Category: Agriculture

Humus is an integral part of almost all good growing soil. So, just what is humus? Soils are influenced, modified, and supplemented by living organisms. Plants and animals aid in the development of a soil through the addition of organic matter. Fungi and bacteria decompose this organic matter into a semi-soluble chemical substance known as humus. […]

Some Like It Hot: Nutritious, Delicious Homegrown Tomatoes Some tomato varieties can ride the heat wave with you, setting fruit even as the temperature rises. Below are some basic terms, tips, and types and a list of heat-set tomato varieties that like it hot. Tomatoes are the most popular fruit in home gardens across America. […]

Florida Organic Growers Need Your Help! We received this email from the Florida Organic Growers Organization, as part of the community we feel it is important for consumers and growers alike to be informed. When you think about the future of food, what do you want to see? If you’re like us, you want to […]

Potassium (K) is an essential element for plant growth it is important to food crops. Potassium, often called potash, helps plants use water and resist drought and enhances fruits and vegetables.   If soluble Potassium is deficient in soil it can stunt growth and cause other symptomatic issues.  To overcome deficiencies Potassium is commonly applied to gardens, lawns and orchards as part of […]

By Joseph Mas Phosporus (P) is an essential soil nutrient for plant growth and metabolism and is mainly responsible for flowering, fruit growth and root development. It plays key roles in many plant processes such as energy metabolism, the synthesis of nucleic acids and membranes, photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen uptake and enzyme regulation. Adequate phosphorus nutrition […]

By Joseph Mas Nitrogen is a very important and needed for plant growth. It is found in healthy soils, and give plants the energy to grow, and produce fruit or vegetables. Nitrogen is actually considered the most important component for supporting plant growth. Nitrogen is part of the chlorophyll molecule, which gives plants their green color […]

Soil carbon stock at any one time reflects the balance between the inputs from plant residues and other organic matter, and losses due to decomposition, erosion and leaching.  Many things can deplete organic carbon stocks in agricultural soils.  Highly productive seasonal growers and plowed fields with  intensive cropping systems will lose a considerable amount of organic matter.  Some key […]