Delivering reliable, no-nonsense information about our food, health and the environment.
Plant structure and appearance varies throughout a plant's lifecycle. It is natural for leaves to brown and fall and it is not uncommon for fruits and flowers to vary in size and shape. However, there is a range of factors that can lead to more intensive damage and irregularities. These factors are known as plant …
Continue reading "the most common plant defects and their causes"
Throughout the world, a wide range of public, state-run, and private institutions provide agricultural extension services. These services are typically related to three core competencies: Technology transfer - helping to disseminate new technologies from research institutions to end-users. For example, helping to expand the use of new, more efficient irrigation systems.Advisory services - providing guidance …
Continue reading "question: what is agricultural extension? what services does it provide?"
Much of early American history was based on a rejection of what was and creating systems for what should be. The educational system was no different. In the latter part of the 19th century, there was dissatisfaction with the way that university systems continued to cater to the wealthy elite rather than providing services and …
Continue reading "a brief history of land grant colleges in the united states"
All healthy ecosystems contain a complex system of microbes, insects, plants, and animals that interact to maintain balance and contribute to the well-being of a given space. Companion planting is a targeted effort to exploit the benefits of the relationships between specific plants to improve production vitality. More simply, companion planting is a specific type …
The expansion of urban agriculture is arguably necessary to feed the world’s population, especially as the global migration towards urban centers continues. However, there is a range of hindrances preventing its full utilization, all of which are not necessarily exclusive to urban production systems - especially problems associated with a lack of foresight. Populations within …
Urban agriculture can offer many benefits, especially in terms of improved food security. However, as with any system, there are potential downsides which can reduce or even eliminate the potential benefits. Such issues are especially prevalent in developing lands and in areas affected by poverty where effective infrastructure, e.g. regulation, sanitation or education, has not …
Continue reading "the disadvantages associated with urban agriculture"
Agriculture has been a part of urban spaces since man began establishing towns and cities. However, as populations grew, agriculture needed to be outsourced to rural or urban spaces to meet the growing demand of urban citizens. While it may still be necessary to produce more calorie-dense and space-intensive crops, e.g. grains and trees, growing …
