(Natural News) American and Brazilian researchers evaluated the possibility of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations reducing the negative effect of drought on physiological parameters and the growth of Manihot esculenta (cassava). They reported their findings in an article published in the journal Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science. The researchers grew cassava with 390 ppm or 750 ppm […]

(Natural News) Soil bacteria are important components of the ecosystem. They help improve soil structure and aggregation, as well as recycle soil nutrients and water. Soil bacteria also serve as decomposers that consume carbon compounds and provide large quantities of nitrogen to plants. Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll and is essential for the production of amino […]

(Natural News) Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for cellular metabolism. It works as a catalyst for about 100 different enzymatic reactions and is involved in several important processes, such as protein and DNA synthesis, cell division, immune function and wound healing. The body, however, doesn’t store zinc, so people need to get ample amounts […]

(Natural News) Foods grown using organic farming methods are said to be healthier than foods grown using conventional means. One of the advantages that organic produce has over conventional produce is that they are free of harmful chemicals, which are used in conventional farming to nourish crops and control pests and weeds. Organic farming is also believed […]

(Natural News) Soil and water contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals build up in living organisms. Known as bioaccumulation, this usually affects aquatic animals and plants used for food. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in crops is a hot topic among scientists because of the threat they pose to human health. Besides having toxic effects, some […]

(Natural News) Mention the term “certified organic” and images of fruits and vegetables grown without the use of harmful chemicals by small farmers using ethical practices would come to mind. According to guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), fruits or vegetables can only carry the “certified organic” brand if they were grown […]

(Natural News) In this study, researchers at the University of Brasilia evaluated the physiological and sanitary quality of maize seeds preconditioned in ozonated water. Their findings were published in the journal Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental. Controlled hydration of seeds is a method of physiological conditioning used to improve seed performance in the field. Aeration using ozone […]

(Natural News) Purchasing organic foods means you’re supporting more environmentally and animal-friendly means of manufacturing food products. But not all companies are forthcoming about their practices. One such company, Natural Prairie, one of the largest producers of certified “organic” milk in America, has been accused of mistreating and neglecting their animals. The concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) operator […]

(Natural News) Fresh water is an important resource that the world has a very limited supply of. According to experts, 98 percent of the world’s water is salt water, and only two percent is fresh water. But of that two percent, 87 percent is locked up in ice and glaciers and 12 percent is in […]

(Natural News) Home gardening is a rewarding hobby, but it can use up a lot of water. Conserve water by using eco-friendly products like a water-saving hose nozzle. (h/t to Learn.Eartheasy.com) Applying strategies like mulching, maintaining healthy soil and watering at night can help reduce the water you use for your home garden. Alternatively, you […]