Check out NCAT's podcast episode for "Voices from the Field." This episode, #326: Exploring Soil Organic Matter with Dr. Johannes Lehmann, looks at soil health, misconceptions, and ways to improve yours.
The word of the day is biochar!
What began as research into this soil additive in 2011 has exploded in popularity. ATTRA defines biochar as "biomass, such as forest waste or animal manure, in a low-oxygen environment [in] a process known as pyrolysis." It's used as a soil amendment to "improve moisture retention, nutrient availability, and aeration and create habitat for beneficial soil microbes." Learn more here!
The Bottle-Shaped Problem With Sustainability
Lowering wine’s carbon footprint starts with the bottle by Samantha Maxwell of Salon
This article explores the disconnect between sustainability in wine and the unsustainable packaging it's bottled in and the distance it travels to your door. As seen on Revino's blog.
A Look at the Pollinator Partnership's Cookbook
Have some sustainable leftovers? Check out the Pollinator Partnership's Pollinator Friendly Cookbook here. It includes tips on how to prepare foods that helps our pollinators thrive. It includes recipes such as Eggplant Casserole with Cheddar Topping, Pumpkin Chiffon Pie to Mango Margaritas!
This is a free PDF.
USAID's Subwatershed Population Calculator - A Look
Check out the USAID's Subwatershed Population Calculator. According to GlobalWaters, this tool is build to allow users to estimate the total population living in a subwatershed, allowing researchers, non-profits, and anyone else to see who is impacted by water quality in a given region.
Learn more here or explore GlobalWaters' interactive report on drinking water and sanitation equity gaps!
Agriculture accounts for a significant amount of climate change yet just 0.8% of capitol to mitigate or negate its impacts is invested in small-scale agricultural systems. The IISD reviewed a white paper on the topic by the International Fund for Agricultural Develop.
Plastic in Agriculture: A Report
International Study Weighs Sustainability of Plastic Use in Agriculture
Learn about the short-term and long-term effects of plastic use in farming with the University of Vienna's study published in Nature Communication Earth and Environment as shared by ATTRA.
Report on Climate Changed Adaptation by Farmers
Read Western SARE's (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) report on how the organization is encouraging projects to tackle climate change. The report explores how farmers are managing drought and incorporating dry farming into their practices.
Founded in 1988, SARE is a national grassroots organization emphasizing sustainable agriculture through grants, education, and outreach to farmers.
Explore Forest Garden Case Studies with NCAT
Community Forest Gardens: Case Studies Throughout the United States by Katherine Favor, NCAT Agroforestry Specialist
This article explores research Favor conducted at eleven agroforestry projects conducted around the country. The guide includes identification of types of fauna broken down by what layer of the forest plants grow in, such as understory tree or groundcover layer. The article includes a case study of the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle, WA, that provides produce to the Rainier Valley Food Bank. The case study identifies all of the plants growing grouped by the identification guide.
ATTRA Explores Forest Gardens: Looking for a quick guide from these case studies? Check out Favor's guide to starting community agroforestry projects here with practical advice from the projects she studied.
Updates to International Agreement on Deep Sea Mining
Learn about the International Seabed Authority (ISA)'s recent work negotiating deep-sea mining and its environmental impact in waters outside of national jurisdiction here.
This is an ongoing series published by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reporting on UN environment and development negotiations.
Dr. Skinkis' Guide to Vine and Vineyard Health
Fall Scouting and Troubleshooting in the Vineyard by Dr. Patty Skinkis, Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist, OSU
Read Dr. Skinkis' guide to vine health and how to spot problems in the vineyard. Now's the time, so learn what to look for!
Want more info? Visit the OSU Extension Wine Grape website here.
