Program helps farmers who help the environment Nov 2, 2009
He already reduces soil erosion on his land by limiting his tillage, but he has proposed to do more if the conservation payments will cover his extra costs. He has offered to plant grassy strips around the wetlands on his land, a move that provide wildlife habitat but cost him some crop revenue. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Conservation District gets $5,000 grant to build native plant greenhouse Oct 31, 2009
The OCD encourages the use of native plants in greenbelts around lakes and streams because they are excellent at improving and maintaining water quality by reducing soil erosion, filtering contaminants from runoff and trapping sediment. In addition, natives require less fertilizer and watering than ornamental plants typically used in landscaping making a greenbelt an even greener alternative. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Frito-Lay receives LEED Gold Existing Building Certification Oct 28, 2009
The building uses a variety of high-efficiency systems to further reduce the companys carbon footprint, including chillers that reduce annual energy consumption and eliminate the use of ozone-depleting refrigerants; a daylight harvesting system that turns off indoor lights when there is enough sunlight in the area, and landscaping that uses native and adaptive plants to reduce water consumption and soil erosion. The company also educates its employees. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Agriculture Deserves a Second Look (19) Oct 27, 2009
Keep in mind that there will inevitably be less land and natural resources available for meeting this growing challenge - a challenge that must be innovatively met without further damage to the environment by such actions as soil erosion, water pollution, etc. How does this affect agriculture. (Agri-View, WI)
Australia coastal life at risk Oct 27, 2009
There were almost 50 recommendations in the report, ranging from a national coastline plan and greater co-operation between different authorities to a revised building code to cope with storm surges and soil erosion. It does not say the government should force people to move inland but proposes an independent group look into whether the government could - and should - do that. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Kenya: Govt Sets Timetable on Disputed Land Oct 24, 2009
Area MP Alfred Sambu, who attended the meeting on the evictions, said the hills had to be conserved to protect Webuye Town against environmental hazards like landslides and soil erosion. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
Boutique resort: Oct 22, 2009
However, the tariff does help pay for the labour-intensive outdoors work the tree planting, the field guides who accompany guests on bushwalks, mountain bike rides or horse and four-wheel-drive adventures on marked trails to avoid areas of soil erosion that are now being rehabilitated. A stand of rare, ancient Wollemi pine, planted under licence a few years ago, can be looked at but not touched. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
The Field Narrows For Cover Crops In Biofuel Production Oct 20, 2009
He s evaluating perennial grass crops to assess their potential for mitigating soil erosion and enhancing soil organic matter even in fields where every bit of corn and stover stalk, leaves and all is harvested either for grain or cellulosic ethanol production. Perennial groundcovers root systems may contribute enough carbon to the soil to offset the loss of carbon when stover is removed. (Science Daily)
Student, volunteers to improve park trails Oct 16, 2009
A local business has donated 16 tons of crushed stone to help prevent soil erosion along trails now washing out by rain and flooding. He's planning to create controlled drainage in areas where runoff has eroded trails. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Breathitt to receive $300,000 funding Oct 16, 2009
26 million will be allocated for two statewide agriculture projects which will be used for the Kentucky Soil Erosion Control/Soil Survey Program and the Kentucky Soil Conservation Districts Technical Assistance Grants. Story created Oct 15, 2009 - 12:00:00 EDT.. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
* Humans are main cause of disasters Oct 14, 2009
Excessive forest development aggravates soil erosion problems. Although natural disasters are inevitable, man-made calamities can be mitigated. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Californians Brace For Fall Storm Oct 13, 2009
The California Emergency Management Agency is also gearing up in case of soil erosion in burned areas of the state. The agency's Rancho Cordova operations center will be activated and have staff in place by Tuesday. (KCRA 3, CA)
Eco-friendly Defence Against Erosion In Arctic Regions Oct 12, 2009
15, 2007) Soil erosion from rain and wind produces water quality issues in streams, rivers and lakes, degrades soil quality, and affects human health ... 26, 2007) Agricultural soil erosion is not a source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, according to research in Science. (Science Daily)
Kentucky gets $8.6M for ag research Oct 10, 2009
26 million, which will be used for which will be used for the statewide Kentucky Soil Erosion Control/Soil Survey Program and Kentucky Soil Conservation Districts Technical Assistance Grants. With this funding, students, faculty and farmers from across the commonwealth of Kentucky can continue to make great strides in agricultural innovation and research, McConnell said in the release. (Louisville Business First, KY)
In Search Of Wildlife-friendly Biofuels: Are Native Prairie Plants the Answer? Oct 8, 2009
CRP is a voluntary program that pays rent to landowners to convert their agricultural land to natural grasslands or tree cover, reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and benefiting wildlife. In September 2007, the amount of land enrolled in the CRP peaked at 36. (Science Daily)
Unique dinosaur footprints discovered Oct 7, 2009
The prints surfaced during soil erosion caused by wood unloading operations. Each footprint resembles "a vast depression of around 1.5 meters diameter, ringed by excess mud.". (MSNBC -- International)
White Sands named in Army growth plan Oct 6, 2009
The primary environmental impacts at White Sands would be on water and cultural resources, according to the report, as well as soil erosion. Impacts on Fort Bliss include traffic and transportation, water and socioeconomics (primarily schools -- a concern for White Sands as well. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
HINGHAM OPINION: Ward St. field expansion worrisome Oct 3, 2009
However, natural grass also offers benefits that synthetics do not: absorption of carbon dioxide, a cooling effect, water filtration, and prevention of soil erosion. Finally, there is the financial cost involved. (Hingham Journal, MA)
Michigan State works to advance perennial wheat Sep 24, 2009
Culman is a researcher at Michigan State University, which recently won a four-year $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to further the development of a new type of wheat that would help reduce soil erosion while saving growers money, time and labor ... While much of the nation's wheat is grown in the Great Plains, it's also a major crop in southeastern Washington, where the dry, light, glacier-deposited earth is "subject to very high soil erosion potential," said Tim Murray,... (Anchorage Daily News)
Weed Heroes: The war on the invader cogongrass Sep 22, 2009
For a while, government officials encouraged the use of cogongrass as a forage crop and as a way to stem soil erosion ... For a while, government officials encouraged the use of cogongrass as a forage crop and as a way to stem soil erosion. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Committee Investigates Graves Sep 19, 2009
Bill Arthur wrote on Sep 18, 2009 6:03 AM:" Sorry you feel this way Bad luck. Did you know that you have been paying sales tax dollars to farmers that use that money to prevent soil erosion into our streams and rivers. The State of Missouri has some of the cleanest streams in the nation. There is more lawn fertilizers and chemicals running into our waters than ag-chems. The Army Corps of Engineers were dumping soil into the Missouri River because it wasn't muddy enough for the palid sturgeon.... (Cameron Observer, MO)
UTSA scientists tapped to fight soil erosion Sep 17, 2009
This may be useful in preventing soil erosion. Researchers will create and test liquid polymers by injecting them into the roots of the plants. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Hydromulching project begins in Jesusita Fire burn areas Sep 17, 2009
Aerial application of a substance meant to reduce post-fire water runoff and to minimize soil erosion is taking place this week on hundreds of acres burned in the May fire. Advertisement. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Exotic timber plantations found to use more than twice the water of native forests Sep 16, 2009
But years of these practices led to increased soil erosion, and fast-growing non-native trees were planted to hold the soil in place and to preserve water by preventing runoff. At the time, however, the importance of biodiversity and the dangers of exotic species weren't as clear as they are today. (EurekAlert!)
Supes declare Ocotillo disaster area after Laybor Day-weekend storms Sep 16, 2009
JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO Imperial County Fire Capt. Peter Stanton (right) talks about a recent storm that caused water runoff and soil erosion and damaged streets, trees and residential properties in Ocotillo. At left are Firefighters Viesca and Bryan Bustamante. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Dairying Down Under (33) Sep 15, 2009
Grass is sown using no-till practices, thereby minimizing soil erosion. Run-off is minimized as well since there is little row cropping and fewer pesticides used. (Agri-View, WI)
Gorgeous Goa under threat Sep 11, 2009
"If we lose the beaches to soil erosion, tourism will naturally be affected," said Cruz Cardoso, a local entrepreneur who heads the Goa Shack Owners Association. Flooding due to coastal erosion had already affected trade at some beaches, he added. (iAfrica.com)
Kenya: Hope and Fear Ahead of El Nino Rains Sep 10, 2009
"The environment is quite sick, it is not wearing any clothes, the pastures are degraded and the impact is likely to be more soil erosion and siltation," Mukabana said. Flooding and mudslides, he added, were likely to occur in parts of the country. (allAfrica.com)
Kenya: UN Backs Appeal for U.S.$81 Million to Restore Critical Forest Area Sep 10, 2009
In addition to being the single most important source of water for direct consumption in the Rift Valley and western Kenya, the Mau complex helps to control river flows, mitigate flooding, reduce soil erosion, maintain biodiversity, sequester carbon and regulate the microclimate in Kenya and the region. "The Mau Complex is of critical importance for sustaining current and future ecological, social and economic development in Kenya," UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner told a one-day UN... (allAfrica.com)
La Brea blaze could cause runoff, floods Sep 6, 2009
The study from the Forest Service s Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team assesses potential hazards, and describes land treatments to retard runoff, prevent soil erosion and protect life and property downstream. Last week, several representatives from agencies including the city of Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, the county Sheriff s Department, the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District, and others heard the preliminary report on... (Lompoc Record, CA)
Goat, kids on a mission to help Haitians Sep 5, 2009
Guillaume, who grew up in that area, plans another mission trip in October to deliver more trees that both provide fruit and help prevent soil erosion, and goats, which are valued for their milk. The Rev. Tim Daly, St. Paul's pastor, blessed Esther and her as-yet-unnamed kid -- provided by Noah's Landing petting zoo -- with holy water Thursday as the children gathered around them. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
East Point, College Park, Hapeville: While waste grows, garden gets ignored Sep 5, 2009
Much of those problems are created by the silt being deposited into area streams because of soil erosion. Finding inexpensive ways to prevent soil erosion is a lot cheaper than paying fines and cleaning up the streams. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
* Top polluters are safest, study says Sep 4, 2009
Human induced soil erosion is not a critical issue ... Thats in contrast to, say, Ethiopia X or dozens of other poor nations X where theres a high population density and soil erosion is a real issue, impacting the ability to grow crops, she said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Shoreline fires food for thought, algae: Sep 3, 2009
Shoreline burning also kills vegetation and changes the soil structure with the end result being more soil erosion into the lake. So, set that fire back from the water's edge. (Chetek Alert, WI)
* Reconstruction could take three years: Siew Sep 3, 2009
One of those issues is the question of how Taiwan manages its water resources to break the cycle of the constant alternation of periods of drought and flooding, and in the process to better protect vulnerable areas from soil erosion and landslides, the editorial said. A solution might require both an increase in government investment and higher water prices, the editorial said, adding that effective steps must be taken lest the situation worsen as global warming changes weather patterns. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Albania to Zimbabwe: the climate change risk list Sep 3, 2009
"Japan is also relatively rich in biodiversity, including well-managed forests. Human induced soil erosion is not a critical issue," she said. "That's in contrast to, say, Ethiopia" -- or dozens of other poor nations -- "where there's a high population density and soil erosion is a real issue, impacting the ability to grow crops," she said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Using a vandal's fur is hardly unethical Aug 31, 2009
They kill young trees by ringbarking them and are responsible for dreadful soil erosion. They have wiped out native animal species such as the western quoll and cause millions of dollars' damage to farms every year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Rwanda: Banana Wilt Spreads to 17 Districts Aug 28, 2009
"The disease has many ways of spreading and so it has become very difficult to contain. The widespread is a result of sharing farm tools, materials and soil erosion," Niyikiza said. "Though we have been able to contain the disease in Kirehe and Rwamagana, the disease is still present and spreading in areas like Rubavu, Gatsibo and Nyagatare," Niyikiza said. (allAfrica.com)
Africa's population: The baby bonanza Aug 28, 2009
Trees limit soil erosion; some fix the soil with nitrogen. Elsewhere, though, the losses are huge. (The Economist)
Knight Fire temporary road closure in effect Aug 25, 2009
Additionally, the order will protect portions of the burned area from excessive soil erosion and damage to roads later this year during seasonal winter storms. The road closure is based on a post fire assessment conducted by the forest s Burned Area Emergency Response Team. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Dust to dust Aug 25, 2009
Their lands were destroyed by drought and soil erosion. It was called the Dust Bowl. (BBC News -- Americas)
Program aims to control soil erosion Aug 25, 2009
Watershed coordinator Jean Brokish, left, and farmer Frank Sekiya will host a field day that will highlight conservation practices that reduce soil erosion. Farmer Frank Sekiya has implemented landscaping designs that help with erosion on his farm. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fire aftermath: Patching up the damage Aug 24, 2009
Lines carved to contain flames also create barren ground, ripe for soil erosion when rain comes. Berms formed on the side of fire lines can cause water to pool and damage the soil. (Santa Maria Times)
China's top legislature started its bimonthly session Monday morning, with the focus on a draft amendment to the renewable energy law and the country's efforts in tackling climate change.• China to push climate conference success with sincerity Aug 24, 2009
China's fragile ecosystem was susceptible to climate change as its soil erosion was serious and its long coast line made coastal regions, including cities such as Shanghai and Xiamen, vulnerable to rising sea levels. If climate change was not effectively controlled, the output of major agricultural products such as wheat, rice and corn, would be reduced by 37 percent in the second half of this century and, from 2010 to 2030, the western area of China would experience water shortages of... (Xinhuanet, China)
CSP Signup Under Way Aug 20, 2009
The priority resource concerns identified for Ag land in South Dakota are; water quality, soil erosion, soil quality, and plants. Priority resource concerns for nonindustrial private forestland include water quality, animals, and plants. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Minnesota City bridge dedicated as area continues to rebuild after floods Aug 20, 2009
The city finished eight emergency watershed projects to prevent future soil erosion caused by water. The 700,000 for the projects came from federal and state funding, said Rodney Blank, city administrator. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Daylily passion: Gardeners bewitched by lovely, durable and oh, so user-friendly flower Aug 19, 2009
Try to breed daylilies that can "hold the hill," he coaxed, meaning ones that spread in ways that prevent soil erosion. Not long after soaking up the gospel according to Apps, Daugherty was back at it in his garden. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Developer carried out earthwork without approval Aug 19, 2009
As a final measure, the developer was ordered to cover the exposed slope posing a danger to residents and road users with polyester sheets to prevent soil movement and soil erosion. The developer has been given 14 days to comply with the directive, failing which MPKj will initiate legal action without further notice. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Home Development Company Agrees to Settle Federal Lawsuit for Clean Water Act Violations Aug 19, 2009
Besides causing soil erosion and clogging streams with sediment, construction site storm water runoff can pick up other pollutants such as debris, pesticides, chemicals, solvents and other substances. Sediment-laden runoff can result in the loss of in-stream habitat for fish and other aquatic species, killing fish directly, destroying their spawning beds and blocking sunlight, which can result in reduced growth of beneficial aquatic grasses. (PR Newswire)
* MORAKOT: THE AFTERMATH : Aboriginal survivors fear losing their lands Aug 19, 2009
But he said Aborigines must also acknowledge their cash crops X tea, betel nuts and wasabi root X contributed to soil erosion that may have made the mudslides even more deadly. Forests were cut down in the mountains so the Aboriginal people could grow more profitable crops to meet the demand of city dwellers, which hurt the ecology, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
McNerney tours Lodi to discuss solar project Aug 19, 2009
Then they ventured to a bank of the Mokelumne River near Pigs Lake to catch a firsthand glimpse of the threat that soil erosion poses to the area and possible solutions to return it to its former glory. McNerney said that Lodi was an important part of the district, and that acquiring a solar energy plant for the city would "put Lodi on the map.". (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
GPS Helps Locate Soil Erosion Pathways Aug 18, 2009
17, 2009) Grassed waterways are placed in agricultural fields where runoff water tends to concentrate because they can substantially reduce soil erosion. Mapping techniques that help identify where erosion channels will likely form could help farmers and conservation professionals do a better job of designing and locating grassed waterways in agricultural fields. (Science Daily)
Surviving in extreme conditions Aug 15, 2009
He said over-exploitation of arable land has heightened the risks of mudslides due to water and soil erosion, while excessive urban development has caused more frequent floods due to the reduced water absorption capacity of soil. Over-exploitation of underground water has also led to subsidence in several major cities, especially in the Yangtze River Delta, the triangular-shaped territory that includes southern Jiangsu, northern Zhejiang and Shanghai, which sank 7. (Xinhuanet, China)
'Washed away by the typhoon' Aug 12, 2009
Typhoon Morakot slammed into Taiwan over the weekend, bringing a record amount of rain, which caused soil erosion. Here in Qishan, we are close to the village of Hsiaolin, where hundreds are feared to have perished in a mudslide. (BBC News)
Roxbury Wetlands Panel Refers Complaint to Town Attorney Aug 12, 2009
Mr. Moeller reported he sketched the total area of exposed soil and found no evidence of soil erosion or sedimentation from that area to the brook. Mr. Dirienzo said the commission needs a date when the logs will be removed and when the wetlands will be flagged. (Voices, CT)
New Program Encourages California Producers to be Conservation Stewards Aug 11, 2009
"The program will reward producers who manage their operations to prevent soil erosion, prevent water contamination, and manage dust from roads," adds Norman. Producers doing a variety of other practices can also profit from the program. (PR Newswire)
Rwanda: Local in Running for BBC Business Award Aug 10, 2009
His project "planting of papyrus reeds along river Nyabarongo to fight soil erosion and protect the river from drying" was developed after many studies by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources cited that thousands of tonnes soil was washed away by erosion. According to REMA estimates, 500,000 tonnes of soil are washed away every year. (allAfrica.com)
Wetlands Program Now Available Aug 6, 2009
"The Farmable Wetlands Program is a tool to help producers protect clean water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitats to preserve these resources for future generations," said Kostel. FWP is a voluntary program to restore up to 100,000 acres of South Dakota farmable wetlands and associated buffers by improving the land's hydrology and vegetation. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Are Organic Veggies Better for You? Aug 6, 2009
Likewise, the environmental virtues of organic agriculture are conspicuously (and deservedly) touted, but the glowing reports rarely note that most organic food comes from large corporate operations, that some organic farmers rely heavily on natural pesticides that are toxic in high doses, that organic compost can than conventional fertilizer, and that soil erosion can be as bad or worse on organic farms. There is no standard "organic" or "conventional" farm, so any broad comparison is little... (Slate)
Commissioners set to consider plan for dead pines Aug 2, 2009
Elsaesser also said he was satisfied that the strategy now includes language that requires best-management practices to be in place to prevent soil erosion. Officials don t know from where the estimated 3 million in funding will come. (Helena Independent Record)
Pollution Still a Hazard to U.S. Beaches Jul 30, 2009
DHMO is a causative agent in mos 0000357D t instances of soil erosion -- sufficiently high levels of DHMO exacerbate the negative effects of soil erosion. DHMO is present in high levels nearly every creek, stream, pond, river, lake and reservoir in the U.S. and around the world. (CBS News)
$220,000 in stimulus funds slated to clean up local river watershed Jul 28, 2009
The Whitewater River Watershed Project recently received 220,000 to help pay for projects that improve water quality, increase water supply and decrease soil erosion. The organization had not received any federal funding in recent years, so the award should help spur local projects, officials said. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Waterfall developer files for bankruptcy Jul 24, 2009
"The bankruptcy filing stops the foreclosure action in its tracks. "There's an automatic stay on the foreclosure," Randall said.U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert E. Brizendine recused himself from presiding over the bankruptcy case. He owns land in Rabun County.Williams and Lake Burton Development also are engaged in a three-year lawsuit with the Lake Burton Civic Association related to alleged soil erosion runoff into Lake Burton from Waterfall Country Club. The lawsuit was filed in 2006 under... (Clayton Tribune, GA)
Ancient Maya Practiced Forest Conservation 3,000 Years Ago Jul 24, 2009
That causes soil erosion, which then chokes the rivers and streams. With no trees, you lose water retention in the soil or aquifers so the ground dries up and then there is less transpiration, so therefore less rainfall as well. (Science Daily)
Corn Yield Stability Varies With Rotations, Fertility Jul 23, 2009
12, 2009) The removal of corn residue for the purpose of creating cellulosic ethanol requires changes in tillage for increased efficiency and protection against soil erosion, and a recent study focused on. (Mar. (Science Daily)
