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#Natural Fertiliser
askwhatsforlunch · 1 year
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Gardening Tip: Nasturtium Water (Natural Fertiliser and Aphid Repellent)
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I always think one law of physics that works well in the kitchen is Lavoisier’s Law --“Nothing is lost, nothing is created; everything is transformed”-- which I mostly apply to leftovers! It works even better in the Kitchen Garden!
Think about it: Coffee Grounds repel slugs, and an Elder Leaf Decoction chases unwelcome rodents, whilst Nettle Soup and Onion Skin Decoction will help make your soil fertile; like Egg shells which can be used both outside or while caring for your house plants.
So can Nasturtium Water. It is the water you have blanched your Nasturtium leaves in, when making a delicious Nasturtium Pesto. Don’t throw it away (“Nothing is lost”!) Allow it to cool and then pour it in your watering can and water your plants with it. 
You can also pour Nasturtium Water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto ferns in the house or in the garden, and onto growing carrots and Parsnips in the Kitchen Garden! It acts both as a fertiliser, helping your plants grow lush and green, and an aphid and white flies repellent, keeping your growing vegetables healthy!
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ikemoths · 6 months
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I LOVE THESE GUYS!!!!!
The green silver lines moth, oh my god, they have SUCH a good colour palette! i encourange anyone to use these guys as an inspiration for art cause they're sooo unique and pretty!!
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these guys are tiiiiny at 3.5cm, so you gotta make sure to look out for them if you wanna spot them, especially if you're looking for them while out :P
They live in europe and northern asia, so you goddamn know next season when they fly (june-july) i'll be trying to spot them
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and to make it even better, they're not even a pest of anything! just an all around beautiful moth :3 i love them so much!!
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graceatthemargins · 7 months
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What price their future?
For My Great, great Grandchildren It catches the sun light as it trickles from the tap, runs down the drain washing grime through a trap, Flush a toilet, wash the car, such luxury in our lap. Will water freely flow in the future at all on the map? —- The bag of filmy plastic is bulging, clean not gritty. I recycle carefully: so my progeny, of any ethnicity, will be able to share food or…
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alyssamonah · 8 months
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Greener Pastures Down Under Exploring Plant Fertilizers in Australia
Australia's diverse landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush rainforests, create a unique challenge for gardeners and farmers alike. Effective plant fertilizers are crucial to nurture and cultivate plant life in this dynamic environment. In this exploration, we delve into plant fertilizers Australia, discovering the innovative techniques and sustainable practices that contribute to creating greener pastures "down under."
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The Australian Fertilizer Landscape
Australia's agriculture sector is vital in feeding its population and global demand. With varying climatic conditions and soil types, Australian farmers have embraced various fertilization methods to optimize crop yield and quality. Traditional practices, such as animal manure and compost, have been augmented by modern scientific advancements in fertilizer technology.
The Role of Native Ingredients
 One unique aspect of plant fertilization in Australia is the integration of native ingredients. Indigenous plants have evolved to thrive in local conditions, making them excellent sources of natural fertilizers. Plants like Acacia, which host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, contribute to soil enrichment. Utilizing these native plants and traditional Indigenous knowledge, farmers and gardeners are paving the way for sustainable and region-specific fertilization methods.
Innovations in Sustainable Fertilizers
 Australia's commitment to environmental sustainability has driven the development of cutting-edge fertilization solutions. Researchers are exploring bio-based fertilizers derived from renewable resources, such as seaweed extracts and composted organic materials. These eco-friendly alternatives provide essential nutrients to plants, promote soil health, and minimize the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
Adapting to Climate Challenges
 Australia's unpredictable climate, characterized by droughts and water scarcity, necessitates adaptive approaches to fertilization. Drip irrigation systems combined with slow-release fertilizers are gaining popularity, optimizing water usage while ensuring plants receive a consistent nutrient supply. This strategic combination conserves water and minimizes nutrient runoff, a critical concern for protecting Australia's delicate ecosystems.
The Importance of Soil Health
 Beyond the choice of fertilizers, Australian farmers are increasingly focusing on soil health as a fundamental aspect of sustainable agriculture. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimal tillage contribute to maintaining soil structure and fertility. Healthy soils, enriched by well-balanced fertilization, create a resilient foundation for plant growth, disease resistance, and carbon sequestration.
Community Initiatives and Education
 Community-driven initiatives are vital to spreading awareness about sustainable fertilization practices in Australia. Local gardening clubs, agricultural workshops, and online forums provide platforms for sharing experiences, tips, and success stories. These efforts empower individuals to make informed decisions about fertilization and contribute to a greener and healthier environment.
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Conclusion
Australia's unique environment and sustainability commitment have spurred innovative plant fertilizer online approaches. From harnessing the power of native ingredients to embracing eco-friendly technologies, Australians are shaping a future where greener pastures flourish "down under." By exploring and adopting these diverse fertilization methods, we can contribute to a more resilient and thriving agricultural landscape while preserving the natural beauty of this remarkable continent. 
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kisanofindia · 10 months
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जानिए, क्यों अनुपम है बायोचार (Biochar) यानी मिट्टी को उपजाऊ बनाने की घरेलू और वैज्ञानिक विधि?
मिट्टी की सेहत सँवारने वाला, सबसे सस्ता और आसानी से बनने वाला टॉनिक है बायोचार
बायोचार के इस्तेमाल से मिट्टी के गुणों में सुधार का सीधा असर फसल और उपज में नज़र आता है। इससे किसानों की रासायनिक खाद पर निर्भरता और खेती की लागत घटती है। लिहाज़ा, बायोचार को किसानों की आमदनी बढ़ाने का आसान और अहम ज़रिया माना गया है।
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हरित क्रान्ति में भले ही रासायनिक खाद और कीटनाशकों की अहम भूमिका रही हो, लेकिन ये निर्विवाद है कि इससे भूमि की उर्वरा शक्ति का पतन और पर्यावरण प्रदूषित हुआ। इसीलिए विकसित देशों में रासायनिक उपायों को अपनाकर उपजायी गयी फसलों से सख़्त परहेज़ करना शुरू कर दिया। दरअसल, रासायनिक उपायों ने मिट्टी की उत्पादकता को टिकाऊ नहीं बनाया। तभी तो इसकी ज़रूरत हमेशा पड़ने लगी।
रसायनों के दुष्प्रभाव से बचने के लिए जहाँ एक ओर परम्परागत, प्राकृतिक या जैविक खेती की ओर लौटने पर ज़ोर दिया जाने लगा, वहीं ऐसे प्राकृतिक उपायों को पहचानने की ज़रूरत थी जो किसान और पर्यावरण, सभी के अनुकूल हो।
इन्हीं उद्देश्यों की तलाश में वैज्ञान���कों ने बीती सदी के सातवें दशक में ये साबित किया कि मिट्टी में कार्बनिक पदार्थों की प्रचुरता से ही उसकी उर्वरा शक्ति क़ायम रह सकती है, क्योंकि इन्हीं कार्बनिक पदार्थों से मिट्टी में उसे उपजाऊ बनाने वाले उन सूक्ष्म जीवों की मात्रा बढ़ती है जो अन्ततः फसल को पोषक तत्व मुहैया करवाते हैं। इन्हीं चुनौतियों से उबरने के लिए वैज्ञानिकों ने ‘बायोचार’ विकसित किया जो सही मायने में ‘हींग लगे न फिटकरी, रंग भी चोखा होय’ जैसा उपाय है।
बायोचार बनाने से धरती पर मौजूद अथाह बायोमास का भी बेहतरीन इस्तेमाल हो जाता है और पर्यावरण संरक्षण में मदद मिलती है। क्योंकि बायोमास के अपघटन या सड़ने से भारी मात्रा में जहरीली ग्रीनहाउस गैसें वायुमंडल में घुलती हैं और ‘ग्लोबल वार्मिंग’ का सबब बनती हैं।
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क्या है बायोचार?
बायोचार यानी ‘जैविक चारकोल’ का नाता ‘बायो फ़र्टिलाइज़र’ और ‘चारकोल’ से है। बायोचार, एक बेहद सस्ती, घरेलू और वैज्ञानिक तकनीक है जिससे किसी भी तरह की मिट्टी के उपजाऊपन को दशकों और यहाँ तक कि सदियों के लिए बढ़ाया जा सकता है। दरअसल, मिट्टी प्राकृतिक रूप से लगातार पोषक तत्व प्रदान करने वाले सूक्ष्म जीवों को ‘बायोफ़र्टिलाइज़र’ कहते हैं और कार्बन की अत्यधिक मात्रा वाले पदार्थ या लकड़ी के कोयले को ‘चारकोल’ कहते हैं। दोनों शब्दों के शुरुआती अक्षरों ‘बायो’ और ‘चार’ को जोड़ने से ‘बायोचार’ (बायो+चार) शब्द बना है।
और पढ़ें.......
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mapleorgtechltd · 1 year
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abtl-cropscience · 1 year
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Fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viroids, phytoplasmas, and viruses cause plant diseases. These plant pathogens mainly live on foliage as well as soil. These pathogens have adapted well to the environment, some even have a protective covering that can last for over two years.
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divinemedias · 1 year
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fatehbaz · 7 months
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Despite its green image, Ireland has surprisingly little forest. [...] [M]ore than 80% of the island of Ireland was [once] covered in trees. [...] [O]f that 11% of the Republic of Ireland that is [now] forested, the vast majority (9% of the country) is planted with [non-native] spruces like the Sitka spruce [in commercial plantations], a fast growing conifer originally from Alaska which can be harvested after just 15 years. Just 2% of Ireland is covered with native broadleaf trees.
Text by: Martha O’Hagan Luff. “Ireland has lost almost all of its native forests - here’s how to bring them back.” The Conversation. 24 February 2023. [Emphasis added.]
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[I]ndustrial [...] oil palm plantations [...] have proliferated in tropical regions in many parts of the world, often built at the expense of mangrove and humid forest lands, with the aim to transform them from 'worthless swamp' to agro-industrial complexes [...]. Another clear case [...] comes from the southernmost area in the Colombian Pacific [...]. Here, since the early 1980s, the forest has been destroyed and communities displaced to give way to oil palm plantations. Inexistent in the 1970s, by the mid-1990s they had expanded to over 30,000 hectares. The monotony of the plantation - row after row of palm as far as you can see, a green desert of sorts - replaced the diverse, heterogenous and entangled world of forest and communities.
Text by: Arturo Escobar. "Thinking-Feeling with the Earth: Territorial Struggles and the Ontological Dimension of the Epistemologies of the South." Revista de Antropologia Iberoamericana Volume 11 Issue 1. 2016. [Emphasis added.]
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But efforts to increase global tree cover to limit climate change have skewed towards erecting plantations of fast-growing trees [...] [because] planting trees can demonstrate results a lot quicker than natural forest restoration. [...] [But] ill-advised tree planting can unleash invasive species [...]. [In India] [t]o maximize how much timber these forests yielded, British foresters planted pines from Europe and North America in extensive plantations in the Himalayan region [...] and introduced acacia trees from Australia [...]. One of these species, wattle (Acacia mearnsii) [...] was planted in [...] the Western Ghats. This area is what scientists all a biodiversity hotspot – a globally rare ecosystem replete with species. Wattle has since become invasive and taken over much of the region’s mountainous grasslands. Similarly, pine has spread over much of the Himalayas and displaced native oak trees while teak has replaced sal, a native hardwood, in central India. Both oak and sal are valued for [...] fertiliser, medicine and oil. Their loss [...] impoverished many [local and Indigenous people]. [...]
India’s national forest policy [...] aims for trees on 33% of the country’s area. Schemes under this policy include plantations consisting of a single species such as eucalyptus or bamboo which grow fast and can increase tree cover quickly, demonstrating success according to this dubious measure. Sometimes these trees are planted in grasslands and other ecosystems where tree cover is naturally low. [...] The success of forest restoration efforts cannot be measured by tree cover alone. The Indian government’s definition of “forest” still encompasses plantations of a single tree species, orchards and even bamboo, which actually belongs to the grass family. This means that biennial forest surveys cannot quantify how much natural forest has been restored, or convey the consequences of displacing native trees with competitive plantation species or identify if these exotic trees have invaded natural grasslands which have then been falsely recorded as restored forests. [...] Planting trees does not necessarily mean a forest is being restored. And reviving ecosystems in which trees are scarce is important too.
Text by: Dhanapal Govindarajulu. "India was a tree planting laboratory for 200 years - here are the results." The Conversation. 10 August 2023. [Emphasis added.]
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Nations and companies are competing to appropriate the last piece of available “untapped” forest that can provide the most amount of “environmental services.” [...] When British Empire forestry was first established as a disciplinary practice in India, [...] it proscribed private interests and initiated a new system of forest management based on a logic of utilitarian [extraction] [...]. Rather than the actual survival of plants or animals, the goal of this forestry was focused on preventing the exhaustion of resource extraction. [...]
Text by: Daniel Fernandez and Alon Schwabe. "The Offsetted." e-flux Architecture (Positions). November 2013. [Emphasis added.]
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At first glance, the statistics tell a hopeful story: Chile’s forests are expanding. […] On the ground, however, a different scene plays out: monocultures have replaced diverse natural forests [...]. At the crux of these [...] narratives is the definition of a single word: “forest.” [...] Pinochet’s wave of [...] [laws] included Forest Ordinance 701, passed in 1974, which subsidized the expansion of tree plantations [...] and gave the National Forestry Corporation control of Mapuche lands. This law set in motion an enormous expansion in fiber-farms, which are vast expanses of monoculture plantations Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus species grown for paper manufacturing and timber. [T]hese new plantations replaced native forests […]. According to a recent study in Landscape and Urban Planning, timber plantations expanded by a factor of ten from 1975 to 2007, and now occupy 43 percent of the South-central Chilean landscape. [...] While the confusion surrounding the definition of “forest” may appear to be an issue of semantics, Dr. Francis Putz [...] warns otherwise in a recent review published in Biotropica. […] Monoculture plantations are optimized for a single product, whereas native forests offer [...] water regulation, hosting biodiversity, and building soil fertility. [...][A]ccording to Putz, the distinction between plantations and native forests needs to be made clear. “[...] [A]nd the point that plantations are NOT forests needs to be made repeatedly [...]."
Text by: Julian Moll-Rocek. “When forests aren’t really forests: the high cost of Chile’s tree plantations.” Mongabay. 18 August 2014. [Emphasis added.]
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circeyoru · 2 months
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The Spirit’s Favourite Human
[Human!Alastor x Spirit of the Forest!Reader]
Part 1 (here)
Part 2
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It started with a one-sided meeting. Your home, which was an old willow tree, was threatened by a waste product of some hunters in your forest. It was going to burn your home! But then another man, a hunter since he was holding the same weapons the other hunters would, picked up the cigarette and extinguished it
That started your interest in him
As the trees and birds would tell you, he was a frequent visitor to the forest. With your tiny stature, you could watch him while staying out of sight. You never dared to follow him out of the forest, however, since it would put you in danger. Whenever he was in the forest, you’d shrink yourself and travel by bird to watch the man that you learned was Alastor
The trees and bird told you something bizarre, though. Alastor would bring other people into the forest and bury them. You confirmed it as you sensed the sorrowful souls’ bodies screaming in agony and pain before they were whisked away to Heaven or Hell. Your duty was only to watch over and protect the forest, so matters of life and death of the humans mattered not to you
You made a habit of pushing the bodies deeper into the Earth, they were good fertiliser for the trees and insects in the ground, so you weren’t going to say no to that. You thought of it as gifts from Alastor. You were a Spirit, so how could you understand that killing another human being was frowned upon? In nature, death was as normal as the cycle of night and day
Once, you were alerted by the trees that Alastor was visiting but in danger. The birds told you he was being chased by a pack of dogs with clothes. So they were special ones that were trained. Alastor was your saviour and had done good to the forest more times than you can keep track of, so you naturally went to help him
The wind was on your side as the birds quickly brought you to where Alastor was. Wound and tired, he tried to keep his distance from the dogs behind him. You intercepted, appearing in your normal size (still smaller than Alastor by a head and then some). You blew mist at the dogs, disrupting their sense of smell with heavy pollen, then you grabbed Alastor and went deeper into the forest, you knew this place like the back of your hand, so you got the perfect hiding spot
In the tree hole, the two of you stayed quiet while waiting for the coast to be cleared. After a few moments or so, the trees told you you were safe and the dogs had left. You got out and stretched a bit, not used to being cramped up. You watched curiously as Alastor fell out, holding his body with his hands. He’s hurt. You got close to him, ignoring his words and healed him with the forest’s help
When it was done, you nodded at your handy work. You froze when Alastor grabbed your hand and kissed it, he thanked you and introduced himself
But all your mind registered was human touch! Bad! A gush of wind blew at Alastor, making him shut his eyes and you were gone when he opened his eyes again. He looked at his hand, empty
Back with you, you tried your best to calm down. Human contract was something you never had, sure you acted as spirit guides to lead lost children out of the forest, but never had you had physical touch from one. Now that you think about it, you held Alastor first. Ohhh… This was your problem…
From that day onwards, you avoided Alastor like the plague, if you know what that was, and only received news from your bird friends and the trees. Like before, you’d still push those bodies down down down. The only difference was the following closely was gone
And Alastor felt that. He treasured this forest very much, because it was the perfect place for him to hide the bodies. He noticed that the previously buried bodies were buried deeper than humanly possible, and it was surely not his doing. What’s more was if he didn’t mark it down, he would have missed the burial spot, it was hidden perfectly
Now that he knew of your existence and powers over the forest, he knew it was you who watched him whenever he was in the forest and helped him with his body hiding from the dogs and police. You were his perfect accomplice and you didn’t even know
He wanted to get to know you, to meet you more formally and professionally. Maybe you could solve much more problems he has. Like the marriage proposal that fills his mailbox or creates an alibi in case people are suspicious of him. There was so much potential that could benefit him!
“Darling! Lady of the Forest!” Alastor shouted as he tried to get you to show yourself. He’d been trying to meet you since that day you rescued him, but you were nowhere to be found
He turned to more desperate and drastic measures, like putting himself in danger or appearing to be in a life or death situation to get you to act. You were saving him from dogs last time, so the same logic should do this time
It doesn’t 
So he tried something else
Mimzy became the perfect piece of the puzzle. Her being all over him, too much for his comfort. But his efforts are bearing fruit as he felt your familiar stare, though with envy and malice now
You were beyond confused at the feeling you had. It was fiery and twisted, also foreign to you and not something you’ll feel usually. Then again this Alastor had been making you feel a lot more than what you’re used to
You literally teleported to where Alastor and the other human was when your friends of the forest told you the news. Oh how livid you were when you saw the other human all over Alastor
Were they enjoying their time together? The first is a lovely place for intimate moments. You have seen pairs come into the forest to do some questionable actions, but you just stay clear of the place
For some reason, Alastor and that human do the same made you want to order the wolves to devour that stupid human
But then you were destroyed by Alastor’s actions. A human dressed like her would not just go to this forest, he was the one that brought her here. So you backed away from the pair. Perhaps it was because you avoided him that he lost interest in you and picked someone of his race 
No no no no no! Your stare was losing its intensity and ill will! Why? It was going so well too! He couldn’t help it and acted before anything, before your presence and stare were gone
Your eyes widened at the blood-curdling scream echoed. When you turned around, the human was lying down and crying, Alastor was stabbing a knife at her chest repeatedly while the blood pooled beneath them 
You didn’t even realize you stepped in his line of sight until his eyes met yours. This hunter didn’t just hunt the creatures of the forest, he hunted the other faces of his race
There you were. Finally, in front of him again. It took him a while, but the wait was worth it, given your divine beauty. He’d go as far as to say you’re a goddess! 
“My dearest, it has been a while.” He greeted with a smile as he ignored the body below him that was one of his closest friends
You opened your mouth, but then closed it. Though you understand human language, you couldn’t communicate in it
So you only nodded your head with a small smile. Telepathically, your honey-sweet voice echoed in his head, even with the distortion like an unresponsive radio, he understood, “Greetings to you as well, Alastor.”
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Note: Experimenting on posting writings. Format might change in the future. cause this is the first time I've done this (ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧
Circe Y.
MASTERLIST
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saltydkdan · 3 months
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Why...why do you care about the homeless? I don't understand...
The homeless problem could easily be solved by either A. sending them to animal killing plantations & using the corpses for fertiliser. Or B. Sending them to a prison adjacent system where they'll partake in mandatory labour. It's also important to discourage homelessness by converting homeless shelters into something more productive, like police stations. Not only are these options beneficial in every aspect but they'll help the economy one way or another.
Now, before you call me inhumane or unhinged, let me tell you this: At the end of the day, being homeless is a choice. These "people" were born into our society & we offered them a chance to live comfortably. But instead of working an extra job or spending less money on something else to pay a bill, they spat at society's kindness & decided to be a burden, tell me, why should these "people" have the right to freedom if they reject everything we offer? Hell being homeless is incredibly easy to get out of too, jobs that require no skills are free, sure its an upwards hill that takes a ridiculous amount of effort but they should've thought of that when they decided to throw their future away, you reap what you sow, its only natural that being homeless is a struggle for class traitors.
Besdies, do these "people" care that they're an eyesore? No, we shouldn't have sympathy for "people" who can't even help themselves. instead of working to redeem their privileges to live comfortably they'd rather beg to hard working civilians like leeches, use the money that children in their ignorance give them to buy drugs (while being a massive contributer to the black market) & just sit in alleyways doing nothing.
These are the true consequences of what happens when "people" decide to be lazy. They're a waste of the gift of life that had no right to be born. These "people" are a disease to our society & like any disease its only our natural response & duty to wipe it out.
**Besides
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askwhatsforlunch · 2 years
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Foraging, Growing and Gardening Tip: Elder Leaf Decoction
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One problem I did not realise I had in the Kitchen Garden, was rodents. It seems silly really, that it didn’t occur to me sooner, for that might have explained the utter disaster of last year’s garden pea crop and why every time I have been sowing in the Lasagna Garden and parsnips and turnips and salsify started sprouting, their tiny leaves (actually cotyledons) were eaten the next day, the soil showing visible signs of trampling. But it wasn’t until I actually saw a little vole (or was is a mouse?) dashing down the edge of the Veg Patch and into the neighbour’s gardnen that I understood the damage! 
What to do then? I would certainly not use traps or anything that would kill them. But I can’t let them spoil my efforts with their greed. Another time, I saw a couple of them perilously hang over the bucket of Nettle Soup, to drink from it! So, watering my growing seedlings with it, as I do, doesn’t seem to deter them.
Thus, I read, and found that they find the smell of boiled elder leaves particularly repulsive, and that a decoction made with those is also a great natural fertiliser! Two birds with one stone, then! I picked up my basket and went to the woods.
I found “my” elder trees, and cut a few --berry-free, I shall come back in the Summer when they are black and ripe, and forage a few to make jam!-- branches full of leaves (see there, how to identify black elders (sambucus nigra) and how to make Elderflower Cordial too!)
Back home, I removed the leaves from the branches and weighed them. 200 grams/7 ounces of elder leaves, which I put into a large pot and covered with 4 litres/4 quarts of water. I let them soak for twenty-four hours.
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After a day of saoking, I put the pot on the stove over a medium flame, and covered with a lid. After the first boil, I let the mixture simmer for half an hour. Then, removed the lid, increased the heat to medium-high, and let it boil for another fifteen minutes. It does have a rather unpleasant smell, so I hope it will be efficient. I removed from the heat and let the mixture cool completely, and soak a little longer overnight.
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The following day, I strained it thoroughly, keeping the boiled leaves. It makes about 2.25 litres/4.7 pints Elder Leaf Decoction.
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Then,  poured the Elder Leaf Decoction in a garden pump sprayer, and sprayed it all over the Kitchen Garden, over the growing garden pea and sugar snap pea seedlings, over the and the, over the beetroots, and the freshly planted kale seedlings, over the potatoes, over the Beans and the Squashes, and over the sprouting Parsnips, turnips and salsify and the Bell Peppers in the Lasagna Garden. I used the boiled leaf to make a border around the garden pea and sugar snap pea beds, in addition to my Slug-Repelling Coffee Ground borders!
I have some leftover, so I shall do it again, if necessary. When the peas and beans I’v just sown directly are sprouting, for instance. This Decocotion is as good for the vegetables as it is unpalatable to rodents apparently. Here’s hoping!
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ikemoths · 4 months
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Brimstone Moths :3
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These cute pastel yellow moths are pretty unmistakeable, they're small but vibrant in colour :) there is one species of butterfly somewhat simmilar to them, but: - theyre butterflies - they fly during the day while brimestone moths fly at night
they pose no agricultural threat so they're just sweet lil guys for us to admire!
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nexgenturkiye · 2 years
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Study by NIAB and The Royal Agricultural University results of the Aquapulse® case study: Roots, plants and fruit, increased productivity and strength without fertilisers. Aquapulse, is the organic alternative. #fertiliser #fertilizer #nofertilizer #nofertiliser #organic #plant #fruit #natural (at Bodrum, Mugla) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb7eZHSNGqZ/?utm_medium=tumblr
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Lately I've been reading "Drawdown", by Paul Hawken et al, a comprehensive set of strategies for tackling the climate crisis. Your Cambrian Wildwoods post reminded me of one of the solutions - Silvopasture, from the Latin for 'Forest Grazing'.
Essentially it means proposing to farmers that a portion of land be forested and that their animals freely graze there. It can be extremely flexible - planting trees in existing pasture, thinning down woodland to allow for forage growth, using trees as natural fencing, and more.
It's got good potential for carbon capture, and also for saving farmers money in feed and fertiliser, creating better conditions for livestock by keeping them in the shade, and potentially providing secondary income sources in fruit, nuts, etc.
What do you think of it as a potential avenue for Welsh farming? The focus in "Drawdown" is on cattle farming, but I don't see any reason not to trial it with sheep - especially since it could be spun as a hybrid of both aspects of traditional culture...
("Drawdown" also emphasises peer-to-peer uptake through word-of-mouth, rather than being pushed by outsiders.)
Oh, yes - it's basically what they did at Pontbren. That was a farmer-led initiative - one of the big expenses with sheep farming is having to bring them into barns over the winter and supply all feed, but traditionally they'd have stayed out all year. So these farmers got together and went, "How do we ethically and sustainably reduce this expense?"
What they realised is that they were paying for (a) the government-enforced decision post-WW2 to swap to high-yield breeds of sheep that weren't suited to the Welsh climate and topography (i.e. wet as fuck and mostly vertical), and (b) the decline of traditional hedgerow management and shelterbelts. And so the dream was born.
They contacted the Woodland Trust purely to act in an advisory capacity - they wanted to know which trees would be best, and where. They could take much land out of production, but the beauty of hedgerows and shelterbelts is that they're linear features that replace your fences. That was how environmentalists got on board - we were invited, and we remembered that. We were therefore allowed to do a couple of experiments as it progressed, such as testing the infiltration rates of rain into groundwater rather than run-off and comparing it between hedgerow fields and fence fields. Meanwhile, the farmers replaced their stock with native breeds - I believe mostly Welsh Mountain Sheep, which look amazing:
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Ain't no rain getting in THAT.
Anyway, a few strategically placed shelterbelts and hedgerows later and:
The sheep can now safely stay out all year round, excepting storms
The sheep are actually healthier and have higher welfare standards
Floods have reduced thanks to higher infiltration rates
Soil erosion is reduced so the fields and river are healthier
The farmers have saved money
The farmers are now making extra money, because they started a tree nursery and sell trees as a side project
You can read multiple publications on it here
So yes! Silvipasture is actually a huge tool for the future that we need to be embracing, as is agroforestry for arable farming, and the frustrating/hopeful part of it is, these are tools we used to use. This isn't new knowledge - it's forgotten knowledge that we need to reclaim. But even aside from the immediate benefits, it also has massive implications for resilience in a world with a warming climate, and we need to do it faster.
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hedgehog-moss · 11 months
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forgive me for the possibly foolish question, but what kind of care do the fish in the aquaponics require? do you have to feed them to a certain point where the plants then supply their diet, or do you continuously care for them? merci! i love your blog 🌱
The plants don't feed the fish, it's the other way around :) The plants use the fish poop as natural fertiliser (with the help of useful bacteria that break it down), and in doing so they clean the water for the fish. Here's a little diagram
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Since my system has towers over the fish tank rather than grow beds, the fish do nibble on the plant roots that dip in the water but that's just an illegal snack, fish food is their main diet. Also when I find little insects on the plants, I shake them so the insect falls in the water where the fish give it an enthusiastic welcome. Some aquaponic gardeners farm insects to feed their fish (and they feed the insects with some of the plants so they have a complete symbiotic system) but I haven't tried that yet. I used to successfully breed dynasties of stick insects in a terrarium in my bedroom as a kid, so maybe someday.
The fish part of the aquaponic system is very low-maintenance—I don't clean the tank since the plants absorb the fish waste, I just have to adjust how much I feed the fish depending on how many plants there are, so the water doesn't get dirty, it's a bit of a balancing act. The main other thing to watch for is the water pH, for plants it should be around 6 or 6.5 (ideally) and for fish around 7 or 7.5, so I try to keep it between 6.5 and 7 to keep everyone reasonably happy. Rainwater has a lower pH and my spring has a higher one, so when I fill up my watering can in the tank to water outside plants, I look at the pH meter and top up the tank with rain or spring water depending on what's needed.
You just have to be careful not to pick up a hitchhiker fish in your watering can as you go to water other plants!
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