Scientists at Agricultural Research Service, the research arm of the Department of Agriculture, have discovered that pumping water back through the same buried pipes used to drain wet fields increases crop yields and cleans groundwater at the same time. Developed by Barry Allred and Norm Fausey of ARS in collaboration with Ohio State University, the Wetland Resevoir Subirrigation System (WRSIS) has three interconnected components: a wetland, a water storage reservoir, and a cropland area with an underground pipe system for drainage or subirrigation. Water at the test sites now flows through a wetland and is then stored for later irrigation use. The wetland traps solids and organic carbons and uses the nitrogen to fertilize its own vegetation, thus cleaning the drainage water and creating cover for thriving plants and wildlife. More importantly, the reused water sent crop yields up 40-48 percent during the drier growing seasons, reduced non-point source pollution and kept the water table constant.
For more information go to: www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications.
Natural gas prices in the United States are higher than anywhere else in the industrialized world, which is having a devastating effect on fertilizer prices. However, there are a host of other factors beyond the control of suppliers that are impacting what you pay. Natural gas is the first step in processing anhydrous ammonia for nitrogen fertilizers. Due to a large number of plant closures in the U.S., foreign sources are supplying our needs, and that means added transportation costs. Phosphate and potash inventories in the U.S. are also down, and because of increased demand from Asia and Latin America, competition for these raw materials is also driving up prices. To add further to the problem, higher commodity prices for corn and grain crops means that U.S. farmers are planting more acres of these crops and using more fertilizer to boost production. That in turn, is affecting pricing as more people are competing for a smaller amount of fertilizer. The California Plant Health Association recommends that users make sure they have clear usage plans, plus optimum application schedules and methods to make the best use of fertilizers they need.
For the latest information on efficient use of fertilizers go to: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/frep/.
Art Ludwick, assistant to the president of Rain Bird, unveiled a color rendering of its 2005 Tournament of Roses???????(R)???? Parade float entry, Playful Pandamonium, in a ceremony at the company headquarters in Glendora, Calif. The parade’s theme is “Celebrate Family.” Rain Bird’s 2005 float will portray a family of six giant panda bears playing with their young.
Brillion, WI – About 900 landscape contractors attended the Gravely on Tour program offered at nine locations around the United States and Canada from January through March of 2004. With those participation numbers, Ariens Company plans to continue the program in 2005.
The one-day workshops aim to improve profitability of business owners in the landscape contract business. Industry consultant Kevin Kehoe presented information to help participants set the right price for services, increase profit margin, find and retain the right customers, pay themselves the right amount of money, and motivate and pay employees.
“The ability to set aside time to evaluate your business model gives you a strategic advantage in any type of business,” notes Dan Ariens, company president. “In one day, this workshop helps contractors refocus their efforts on the things that can have the biggest impact on their success.”
All participants in the 2004 sessions were eligible for a chance to win a Gravely 34Z. Dean Jackson of Eagle Landscaping, LLC, in Monroe, La., was the recipient of this year?EUR??,,????'?????<
In 2005, Ariens Company will hold Gravely on Tour workshops in Missouri; Louisiana; Texas; Tennessee; Virginia; Florida; Michigan; Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Specific locations will be announced this fall. The workshop is open to all landscape contractors free of charge. Program details are available on line at www.gravely.com.
15-18 – Minutes of sprinkling twice weekly to deliver one inch of water per week to lawns.
Source: Colorado State University Extension Service
