http://www.physorg.com/ en-us Physorg.com internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. Research scientists at Nova Scotia Agricultural College have been working steadily to find effective organic methods to control weeds in cultivated blueberry crops. One resulting study, published in a recent issue of the ASHS journal HortScience, reported on the efficacy of three organic mulches used on highbush blueberry (HBB) produced under organic production practices. The research team determined that the major factor influencing weed suppression by compost mulches (for certain weed species) was likely mulch thickness and bulk density, which provide a barrier to weed growth and prevents light penetration to the soil surface. http://www.physorg.com/news176565121.html Biology Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:00:02 EST news176565121 Each weekday, food scraps are collected from the Maryland Food Distribution Authority in Jessup, Md., and from small local food service and marketing establishments. Materials that do not contain metal, glass, or plastic are trucked to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, Md. http://www.physorg.com/news171548412.html Space & Earth Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:30:01 EST news171548412 Peat, or semi-decayed vegetation matter, has been used by commercial growers and amateur gardeners since the middle of the 20th century. Peat is added to potting soil to help retain moisture and provide additional nutrients. As the demand for peat grew, acres of peat bogs were being drained and destroyed. Now, concerns about the environmental impact of extracting peat from wetlands are mounting. And as peat supplies are reduced, the cost naturally increases. Diminishing supplies and environmental and economical concerns are encouraging researchers to find viable alternatives to this popular growing medium. http://www.physorg.com/news171285027.html Biology Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:10:01 EST news171285027 (PhysOrg.com) -- Many people throw out organic food waste. When I do this, I feel vaguely guilty, knowing I should probably compost it for my backyard garden. However, last time we tried to compost, the neighbors got upset. Composting works well in rural neighborhoods, but in a subdivision, your friends tend to notice the smell. Which is why it's very exciting that a new gadget has been introduced: NatureMill is a robot that composts your food indoors. http://www.physorg.com/news159634270.html Technology Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:51:41 EST news159634270 Coffee grounds can be an excellent addition to a compost pile. The grounds are relatively rich in nitrogen, providing bacteria the energy they need to turn organic matter into compost. http://www.physorg.com/news134321442.html Space & Earth Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:30:42 EST news134321442