Livingston Reporting - page 20

A food crisis is on the brink, worldwide, as farmland is becoming destitute due to the overwhelming amount of pesticides, droughts, and extreme weather. With these challenges comes an inability to produce enough crops for the increasing global population. Since soil is such a crucial part of the growing process, is it possible to produce food without it? 

The answer is a resounding yes. Several companies are pioneering the process of growing plants without soil. Plants need nutrients (food) to survive, along with air, water, and light. As long as they have these, they can easily thrive. This article will explore alternative growing methods to produce vibrant, nutritious produce.

Aeroponics
Pioneered by NASA in the 1990s, this method is regarded as the most technologically advanced growing process. Using suspended plants, the roots are intermittently sprayed with a nutrient solution by an automatic sprinkler system, connected to a water reservoir. Since the plant roots come in direct contact with pure air, the extra oxygen allows the plants to form their own nutrients more resourcefully, creating a vibrant result. Some benefits of aeroponics include: 

• Richer flavor profile
• Faster growth, roughly two- to three times normal size
• Yields three times more crops
• Uses 95 percent less water than soil
• Significantly less energy needed
• No fertilizers or chemicals needed 

Hydroponics
This system is designed for long-term cultivation of crops. Plants’ roots are submerged in a continuous flow of nutrient-rich water pumped through a reservoir pump. Seeds are buried in soil replacement cups and set in a container filled with water and nutrients for the plant. As the rich water is delivered to the cups, the seeds begin to germinate, and a root system forms. Some benefits of hydroponics include: 

• Easily regulated 
• Effortless commercial (large-scale) use 
• Plants grow year-round 
• Uses 90 percent less water than soil 

Aquaponics
This technique works by raising fish to feed naturally mineral-rich nutrients to the plants. In essence, it mimics a natural ecosystem. As the fish eat and produce waste, fertilizer is formed, which feeds the plants. Fish excrement becomes a byproduct of food for bacteria, which is then converted into plant fertilizer. Benefits of aquaponics include: 

• Healthy, swift plant growth
• Less disease
• Lower maintenance 
• Fish can also be eaten

Hopefully, we will never be forced to use these methods in order to grow food. Wolf Survival Gear likes to offer people resources for various environments, so you’re prepared. Let us know your thoughts on this subject.

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Ahhh, the summer air is upon us…which means ticks are already on their way to invading our yards. Walking leisurely through the deep woods shouldn’t be a gamble of whether you’ll contract Lyme Disease or another tick-borne illness when you emerge from the forest. Unfortunately, this can be the case for not just us but our pets as well. 

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan encephalitis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are a few diseases transmitted by ticks. While various illnesses can be contracted from ticks, the risk of developing an infection is based on a few factors, including the type of tick and duration it was attached. 

Unfortunately, many people opt for a chemical toxicant to deter ticks, many of which are the topic of research to determine their environmental effects. While these substances are meant to kill mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other parasites, they are also detrimental to human health. A growing number of people experience side effects from these toxic chemicals, such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, encephalopathy, seizure, coma, bradycardia, brain cell death, behavioral changes, lethargy, and anaphylaxis, to name a few.

Thankfully, there are some alternative – safe – ways to rid yourself, your family, and your pets of ticks. Read on to discover ways to deter ticks using simple and safe products that won’t harm you but will ensure the ticks feast elsewhere.

Essential Oils
Some essential oils have been proven to kill ticks on contact. Companies such as Wondercide promote their products as safe and effective for tick prevention for humans and pets. 

Cedar Chips
Most people now that moths do not gather where cedar is placed, as the smell is a deterrent. Ticks are similarly unattracted to cedar. Cedarcide offers a product touting cedar granules meant to be spread across the yard. 

Mow the Grass
Trimming your lawn is important, as ticks prefer to climb and travel through long grass. Make sure all leaf litter or brush is cleaned up as well. 

Tick Tubes

Many of us don’t think about how ticks get around besides using their legs, but mice are huge carriers of ticks. A safe way to kill ticks – not mice – is by using these tick tubes, which Harvard Researchers developed at the School of Public Health.

While many of these products are non-toxic, they require more upkeep and reapplication than traditional bug sprays. Keep the environment – and your health – in mind when using toxic pesticides. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/