- Author: Chris M. Webb
As in all industries, there are some activities in farming that can be harmful to the environment. Improper use of chemical inputs, poor water management, monoculture, and reliance on imported pollinators creates an increasingly fragile and unsustainable industry.
Agroecosystems rely on diversified farming systems to create natural biodiversity. This type of farming system is much more sustainable as well as less damaging to the environment.
Ways that biodiversity can be increased on the farm include: growing multiple crops, interspersing natural habitat with crops and livestock, planting cover crops, and minimal soil tillage. These practices work together to provide pollination, pest and disease control, water purification, and erosion control. In addition they build healthy, productive soil and reduce water usage.
To learn more, please visit The Berkeley Center for Diversified Farming Systems.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Rhizospheres are a microscopic and fascinating place. At only 10 micrometers to a few millimeters wide, a rhizosphere is the zone that directly surrounds a plant root. This area is teaming with microbes, and it is where plants absorb most of their water and nutrients.
As roots grow through the soil they create changes in the physical, chemical and biological soil that surrounds them. Roots produce a cap on the tips to protect it as it grows. This cap produces a sticky material called mucigel to help it push through the soil. As the root grows through the soil, the protective cap gets sloughed off. Both the mucigel and the root cap cells add carbon to the soil within the rhizosphere. The microbes use the carbon for growth and reproduction.
The microbial communities in the rhizosphere can promote disease; however, other microbes in this zone also allow plants’ access to minerals, protect roots from pathogens, kill nematodes, help to decay organic materials, and provide food for the soil food web. Healthy microbe communities within this zone are vital to the health of the plant. Providing an environment that encourages healthy plants also supports microbial communities.
More detailed information about the interactions that take place in rhizosheres will be covered in future blog posts.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division (UC ANR) has recently released a new priced publication, Cover Cropping for Vegetable Production: A Grower’s Handbook.
Written by a collaborative of UC researchers, including Ventura County Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish this handbook brings together the expertise of many.
Topics include:
- Introduction of cover crops for vegetables and their uses
- Botany and species selection
- Agricultural soil ecology
- Water management and impacts on water quality
- Soil nitrogen fertility management
- Weeds
- Soilborne pathogens
- Plant and soil nematodes
- Arthropods
- Cover crop management
- Economics
We currently have a few copies for sale in the office, or you may purchase online. If purchasing online, please use promo code PRVEN56 to receive 10% off your order.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
In an effort to encourage composting and rain water harvesting, the County of Ventura Integrated Waste Management, Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program and local Ventura County cities are sponsoring a compost bin and rain barrel truckload sale.
Composting and rain water harvesting provide many environmental benefits, including reducing urban runoff. As an added bonus these practices can also help save money.
The truckload sale is available to all County of Ventura residents. Bins and barrels will be available at less than half the regular price. The sale will be held at the County of Ventura Government Center on Saturday, October 22, 2011. To learn more, please see their flyer.
The County of Ventura Integrated Waste Management Division website has many other fabulous resources for residents looking to improve the environmental health of their communities.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project provides “high value information and technical assistance to farmers, rancher, Extension agents, educators, and others” throughout the United States.
Founded in 1976, this nonprofit organization works to “promote self-reliance and sustainable lifestyles through wise use of appropriate technology. Its programs deal with sustainable and renewable energy, energy conservation, resource-efficient housing, sustainable community development, and sustainable agriculture.” These resources are available in Spanish.
Their information is organized under 14 topic areas:
- What is sustainable agriculture?
- Education
- Energy alternatives
- Beginning farmer
- Field crops
- Horticultural crops
- Livestock & pasture
- Local food systems
- Marketing, business & risk management
- Organic farming
- Pest management
- Soils & compost
- Water management
- Other resources
A variety of funding opportunities are available.