#Improve soil fertility organically

[bharatvarsh22]

In the world of organic farming, soil health is of utmost importance. Organic farmers understand that healthy soil is the foundation for a successful and sustainable farm. Soil that is rich in nutrients, microorganisms, and organic matter creates an ideal environment for plants to thrive and resist diseases and pests. However, maintaining soil health in organic farming requires careful and strategic soil management practices.

Do Visit: https://bharatvarshnaturefarms.com/soil-health-in-organic-farming/

[androfyi]

100% Pure Organic Worm Castings Fertilizer, 15-Pounds - Improves Soil Fertility and Aeration for Houseplants, Vegetables, Gardens, and More – OMRI-Listed and Mineral-Dense

Price: (as of – Details) Soon to be known as the “World’s Greatest Organic Fertilizer!” Wiggle Worm Soil Builder pure earthworm castings are surely mother nature’s best kept growing secret. You need only use a small amount in or around your houseplants, vegetables and flowers. The miracles of the earthworm are easily seen in the beautiful growth and yields of your plants. The nutrients in our…

[wnewsroom365]

পেঁয়াজ শুধু মাত্র যে মসলা হিসেবে ব্যবহৃত হয়, তা কিন্তু নয়! বরং আপনি জানলে অবাক হবেন যে, যদি সঠিক নিয়ম মেনে আপনি এর সঠিক ব্যবহার করেন দতবে আপনি আপনার বাড়ির ফেলে দেয়া পেঁয়াজ থেকে পাবেন উৎকৃষ্ট মানে কম্পোস্ট সার। তাহলে আর দেরি কেন, এখনই জেনেননি পেঁয়াজের এক বিশেষ গুণ!

[farmerstrend]

How Farmers in Kenya Are Boosting Yields with Rabbit Urine

Farmers in Kenya are increasingly turning to rabbit urine as a natural alternative to synthetic fertilisers. They are finding it to be a healthier and more sustainable way to improve soil fertility and boost crop yields. Benedicta Nkirote, a farmer from Marurui in Meru county, swears by rabbit urine as an effective foliar fertiliser. Unlike conventional chemical fertilisers, rabbit urine…

[brandandbranch]

Plant Fertilizer

Boost your crops’ health and yield with BG-BIO 520, a premium liquid plant fertilizer designed for modern agriculture. Formulated with advanced nutrients, it promotes strong root development, faster growth, and higher productivity.

[gardenholic]

Best Use Organic Fertilizers and It's 3 Benifits for Gardening

Organic fertilizers are derived from plant, animal or mineral resources and are used to improve the health and productivity of soil and plants. They are a major component of organic gardening and farming. The importance of organic fertilizers in gardening lies in their many benefits: 1. Supply of Nutrients: Organic fertilizers provide essential nutrients to plants, including nitrogen,…

[wachinyeya]

When Stockholm’s Traffic Office conducted a general assessment of street traffic in the Swedish capital in 2001, it came to the shocking conclusion that two-thirds of all trees in the city center were dead or dying.

City authorities agreed that an urgent response was needed to nurse these leafy urban ecosystem pillars back to health.

Enter Björn Embrén, Stockholm’s first “tree officer.”

Under his leadership, various technologies and materials were tested in an attempt to create a more suitable living space for trees in the urban environment.

“I knew that they could grow if the circumstances were right,” says Embrén, a former professional gardener.

“It’s like putting a plastic bag over your head and tightening it over your neck,” says Embrén. “That’s what happened to the trees in Stockholm. They were dying.”

Eventually, inspired by railroad embankments — which require only a small amount of organic matter for healthy trees to grow — Embrén concocted what was to become known as the “Stockholm tree pit” model.

By 2002, Embrén had drawn up designs. And by 2003, they were already building.

The design involves digging a pit and constructing a frame underground around the tree’s roots, and then filling said pit with a mixture of soil and stone, sometimes including biochar, to both aerate and fertilize the soil. These permeable layers are very strong and physically adaptable but also allow stormwater to flow in, meaning the trees are provided with sufficient air and water naturally. They also allow rainwater to be soaked up — a necessity amid more extreme weather brought on by climate change.

“We found that the more breathable the materials we used, the happier the trees were,” adds Embrén.

Proponents say the method has a number of benefits, including the fact that pits can be installed around existing trees, they can bear the weight of heavy-vehicle traffic, they require little topsoil — a resource that is becoming scarce — and they need less watering than traditionally-planted trees.

This approach, which allows tree roots to thrive beneath hard surfacing, ergo allowing healthy trees to grow within the modern built environment, is particularly relevant as cities attempt to re-green and reforest in the face of climate change.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, urban forests can help “future-proof” cities, which are responsible for about 75 percent of global CO2 emissions. Sustainable urban forestry, it says, can bring multiple benefits, such as lowering temperatures, improving public health, creating habitats for biodiversity, sequestering carbon, generating green jobs, and mitigating risks of floods and landslides.

“It’s more important now than ever before,” says Ryan Klein, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. “We have these massive populations in urban areas. And we’re seeing more extreme weather like hurricanes, wildfires and prolonged droughts. Trees can help to offset some of these negative effects.”

However, amid the rush to rapidly reforest cities, experts like Klein warn that due to ineffective methods and techniques being used, it’s common to see urban trees in poor health, and trees planted in cities often have very high mortality rates.

“We have the understanding of how to grow healthier, more sustainable and resilient forests,” says Klein. “The research backs it. Unfortunately, we don’t always invest the time, money or internal know-how on implementing this.”

A review of 16 scientific studies on urban tree mortality, published in 2019, found that in the first five years after planting, 6.6 to 7 percent of trees died annually.

“Urban soils are not very tree-friendly currently,” says Rik De Vreese, leader of the Urban Forestry Team at the European Forestry Institute. “It’s quite a serious threat.”

When trees aren’t properly anchored, De Vreese adds, it can also lead to other issues, such as trunks falling over and causing damage or roots warping sidewalks.

However, the Stockholm Tree Pit method — and the way that it’s been implemented in Sweden — is helping urban forests genuinely take root.

One of the first locations where Embrén introduced a tree pit was Erik Dahlbergsallén street in Stockholm, not far from the popular Swedish Museum of Natural History.

There, according to research by the municipality, the circumference of a selection of those planted trees increased from 30 to 35 centimeters to 70 to 83 centimeters between 2004 and 2013, even surpassing that of trees without the tree pits that have been there for more than 80 years. The latest figures from 2024 saw them reach between 100 and 136 centimeters.

“It’s easy to see how effective the pits have been,” says Embrén.

The municipality estimates that 2.3 million liters of rainwater are managed by the trees per year, and consequently, 4,600 square meters of roofs and sidewalks have been disconnected from the sewage system, reducing the burden on water treatment services.

This technique has proven so successful that it has become the standard for all other development projects in the public spaces of Stockholm. Embrén says he has been directly involved in constructing more than 3,000 tree pits, and while he has since retired, there are now three “tree officers” who have taken on the expanding role. 

Britt-Marie Alvem, one of the current tree officers, estimates that the city now builds between 500 and 1,000 tree pits a year.

These days, the tree pits are also in almost every Swedish city — with a few variations.

“Some have copied and changed a little bit, like adding pumice to the stone mix,” says Embrén.

Stockholm’s tree pits are now spreading across Europe, too. In Budapest, Hungary’s capital, the tree pits can be found all over Bartók Béla Boulevard and Arany János Street. Embrén says the Spanish city of Madrid has implemented the method using local materials. And it’s become increasingly popular in the U.K.

Ben Rose, the principal arboricultural consultant at U.K. tree service Bosky Trees and the founder of Stockholm Tree Pits, a U.K.-based company that produces the equipment required to make tree pits, says that he has planted about 500 trees using the Stockholm model in the U.K. since he began in 2019, mostly as part of small-scale pilot projects.

“The approach is very suitable for use in urban situations, particularly in car parks, in plazas, and beside walkways or cycle paths,” says Rose.

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Yet there are some drawbacks to the system. Installation costs can be high, the pits can require a large amount of space to install, and it is impossible to reuse existing soil. In addition, for now there is a relative dearth of professionals who know how to construct tree pits.

“Our main concern is the price,” says De Vreese, whose team is currently studying the importance of “structural soils” like those deployed by the tree pits. “Excavating the soil surrounding the tree and refilling it is no small job.”

And while Professor Klein praises the Stockholm Tree Pit’s use of structural soil and how effective it’s proven to be, he notes that the long-term success of urban forestry also relies on other factors such as the supply of high quality nursery stock and proactive tree management such as routine pruning by municipalities.

“If we don’t have these we are setting ourselves up for failure,” he says. “Some cities do the bare minimum. In the U.S.A., it’s the wild west. But others, like Stockholm, are proactive, and they have public officials seriously behind it. That’s what we need.”

By: Peter Yeung, March 4, 2025

[probablyasocialecologist]

RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau has shown for the first time, in a joint study with BOKU University, that permaculture brings about a significant improvement in biodiversity, soil quality and carbon storage. In view of the challenges of climate change and species extinction, this type of agriculture proved to be a real alternative to conventional cultivation—and reconcile environmental protection and high yields. Permaculture uses natural cycles and ecosystems as blueprint. Food is produced in an agricultural ecosystem that is as self-regulating, natural and diverse as possible. For example, livestock farming is integrated into the cultivation of crops or the diversity of beneficial organisms is promoted in order to avoid the use of mineral fertilizers or pesticides. In a study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, researchers from RPTU and BOKU have now, for the first time, comprehensively investigated the effects of this planning and management concept on the environment.

[...]

"Permaculture appears to be a much more ecologically sustainable alternative to industrial agriculture," said Julius Reiff . At the same time, the yields from permaculture are comparable to those of industrial agriculture, as the researchers' not yet published data shows. "In view of the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, the observed improvements would represent a real turnaround when applied to larger areas," says ecosystem analysis expert Martin Entling from RPTU.

4 July 2024

[cognitivejustice]

Learning from the land: Using indigenous knowledge for climate-sensitive circular lifestyles

Indigenous techniques like natural resource renewal, tree-based farming, traditional mud-and-wood housing, and consuming local, uncultivated foods, can address some aspects of climate change and also bring about a sense of responsibility and connection with nature. Promoting agroforestry and integrating trees into farms can improve biodiversity and soil health. Adopting drought-resistant crops and traditional methods like rainwater harvesting, mulching, and using organic manure is vital for conserving moisture, enhancing soil fertility, and minimising external inputs. Building on these approaches, there is a powerful social dimension that further amplifies their impact.

But before proposing viable solutions, we need meticulous landscape mapping: understanding community environments, traditional knowledge systems, and specific vulnerabilities. Fully understanding these dimensions can pinpoint exact strategies to reduce our ecological footprint, and promote lifestyles that minimise electricity consumption and resource use, while drawing on ancient wisdom to enhance our modern lives.

[ts-wicked-wonders]

1. George Washington Carver (1864–1943):

An agricultural chemist, Carver developed alternative farming methods and is best known for his work with peanuts, introducing crop rotation techniques to improve soil fertility.

2. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (b. 1946):

A theoretical physicist, Dr. Jackson was the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate from MIT. Her research in physics led to advancements in telecommunications, including developments in caller ID and fiber-optic cables.

3. Katherine Johnson (1918–2020):

A mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of U.S. crewed spaceflights, including John Glenn’s orbital mission in 1962. Her story gained widespread recognition through the book and film “Hidden Figures.”

4. Dr. Gladys West (b. 1930):

A mathematician whose work on satellite geodesy models was instrumental in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

5. Roy L. Clay Sr. (1929–2024):

Known as the “Godfather of Silicon Valley,” Clay was a computer scientist who led the team that developed Hewlett-Packard’s first minicomputer and was instrumental in breaking racial barriers in the tech industry.

6. Dr. Mae Jemison (b. 1956):

A physician and NASA astronaut, Dr. Jemison became the first African-American woman to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

7. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson (b. 1958):

An astrophysicist and science communicator, Dr. Tyson has made significant contributions to the public’s understanding of space and science through his work at the Hayden Planetarium and various media appearances.

8. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett (b. 1986):

An immunologist who played a leading role in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, contributing to the fight against the global pandemic.

9. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1856–1931):

A pioneering surgeon, Dr. Williams performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893. He also founded Provident Hospital in Chicago, the first non-segregated hospital in the United States.

10. Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019):

An ophthalmologist and inventor, Dr. Bath was the first African American woman to receive a medical patent. She invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device used to treat cataracts, significantly advancing eye surgery.

11. Dr. Charles Drew (1904–1950):

A physician and medical researcher, Dr. Drew developed improved techniques for blood storage and organized large-scale blood banks during World War II, saving countless lives. He was also the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University.

12. Dr. James E. West (b. 1931):

An acoustician and inventor, Dr. West co-invented the electret microphone, a device used in approximately 90% of modern microphones, including those in telephones and hearing aids. He holds over 250 patents and has been a strong advocate for diversity in STEM fields.

13. Dr. Thomas Mensah (1950–2024):

A chemical engineer, Dr. Mensah made significant contributions to the development of fiber optic technology, which revolutionized telecommunications. He held 14 patents and was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors in 2015.

14. Marian Croak (b. 1955):

A computer scientist, Croak pioneered Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, enabling voice communication over the internet. She holds over 200 patents and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2022.

15. Dr. David Blackwell (1919–2010):

A renowned mathematician and statistician, Dr. Blackwell was the first African American inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. He made significant contributions to game theory, probability theory, and information theory.

These individuals represent just a few of the many Black pioneers who have made groundbreaking contributions to science and technology. Their work continues to inspire future generations in STEM fields.

[bharatvarsh22]

The Importance of Soil Health in Organic Farming: Tips for Soil Management

In the world of organic farming, soil health is of utmost importance. Organic farmers understand that healthy soil is the foundation for a successful and sustainable farm. Soil that is rich in nutrients, microorganisms, and organic matter creates an ideal environment for plants to thrive and resist diseases and pests. However, maintaining soil health in organic farming requires careful and strategic soil management practices.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of soil health in organic farming and provide valuable tips for effective soil management. Whether you are an experienced organic farmer or just starting out, these tips will help you optimize your soil for optimal plant growth and yield. From incorporating organic amendments and compost to practicing crop rotation and cover cropping, we will cover a range of techniques to enhance soil fertility and structure.

Join us as we explore the key role soil health plays in organic farming and learn practical strategies for maintaining and improving the health of your soil. Together, we can nurture the earth and cultivate bountiful harvests in harmony with nature.

Continue Reading: https://bharatvarshnaturefarms.com/soil-health-in-organic-farming/

[ideas-on-paper]

Profiles of Jugdral's nations from Fire Emblem: Treasure

It's May 14th, which means it's international FE4 Day - so, happy anniversary to this wonderful game and all its fans! ^^

However, although Genealogy of the Holy War is already 29 years old now, the continent of Jugdral still holds some little-known secrets - some of those can be found hidden in the pages of a book named "Fire Emblem: Treasure" released in 1999, which, true to its name, is an absolute treasure trove of FE4 lore.

In this regard, the country profiles in the book are particularly interesting: Each country of Jugdral (save for Miletos) has a double page dedicated to it, detailing its economics, culture, and political organization.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a full English translation of these country profiles anywhere online - thus, in an effort to preserve these texts, I have decided to revisit my old translation of the country profiles I did during my work on the Inheritors of Jugdral fanzine (of which I was the writing mod) and publish it on Tumblr.

First, however, some notes and disclaimers about this translation:

My knowledge of Japanese is very, very basic - I know the hiragana and katakana syllabaries, I know what a kanji is, I know what a particle is, and I can make out the general structure of a Japanese sentence, but that’s about it. Thus, most of this translation was done with Google Translate and a good chunk of common sense, so I won’t claim it’s 100% accurate.

Nevertheless, I did my best to refine the first iteration of this translation; I won’t say it’s perfect, but it’s certainly a significant improvement over the first version. ^^’ Still, I’m open to feedback, so if any of you knows Japanese and has some suggestions for better phrasing, feel free to share them with me! (I can also provide Japanese transcripts upon request via DM.)

I also added some notes about certain passages and additionally translated the sections about the castles/locations (which I had left out in my first translation as there’s nothing really new in those); the pictures of the pages were taken by me.

Lastly, to avoid confusion among fans, I decided to go with the officially localized names from FE: Heroes. (Although I myself am less than enthusiastic about some of the localization choices.)

And now, with that out of the way, let’s dive right into the captivating world of Jugdral! :-)

The Kingdom of Grannvale

Main industry: Agriculture

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): House Belhalla (St. Heim)

Vertical text: A historic kingdom that reigns as the largest nation on the continent after a bloody dark age[1]

[Nation Overview]

The largest nation on the continent, boasting an ancient history

A powerful country with a rich history, located in the centre of the continent. It’s the birthplace of the nation Gran, and because it was blessed with fertile soil, civilization developed quickly. During the course of its history, the Loptr Cult seized control of it, with the country rising to become the most powerful on the continent.[1] Currently, the nation consists of seven principalities, being ruled by six dukedoms that are subordinate to the Belhalla Royal Family. Thanks to well-planned urban development, public facilities such as sewers have been constructed, and the main roads[2] connecting each city are well-developed. Furthermore, the stately and magnificent architectural style seen in buildings such as the royal residence is characteristic of this country[3] and serves as a model for other nations. Boasting a high progressiveness in politics, culture, and military, it is the center of the continent both literally and figuratively.

[1] In both cases, I’m actually not sure if the text is referring to the past history of Grannvale (the Loptrian Empire) or the Grannvale Empire (in second gen); judging by the text listing the current duchies (at the starting point of the game), I think the former is more likely.

[2] In the past version, I had translated this as “trunk lines” because I thought it was in some way connected to the sewers mentioned before (as in an elaborate sewer system connecting major cities), but after checking again, I think this was most likely a mistranslation.

[3] Another mistake I corrected: I erroneously translated this as Grannvale’s architecture being based on Germany’s in the first version. (Funnily enough though, Kaga stated that Germany was an inspiration for Grannvale. xD)

[The road to turmoil]

In the wake of civil war and expedition, a turbulent era begins

Since its founding, the Kingdom of Grannvale has been governed by six ducal families of holy blood: House Dozel, House Friege, House Velthomer, House Edda, House Yngvi and House Chalphy, with the state of Belhalla, ruled by the heirs to the blood of St. Heim, as their superior. Due to the advanced age of the current king Azmur, political affairs have been entrusted to Prince Kurth in recent years. However, dissatisfied with the princes’ heavy dependence on the trusted Lord Byron, Lord Reptor of House Friege conspired with Lord Lombard of House Dozel to form an anti-prince faction. It begins to reveal itself that the kingdom is not unified. Then, at that time, a clan from Isaach plundered Dahna, an allied city in the Aed Desert, massacring its inhabitants. Prince Kurth decided to send troops to slay the aggressors, and an expeditionary force led by Lord Byron of Chalphy was formed, consisting of many esteemed generals. The kingdom’s defense is left to Lord Arvis of Velthomer, the young commander of the royal guard.[4] However, this dispatch of troops, which seemed harmless at the first glance, would go on to become the catalyst that would significantly change the course of history of all countries on the continent.

[4] Previously, I had translated this as “commander of Velthomer’s royal guard”; however, since Arvis is explicitly stated to be in charge of the Belhalla’s royal guard (and Velthomer isn’t exactly a kingdom by itself), I think this is the likelier translation.

Overview of the Kingdom of Grannvale and its castles

Southwest of the royal capital, Belhalla Castle, Dozel Castle is located right in the center of the country, flanked by vast mountain ranges to the east and west. If you cross the mountains to the east, you will reach Edda Castle, and if you cross the mountains to the west, you will reach Friege Castle. If you head south from Dozel, you will reach Sigurd’s home castle, Chalphy. South of Yngvi Castle, the place where the unrest began, you will also find the adjacent Miletos District, where the four castles Peruluke, Chronos, Rados, and Miletos stand tall. Furthermore, the scorching hot Aed Desert east of Velthomer Castle is also part of the kingdom’s territory; the region has a diverse terrain that surrounds all its major cities, from Aed Castle, to the hot oasis town of Dahna Castle, all the way to Phinora Castle, the latter standing in the desert like a monolith.[5]

[5] The translation gave me a fair bit of trouble here, but I believe what the term “monolithic” in the Japanese text is meant to imply is that Phinora stands right in the middle of the desert - like a monolith.

The Dominion of Agustria

Main industry: Agriculture

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Agustria[6] (Höðr, the Black Knight)

[6] Interestingly, the profile lists Agustria as the royal house/ruling family, although the actual rulers of Agustria are House Agusti.

Vertical text: A lush country competing to be the continent’s main power, while avoiding conflict with Grannvale and bolstering its national strength

[Nation Overview]

The fertile and vast land forming the breadbasket

Located in the western part of the continent Jugdral, Agustria is a confederation consisting of five small nations. The nation’s main industries are agriculture and forestry, making use of its vast, fertile land, and various grains, primarily wheat, are a valuable source of foreign income. Furthermore, save for the undeveloped northern region which is infested with the Orgahil Pirates, development in the central and southern areas is still on-going, and vast fields and woodlands cover the land, forming a large breadbasket. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture and forestry, and their living standards are relatively high. In addition, quiet forests are scattered all across the country, and the calm coastline spreading in three directions is known as one of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent, attracting many travelers from all over Jugdral who come to visit each year. In recent years, the success of Agustria’s specific state-led agricultural policy has paved the way for extremely productive agriculture. As a result, the country’s national strength has continuously been rising, and in recent years, it has grown into a major power rivaling the Kingdom of Grannvale. Governmental affairs are handled by the royal family of Agusti, who are direct descendants of Höðr, with the Royal House of Nordion[7], House Heirhein, House Mackily and House Infini following their lead; same as in the neighboring country Grannvale, their relationship is based on a lord-vassal principle. Although the nation only has two neighboring countries, one of them is the Kingdom of Grannvale, the other major power vying for continental hegemony, so Agustria has maintained a particularly cautious stance in regard to diplomacy, with a truce being currently in effect. By signing non-aggression pacts with its neighboring countries, the peace in Agustria itself is kept.

[7] Indeed, the text does specify that Nordion is a “royal house/family”, as opposed to the other Agustrian houses. I suppose this is meant to imply that through marriage, House Nordion is related to the royal family of Agusti (which is also how they inherited Höðr’s holy blood).

[The road to turmoil]

Giving up pacifism, embracing imperialism

At present, Agustria is ruled by King Imca of Agusti, who is known for his intelligence and has maintained good relations with neighboring countries, including Grannvale, since his ascension to the throne. However, in recent years, some lords and nobles have become jealous of the mighty Kingdom of Grannvale, and some of them hold ambitions to expand their territory, with an atmosphere of uneasiness beginning to spread through the country. One person worried about this situation was the young king of House Nordion[8], Eldigan. Having inherited the blood of Höðr, the Black Knight, he is able to wield the legendary weapon Mystletainn; he was a fellow student of Lord Sigurd of House Chalphy from Grannvale and Prince Quan of Leonster at the military academy of Belhalla, and they vowed to each other that they would work together to build peace. If Agustria were to invade Grannvale, he would break his own vow. With many thoughts weighing on his heart, he spent his days training the continent’s finest knight order, the Cross Knights, and kept a close eye on the movements of each lord. One day, at almost the same time, two important news came: One was the sudden death of King Imca, and the other was Grannvale’s invasion of Verdane, both of them unexpected. These two pieces of news spread through the country like wildfire. King Chagall, who succeeded King Imca, finally prepared to battle Sigurd’s army.

[8] Going by the text, Eldigan actually holds the title “King of Nordion”, which would mean that while Nordion is a kingdom in its own right, they’re also a vassal state to the Agusti Royal Family. (A real-life example of this would be Richard the Lionheart, Eldigan’s namesake, who was King of England but also Duke of Normandy - and as Duke of Normandy, he was a vassal of the King of France.)

Overview of the Dominion of Agustria and its castles

The Agusti Royal Family that governs over Agustria holds possession of the royal capital, Agusti Castle, as well as Sylvale Castle and Madino Castle in the north. The castles of the other four houses are evenly distributed throughout the country to prevent disputes and maintain order. The island north of Madino Castle belongs to the national territory as well, and because the Bragi Tower is located there, it’s also known as a pilgrimage site; however, at present, the region has become a den for the pirates based at Orgahil Castle.

The Kingdom of Isaach

Main industry: Pastoralism

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Isaach Royal Family (Od, the Sword Saint)

Vertical text: A country of fierce barbarians[9] maintaining a unique lifestyle and culture in the noble spirit of independence

[9] I was struggling with myself here whether I should keep it like this, because from today’s standpoint, the term “barbarians” is rather… problematic when referring to foreign cultures. Still, it is what is said in the text, and the only other literal translation would be “savage tribes”. (Which I feel is even worse, as that would literally make them “noble savages”.) I get what Kaga is trying to say here (that Isaach’s culture does not abide by what’s considered orthodox in Jugdral), but I would personally use a different word for it; however, none really came to mind for me. (I’m open for suggestions, though!)

[Nation Overview]

The country of nomads shaping its own culture

A remote country located to the east of the Aed Desert, which lies in the center of the continent. The majority of the country is brown wasteland, with gentle hills stretching beyond the horizon. Black eagles soar in the sky, in the dry air that is typical for the highlands, and wild horses gallop across the plains… The Kingdom of Isaach is a country of nomads where such idyllic scenes unfold on a daily basis, and life there is free but also harsh. Its people have traditionally made their living by nomadism, breeding horses, goats, camels, and other livestock in the unforgiving environment. Once, there used to be no definitive state in this land, but after the foundation of the Kingdom of Grannvale, the Royal House of Isaach, descended from the Sword Saint Od, successfully unified the land, and finally, a national system was established. However, some warlike tribes continue to raid and plunder, and national authority has not reached every corner yet.

[The road to turmoil]

One incident of pillaging that changed the fate of a nation

The current king, Mananan, who is also known as the Wise King, has long been concerned with suppressing warlike tribes within the country, but one day, the Patriarch of Ribaut plundered the city of Dahna, which is on amicable terms with Grannvale. When Prince Kurth marched against them in retaliation, Mananan went out personally to apologize to him, but was caught in an internal conspiracy of Grannvale and killed without being heard. When he learned of this, Prince Mallicur decided to fight Grannvale to avenge his father. He entrusted his beloved child, Shannan, to his younger sister Ayra and left for battle, but suffered defeat in the face of the overwhelming difference in forces. At the same time, the legendary weapon Balmung also went missing amidst this war.

Overview of the Kingdom of Isaach and its castles

Close to the eastern sea lies the royal capital, Isaach Castle. From there, heading southwest will take you to Ribaut Castle, while heading north will take you to Ganeishire Castle. If you go further north from Ganeishire along the coast, you will arrive at the quiet village Tirnanog. Visiting Sofala Castle in the inland, on the other hand, will be quite a challenge, as it’s surrounded by mountain ranges.

The Kingdom of Thracia

Main industry: Fishing, Hunting, Mining

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Thracian Royal Family (Dáinn, the Dragon Knight)

Vertical text: A country of dragonriders that harbors the ideal of a united Thracian peninsula to escape their arduous life

[Nation Overview]

A barren land covered by steep mountains

A country occupying the southern part of the Thracian Peninsula, located in the southwest of the continent. It was founded by the Dragon Knight Dáinn, one of the Twelve Crusaders. Surrounding and running through the country is a mountain range known as “Jugdral’s Ceiling”, consisting of peaks several thousand meters high, so the habitable area is small. Originally, the region was one of the continent’s main volcanic belts, and over the years, it has been exposed to harsh weather, especially storms. As a result, the surface of the mountains has been carved into strange shapes, creating a landscape characteristic of this region. Furthermore, the numerous towering mountains that seem to pierce the sky also serve as a natural fortress to prevent invasions by other countries, being sometimes referred to as “islands on land”. Most people live in small settlements on the mountainsides or in the valleys, living quietly from the little grain they can harvest from the fields. In addition, iron is extracted from mines in exchange for foreign currency, but the amount isn’t large, and since the country doesn’t produce any special commodities, people’s lives are by no means wealthy. Moreover, it has become commonplace in recent years for the knights who should support the country to earn their living as mercenaries for various other nations, and the degree of poverty is only rising. Under these circumstances, the flying dragons that have inhabited the region since ancient times are treasured by the Thracian people as incarnations of deities, and have become a beacon of hope for those forced to live in poverty.

[The road to turmoil]

Taking the first step towards the ambition of unifying the peninsula

Although Travant of the Kingdom of Thracia had the right qualities to be a king and was very popular among his people, the state of his country was extremely poor. Despite various policies, the living standard of the people did not improve, and even the knights who should have been protecting their homeland were forced to make a living as mercenaries for foreign countries. In this situation, Travant repeatedly attempted to invade the wealthy northern Kingdom of Leonster, but each time, he was defeated due to the intervention of the Grannvale army. But he never gave up. More than anything else, the unification of the Thracian Peninsula was Travant’s greatest wish. He wanted to bring back the time when it thrived as a single, prosperous kingdom. Then, in 757, a war instigated by Isaach breaks out. This war brought two benefits for the Kingdom of Thracia: On one hand, a large amount of bounty can be earned by sending mercenaries to various countries. On the other, there was an increased likelihood of a successful attack on the Kingdom of Leonster in the midst of war. Naturally, Travant put even more effort into spying on the Kingdom of Leonster than ever, paying particular attention to their involvement with Sigurd’s army, which had rebelled against Grannvale’s army. One day, he receives news that “Prince Quan of Leonster is leading half of his troops north through the Aed Desert”. A golden opportunity! However, even the great general Travant did not realize that this battle in the desert would later beget tragedy.

Overview of the Kingdom of Thracia and its castles

A long mountain range runs through the center of the country, so to travel to the royal capital Thracia Castle in the south, one must take a long detour from Meath Castle. En route to the royal capital are three castles – Kapathogia, Luthecia, and Grutia – which serve as stopover points during the long journey.

The Kingdom of Leonster

Main industry: Agriculture, Crafts, Fishing

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Leonster Royal Family (Njörun, the Lance Knight)

Vertical text: A country of abundance maintaining a high living standard where various industries and cultures have developed, contrasting the toiling Kingdom of Thracia

[Nation Overview]

A scenic land blessed with a mild climate

A small country in the Munster District, the northern part of the Thracian Peninsula. Although located on the same peninsula, the country is blessed with a pleasant climate and a vast idyllic countryside, in stark contrast to the Kingdom of Thracia. People’s lives are relatively wealthy, with agriculture and livestock farming in rural areas, shipping and fishing at the coasts, and with small handicrafts, such as pottery woodwork items, being produced in urban areas; the various crafts made using advanced techniques are highly sought after in foreign countries. In terms of culture, influenced by the Kingdom of Grannvale to the west, the castle’s courtyard is opened to the public once a year, with concerts, plays, and other events being held, which is very popular among the people. The country also has strong military ties to Grannvale, and a military alliance has been formed as a countermeasure against Thracia in the south.

[The road to turmoil]

A prince who throws himself into war to save a friend in distress

The existence of the Kingdom of Thracia, located to the country’s south, has long been a cause of fear for the Kingdom of Leonster. The reason for this is that, despite being on the same peninsula, Leonster has been attacked by them many times.[10] With the support of the Kingdom of Grannvale, whom they have a military alliance with, the King of Leonster has defended his country against the repeated attacks. One day, news reach Prince Quan of Leonster that “Sigurd of Chalphy is raising an army”. Upon hearing this, Quan set out with his beloved wife Ethlyn and the knight Finn to join Sigurd’s army, intending to aid his wife’s older brother and his best friend from the times at the Belhalla Military Academy. Thus, the couple and their retainer threw themselves into the war that was beginning to spread across the continent.[10] Later, even after Sigurd’s forces were considered rebels against Grannvale, the King of Leonster believed in his son, becoming enemies with the Kingdom of Grannvale.

[10] In my first translation, I missed not one, but two lines in this section (the ones marked here). All the more, I’m glad that I’m revisiting it now. ^^’

Overview of the Munster District and its castles

In the west of the Munster District, where the four kingdoms of North Thracia are located, is Fort Melgen, which serves as a gateway to travelers coming from the Aed Desert; the central mainland is divided into east and west by a river, with Connacht Castle and Munster Castle on the eastern bank, Ulster Castle on the western bank, and Leonster Castle in the vast countryside, the latter being one of the four kingdoms.

The Kingdom of Verdane

Main industry: Fishing, Hunting

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Verdane Royal Family (none)

Vertical text: An independent, highly mysterious nation with many legends passed down since ancient times, surrounded by some of the greatest natural beauty on the continent of Jugdral

[Nation Overview]

A lush and barbarian[11] land harboring the largest lake on the continent

Located in the southwestern part of the continent is the Kingdom of Verdane, a land of barbarians[11] surrounded by dense woods. With the largest lake on the continent of Jugdral at its center, the country’s inhabitants live mainly by fishing and hunting. The cape jutting out from the western side of the lake and the surrounding area, known as the Spirit Forest, have been considered sacred ground since ancient times, and there are countless tales of mysterious events taking place there. Aside from this, there are many more myths and legends in the area, and it is said that once every few decades, the entire surface of the lake shines emerald green, which is the time when the giant lord of the lake appears.

[11] For my opinion on the term “barbarian”, see my note in Isaach’s profile above.

[The road to turmoil]

An evil priest leading a nation into war

The kingdom’s ancestor is said to have been either a pirate who was washed up on the shore long ago or a native brigand, but the truth is unknown. Batu, the current king, is a sincere and gentle person who united many clan chiefs; avoiding conflict with Agustria in the north and Grannvale in the east as much as possible, he has maintained peace in Verdane for a long time. He had three sons, but after he lost his eldest to an accident, Batu adopted the son of his eldest, Jamke, as his own. He then gave his second son, Munnir, and his third son, Cimbaeth, castles and land, while keeping Jamke by his side and naming him his successor in place of his eldest son. One day, a mysterious shaman named Sandima appeared, and the kind-hearted King Batu was unknowingly brainwashed by him. Meanwhile, the warlike Munnir and Cimbaeth invaded Grannvale, which was left vulnerable due to the Isaach campaign, committing the outrageous act of kidnapping Lady Edain of Yngvi. The peace that seemed to last forever came to an abrupt end due to the secret schemes of an evil priest.

Overview of the Kingdom of Verdane and its castles

The four castles of the Kingdom of Verdane are built around its central lake. The kingdom borders two major powers, Grannvale and Agustria, with Evans Castle and Verdane Castle, the royal capital, being located near the borders with the respective countries. The two castles in the other, southern half are Marpha - located near the Spirit Forest - and Genoa, overlooking the territory of the Free Cities of Miletos to the east.

The Kingdom of Silesse

Main industry: Fishing, Hunting

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Silessian Royal Family (Ced, the Wind Messenger)

Vertical text: The country of pegasi that has flourished by following its own path free from foreign intervention, despite its harsh natural environment

[Nation Overview]

An independent nation in the freezing cold with a large glacier zone

A kingdom stretching across the Neumann Peninsula, located at the northernmost end of the continent of Jugdral. It was founded by the Holy Wind Warrior Ced, one of the Twelve Crusaders. Most of the country is covered by icebergs and deep snow, and the magnificent glacial region at the northernmost point has been known as a dwelling of spirits since ancient times. The Silessian Mountains running through the center of the country are a dormant volcanic zone that is no longer active, and combined with the desolate land, the peaks covered in perpetual snow create this country’s characteristic, harsh landscape. Starting with the royal capital of Silesse Castle, the country has five castles in total, the others being Sailane, Zaxon, Tófa, and Lubeck; all of them are built to be extremely robust, designed to withstand harsh snowstorms. People mainly earn their daily bread by small-scale hunting and fishing, in addition to the fur industry; due to the cool climate, agriculture is not practiced very extensively. Moreover, the pegasi endemic to this region, whose main food is a kind of moss that only grows in these mountainous areas, are adored by the people as precious animals, alongside green-eyed reindeer. In addition, during the short summer, one can also see the midnight sun unique to the far north, further enhancing the country’s mystical charm.

[The road to turmoil]

A country divided by struggle over succession to the throne

Since its founding, the country has been ruled by the Silessian Royal Family, who inherited the blood of the Crusader Ced and the wind magic tome “Forseti”. Under the watchful eye of the fearless pegasus knights and wind mages, the same royal family maintained neutrality and peace in the kingdom for a long time, but in the wake of the king’s death[12], a battle for succession to the throne suddenly broke out. In accordance with the late king’s will, Queen Lahna tried to place Prince Lewyn on the throne, but the king’s younger brothers, Duke Daccar and Duke Myos, were dissatisfied with this and began plotting rebellions in multiple locations. Disgusted by that situation, Lewyn left the country and set out on a journey of wandering. Witnessing this, each royal became even more rebellious, and the confusion about the issue of succession to the throne has only intensified.

[12] Google Translate likes to tell me that the king died from illness (which is how I had phrased it in my first translation), but looking at the text, I don’t think it’s explicitly stated? (It says that he died, but the cause is not mentioned.)

Overview of the Kingdom of Silesse and its castles

The Kingdom of Silesse is divided into a glacial region in the north and a grassland region in the south, with a long ridge of snow-capped mountains acting as a border between the two. The royal capital Silesse Castle is located in the south, while one will pass Zaxon Castle and Lubeck Castle on the way to the Aed Desert in the east. In the other, northern half lie the two castles Sailane and Tófa, with several towns and villages scattered in between. The most convenient way to travel between north and south is by making use of the abilities of a pegasus.

[americangrove]

79 Carolinian: Figures in the Land

I was startled by the rapaciousness of the passenger next to me, the way he leaned into his takeout food assuring every crumb of chip, shred of cheese and grain of rice was devoured. The remnant container, spent wrappers and stained tissues he balled up, compacted into one, and put to the side. He swept off his seat tray. He took out his laptop. Then he turned his appetite to his work. He leaned into a slide presentation of circles, some red some blue. In each he added pictures of politicians who seemed to fit as well inside either circle as his food had in its packaging. I thought to get into a similar mood: lean in, engage, consume, move on. But I could not—so often I halt, detour, rest, ponder, backtrack as if these were the main moves of my work, which in a way they are because what I work on does the same. Even at a steady 52 miles per hour landscape halts outside the window. All only seems to veer towards abstraction but I see the many figures along the way that leap into stillness and in the half seconds that I see them they are overlaid with decades…

—in a vanishing midground a wolf tree’s outspread arms catch me as they stay raised in resistance to the forest of sticks arising around it. It is the only remnant of a house and field that once were there. In the spot (already out of sight) I can see the dream of an 1868 article from the Southern Cultivator, “Our Home”, which urged its readers to “develop the aesthetic” of a homeplace by “spar[ing] the trees” close to the house and organizing them—“We want large trees to overtower, or lead diminishing groups—to stand out singly to wave their strong arms in the winds, and break out the broad sun-light of heaven.” The tree still waves, but the broad-light of heaven lessens around it a little more each year. 

—miles down the track an abandoned farmhouse still stands intact, surrounded by working fields which that house’s family once owned but long since sold to a larger operation. Imagining the generation or two that tried to hold onto that land I think about an essay in the 1852 issue of the Southern Quarterly Review whose writer hoped that “under the improved systems of agriculture” old worn lands “might become quite as valuable as the virgin soil, which is now for the first time, relieved from the shadows of the primeval forest, by the axe of the sturdy pioneer.” And these new “improved systems” of farming (fertilizers, crop rotation, etc.,) did make it possible for farmers to stay on the land rather than just exhaust it and move to “virgin soil” but only for a while longer before the land was exhausted again and then the next “improved systems” of farming (tractors, better fertilizers, pesticides) came but was too expensive for a small holder to implement so they sold.

And many such other “figures” arose along the way: a fire behind a trailer seemed a remnant of Southern burn culture only slowly reigniting these days, a plantation of loblolly stood firm where longleaf once presided and floating in the canals that run beside the rails are the voices of so many calls to drain land that despite such efforts still fill with water. 

I have taken the 79 Carolinian from Washington DC to North Carolina about once if not twice a month since fall. And still the journey does not get old. Still my neck hurts when I disembark at Rocky Mount because I turned my head so much from window to book, window to screen, window to my hands as my sight, my learning, and my life all shift the flow of the journey into something other than A to B, start to finish, even something more than a stable figure ground distinction, for on my next journey what stood out to me prior may very likely recede as something else, a background before comes toward me next and makes me halt awhile in a moment of understanding this land.

[farmerstrend]

A Comprehensive Farming Guide on Tomato Fertilization

Tomato farming in Kenya is one of the most profitable agricultural crops due to the growing demand for tomatoes in both local and international markets. With the country’s population expanding, the consumption of tomatoes, a staple in Kenyan dishes, has increased, making it a viable option for many farmers looking to diversify their farming activities. Kenya’s climate is suitable for tomato…

[brandandbranch]

Grow Nutrients

BG Bio520 Grow Nutrients provide a balanced formula for optimal plant growth. Rich in essential minerals, it enhances root development, boosts yield, and ensures vibrant, healthy plants. Ideal for hydroponics and soil-based farming, it’s the key to thriving crops!

https://www.scribd.com/document/799221060/Liquid-Plant-Fertilizer-BG-Bio520

[gardeningloverfamily]

🥥🥥What’s your favorite organic fertilizer recipe?

🥥 My Favorite Organic Fertilizer Recipe Secret:

One of my favorite organic fertilizer recipes is Banana Peel and Coffee Grounds Fertilizer. It’s easy to make, full of essential nutrients, and great for vegetables, houseplants, and flowers.

🥄 Ingredients:

🍌 2-3 banana peels (potassium and phosphorus)

☕ 1 cup used coffee grounds (nitrogen)

🧂 1 tablespoon Epsom salt (magnesium)

💧 Water (enough to fill a 1-liter container) 🛠 Instructions: 1️⃣ Cut the banana peels into small pieces. 2️⃣ Combine the peels, coffee grounds, and Epsom salt in a blender. 3️⃣ Add water and blend until smooth. 4️⃣ Use immediately or store the mixture for up to a week in a sealed container. 5️⃣ Apply it to your plants by pouring the mixture around the base once every 2-3 weeks.

This recipe feeds your plants organically while improving soil health. It’s ideal for those seeking eco-friendly and chemical-free gardening solutions.

🌱 Boost your garden naturally with this easy-to-make organic fertilizer recipe using banana peels, coffee grounds, and Epsom salt. Perfect for healthy vegetables, houseplants, and flowers!