction if you find the flesh clinging to the pit. Remove the pit, either with a spoon or by spearing with the tip of a knife. Next, take each of the avocado halves and slice lengthwise to produce four avocado quarters. With hundreds of thousands of combinations of fruits, veggies and natural sweeteners, smoothies make it easy to get the nutritional benefits of breakfast without getting boring. Try make your own servings: 1 frozen banana (the riper the sweeter), ½ a California Avocado, ½ cup almond milk and a touch of honey or agave.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKEHBPO?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00EKEHBPO&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Avocado recipes" border="0" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdIvh9b2TAs/Vm5LNaahC0I/AAAAAAAAAa0/Ab29DIoVjoA/s640/avocado%2Bsmoothies%2Bsalad.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
After eating an avocado, it is hard to resist planting its seed. To get the seed sprouting quickly, it needs immediate planting. Indoor gardeners have developed their own "traditional" planting method. This is done by poking three toothpicks into the side of the seed so that it can perch, halfway immersed in water, on the rim of a drinking glass. The seed could also be planted in potting soil, but this misses some of the fun of watching the roots and the shoots grow. Avocado roots, like those of most other plants, need oxygen, so the seedlings would actually grow better in soil than in water. When growing a seedling in water, the water should be changed at least every couple of weeks, before it gets dirty and depleted of oxygen.<br />
<br />
One way to speed germination in soil is to remove the parchment like seed coat and slice a thin layer from both the top and the bottom of the seed before planting. In water or in soil, set the seed with its base (the wider portion) down. When the roots are thick and the stem has leaves again, plant it in a rich humus soil in a 10-1/2" diameter pot, leaving the seed half exposed. Water it frequently with an occasional deep soak. Soil should be moist but not saturated. And don’t forget, the more sunlight, the better. If the plant turns yellow, you may be over-watering; let it dry out for a few days. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKEHBPO?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00EKEHBPO&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Growing avocado" border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbSNO89U6L8/Vm5LNJ0wuLI/AAAAAAAAAaw/cl7CKMUv9tQ/s640/avocado%2Bfrom%2Bseed.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If leaves turn brown and fry at the tips, too much salt has accumulated in the soil. Let water run freely into the pot and drain for several minutes. When the stem is 12 inches high, cut it back to 6 inches to encourage the growth of new shoots. You can probably expect to see your first fruit 3-4 years after planting the tree. If growing from seed, it can take anywhere from 5 to 13 years before the tree is mature enough to set fruit. When the tree does flower, expect a lot of flowers to fall from the tree without setting fruit.<br />
<br />
Over recent years avocado has become an important crop in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. This book summarizes avocado science and technology and reviews production practices on a worldwide scale. The book is split into 14 chapters and covers all aspects of avocado production and science and includes: history, distribution and uses, taxonomy and botany, propagation, crop management, diseases and insect and mite pests. This fully updated new edition of the successful 2002 book will provide a comprehensive review of avocado production, science and technology.</div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "5068a04c4d4d2dc057a0c6ac9efe7f38";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B014IMZ6ZY,0997145706,1796787949,B00F55ICGO";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096815256123738340.post-87511268447392446742015-12-09T21:02:00.002-08:002019-05-12T03:36:26.757-07:00Rearing fishes and ducks in paddy fieldsPaddy field or wet-rice cultivation is the most prevalent method of farming in the Far East, where it utilizes a small fraction of the total land yet feeds the majority of the rural population. Rice was domesticated as early as 3500 bc, and by about 2,000 years ago it was grown in almost all of the present-day cultivation areas, predominantly deltas, floodplains and coastal plains, and some terraced valley slopes. Rice fields are temporary man-made aquatic habitats. In most parts of the world they are planted and harvested once or twice a year and cover a range of irrigated, rainfed lowland, flood-prone, and up-land ecosystems.<br />
<br />
The earliest example of aquaculture can be found in South China, Thailand, and Indonesia, where the cultivation and farmimg rice in paddy fields in combination with fish are cited as examples of early aquaponics systems. The ancient Chinese employed a system of integrated aquaculture in which finfish, catfish, ducks and plants co-existed in a symbiotic relationship. The ducks were housed in cages over the finfish ponds, and the finfish processed the wastes from the ducks. In a lower pond, the catfish live on the wastes that have flowed from the finfish pond. At the bottom of the system, the water from the catfish ponds was used for irrigated rice and vegetable crops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9251084149?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=9251084149&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Paddy fields fish rearing" border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxIy5oucE8k/VmkGBSkiL5I/AAAAAAAAAZs/ErqYHt0FWgU/s640/paddy%2Bfields%2Bfish%2Bponds.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
As many edible aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms have always been part of these ecosystems, the capture of wild fish, frogs, shrimps, clams, and snails in rice fields and irrigation channels has been a common practice in most Asian countries. Rice paddies have lots of natural food for fish. This is one of the advantages of raising fish and rice together. Fish help the farmer by eating weeds and insects in the paddy field. And they fertilize the rice with their manure. On top of all this fish is a nutritious food for your family. Raising young fish in the paddy fields before spring transplanting is an effective way to resolve the problem of getting a source of young fish for ponds and reservoirs in the mountainous regions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When fish were introduced into flooded paddy fields, farmers were able to grow the same amount of grain as in conventional rice monocultures. The fish reared can be of carp species which is considered a delicacy, so farmers could sell them. They could also make large savings on fertilisers and pesticides, which typically represent 60–70 per cent of the total cost of rice production. Fish significantly lower the risk of rice sheath blast disease and reduce the amount of weeds and harmful pests such as the rice planthopper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9251084149?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=9251084149&linkCode=xm2&tag=2media" target="_blank"><img alt=" Paddy fields and fish rearing" border="0" height="451" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VuduJMKOyZ4/VmkGBWJFDOI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/1QIYnLJs1E4/s640/rice%2Bfield%2Bfishes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In reality, aquatic or terrestrial weeds also grow in rice fields along with phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria. They absorb the nutriments in the field. While these biomass are of no use to mankind, they are competitors for the nutriments with paddy. However, all of them are excellent food organism of fish. If fish are cultured in the fields, almost all the biomass could be utilized by fish resulting in effective utilization of the nutrients in the fields. The excreta of fish directly fertilise the water in rice fields. It has been seen that the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in rice fields with fish culture is higher than those without fish culture.</div>
<br />
Paddy field where water stays for a certain time in special depth is undoubtedly an ideal environment for fish. Generally, seasonal rain water is the main water source of paddy field. The fish feed which grows naturally by amalgamation of fertilizer, dung, water and soil of paddy field is very suitable for fish production. So, a farmer can earn some extra income by farming fish in the paddy field. Stocking little amount of tilapia, common carp etc. in paddy field is very profitable. Those fishes are very fast growing, tasty and has a high value in the market. </div>
<p>
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "2media";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "62d9691773fd9b795fac6c02a86d769d";
amzn_assoc_asins = "1521291861,B00Z3KIURC,1603426922,B014Z3OEKO";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Pacu Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10655568791518184428noreply@blogger.com