Carbon in the Diet-Do we really need fulvic acids, activated charcoal, or C60?

Image of wood burning down to charcoal is used to illustrate elemental Carbon

Carbon in the diet is a rare subject.  I am including it here, because in episode 13, I had a lot to say about carbon as plant food. In that episode, I emphasized the importance of carbon in plant nutrition.  I said carbon was essential for plant growth because carbon makes up 45-50% of a … Read more

The Microbial Economy and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Wheat farm and surrounding wind farm highlight the macroscopic green economy as a reminder that, like wind energy, microbially rich farmland can help mitigate greenhouse gasses.

Microbial economies trade greenhouse gasses for food and energy.   By tapping into this system, we can increase agricultural profits.  This is because microbially driven agricultural systems require fewer costly chemicals to support. As carbon credit systems become more universal, it is reasonable to assume that farmers who operate to maintain healthy soil microbial communities will … Read more

Oxytocin for Heart Health and More

Picture of a heart reminds us that the feeling of love has biochemical roots.

Oxytocin supports heart health and more.   Often referred to as the “Love Hormone,” this little molecule is best known for its effects on social behavior. When oxytocin levels are high, humans and other mammals feel drawn to one another. Social animals require healthy bonding for survival, and oxytocin has probably evolved to reinforce those bonds. … Read more

Dryland Tree and Shrub Establishment

Image of the flower from a desert shrub, Apache Plume provides an example of a desert riparian plant that can be revegetated using hydrogels.

Dryland tree and shrub establishment can be tricky because young seedlings and transplants need to stay moist. In EPISODE 10  we look at simple strategies you can use to ensure your dryland plantings live, grow, and feed your soil.  These strategies protect biodiversity and help restore the environmental cornerstone of healthy food systems. Wondering if dryland … Read more

Why Keep Native Plants on Your Farm or Garden

Podcast describes Reasons for Native Plants

Reasons to include native plants are abundant. Listen to this week’s episode to learn why we include native plants on our farm.   Can you benefit from using natives in your farm or garden?   Description LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Medicinal Herb eBook and Newsletter Signup USDA Plants Database (Unaffiliated Public Website) ABOUT EPISODE … Read more

What Farmers And Gardeners Should Know About Soil Testing – Part 2 CEC, OM, Base Saturation and Nutrients

Shows why testing helps you build quality soils

  ABOUT EPISODE 7 Laboratory based testing helps you build quality soils for your farm and garden.  This is because tests provide information about what your soils need, rather than simply highlighting what your fertilizer distributor has on sale. But the numbers on a lab report are only valuable if you know how to interpret … Read more