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12/03/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Irish researchers detail a potential solution for tackling plastic waste

Every day, the average American churns out a lot of plastic garbage that takes forever to decay. Over time, the nearly-indestructible waste piles up and contaminates the surroundings, causing serious harm to the environment and human health. This prompted Irish researchers to look for a way to manage the ever-growing mountains of plastic waste we […]

11/13/2018 / By Janine Acero

Soils treated with organic fertilizer are healthier; produce stronger plants

Come to any local gardening center and you may see rows and rows of plant- and animal-based fertilizers that boast of faster growth, beautiful blooms, or abundant produce from your plants. But which type of fertilizer can actually deliver these promises? A study published in the journal Biological Agriculture & Horticulture assessed the effect of plant- and animal-based soil amendments […]

11/06/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Compost made from cocoa pod waste better than inorganic fertilizers at improving soil quality

Most people know that chocolates come from the cocoa tree; however, only the seeds of the tree are used, with most industries discarding the husks that house these seeds. However, a study published in the OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences may breathe new life into these husks, thanks to rot fungi – which can be used […]

10/28/2018 / By Lance D Johnson

Are bioplastics really as eco-friendly as they’re touted to be?

Approximately 165 million tons of petroleum-based plastic now pollute the ocean. Another nine million tons of plastic are added to the seas each year. Only nine percent of plastic is recycled. It takes at least 500 years for traditional plastic to decompose, as toxic chemicals break down and leach into the environment. In the rush […]

10/13/2018 / By David Williams

Use of compost and cover crops improves soil nutrients, helps mitigate the impact of extreme weather on vegetable crops

The benefits of using cover crops and compost in growing all sorts of plants have been known for a long time. However, the effects of adding them in specific configurations haven’t exactly been well-studied. In fact, certain long-term impacts of adding organic matter through cover crops (CC) and compost in the soil are poorly understood. […]

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