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Archive for the ‘Soil Conservation’ Category

The acai berry grows in groves on 25 meter high palm trees. Best known as a Brazilian fruit, the acai berry can also be found throughout Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and the Guyanas. Acai can be harvested year-round due to South America’s warm climate. While it is becoming widely known in North America for its its use in vitamin supplements, juices and energy drinks, acai has traditionally been used by South Americans to treat diseases and conditions such as stomach ailments.

In addition to being used for medicinal purposes, acai is an important part of daily life and mealtime.  However, the acai berry is extremely delicate and thus cannot be kept more than 2 days, even refrigerated. Throughout Brazil, such as in the state of Para, acai berries are harvested and sold immediately in town markets. It is widely available and made by locals into juices or “acai wine,” which requires additional processing. It’s also added as a component of breakfast. Depending on the region of Brazil, you may find it in ice cream where it has a pale purple hue.  It is also sometimes incorporated into a side dish at the evening meal, where it is thickened with tapioca flour and served with fish, shrimp, meat, rice and beans.

While commercial opportunties abound for acai, there is increasing awareness of the environmental impact of acai harvesting. The acai plant is necessary for soil conservation, particularly in tropical areas that receive heavy rains. Only a portion of the 1,000,000 hectares of acai groves are currently being developed using sustainable management techniques, however certain juice distributors are working with local farmers to cultivate the acai berry more responsibly. Areas like Para now export up to 80% of its acai pulp throughout Brazil and the world, including Japan, the U.S, South America and Europe. Sustainability must be an ongoing priority so that native acai tree forests are protected. In the long term, these careful measures will positively benefit the commercial acai industry.

Heat, drought and water reductions are common in today’s environment, leading commercial farmers and backyard gardeners alike to explore the benefits of drip irrigation.

Compared with conventional sprinkler irrigating, drip irrigation is efficient, economical and appears to create healthier plants. Drip irrigation is the slow, even application of water that diverts water directly to plants by low pressure distribution. This is achieved with plastic tubing that is localised straight at the root zone. It can be utilised both inside (such as in greenhouses) and outdoors.

Water is Conserved Through Drip Irrigation Systems

When applying sprinkler irrigation, a significant amount of water is lost. It runs off the earth’s surface and or it evaporates before it reaches the roots of the plants, where it is most needed. On the other hand, drip irrigation slowly delivers water to where it is required at the root level. When mixed with mulch, this method of irrigating results in a huge decrease in evaporation and runoff. Drip irrigation systems can be positioned on the surface of the soil or below the soil. Farmers are discovering that if they drip irrigate during the heat of the day, their crops flourish.

Drip Irrigating Delivers Nutrients and Reduces Pets and Weeds

Soil additives and fertilizers such as nitrogen can be injected into the drip tubing on a periodic basis. In managing the application of required nutrients and fertilizers through injection into drip irrigation systems, research is revealing that crop production yields are higher and healthier.

Growers have observed that when they are using drip irrigation systems, there are fewer pests to contend with. There are also reductions in weeds since water is moving only to where it is needed, rather than being spread across the center of rows where crops are not planted. This results in lower pesticide and weedkiller use, as well as the labor called for in applying chemical applications.

Initial Costs May Be High

Contemporary drip irrigation systems have evolved beyond home use by backyard gardeners and are becoming progressively popular on row crops. While the initial cost ininstalling irrigation lines, pumps and filters can be steep for commercial farmers, the long-run cost is less with lower labor, bugs, weeds and water loss.

Commercial growers typically divert their water from irrigation ditches or well water to the drip irrigation delivery system. They use a pump and filtration system to move the water from its source to the irrigation piping. Not only is there an expensive initial cost outlay, but the process of installing the drip irrigation system is expensive. Some have calculated that the new systems cost roughly $2000 per acre.

Nonetheless, there is an upside. Growers are discovering up to a 50% gain in production when they are using drip irrigation. And of course, they are conserving water which is a big benefit in today’s world of drought and water reduction requirements.

Aid for Farmers

Some government aid may be available through the National Soil Conservation Service which was founded in 1936. The NSCS is organized by districts throughout the counties and states and is managed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Conservation program grants and consulting services are available on the NSCS internet site or through its local chapters.

Conclusion

Drought is anticipated to be a national problem over the forthcoming years. Backyard gardeners and commercial growers alike may want to explore drip irrigation as a means to reduce costs and stay in business.

Consider stepping outside your regular routine when celebrating a teenager’s birthday. The following birthday party ideas will provide teenagers and adults with highly memorable birthday. These ideas fall into a range of price points, but what they share is an opportunity for excitement, sharing and bonding with loved ones.

1. Hollywood Red Carpet Event: A gown-worthy event complete with “paparazzi” photographers to follow the revelers throughout the evening. Consider renting a limousine and doing a drive-through at your fave fast food restaurant.

2. Dance Party: Either in a rented party room, club or any other open space, create a nightclub theme where you’ll dance all night. Hire a dj or create your own dance mix to keep the party shaking all night.

3. Pool Party: Whether your birthday falls in warm or cold weather, invite your friends for swimming, barbecue and poolside fun. In summer, it’s a great time to spend outdoors. In winter, host a “summer pool party” at an indoor pool and pretend!

4. Karaoke: This is a great way to showcase talents (or lack thereof) in a friendly and hilarious setting. Get a private karaoke room and order in food, or rent a karaoke machine and sing your hearts out at home.

5. Day of Beauty: Book a spa day and enjoy manicures, massages, makeovers or whatever else you like. The focus is on looking and feeling beautiful.

6. Graffiti Mural: Don’t worry. We’re not suggesting you commit any birthday crimes. Instead, create a piece of art as a group that’s not only a fun project but a unique way to remember the day.

7. Chef For a Day: Many cooking schools offer the use of a professional kitchen and trained chef to teach cooking techniques. The chef will guide the partiers in making a fabulous multi-course meal you’ll enjoy together.

8. Theme Park: For a day of thrills, how about giving party attendees a day pass to an amusement park? Enjoy the bonding that comes with free falls and death-defying roller coasters.

9. Fine Dining: Consider a meal at an upscale restaurant you’d otherwise never visit. If available, reserve a party room and enjoy a unique dining experience where you don’t have to lift a finger.

10. Giving Back: Set aside some time on your birthday to help those less fortunate. Whether it’s painting in a community center or beautifying a local park, this can be a rewarding way to spend time with your friends and family. Celebrate with a pizza party for all your efforts!