composting Archives - Page 2 of 8 - Manitoba Co-operator

Hand-held weed-blasting unit used to control weeds in organic plots.

A gritty new tool in the war against weeds

Weed and feed your crop with blasted soybean meal

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff February 1, 2016

Researchers with the University of Illinois have come up with a new tactic in the war against weeds: blasting. “Abrasive weeding,” a strategy that may prove most useful for small-scale organic growers, is proving to be “surprisingly effective,” university researchers say in a release. In conjunction with plastic mulch, abrasive weeding reduced final weed biomass

Country Crossroads

The importance of composting

Understanding how to make and use compost important as problem of waste disposal continues to grow

By Red River Basin Commission July 22, 2015

Compost is decomposed organic material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen waste. It provides many essential nutrients for plant growth and therefore is often used as fertilizer. Compost also improves soil structure so that soil can easily hold the correct amount of moisture, nutrients and air. It improves the texture of both clay soils

Bruce Berry of Almost Urban Vegetables uses composted manure to power his plants.

Livestock, Local news

Winter no barrier to composting

Manure composting has many benefits, including concentrated nutrients,  reduced volume, no smell and easy transport

By Shannon VanRaes July 22, 2015

Like any recipe, making a good composted manure requires the right ingredients, a proper mixer and some heat. “There are a lot of misconceptions as to what composting actually is, some think that if you have a pile of manure it’s called composting, it really isn’t,” said Mario Tenuta. “So we want to talk to

Soybean plant with nematode-filled cysts.

Local news, Oilseeds

On the lookout for soybean cyst nematodes

But make no mistake, this new destructive pest is coming and farmers  can learn more about it July 22 at the SMART Soybean Day in Carman 

By Allan Dawson July 16, 2015

Soybean cyst nematodes haven’t been found in Manitoba yet. That’s the good news. The bad news is it’s only a matter of time until they are, says University of Manitoba soil scientist Mario Tenuta. But early detection will help farmers manage it. The search for the small, soil-borne, worm-like parasites that can dramatically reduce soybean

Recipe Swap

Tips on naturally recycling your kitchen wastes

Prairie Fare: Spinach Artichoke Dip (Slow Cooker)

By Julie Garden-Robinson July 3, 2015

Julie, Julie, how does your garden grow?” people often ask me when inspired by my maiden name. Yes, that reminds me of the “Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?” nursery rhyme. Fortunately, people leave out the “quite contrary” part. Well, they usually do. This year, my garden has hosted rabbits enjoying buffets

Country Crossroads, Other livestock

Common-sense strategies drive sustainable agriculture

A recent Iowa conference looked at the role women  have in creating sustainable agricultural networks

By Louise May November 27, 2013

How can agriculture transform our food system, save the planet and create a just global society? In mid-November, I attended a gathering of more than 400 farmers, industry professionals and food activists all seeking to answer that question. They gathered at the 4th National Conference for Women in Sustainable Agriculture in Des Moines, Iowa organized

Tests at HELP International show that recycled rubber tire rings allow weeds to gradually infiltrate the planting site of a hybrid poplar. The recycled grain bag rings after the same period of time do a better job of protecting the seedling. photo: HELP International

Crops

NGO sees gold mine in recycled grain bags

By Daniel Winters November 20, 2013

Old, used grain bags are big, bulky, and present a disposal headache for farmers. But for Rodney Sidloski, the CEO of Weyburn, Saskatchewan-based Help International, they are a potential gold mine. “We can potentially see a retail value of up to $4,000 out of a bag that brand new only cost the farmer about $1,000,”

Crops, News

Manitobans helping North Korean farmers

By Shannon VanRaes July 5, 2013

Manitobans with expertise in zero till and soil health are helping farmers increase productivity in the isolated nation

When it comes to North Korea, agriculture may not be the first thing that pops into people’s minds. But for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) it’s been front and centre for the last five years. The Winnipeg-based organization has been providing farmers in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with assistance with soil conservation and

News

Reading, writing and collecting the eggs

By Kevin Murphy February 23, 2013

The first clue is a sign “Fresh Eggs for Sale” in front of the school. There is a sheep pen on the baseball field and the sounds of farm animals greet pupils every morning. This is not your ordinary elementary school. It is the Walton Rural Life Center, a kindergarten through fourth grade charter school

Crops, Livestock, News

Water management, northern development cited in throne speech

By Lorraine Stevenson December 6, 2012

Churchill’s role will grow as province pursues initiative to boost northern prosperity, speech says

New research to track phosphorus flow from flood-prone areas will be one component of a comprehensive surface water management strategy coming for Manitoba, the speech from the throne stated November 19. New research looking at the role of wetland conservation and restoration, and risks to watercourses from toxic algae is also promised. “Our government recognizes

Daily Network News

U.S. grains: Corn, soybeans higher in technical bounce; wheat firms

Bring focused approach to target systems, not producers says animal activist

Canada’s Food Price Report shows meat, pantry goods prices expected to rise “a lot” in 2026

Tag Archives composting