Rain Water Harvesting System Information

The Eternal Beauty of Samui – A Vacationers Destination

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:20:49 +0000

Samui, or Koh Samui, is one of the most tranquil island destinations in Thailand, located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 kilometers south of Bangkok and 85 kilometers east of Surat Thani, Samui is the Gulf of Siam’s largest island as well as the country’s largest island, after Phuket and Ko Chang.
Due to its numerous coconut palms and harvesting of more than two million coconuts per month, Samui is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island. With its incredible environment bestowed with lush green tropical areas, swaying coconut palms, pristine white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, and dazzling waterfalls and beautiful ponds, Samui draws people from across the world.
Hence, Samui boasts of superb choices to cater to all types of visitors, from budget conscious and well-heeled to travelers seeking privacy and luxury. Other than hotels and resorts, accommodation options such as villas are also much popular among the vacationers.
Koh Samui boasts of a number of established companies that help you make available villa rentals in the destination. These companies render all that are required to make your vacation experience as convenient and hassle free process providing with several villa options which are put forwarded on behave of your needs and requirements, as well as providing a personal touch in villas which quite often lacks in most of the hotels and resorts.
Vacationer opting for luxurious villas usually would be sharp and sensitive demanding much better service and detailed attention on every aspect of the villas. Mostly, the villa service providers ensure all discerning vacationers to the fullest with a step ahead of their expectations, needs and requirements.
Many of the service providers come with a team of professionals who stay 24 hours online to satisfy your needs to find the most appropriate villas rental in Samui very close to the desired destination. Further, they offer 24 hours active online booking system, which in turn enable you to book or to seek necessary information about the site.
These providers ensure a response with personal assistance to enable you to find the preferred villa at the destination of yours. Some of the villa rental providers even render the services of expert property managers to help vacationer with every aspect of villa rentals in Koh Samui.
To a great extent vacationers prefer Samui as there vacation destination while the time of February to June, the time when the weather is dry and hot, to enjoy the fullest of the travel season. While the time of July it starts rainy season which ends only at October, yet there is abundance of sunbeams daylight between the spell of rain.
Then from October to January finds now and then the heavy winds. The most excellent time to enjoy Samui travel is while the time of February to June-the time when villas rental in Samui is at the rushing threshold.
In spite of rapid developing pace, Samui always have sustained its magnificence and magnetism as a tropical beach with white sands and coconut trees, this vacation destination has been well-known for quality coconuts which grow intensely all over the place. With exquisite beaches and soothing bays, ensures to delight every heart and soul leading to a calm and quiet atmosphere.
No wonder why Samui has been the vacationers destination as it provides with diversity of landscape, vistas, flora and fauna, off the beaten track places, beaches, waterfalls and hill top trails, however keeping the place calm and quiet and apt for the peace lovers.
With the eternal beauty of Samui always comes into demand of the vacationers and travelers to enjoy it to the fullest and thus the need for the villas rental in Samui arise while the seasonal time.
Just be at a mouse click distance from leading villa rental providers in the area and get pleasure from their outstanding services. At a mouse click distance you can have access to their online booking service system as well as personal backing would be provided for the clients to have the apt villa to the destination without any hassle. Now take pleasure while you’re touring all around the Thailand with excellent villas rental services and ensure yourself with the most excellent service. Have it and feel the difference yourself to enjoy the vacation to the very best.

Important Details You Must Not Miss On The Acai Berry

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:52:49 +0000

Did you know that almost 90% of people who go on ordinary diets will NOT lose weight long term? It’s true, and as many of you know, it’s not YOU who has the problem, it’s often the diet you’ve trusted to help you that’s fatally flawed instead.

So you are ready to try an acai berry diet, right? You’ve heard the buzz, you’ve seen the stories and you’ve watched the amazing testimonials given by celebrities and ordinary people alike. Here are a few very important details you must not miss if you want to have success.

Never Settle for Impostor Acai Berry Products

They are out there, and they will do you NO good at all. Purple color does not mean genuine, authentic acai either. Read the label and do your due diligence instead.

Never Buy Acai “Fruit” Directly in a Bucket, Bundle or Bunch

You aren’t going to get the real thing, unless you are living in Brazil ( or close to the Amazon rain forest). Acai fruit is harvested only twice per year, and has a life span of approximately 24 hours before it perishes. Any offer that tells you otherwise is a scam

Drink Lots and Lots of Fluids, Too!

I prefer to drink tons of water on an Acai diet, and find it helps me “clear” toxins faster, feel lighter and more clear headed, and essentially allows me to capitalize on all of the tremendous cleansing benefits of acai berry without clogging up my body with all kinds of other junk while I’m juicing! I recommend you do the same thing if you want my style results – which if you haven’t noticed, are phenomenal for sure!

And Remember – if you HAVEN’T been able to lose weight before…it’s NOT your fault! Knowledge is POWER, and the most important step on the path to a firm, fit & beautiful body is information, EDUCATION and empowerment!

You got to have your herb garden kits

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:50:29 +0000

Herb Garden Kits At hand are several of us that appeal to grow herbs on our own although lack the knowledge of how to get on track. At hand are many questions that extend to mind when preparatory an herb garden. For instance, grown from seeds, which would do better? Which type of soil would be correct to grow herbs in? The answers to these questions will be answered by buying an herb garden kit and much further. Herb garden kits includes a massive group of herbs which can be classified into Italian herbs, international herbs, culinary herbs, herbal tea herbs, German herbs, salsa herbs and much, much more.

All herb kits are not alike although hold comparable contents in which to get ongoing with. You will unearth all herb kits will contain seeds. Specific herb kits will include a dome which will supply the resources for regular humidity and temperature for the herb plants to do well and to grow a healthy structure of roots. An instructional guidebook will also come with the kit. This will enable the herb farmer a easy to grasp lead to accomplish what they need to do with their herbs. Present are some kits that provide recipes for aid on the herbs you are growing. Various websites which sell herb garden kits often will expound a newsletter you can sign up for and will present recipes and advantageous information as an addition. A planter will be provided in the kit in which the herbs will be grown in.

As soon as more, all kits are not the same although; largely kits will contain either soil or pellets in which to grow the seeds with also. Herb kits hold many benefits for growing herbs indoors. Number one, it is much simpler take pleasure in the herbs since they are easy for you to access. You don?t bear to drag yourself out to the garden just to include a tiny seasoning to the pot on the stove in the kitchen.

It?s really as effortless to harvest herbs and freeze them for tomorrows consume as well. And, with the steadfast growing conditions that is provided to plants in an indoor setting, you need not be weighed down about having to insure that plants and herbs that don?t endure during winter season being winterized. It is huge to have herbs in apartments because they prosper in environments which provide constant temperature. Plus, all herb garden kits are dissimilar although largely are compact and diminutive.

Herbs are great for humble spaces or apartments. Another thing, it is not simple to asses which area in the garden will get the aptly amount of light for each plant when growing herbs outdoors. Plus, rain is good it makes it simple to water your herbs although too much drizzle can also be destructive. By having your herbs mature indoors with instructional guide included, guess work can be taken out of this hobby. Your will take part in booming herbs every time.

There?s probably a greater feeling of triumph when you master the art of growing herbs and can grow any kind of herb in your garden. Although it does indeed demand effort to acquire there and the most excellent way to understand is through an herb kit where the challenges are taken out and you are left with the enjoyment of the herbs. The supplementary you get to know the herbs you are growing, you will be able to place them into your garden afterward, and you are on your way to becoming an herb expert!

Tips on How to Build Your Own Solar Panels

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:14:32 +0000

It’s not a surprise that people are finally starting to harvest the power of solar energy these days. Plants have been doing it for billions of years and now with the economic recession, rising energy costs and global warming people too have begun to start building their own solar panels or buy brand new ones which are quite costly. Of course in order to build your own solar panels you need to be in a warm enough weather to do so; hence why some of the most popular regions for do it yourself solar panels include Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the southern states of USA.

With all the global warming and the recession more and more people are turning to renewable energy solutions like home made solar panels for the simplest of reasons: not only you can save thousands of dollars each year by cutting your electricity bills but you can start living off of your own homemade grid power and no longer have to be affected by power outages.

A solar panel provides one of the most cost-effective sources of energy. In fact, once you get your solar power system installed, or better yet build your own solar panels, the energy it generates is completely free and endless. A single solar panel won’t be enough to power up your entire house. However a set of 4 – 8 solar panels can supply enough electricity to go completely off of grid power and stop spending crazy amounts on your heating and electricity bills.

The great thing is that you can store the unused energy in storage batteries for later use. First thing you want to do is check your building regulations. Some laws may prevent you from installing these panels due to safety concerns or property risk assessment. When it comes to building your own solar panels, there are lots of awesome review sites and guides out there, but here are a few tips to get you started:

First of all, think about what you’re going to mount your solar cells on. As far as we know, plywood is ideal although you could use OSB materials but plywood is much more suitable and durable to handle the weather. There will also be some soldering work to connect the solar cells together thus you will need a soldering gun, goggles and gloves to protect yourself.

OSB materials aren’t as great as plywood mainly because they tend to absorb the water when it rains. Building solar panels isn’t as hard as many may think however it requires patience and a solid how-to guide to follow.

A proven “how to make solar power and solar panels” guide will provide all the information you need to build solar panels and get up and running. There are a few of these out there but the best guide we’ve come across so far is the Earth4Energy guide. When it comes to building your own solar panels you need to ask yourself – Why pay thousands for brand new solar panels when you can easily start building your own all by yourself in your own backyard at a fraction of the cost? It’s a great point, so before you go out and invest in solar panels make sure to get one of these how-to guides and see if you have what it takes to build your own solar panels and save big on electricity and heating bills!

Status of Rice Production in Kashmir Division of J&k State

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:20:23 +0000

Introduction
1. Rice (Oryza sativa L) is most extensively cultivated cereal crop in the world. It is a staple food of about 2.4 billion or more. In South Asia as whole rice provides 23% per capita energy and 16% per capita protein. Its protein content is modest 7% but it provides minerals, vitamins and fiber too.
Table 1. Rice Production Statistics in the world
Country 1994 yield/hact/hac 1998 yield/hact/hac Differencet/ hac Percentage Increase over years
China 5.9 6.1 0.2 3.28
India 2.8 2.89 0.01 0.35
Indonesia 4.3 4.1 -0.2 -4.88
Vietnam 3.5 3.9 0.4 10.26
Japan 6.8 6.4 -0.4 -6.25
Unites States 6.7 6.3 -0.4 -6.35
Korea 6.1 6.9 +0.8 11.59
Pakistan 2.5 2.8 +0.3 10.71
Egypt 7.9 – - -
Iran 4.4 – - -
Peru 5.8 – - -
Table 2. Rice Production in Indian States
1994 1998 Difference
West Bengal 1.9 2.2 +0.3
Haryana 2.5 2.8 +0.3
Punjab 3.7 3.5 -0.2
Tamil Nadu 2.3 3.0 +0.7
Andhra Pradesh 2.6 2.9 +0.3
Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir 2.5 2.8 +0.3
Jammu 1.6 1.9 +0.3
Jammu and Kashmir had the unique distinction of having introduced land reforms. About 1.82 lakh hectares of land were distributed. Out of it about 0.94 lakh hectare were distributed free of cost among peasants. Although absentee landlordism was abolished. Over years a neo-land holders have come into existence which are comparable to absentee land owners if not landlords holding large “Jagirs”.
The reform was bound to achieve the twin purpose of giving the cultivator his rightful place in the social system and also ensure more efficient utilization of the state’s resources.
The main objective to achieve self-sufficiency in terms of rice production, although leaped forward from mere few lakh tones to 0.86 million tones. However, the major break through has been hampered due to various causes. A problem cause analysis done by us in the past could be summarized in Fig. 1.
Problems
Rice production in the State of Jammu & Kashmir is predominantly a mono-cropped activity. The area is about 40% in Jammu Division & 60% in Kashmir Division. The irrigation availability is around 91% as against 99% in Haryana & Punjab. The Haryana and Punjab irrigation is assured, which means free from climatic changes, as most of it come from underground water sources. Our irrigation potential in Kashmir for rice is snow bound. Most of it is through canal system, which dry up during draughts and flood during heavy rains and excessive snow.
In spite of the climatic changes over years Rice production has registered growth which may fluctuate with climatic conditions. Our food grain production of 22.59 lakh tones by the end of 9th plan registered a quantitum jump over 8th plan productivity of 13.56 lakh tones. A similar up ward trend is discernible with regard to chemical fertilizers which have gone up from 43400 metric tones to 72400 metric tones during the same period.
The common enhancement factors like;
1. Improved seeds including hybrids both seed production, certification and distribution among farmers needs critical evaluation.
2. The use of production recommendations by the farmers needs effective transfer of technology mechanism with wide spread use of electronic and print media along with on the job-training modules to Agriculture Extension Workers.
3. The whether dependent irrigation system has to be replaced with permanent or semi-assured irrigation potential especially in Khandi belts.
4. Timely supply of inputs like fertilizers, weedicides, fungicides, pesticides, along with fortification of humus (animal waste or organic manure use) & or other essential nutrients like potash, zinc sulphate etc. as per soil testing reports.
Needs and solutions
Low productivity causes: analysis scenario can be seen Fig. 1
a) Non-availability of quality paddy seed
Total land under rice
Kashmir Division 1.61 hectares
Distribution cropping area in hac
High Altitude – 0.3 lac hectare
Low altitude – 1.3 lac hectare
Seed requirement
Certified seed : Seed rate 60 Kg/hac
i.e. 60 x 1.60 hac = 96 lac kgs
For 10% replacement/year = 9.6 lac Kg.
9,600 quintals
say 10,000 quintals
Thus we need certified seed in the ratio of;
High altitude rice varieties 2200 quintals
Low altitude rice 7800 quintals
Total 10000 quintals
For above certified seed we need Foundation Seed approx.
High altitude belt 50 quintals land
Low altitude belt 150 quintals 100 kanals – SKUAST, may produce it
Breeder seed needs
High altitude varieties 1.5q land
Low altitude varieties 4.5q 10 kansls – SKUAT may produce it
Certified seed need 10,000 quintals
Land 2000- 3000 kanals
Say 5000 kanals
10 seed villages of 500 kanals in 6 Districts – can be used to produce it under joint supervision of SKUAST-K & Department Officers
or
Allow post-graduate unemployed graduate 12 to supervision village seed production under SKUAST scientist and seed certification staff of department.
(G.M.Wani)
Director Extension Education
Document II : Targets and achievements
Targets & Objectives:
a) The food availability per person per day as per the ICMR recommendations is 420 grams. The food produced in J&K in 301 gms/day/person. Therefore, we have roughly 1/3rd food grain shortage in the State. However, the shortages may be higher in view of the report of Dr. M.S.Swaminathan (2003) which says that the consumption of food grains in J&K is higher than those recommended by ICMR norms. In rural Kashmir rice consumption is 489 gm (per person per day and in urban it is 428 gm per person per day). Thus per capita rice consumption is higher than recommended ICMR norms.
b) Projecting the population of 40 million with rice as staple food, in an area of 1.60 lac hectares for rice we need a yield potential of 5 tonnes/ha
Explanation:
Assuming 500 gm rice per person per day, we would need 2 quintals paddy per person per annum. i.e for 40 lac people, we need 80 lac quintel or 8 lac tones. An area of 1.60 lac hectares under rice would need roughly 5t/hac production to meet our requirements. With the present productivity of 2.5t/h in Kashmir division, the target is difficult but could be achieved. Yet with increase in population over years, we may find “Self sufficiency a dream only”
To attain productivity of Rice at the rate of 5t/hac both in higher and lower belts. This would need replacement of present seed varieties in the farmer’s fields with higher yielding varieties evolved by SKUAST. A modest approach to replace the 10% paddy seed each year can be executed under present infrastructure and land availability. The question of future sustainability of rice production to feed increasing population may need further increase in seed replacement schedules by 20 -30% each year which may need a proper planning and organization.
Aim for future : Self sufficiency in Rice production
Target : 5t/hac production of Rice
Facts
1. Under farmers field we have attained a yield of 3-5 t/hac using improved seed. The details of the investigation at formers field and by the farmer may be seen – Table 2.1
The improved package of practices prepared by SKUAST and when used by farmers resulted into total returns of Rs. 84,000/hac as against Rs. 54,000/hac by usual farmers practices. Thus under present conditions a net profit of Rs. 63,500/hac was attainable from Rice production which indicates rice production a profitable enterprise – Table 2.2
2. During Kharif 2002 & 2003, the three SKUAST varieties yield 6t/hac under farmers fields. These minikit trails were conducted jointly by SKUAST & Agricultural Department experts in all the 6 districts of the valley. They were monitored and discussed in the Zonal Research Extension Advisory Committee meetings held in 2002 & 2003. The details variety wise yields/hac are shown in Table 2.3 for lower belt rice fields Table 2.4 for higher altitude rice fields.
An review of the two tables indicate that under upper rice land belts (high altitudes) the SKUAST varieties have proved a potential of 4.5 q/hac and under low rice zone, lower belts, a higher potential of 6t/hac was attained. The two combined suffice to our present needed yield under yield conditions on an average 5t/hac. Thus, the target is attainable & achievable.
3. Under scientific farm conditions at SKUAST Rice Research Station, Khudwani, a yield potential of 8.8 t/hac was achieved Table 2.5, otherwise too under field conditions with use of production recommendation a yield potential of 6.8 t/hac was reported Table 2.6
Under Village Linked Extension Education programmes, the farmers practices yielded 3.3 t/hac and when one or two intervention like replace of wooden plough with Shalimar plough was made a yield potential of 5.4 t/hac was achieved. Thus, under present status of technology already demonstrated to farmers through Agriculture Department, a yield potential required 5 – 6 t/hac has been demonstrated. Now it is for effective extension mechanism at Directorate of Agriculture level to extend the technological awareness. For detailed policy projections, document III may be seen.
4. Hybrid Seed Propagation
The hybrid rice production technology in China has yielded 9.9 t/hac of rice. This coupled with growth duration of 123 days and milling recovery rate of 68.7% do promise to boost our productivity once more as in 1970 through use of Chinese hybrid seed technology but this hybrid technology is webbed with certain problems too.
a. Use new seeds every year: It is a seed dependant technological intervention, which under our present set up may prove more failure than success on its wide use. However, for pilot field studies and under research management farms we may continue its use as future long term strategy.
b. Seed rate is 20Kg per hectare as against 60 Kg per hectare, but seeds harvested from previous hybrid crops can not be used. Until our farmers are fully trained and acquainted with the technology. Its use needs to be limited to Govt, University or progressive farmers farms only.
c. The advantage of hybrid seed with less seed rate is hidden in its hybrid vigor potential. These seeds have rapid root growth and greater leaf area development potential. Thus more number of spikelets per unit area, increase productivity.
Detailed requirements for hybrid rice cultivation at present are beyond the capacity of our farmers. A detailed description on hybrid seeds in China can be seen in any web page & is reproduced herein for reference (Annexure-1)
Performance of participatory Seed Production Programme conducted in two Districts of Kashmir Valley during Khairf, 2004 (Crop Rice)
Crop Name of farmers Village Variety Class of seed Area sown {ha) Qty. of seed product,q/kanal or q/0.05 ha)
Paddy 1 Nazir Ahmad DarS/O. Habib Ullah Dar Chatterhama Jehlum Breeders seed 0.2 4.50
2 Mohd.Maqbool Wani -do- -do- -do- -do- 4.75
3 Gh.Nabi DarS/O.Ab.Rehman Dar -do- -do- -do- -do- 4.75
4 Ab.Rashid DarS/O Ab.Gaffar Dar -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.87
5 Mohd Rafiq DarS/O Ab.Gaffar Dar -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.50
6 Parveez Ahmad MirS/O Gh.Mohd.Mir -do- Chenab Foundation seed -do- 3.00
7 Mohd. Ashraf MirS/O Ab.Razak Mir -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.60
8 Ab.Ahad BhatS/O Mohd Ismail Bhat Telbal Jehlum -do- -do- 3.00
9 Mudasir Ahmad Bhat -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.60
10 Gh.Nabi bhatS/O Ali Mohd Bhat -do- Chenab Foundation seed -do- 4.00
11 Gh.Nabi Wani -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.60
12 Ab.Rehman BhatS/O Abdul Aziz Bhat Khudwani Juhlum Foundation seed -do- 4.00
13 Ab.Rehman BhatS/o Mohd.Sidiq Bhat -do- -do- -do- -do- 4.00
14 Bashir Ahmad BhatS/O Md.Shaban Bhat -do- -do- -do- -do- 4.00
15 Mohd Shaban Mattoo S/O Gh.Rasool Mattoo -do- -do- -do- -do- 4.00
16 Gh.Mohd.DarS/O Gh.Rasool Bhat -do- -do- -do- -do- 4.0
17 Shabir Ahmad BhatS/O Gh.Rasool Bhat Shalimar Chenab Breeders seed -do- 3.50
18 Ah.Ahad BhatS/O Riyaz Ahmad Bhat Shalimar Chenab Breeder seed 0.2 3.00
19 Bashir Ahmad LoneS/O Gh.Nabi Lone -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.60
20 Md.Maqbool MirS/O Gh.Rasool Mir -do- -do- -do- -do- 3.0
Cost of Production and Returns ha-1
Cost/Unit Field
Experimental station with approved package of practice Farmers practice
Total direct cost of production per hectare (up to packaging) Rs.20,500/- Rs.14,500/-
Total return/ha Rs.84,000/- Rs.59,000/-
Net profit Rs.63,500/- Rs.44,500/-
Average performance of Minikit Results of Paddy over the
Valley (6 Districts during Kharif 2002 & Kharif 2003.
A. Lower Belts
S.N Name of the Cultivar Yield/hacKharif Kharif2002 2003 Mean Rank %increase over check(Jehlum)
1. SKAU-105 63.63 62.35 62.99 1 10.51% over Jehlum and 17% over Chinab (SKAU-23)
2. SKAU-337 63.73 56.71 60.22 2 5% & 13.6% Respectively.
3. SKAU-27(Jehlum) 57.84 56.23 57.00 3
4. SKAU-23 (Chinab) —— 53.21 53.21 4
Average performance of Minikit Results of Paddy over the Valley (6 Districts during Kharif 2002 & Kharof 2003).
B. Higher Belts
S.No. Name of the cultivar Yield /hac.Kharif 2002 Kharif 2003 Mean Rank % increase over 332 & Khosar (check entries)
1. K-312 43.33 42.07 42.70 3 Both the entries i.e K312 & K475 have yielded below over the check entries
2. K-475 45.59 41.62 43.06 2
3. K-332 42.04 42.71 42.35 4
4. K-429 (Kohsar) 50.17 42.81 46.05 1
Average performance of SKAU-105 in District Yield Trial conducted at Rice Research & Regional Station Khudwani Anantnag from 1989-2003.
SN Vty. 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003
1. SKAU-105 68.52 67.06 70.18 60.20 62.50 70.60 67.75 72.20 75.70 79.20 84.20 88.60
2. SKAU-5Check 52.96 55.40 48,57 53.00 52.50 63.05 51.94 – - – - -
3. Jehlum Check – - – - – - – 63.54 66.90 69.53 70.78 74.50
Seed Supplied to the different KVK’s for multiplication by the Division of Plant Breeding & Genetics
S.No. Name of the KVK’s Crop Variety Class of seed Qty. supplied (Kgs)
1. KVK, Malangpora (Pulwama) Maize C15 FS 12
Paddy Jehlum FS 30
2. KVK, Pombay (Anantnag) Paddy K332 BS 160
Kohsaar BS 92
Maize C15 FS 50
Shalimar KGMaize-1 BS -
Shalimar KG Maize-2 BS -
French Bean Shalimar French Bean -1 BS -
Cowpea Shalimar Cowpea-1 BS 5
Moong Shalimar Moong-1 BS 5
3. KVK, Srinagar Maize C15 FS 15
4. KVK, Kupwara Paddy Jehlum FS 80
Minikit results of check cultivars
A.
Lower Belts Higher belts
Jehlum Kohsar / K 332
S. No. Districts n Yield (t/ha) n Yield (t/ha)
1. Srinagar 6 5.9 2 6.8
2. Budgam 4 6.2 3 4.2
3. Anantnag 6 4.6 2 (K 332) 3.9
4. Pulwama 6 6.8 2 4.0
5. Baramulla 6 5.8 2 4.0
6. Kupwara 5 5.3 1 6.2
B. Experimental yield _____ 6 – 6.5 ——— 4.2 – 4.7
Critical gaps (B-A) ——- 0.7 -1.2 Nil
C. State average irrespective of cultivars 2.1 Critical gaps 3- 4 t /ha-1
D. Production farm average May be 2.5 -do-
E. Yield average in farmer’s plot through various trial by SKUAST-K under IVLP programme 3.3 (farmersPractice) 5.4(With technological intervation)
Document No. III Future Policies
A. Technology Transfer in agro-ecosystems perspective
1. To meet the growing needs of food grains for increasing population emphasis should be given on small production systems to achieve sustainability and optimum resource use. Benefits of agro-ecosystem analysis in the form of resource inventory, identification of crops, cropping patterns and potential production zones, problem and causes analysis for low productivity etc., need to be considered.
2. Small production systems are characterized by production basically meant for self consumption. Training activity need to be modified to achieve increased productivity in mixed farming systems. Product diversification through introduction of various alternate crops and income diversification of small farmers especially rural youth and school dropouts by offering training on farm income generation activities like introduction of back yard poultry, wormiculture, honey, mushroom production, goatry, dairy etc.
3. In case of green revolution production system (Progressive farmers) technology transfer would be geared up to achieve maximum productivity of individual crop. Training activity need to be further strengthened by incorporation of various promising technologies. For example in case of rice, introduction of hybrid rice production technology for breaking yield barriers. Training activity on hybrid rice production techniques can become the part of school curriculum. Similarly demonstrations should also be simultaneously taken up to prove the yield potentiality of new crops and new technologies/components. Multi-component demonstrations need to be further strengthened. Extension activities like field days, film shows would also add further strength in this direction.
1. Emphasis on commercial production systems would include identification of crops and products which have demand in international market like medicinal aromatic rice of export value etc. Training programmes and demonstrations would include technologies for production of various crops having export value with due regard to quality and less pesticide residue effects. More focus should be given to eco-friendly technologies like integrated pest management trough IPM techniques, integrated nutrient management through use of vermicompost and organic farming. Linkages of progressive farmer groups with renowned export firms would be established to make export process more transparent.
2. Farmers would be equipped with safe and suitable technologies for increased production of such items which have global market. This is essential requirement under globalization under GATT especially to safeguard human health with minimal pesticide or other residues.
3. Experience from KVK, Medak in Andhra Pradesh suggests that rural women play an important role in preservation of biodiversity of various plans having value in terms of food, high productivity, resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses apart from usefulness in treatment of various diseases of plants, animals and human beings. Efforts have already been made in the form of creating awareness for identification of varieties, species and plants. Women work force training is still a weak link in our Rice Production system.
KVK’s may prepare farmers to preserve biodiversity. This needs proper linkages with lead institutes. The main objective would be to establish an altogether innovative concept of “Rural genebanks” by proper harnessing of indigenous wisdom and scientific talent.
4. Education & Training
Rural women constitute major workforce in Indian agriculture. Studies
conducted and data generated in this regard suggests that in spite of their significant role in food production, value addition, conservation of bio-diversity and environment etc, they remained as invisible farmers. The invisibility of women as a farmer is due to the fact that women are engaged mostly in production activity but they don’t have a role to play in remunerative activity. We must focus on effective use of small tools and implements to reduce women drudgery, training on income generation activities to facilitate greater role in decision making and economic independence of rural women. Efforts would also be made to utilize their un-exploited potential in conservation of germplasm through establishment of rural genebanks and linking them to national repository by proper training and guidance.
5. Information Technology
Revolution in information technology and India’s contribution in this regard has created edge over the globe. It is proposed to utilize this powerful tool to bring revolutions in transfer of technology process in J&K. A beginning has to be made. The main agenda here would be to evolve an innovative concept, “e-Farmer, E-KVK and E-extension” for rapid and effective communication and transfer of technology.
6. Investments made in the past in the field of agricultural research, education and extension system has now created large “standing capacity” for India, in terms of availability of scientific man power and infrastructure.
Globalization of agriculture and advancement in the field of information technology has set new agenda for generation, assessment and dissemination of technologies in agricultural and allied fields. Hence, there is an urgent need to reorient the present extension system in general and the technology transfer process in Particular
7. The following broader areas need to be set into motion for technology transfer
· Rural income generation
· Environment preservation
· Conservation of biodiversity
· Sustainability of natural resources
· Diversification
· Improvement in status of women and other disadvantaged groups
· Exploitation of commercially viable technologies and enhancement of export potential
8. Reformation model Annexure I, SKUAST component of Broad Base Agric.Extension Model Annexure II & other documents are enclosed.

Status of Rice Production in Kashmir Division of J&k State

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:09:06 +0000

Homeschooling In The Garden

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:33:34 +0000

Homeschooling in the GardenBy Nancy CarterDo you already find yourself dreaming of working in the soil this spring? Of getting your hands dirty and watching for those little green sprouts to magically appear? Why not use your garden planning time as the ultimate homeschool unit study? Don’t think of gardening as something that takes away from your academics time. Think of it as something that can enrich it.

Involve the children in your research. Gardening will provide wonderful hands-on activities that can truly bring learning to life for your children. It’s something that both boys and girls can enjoy. You don’t have to live out in the country to have a garden. You can start with just a small spot in your yard, containers on your porch, or even a small herb garden in your windowsill. When I was a little girl, I had a wonderful grandmotherly type babysitter who kept a garden in her backyard. My mother often commented about how when she’d pick me up at the end of the day Mama Linda would have all of us kids sitting under a shade tree snapping green beans. We thought it was a wonderful treat to “get” to work in her garden.

Create a garden notebook with all of your plans together in one spot. Start by working together to create a list of all the fruits and vegetables that you eat or enjoy. Don’t feel like you have to grow a patch of squash if your family won’t eat it. Spend your time on things that you all will actually use! Keep it simple. Assign different children to be in charge of certain plants. Narrowing their focus will help keep the tasks from seeming too overwhelming, while also helping your child to really research the best way to care for their plants. Children can find helpful growing information on the Internet, in books and magazines, and from experienced gardeners to put in their notebooks. Practical projects often help encourage even the most reluctant readers and writers. It gives learning purpose and brings satisfaction from a job well done. Watching those first little sprouts develop into an ear of corn, a watermelon, or giant sunflower can really make an impact on a child’s life.

Gardening helps mind, body, and spirit. Researching and planning for your garden involves reading, math, and science and encourages higher level thinking skills. You’ll also be able to use your notebook to journal when and where you plant things. Track the temperature and rain, fertilizing, how much you have to water them, and their growth.

Being outdoors in the sunshine is great for the body. Breathing in the fresh air and eating items straight from your garden can go a long way toward a healthier lifestyle for your family. Gardening provides nutritious food and exercise for growing bodies during those impressionable years. Likewise, the peace and quiet of working with your hands in the garden is good for the spirit, and gardening can help bring many Bible truths to life. The parables of the farmer in Matthew 13 truly come to life when children see how important preparing the soil is when they are trying to grow something.

Consider different types of gardens: • Traditional Garden—Grow plants directly in the soil in your backyard. One big advantage is how economical this type of garden is. It can be as large or small as you want.

• Lasagna Garden—Grow plants without digging by planting in soil covered with a barrier layer (such as newspaper), compost, and mulch. The advantages are that there is no need to dig, it conserves water, there are fewer weeds to pull, it prevents erosion, and it improves the soil.

• Container Garden—Grow plants in containers rather than planting directly into the ground. Advantages are that there is no digging in your yard, your garden is portable and decorative, and it is susceptible to fewer weeds and soilborne diseases.

• Raised Bed/Square Foot Garden—Grow plants in raised beds enriched with compost about one foot deep and 3-4 feet wide. Advantages with this type of garden include that the close planting creates a microclimate that conserves moisture and reduces weeds; it is easier to maintain; the soil is not compacted by walking on it; and higher yields are obtained.

A subject within gardening that’s interesting to study with your children is companion planting. Companion planting is the method of planting certain pairs or groups of crops in closer proximity because they benefit each other. Native Americans planted the “Three Sisters” together—corn, pole beans, and squash—so that they could benefit from each other. The corn provides a structure for the beans to climb, eliminating the need for poles. The beans provide the nitrogen to the soil that the other plants need, and the squash spreads along the ground, monopolizing the sunlight and thereby preventing weeds. The squash leaves act as a “living mulch,” creating a microclimate that retains moisture in the soil. The squash also deters pests with its prickly vines. Companion plants can benefit each other by repelling pests, encouraging beneficial insects, providing shelter or structure for each other, improving flavor, and enriching the soil. Carrots Love Tomatoes, by Louise Riotte, is a wonderful handbook for learning more about this method.

Also do some research on succession planting. Succession planting helps maximize your garden season’s potential. You can either plant different varieties of the same crop so they’ll mature at different rates, stagger when you plant crops so that they’ll mature at different times, or plant one crop and then another in the same space. Succession planting is a great way to increase your harvest by maximizing your use of space and timing. Often you can start off with a cool season crop like lettuce, follow it up with tomatoes that thrive in the heat, and then finish off the season with a third crop that grows well into the fall, such as spinach.

Now is the time to start planning, though. Select your plants. Draw out a design of your garden. Gather the materials you’ll need. If you’re planning on a container garden, keep your eye out for containers that you can use. If you’re going to do a lasagna garden, start saving your newspapers and cardboard boxes. If you want to use compost in your garden, start your own worm bin or compost pile to discard your kitchen waste and improve your soil quality. Start building raised beds or gathering materials so you can start seeds indoors. You can also incorporate history into your studies in the garden. Study the Victory Gardens of World War II and discover how Americans grew 40 percent of their vegetables, allowing the War Department to purchase the mass-produced vegetables for the troops overseas. During that time, emphasis was placed on making gardening a family or community effort—not a drudgery but a pastime and a national duty. We can learn a lot from history. As Cicero once said, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Do a little gardening with your kids this year. No green thumb is required, just a love of learning and a willingness to get your hands dirty! Copyright 2008. Originally appeared in TheOld Schoolhouse Magazine, Winter 07/8.Used with permission. Visit them atwww.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.For all your homeschool curriculum needs visit the Schoolhouse Store.

Success Story Of Pulses Processing Unit As An Enterprise For Villages

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:48:27 +0000

SUCCESS STORY OF MINI DALL MILL OF BALAJI GRIHA UDYOG, RISOD DISTT:- WASHIM (MAHARSHTRA)

P.P.Shelke, SMS (Agril.Engg)

•4. Details of the Farm (Size, Location, Water availability etc.)

Size :- The capacity of the mini dall mill is 1 Tonne per day

Location:- Minis Dall Mill is located at Risod

Water availability:- Scarce(in summer) to medium (round the year)

Balaji Griha Udyog Risod is a small scale industry owned by the family of Shri Agrawal. They are maintaining Chakki, Pulveriser, Papad making unit, Shewaya making machine since last 8 years. They observed that the demand for processing of pigeon pea , green gram, black gram and Bengal gram is increasing from the clients. They were initially processing these pulses by use of burr mill already established in their unit. However, the recovery of dall was less and breakage was more. Once he came to KVK and contacted Shri P.P.Shelke, the then Programme Coordinator, KVK Karda. He then took him to the Pulses Processing Demonstration unit of KVK and explained all the details of the mill. He again suggested that there is an agriculture exhibition at Dr.P.D.K.V. Akola during the year 2007 and Shri Agrawal should visit the exhibition to know about the latest prices of machineries being displayed by Dr.P.D.K.V. Akola and other manufacturers licensed by Dr.P.D.K.V. Akola.

Shri Agrawal went to Akola and discussed many questions to Shri Bhende, Senior Scientist of AICRP on Farm Implements and Shri Borkar, Associate Professor of Agril Process Engineering Department of Dr.P.D.K.V. Akola. Later on he was convinced that the mini Dall Mill designed by Dr.P.D.K.V. Akola is worth for his business. He came to his residence from Akola.

He again contacted with Shri P.P.Shelke, the then Programme Coordinator, KVK, Karda and discussed about his observations made at exhibition. It was later on suggested to explore the possibility of getting a second hand Dr.P.D.K.V. Mini Dall Mill from nearby area. Many dall mills have been established in the area. Some of them are working but some are lying idle for want of power. Shri Agrawal has already established a 20 H.P. generator to carry on his business since last one year. Therefore, it was planned to have the second hand dall mill from nearby district. Shri Agrawal made a survey in villages in nearby area and was successful in getting the unused dall mill, which was not running for want of power and other problems in adjacent District of Hingoli. The deal was finalized and machine was purchase with Rs. 25000. It was brought to Balaji Griha Udyog in December 2007 and foundation and electrification was done. The cost incurred was about Rs. 5000 and the total cost of establishment of dall mill was Rs. 30000.

Mr. Agrawal and His family is associated with Agricultural Engineering and Home Science Department of Suvide Foundation’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Karda Distt. Washim.

•6. Names of Central Sector /State Schemes utilized by the farmer and the period.

The success story is generated through the Agricultural Engineering Division of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Karda, which is a centrally sponsored scheme of ICAR under NGO.

7. Technologies/ Good Agriculture Practices/Facilities/Benefits obtained with details.

Beginning:-

Mini dall mill was started from January 2008. Efforts were made to popularize the mini dall mill through cable television and some pamphlets were distributed in nearby villages to attract the customers. Since the mini dall mill is established at Risod, there was need to attract the customers from nearby villages to keep the mill in running condition. Advertisement was focused on target people with highlighting the services combined with generator facility so that the clients were in a position to get their pulses processed in load shading hours also.

8. Details of results obtained due to the adoption of technologies (Season wise crops grown, techniques adopted, results achieved etc.)

i) Productivity observed:-

Following quantities of pulses were processed during the last few months.

Month

Pigeon Pea

Green Gram

Black Gram

Total Quantity

February 08

700

250

300

1250

March 08

600

200

1000

April 08

400

200

150

750

May 08

400

180

760

June 08

150

260

July 08

150

260

August 08

100

September 08

120

Total

2500

1000

4500

ii) Cost of production per unit quantity:-

The rates of pulses processing are Rs. 2per Kg. The actual expenses on processing are electricity used for 3H.P. ,per hour charges are Rs. 5 /unit. The total consumption of 3 units in 1 hour will be there. The amount on electricity use will be about Rs. 15 per hour. Processing of 100 Kg pulses will be carried out in one hour, from which 200 Rs. Will be recovered.

iii) Net Income per unit operation:-

Gross Income:-

Month

Pigeon Pea

Amount

Green Gram

Amount

Black Gram

Amount

February 08

700

2100

250

500

300

600

March 08

600

1800

200

400

200

400

April 08

400

1200

200

400

150

300

May 08

400

1200

180

360

180

360

June 08

150

750

100

120

July 08

150

750

100

120

August 08

150

September 08

150

Total

2500

7500

1000

2000

1000

2000

Gross

11500

Income from By Product:-

Month

Pigeon Pea

Amount

Green Gram

Amount

Black Gram

Amount

February 08

175

2100

300

360

March 08

150

1800

240

April 08

100

1200

240

180

May 08

100

1200

216

June 08

37.5

450

July 08

37.5

450

August 08

12.5

150

September 08

12.5

150

Total

625

7500

100

1200

100

1200

Gross

9900

•3. Gross Income in 8 months = 21400Expenditure:-

Month

Electricity

Labour

February 08

500

300

March 08

500

100

April 08

500

100

May 08

500

100

June 08

100

200

100

July 08

100

200

100

August 08

100

200

100

September 08

100

Total

2400

2700

1000

Gross Expenditure

6100

NET INCOME

Income

Expenditure

Processing Charges

By Product

Labour

Electricity

11500

9900

2700

2400

100

Income (A+B) =21400

Expenditure(A+B+C) =5200

NET INCOME = 16200

It reveals that Rs. 2025 is net income received during last 6 months. It may also be seen that the amount of Rs. 30000/- was invested in the beginning and about 54% amount has been recovery during the period of 8 months. The rate of return on investment is 6.75% per month. Hence it shows that the unit is successful in operation.

•iv) Price realized per tone:-

It will be observed that 5.75 tonnes of material has been processed during the period mentioned above. The total amount of 16200 has been received as net profit , which indicates that 2817.39 Rs. Per tonne have been realized.

•v) Natural resources saved/conserved like soil, water etc.

By means of processing by pulses processing mill , the losses of grain due to breakage have been saved. The output has saved at least 23% losses due to correct dehulling and splitting of the grain. The edible portion is 23% higher as compared to other traditional practices like use of burr mill and household manual burr mills.

vi) Product quality improvement:-

The processed pulses were mostly of Grade 1 called Fataka in traditional market. Second grade called 1 ¼ number pulses were less as compared to traditional practice. The commercial value of the product was at least 21% more than that of processing by traditional way.

Market to pulses processing operations is mostly from villagers who are in need of processing for domestic consumption. Nearby are is rich in production of pigeon pea, green gram, black gram and Bengal gram. Therefore, till today the market is from private parties.

Export Market:- Although there exists much potential for export of pulses in other countries, the potential has been exploited. Efforts will be made to produce export quality organic pulses and will be packed in good presentable packing and then export will be undertaken. Which will take at least one or two years.

•10. Factors contributing to success:-

Guidance from KVK and the keen interest , experience of Shri Agrawal are the major factors contributing to success.

11. Any other relevant information:-

Expansion and Future Plans:-

M/S Balaji Griha Udyog has another site where the traditional unit of Chakki is in operation. Mr. Agrawal expanded the Dall mill unit during this period and has modified another machine by putting brush rollers inside the machine for grain cleaning and polishing. The machine is successfully being used for polishing the grains like wheat and sorghum as per the requirement of the clients. Mr. Agrawal has shown his interest to add specific gravity separator for grain grading service during the harvesting and saling of produce by the farmers. It has been the demand from the farmers for grading and polishing of damaged grains due to uncertain rains and damage due to fungal growth on the grains.

American Beaches and Vacation Resorts

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:11:02 +0000

American beach resorts can be an excellent choice for families that want a fun-filled and relaxing vacation. Beaches offer a wide range of activities to insure the entire family will find something enjoyable during their stay.Beach ActivitiesA day at the beach can include, swimming, jogging, walking, volleyball, flying kites, building sand castles, shell collecting, sunbathing, napping, picnics and best of all, relaxing. Bring a beach umbrella, beach chair, towels, sunblock, eyewear, camera, water, snacks, binoculars, a novel and don’t forget your bathing suit!Boating and FishingBeach destinations often have a nice variety of boat cruises, including, nature cruises, scenic cruises, sunset cruises, , site-seeing, eco-tourism trips, kayaking adventures and fishing charters. The array of guided trips gives families a good choice of events, and there is something for everyone. For the more independent and experienced vacationer, boat and other watercraft rentals are another option.When chartering a boat, it may be a good idea to consider the weather, traffic, and other factors, and plan ahead. Some boats can be chartered on short notice, while others may be booked up to a year in advance. Depending on the trip, season and vessel you might need sunblock, camera, insect repellent, water, snacks, a light jacket or even rain gear. Information on what to bring is typically available by contacting the captain beforehand.On nature cruises you might encounter are any number of wildlife and waterfowl including deer, ducks, geese, herons, egrets, plovers and other shorebirds, whales, porpoises, otters, seals and more. Local guides know the best spots and are eager to guide visitors on trips that just cannot be viewed from land.Fishing guides might fish for flounder, trout, bluefish, croakers, spot, drum, striped bass, shark, sea bass, tautog, tuna, billfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo or other fish, depending on the season, boat and destination. Other trips will feature crabbing, shrimping, clamming, or just exploring.CrabbingCrabbing is an enjoyable family vacation activity. Catching blue crabs does not require much in the way of equipment or skill. Crabbing can be done from a boat, pier, near bridges or along the shoreline. Crabbers need only a line, weight, bait and dip net for the traditional rig, or an inexpensive crab trap, which eliminates the need for a dipping crabs up. A more basic rig is just twine, a sinker and whatever bait you can obtain, tied on the line. The line is then lowered into the water, and gently raised once a tug is felt.Serious crabbing baits include fresh fish, eels, bull lips and other baits but the most basic bait, chicken necks, work just as well on a hand line. The traps are used in a similar fashion, except that the trap is lifted sharply to close the doors suddenly and capture any crabs that are inside.Crabs should be kept damp and cool and steamed as soon as possible. They are simple to cook, and can be steamed whole or chilled, then the backs removed and rinsed out before steaming. In either case, the crabs are sprinkled with crab seasoning and steamed until they are bright orange and serve with melted butter and a cold refreshment. Crab meat is also excellent in a variety of dishes and even freezes well for short periods.ClammingClamming is a family activity everyone can enjoy on a beach vacation. Clams are easy to find, cook and handle. Locals catch clams by raking, wading, and signing. Some clamming areas can be reached on foot. Boaters can explore even more possibilities. You can also use a local guide to assist you on an enjoyable clamming trip.

Birdwatching

Many beach resorts are located very close to state parks, national parks, wildlife refuges and other bird santuaries. These areas offer plenty of natural habitats for songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, birds of prey and other birds.

Dining OutAfter a day at the beach you can stop for a cool ice cream cone, have a nice dinner while watching the sunset, or visit a local niteclub. Beach destinations are also known for fresh seafood. Depending on the location, you might find fish, lobsters, crabs, shrimp, crawfish, oysters, clams, mussels, scallops or other seafood as the fresh catch. Local cuisine varies but most beach destinations will have something for everyone.

FestivalsFestivals are often an enjoyable activity during a beach vacation. Festivals usually combine, food, shopping and entertainment in one safe and easy to find location. Most beach resorts offer a series of festivals over the season. Popular themes usually include food celebrations, art, crafts, music, harvests, folklore, collecting and other interests.AccommodationsBeach resorts usually offer a wide range of accommodations. Vacationers will find vacation rentals, condos, cottages, hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, camping facilities or other options.Vacationers can sometimes get excellent rates and availability in the off season. During the peak seasons, rates are higher and accommodations are much harder to book. Visitors are advised to check for availability well in advance in most cases.

Experienced visitors often develop a long term business relationship with a beach resort vacation rental owner. Most small vacation rental businesses cater to travelers that visit several times over the season. These repeat visitors may find that a vacation rental or bed and breakfast business will offer them unbeatable pricing and ammenities in the long run, once they have returned a few times.

Being Green, Gardening and Why I Blame my Kid

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:41:20 +0000

So often you hear “Its all my parents fault” occasionally I even hear m mother taking the blame for my occasionally caustic personality thought I’m fairly certain I’ve never blamed her for my questionable vocabulary and sharp tongue. Not that she’ shy by any means just a little more diplomatic.
In this case I’m blaming my kid instead of the other way around. It all started in the spring while the youngest was I the second grade. She came home all wound up about needing to save the earth. In fairness I’ve been a pretty green guy for years. I’ve used Organic lawn care products long before I most people had the environment as top of mind. Speaking of organic I’ve bought organic when its available for the past decade and local all my life. What I wouldn’t say is that by any means am I an environmentalist. In fact while I’ve claimed to be a lot of things an environmentalist has never been one of them. Buying green due to a fear of cancer and a shorter life, buying local because I liked the farmers market, the fresher products and the people selling me my veggies. In both cases I did the right thing by accident and not as a conscious act.
So anyway here she comes bouncing along at nine years old excited, full of great ideas and decked out in her often present pig tails. First she tells me how much wood is wasted and placed in land fills rather than being used for other projects or recycles. I don’t question the percentage or amount she quote to me like gospel. All I say is “oh really” before she launches in to more statistical evidence provided by a well meaning science teacher. OK fine she’s been heard I get it and leave the 2×4’s and 1×3’s from the recently disassembled dog cage in the basement and I built poorly constructed, unattractive but completely functional trellis complete with reused untangled kite string for the beans and climbing flowers to crawl up. My mothers father would have been so proud it looked like a contraption he would have built out of whatever was laying around. In his case not because he was an environmentalist or because he had a daughter or granddaughter telling him to “recycle” but because it was there and paid for and there was no reason to get rid of perfectly good wood.
So we recycled the nail laden and hole filled boards into our new creation. Sure money was save because I fully planned to go out and buy lattice or trellis for the plants this year. She proudly helped me finish the building by pound the last nails in, tying off the last strings and the running inside to get her mother to see our monstrosities that were placed in a front garden behind a garden statue that was a gift from her side of the family. So my wife came out, smiled at her reassuringly since she was so proud of the cooked ladder looking things right before asking how quickly the pants would grow to cover them.
I did what any wise husband would shrugged and guessed “June maybe July” being very no committal.
She smiled and told our daughter what a great idea it was and then shot me a look questioning my abilities as a carpenter. Which while I dabble at things is yet another thing I’ve never claimed to be. The beans and flowers have done particularly well. We’ll just chalk it up to a little extra rain and good karma.
So its fall and being one to never waste soil I practice a nontraditional yet completely natural way of composting. Now sure I could buy one of those nifty composting bins to help the process. My mother and father have several of them. Frankly I’m too cheap for that. Instead cutting the plants as they brown put them in pile with old potting soil in an un-planted spot in a garden. Preferably but not necessarily obscured by a large stone statue, rock or large patch of plants where it can break down “naturally”.
So when the fall harvest of sunflowers began we took the heads less the seeds and put them in a spot next to the herb garden. It was the same place I unceremoniously put the manure laden soil mixture from my previous two years indoor lettuce planting. To the left of the bronze garden faerie my the chocolate bell pepper plants (yes I know they aren’t herbs) by the basil, behind the lemon thyme.
And so it sat as as we cut the long green leafy stalks into foot long lengths to they’d fit and more importantly not draw too much attention. Chatting back and forth with out the distraction of TV, video games or computers, quiet quality uninterrupted time. That’s where the lesson accidentally came in more talk about letting plants go to see so we could use those seeds to create new plants for next year. Talk about how such things work in nature and why it works that way. And the finally about how reusing parts of the old plants helps keep the soil rich. See it isn’t about making a political statement, it doesn’t come from a deep need to change the world. It comes from nothing more than good old fashioned horse sense and helping to do what nature does in its own way to improve your own gardening results.
Sure there are missteps along the way like unattractive structures behind the wife’s favorite garden statue. Or like when the mother in law comes over and grumbles at me before the sun comes up about why in the world are my coffee grounds wets and weak. The reason being is she used the can labeled “GROUNDS” meaning used coffee that once its sweet nectar had been consumed served a better purpose in my pile of rotting vegetation, sprinkled on the lawn or as part of my cow manure and compost tea I make to water the occasional growing thing.
But in the end of it all sometimes a little youthful idealism, being a touch cheap, and acting like my old farmer grandfather intersects with lofty ideals without even trying and for this I blame my kid.
A few last words of advice. Mother in laws usually survive weak wet used coffee and even understand and forgive you on occasion. An upfront warning about how the plants might just completely cover the wife’s favorite garden statue for 4 or 5 months if all the seeds take and grow like bad weeds might be warranted. And finally remember those informal compost piles you’ve been hiding through out the gardens well. Well the one out by the Fairy Statue and herbs I’ve got to tell you something about it the bad news is that the compost pile has taken on a new purpose quite accidentally. The soil from the lettuce planters well it’s sort of sprouted with the all the other good stuff we put on top of it, a little rain and some nice cool nights. On the up side we’re going to have a bumper crop of home grown mixed field greens this fall. Well that and it’s all Elise’s fault!