#soil water conservation

[autoagrii]

Robotic In Agriculture

What is your all time favorite agriculture automobile? Robotics in Agriculture: A New Level of Precision and Efficiency• Robots are replacing human labor in agriculture, enhancing precision, efficiency, and sustainability.• Robotic fruit and vegetable pickers use computer vision and advanced manipulators to harvest produce with precision.• Autonomous harvesters use GPS and LiDAR sensors for…

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Atmospheric Rivers and Drought: It’s More Complicated Than You Think

In recent weeks, the West Coast has been hit with multiple atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones, causing massive storms, torrential rain, and the floods and landslides that often result. This includes areas of California that have been hit incredibly hard by drought over the past several years.

I’ve seen a lot of people elated that the snowpack on California’s mountains has been increasing at record speeds. And reservoirs are the highest they’ve been in years. These are certainly excellent silver linings amid the tragedy and loss of life brought by flooding, and in the short term they’ll bring some much-needed relief. Unfortunately, they aren’t going to bring California–and the rest of the West–out of the current drought.

You may have learned in school that the basic water cycle consists of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Which is all true, of course. But there’s a lot more to hydrology than that.

Hydrology can be defined as how water is captured, held, and safely released by the land. For instance, here in the Pacific Northwest (west of the Cascades, anyway) we’re accustomed to a long rainy season that starts in fall, goes all the way through winter, and in some years persists almost to summer. There are plenty of rainy days–not the heavy downpours we’ve been seeing, but a mix of steady rain, drizzles, and mists.

Once the rain hits the ground, the soil soaks it up like a sponge. Soil is made of a mix of eroded bedrock and decayed/decaying organic matter; the more organic matter in the soil, and the thicker the soil, the more water it can hold. Some of the water trickles through the soil to be released into streams and rivers above ground. The inherent sponginess of our soil slows the water down enough that some of it also sifts down into groundwater stores.

It’s the same thing in drier areas, too. Arid zones like the Northwest east of the Cascades, or large portions of central and southern California, don’t typically receive as much precipitation, and the soil doesn’t have as much absorbency. But the basic hydrological cycle is the same, and in a normal rain year groundwater reserves are replenished along with the snowpack and reservoirs.

The problem is that the atmospheric rivers and other massive storms that have been hitting the West Coast more frequently in recent years are too much for our natural hydrological system to handle. It’s like the difference between watering a garden with a sprinkling can versus a high-powered nozzle at full blast. Too much water falls at once; the soil becomes saturated more quickly, at which point it can no longer absorb any more rain.

Because more water is falling in a shorter period of time, the excess rain flows off the surface of the ground, no longer slowed by soil. This leads to increased flooding, and the super-saturated soil is more likely to create massive landslides. Although the reservoirs are able to capture some of the rain, there’s a lot that’s simply escaping downstream.

The soil is still sending some water down into the groundwater system. But the precipitation is concentrated into smaller periods of time during violent storms instead of stretched out over weeks of intermittent to steady rain. That means that by the time the soil has offloaded its excess water, the storm has passed and another dry period begins. Ultimately less precipitation is making it down through the soil into groundwater stores.

One storm won’t refill groundwater, either; often these aquifers and basins take years or even decades to fully recharge. Keep in mind that groundwater across western half of the United States has been used at a much higher rate than it replenishes for many decades due to the demand for water for agriculture, industry, and a rapidly growing population. These demands aren’t going away, either; they’ll continue sucking down water until everything runs dry.

And the larger snowpacks? Unfortunately, the hotter summers mean that they will still be melting faster than normal. The extra depth means that we’ve got more padding than we did a year ago, but it isn’t going to fix everything; it just buys us a little more time.

Both the drought and atmospheric rivers are symptoms of a larger problem: climate change. The higher average global temperatures are wreaking havoc on weather patterns, causing greater and more frequent extremes.

A lot of this is because warmer air can hold more humidity, which has a direct effect on how much precipitation is dropped by storms. The warming of both the atmosphere and the oceans leads directly to more powerful storms. Conversely, because precipitation events are concentrated into shorter periods of time, coupled with higher temperatures overall, we’re seeing longer and more extreme droughts worldwide.

All of this doesn’t mean you can’t be happy about the immediate relief given by higher reservoir levels and snowpack increases. After all, I’m pretty happy about the fact that some lives will certainly be saved because of it. This is legitimately a good turn of events, even if it came out of something awful. And who knows? Maybe there will be other little silver linings along the way; after all, rain sometimes brings super blooms of wildflowers.

My suggested takeaway from this article is: be balanced in your approach to climate news. Yes, we need to stay as motivated and engaged as we realistically can in the fight for a better climate future, and not let the momentary successes lull us into thinking the battle is over. But it’s really important for us to celebrate the wins we do get. Allowing ourselves to focus on good news can help increase emotional resilience and provide a much-needed break from doom and gloom headlines. In short: you aren’t ignoring the problems if you give yourself some time to think about something else, and in fact changing your mental channel for a while is a crucial act of self-care.

And then, when you feel ready to engage again, just remember that not all is lost, and there’s still plenty left to keep fighting for.

Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes or hiring me for a guided nature tour, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!

[farmerstrend]

Furrow irrigation, a time-tested agricultural practice

Furrow irrigation is an ancient and well-trusted way of watering crops that has been practiced for a very long time. This method involves creating small channels or furrows between the rows of crops to efficiently deliver water to the plants. It has proven to be especially effective for various crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and vegetables. The basic idea is to make these channels alongside…

[technofinch]

voting is important it tells u which of ur local offices are uncontested and where u have a chance to get in on a technicality

[gilbasolutionsblog]

New soil surfactant research in 2024

[townpostin]

Tata Steel and StanChart Launch Watershed Project in Jharkhand

1500 households to benefit from soil and water conservation initiative in Noamundi Tata Steel Foundation and Standard Chartered Bank partner to implement watershed and climate proofing project in West Singhbhum. JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel Foundation and Standard Chartered Bank announce collaboration on watershed project in Noamundi Block, West Singhbhum. The Integrated Watershed and Climate Proofing…

[bcb-and-b-368-lindsay-road-40]

Friday, August 2/24 Evening Update

[swantonlibraryteens]

[terreplenish-blog]

Bring your garden to life 🌿 👩🏼‍🌾

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you use Terreplenish effectively:

Materials Needed:

Terreplenish regenerative soil microbes (24 ounces)

Water (5 gallons)

Large container or bucket (at least 5-gallon capacity)

Watering can or spray applicator

Steps:

Prepare the Solution:

Pour 24 ounces of Terreplenish regenerative soil microbes into a large container or bucket.

Add 5 gallons of water to the container, mixing thoroughly to ensure the microbes are well-diluted and evenly distributed in the water.

Application:

Fill a watering can or spray applicator with the diluted solution.

Apply the solution evenly over the soil in your garden. Ensure thorough coverage by watering all areas, focusing particularly on the base of the plants where the roots are located.

Frequency of Application:

For optimal results, apply the Terreplenish solution once a month during the growing season.

In the early stages of plant growth or if the soil is heavily depleted, you may apply every two weeks.

Tips for Success:

Timing: Apply the solution in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation and ensure the microbes have the best conditions to penetrate the soil.

Consistent Watering: Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil to support the microbial activity and overall plant health.

Organic Matter: Enhance the effectiveness of the microbes by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or mulch, into your soil. This provides additional nutrients and improves soil structure.

Benefits of Using Terreplenish:

Improved Soil Health: Regenerative soil microbes enhance soil structure, nutrient availability, and water retention.

Increased Plant Growth: Healthier soil promotes robust root systems and vigorous plant growth.

Sustainable Gardening: Using natural soil microbes reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and supports sustainable gardening practices.

By following these steps and tips, you can maximize the benefits of Terreplenish regenerative soil microbes and create a thriving, productive community garden.

[livelocalorganic]

Uncover the Benefits of Eco-friendly Farming for Our Health and Environment

Introduction Eco-friendly farming, also known as sustainable or organic farming, has gained significant attention in recent years. With concerns about the environment and our health, many individuals are turning to sustainable farming practices to mitigate the negative impacts of traditional agriculture. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of eco-friendly farming for our health and…

[nikrei]

I'm researching 1950s-60s land values for my real person job, and did you know that the usda has a record of basically any agricultural report published in the last hundred+ years for USAmerica? And its not just historical they have all the recent reports as well.

And its not solely farm stuff (tho if for any reason u wanted to know the condition of grazing feed in the bluestem pastures of Kansas from 1964 to 1971 they've got u) there is also records of costs for daily life- things like clothing or appliances or food.

Also you can find out the market for a 100lb slab of beef in Nebraska in July 1955.

[autoagrii]

AGRICULTURE 4.0: THE FOURTH REVOLUTION CHANGE THE FARMING PATTERN

Introduction Agricultural Revolution 1.0 The Agricultural Revolution 1.0, also known as the Neolithic Revolution, was a transformative period in human history that marked the shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities. This revolution occurred approximately 10,000 years ago, around 8000 BCE, and it had profound and far-reaching impacts on human society,…

[rdela]

Rest in Power Yacouba Sawadogo, who “single-handedly has had more impact on soil and water conservation than all the experts combined. He managed to build a forest out of nothing, a forest of 30 hectares with the largest biodiversity in the Sahel. At the end, he became a sort of national hero.” – Chris Reij, a Dutch geographer and a senior fellow of the World Resources Institute in Washington

[cselandscapearchitect]

Growing Encelia farinosa (Brittlebush) from Seed: A Home Gardener's Guide

Encelia farinosa, commonly known as Brittlebush, is a beautiful and hardy desert shrub that can add a touch of vibrant color and resilience to your home garden. If you’re a home gardener looking to cultivate this charming plant from seed, you’re in for a rewarding experience. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of starting Encelia farinosa from seed, ensuring a…

[siithiistore]

Value pf Trees

rees hold immense value for our planet and well-being. They are the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, crucial for our survival. Trees provide habitat for wildlife, support biodiversity, and contribute to ecological balance. Their shade and cooling effects reduce urban heat, conserving energy. Additionally, they prevent soil erosion, purify water, and enhance soil fertility. Economically, trees yield resources like wood, fruits, and nuts. Beyond tangible benefits, trees offer mental and emotional respite, promoting psychological well-being. Recognizing their ecological, economic, and psychological significance, conserving and planting trees is vital for a sustainable and harmonious world.

[gilbasolutionsblog]

Following on from our 2022 work the 2023 soil wetting agent trial up and running. Soil moisture at two depths (37 and 75mm), turf quality using a light box and wetting agent longevity over time.

9 products at label rates plus an untreated control. 6 replicates. May the best man win!