The Wrong Sacred Cow

Our focus on higher gross margins per hectare, tonnes/hectare, cows/hectare maybe the wrong benchmarks. Maybe we should be looking for a better way to measure the health and wellbeing of the soil, the water and the family. For example as yields have declined along with organic carbon, we have added more urea, more water, or grown plants that are less demanding. Root exudates help maintain a balanced soil food web, nutrient cycling, soil health and disease suppression. The newly discovered soil ‘super glue' glomalin, produced by mycorrhizae, maintains up to one third of the carbon in the soil for between 7-40 years.

Breaking the Nitrogen Addiction

Over the last century, the intensive use of chemical fertilisers has saturated the Earth's soils, waters, and atmosphere with nitrogen. It is like a drug mainlined into the planet's ecosystems, suffusing every cell, every pore - including our own bodies. Nitrogen affects more parts of the planet's life-support systems than almost any other element. In addition, the nitrogen efficiency of the world's new bred cereals has fallen from 80% in 1960 to just 30% today.

So Why GM Nitrogen Efficiency?

And following on from the observations in the article above, why wouldn't you go back to old varieties that were very nitrogen efficient, instead of creating GM versions of nitrogen efficient crops, that are supposedly already in the pipeline. Much cheaper, and without the controversy...

Free-Living Nitrogen Fixers Missing in Action

According to this GRDC report crop nitrogen only comes from legume/pasture leys, pulses, fertiliser and manures...what happened to the free-living nitrogen fixers that proliferate in healthy soils? And oh dear, they also talk of water fallowing efficiency...Interestingly though they did find that putting either a chickpea or fababean rotation into wheat cropping improved wheat yields, but the effect only lasted one year, and they are planning to turn this information into algorithms and later computer program packages. [It's a pity there is so much information/data missing from the model]

Phosphorus from Sewerage

Phosphorus from domestic sewage, in addition to fertiliser runoff, has traditionally been a nuisance, because it triggers blooms of algae that deplete local waters of oxygen. The growing recognition that cheap supplies of phosphorus will grow scarce in the coming decades has led some nations to consider conservation. A new system, which is working better than expected, pumps treated effluent and magnesium chloride into a 24-foot-tall reactor, where a cone shape acts to create essentially a turbulent thundercloud, tossing around the particles until they form pellets. The nursery industry are using it now, but perhaps it could expand into agriculture.

Legume Rotation Improves Soil Health

During a vetch-oat rotation trial into cotton, researchers have observed improved soil structure, nutrient availability and uptake, a more active and larger soil microbial biomass which combine to improve soil health, and enable future crops to be more productive and use inputs more efficiently. [This GRDC report still only refers to biomass decomposition as the main soil building process, and only a passing hint that the liquid carbon route even exists during each growing season...one day the penny will drop, won't it??] 

The Dust Bowl Returns to Farming

It took two decades to re-establish a protective cover of native grasses after topsoil was stripped by Dust Bowl storms. But millions of those acres are being plowed again after the 2008 Farm Bill capped the program at 32 million acres. In the past a Conservation Reserve Program paid all effected landowners not to farm easily eroded land, while splitting with them the cost of establishing vegetative cover. The repercussions of the new changes are large, perhaps even affecting global grain markets.

Animals are Needed in the Landscape

"...most of our meat production occurs on land that isn't arable. And if Australia stopped eating red meat and the animals disappeared from the landscape, so too would the management that pastoralists provide. The landscape wouldn't just go back to pre-European settlement conditions: it would be overrun with weeds and feral animals, and be prone to hot wildfires." [Exactly. Get rid of feedlots, but keep managing our grasslands with livestock]

Fires Worse than Rumens

Some back-of-the-envelope figures from CSIRO suggest that bushfires deliver a far worse greenhouse gas outcome than a cow. A tonne of grass put through a cow would deliver around 16 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e) of emissions. The same tonne consumed by a bushfire would produce 57.8kg CO2-e, or 3.6 times as much as the cow. [As one commentator below this article observes, yes, having livestock eat the grass is much better than having the grass sit there waiting for a lightening strike, or a routine burn to 'green' things up again]

Cows Have A Sweet Tooth

FutureDairy research has shown that dairy cows prefer forages that are sweet. ‘Sweeter' forages contained higher levels of water soluble carbohydrates, while the less palatable forages were higher in nitrate which is associated with a bitter flavour. The most preferred
species over the whole year was prairie grass, and unexpectedly, perennial ryegrass had a moderate preference even when it was in its vegetative growth state, from autumn to spring. [Article can be found on page 6]

Planting Trees Can Shift Water Flow

Planting forests in areas that currently don't have trees - a process called afforestation - can reduce the local availability of water. In basins that contain small rivers, afforestation can reduce base flow by up to 50%. Besides reducing base flow, afforestation can affect how water filters through the ecosystem.

Breaking the GM Rules

Since 2006, US farmers have become increasingly non-compliant with federally-mandated planting requirements designed to keep GM technology useful in the future. Approximately 25% of U.S. farmers no longer follow Environmental Protection Agency requirements to plant conventional corn "refuge fields.

GM Segregation - Who Is Responsible?

The Australian grain industry is accepting GM contamination but refusing to outline the difficult conditions and consequences for non-GM farmers. There will be a 3 day delay after delivery of NON GM canola to detect any GM contamination in the silo in the event of GM canola being delivered to the site. But no-one seems to be able to answer what happens if contamination is found - not Monsanto, not Nufarm, not Graincorp, not the Australian Oilseeds Federation, nor even Grain Trade Australia. 

Unpure 'Pure' Orange Juice

It may come as a surprise that your carton of 100% pure, not from concentrate orange juice is nowhere near akin to sticking a straw in an orange and taking a sip. Real fresh-squeezed orange juice will only last for a few days. Commercial 'fresh' or 'pure' orange juice is usually deoxidised, watered down and sugared up.

Fluoride Rules Unnerve Food Industry

The potential impact of the European Court of Justice ruling that functional drinks must be regulated as medicines due to fluoride inclusions is starting to alarm exporters of processed foods to the EC. The Australian Trade Commission, Austrade, is urgently seeking clarification about the possibility that the ruling could mean a trade embargo on the export of a wide range of processed foods to the European Community. [Scroll down to 19th September article]

Meat From Poo

Researchers in Japan first found a way to turn human excrement into a meat substitute back in 1993. The process involves extracting proteins from the solids in sewage and then mixing it with soya and flavouring it with steak sauce derivative. The final product is high in protein with a similar texture, consistency and taste to beef, though 10 to 20 times more expensive. Now they are turning their attention to the waste from methane-producing livestock...

Fastest Rising Food Prices in World

Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths are being blamed for Australians paying the fastest growing prices for groceries in the world. Food prices in Australia have increased 41.3% since the start of 2000. But Woolworths' James Aylen said there was plenty of competition in the market.

Label our Food!

Although up to 70% of processed food contains GM ingredients almost none legally require labelling. Let the Food Labelling Review Panel know what you think. Even a quick short email will do the job.

Wool is Carbon Friendly

'Live with wool and reduce your carbon footprint' is the new marketing theme for a group of Australian and international wool industry representatives. It's based on international research which says a household can significantly reduce its carbon emissions by living with wool: insulating with wool, wearing wool, walking, sleeping and sitting on wool. Wool is a planet-friendly fibre made from the simple combination of sunlight, water and grass.

Put Exhaust into Soil for Many Reasons

This really is a neat way to deal with tractor exhaust - pump it into the soil for carbon reasons, nutrient reasons and soil biology reasons. Its true, farmers have nothing to fear if agriculture is included in any carbon trading deal if these sorts of ideas have traction. [The comments following this article are interesting. I think some people only see the fertiliser effect as a mineral effect only, not biological]

Don't Talk Soil Carbon Yet

The potential for soils to absorb more of the CO2 that our utilities, factories, and vehicles spew poses a dilemma for Al Gore. With better management, soils could sequester much more carbon than they do now. If more farmers adopted mulching, no-till farming, and the use of cover crops and manure we could roughly sequester 12% or more of our annual global emissions. If you tell people soils can be managed to suck up lots of our carbon emissions, it sounds like a get-out-of-jail-free card, and could decrease what little enthusiasm there is for reducing those emissions...[wow, could there be a political backcurrent at work against soil carbon at the moment?]

Another admission in this article: By going after other greenhouse gases we can buy the planet time, postponing by 30 to 50 years...but could it diminish enthusiasm for cutting CO2? [Is this why agricultural solutions are treated as only marginal ideas at the moment?]

Carbon Forests Displacing People

In Brazil, people with some of the world's smallest carbon footprints are being displaced so their forests can become offsets for SUVs. [It's a reoccurring theme around the globe - perhaps carbon offsets should be mandated to only occur within the same country of pollution....?]

It's Not Cows, It's Us

A quip from an FTSU subscriber after last week's newsletter: "Don't they realise that the biggest species emitter of CO2 is humanity or are human beings like coal fired power stations - exempt because we like them????"

Greener Ag is the Solution

Most land use changes occurring in the continental United States reduce vegetative cover and raise regional surface temperatures. And a study has found that almost any change that makes land cover less "green" contributes to warming. "What we highlight here is that a significant trend, particularly the warming trend in terms of temperatures, can also be partially explained by land use change." The idea that land use helps drive climate change has been poorly understood compared to factors such as greenhouse gas emissions. [Fantastic! So keep those paddocks green with pasture cropping, and keep those cows munching]

Coal Power's Audacious Bid

Victoria's coal-fired power industry is seeking a substantially bigger share of the state's water, telling the Brumby Government that plans to reduce carbon emissions will probably increase its water needs. In a joint submission to the Government, the five big Latrobe Valley power companies have urged that ''unused volumes in Blue Rock [dam] ... are reserved exclusively for its bulk entitlement owners'', and Blue Rock's water should not be distributed in a way that ''adversely impacts the viability'' of companies investing in the valley. [Yep, it's only about profits]

Cleaning Coal with Algae

The proposal is to draw off carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants and feed it into giant "algae farms", growing millions of tonnes of slimy green stuff that can be converted into feed meal or oil for biofuels and industrial use. There the gases are fed to specially-selected strains of oil-rich algae growing in brackish water, with nutrient supplied by a mix of sewerage or intensive livestock waste and commercial fertilisers.

What about Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide has now become the largest ozone-depleting substance emitted through human activities, and is expected to remain the largest throughout the 21st  century. Nitrous oxide is emitted from natural sources and as a byproduct of agricultural fertilization and other industrial processes. "The dramatic reduction in CFCs over the last 20 years is an environmental success story. But manmade nitrous oxide is now the elephant in the room among ozone-depleting substances." [Interestingly agriculture plays quite a significant role here...a good reason to begin weaning off synthetic fertilisers]

Ultrathin Solar Panel Woes

These new panels contain a compound of cadmium, an extremely toxic metal already banned from most products in Europe. The compound is made with the element tellurium to create cadmium telluride, which enables the conversion of light to electricity. The panels raise new kinds of questions about what constitutes sustainable development and the issue highlights some of the environmental trade-offs faced by governments seeking a future based on low-carbon, clean energy technologies. Some warn that a "young, growing industry" still striving "to reach competitiveness" should not be subject to the hazardous waste rules. [What! Profits before all else again!!]

Toxic Scrubbing Foodweb

Quagga mussels consume heavy metal toxins in water, then spit them out as concentrated pellets, but they don't feed on cyanobacteria, which thrive with nitrogen:phosphorus imbalances, and so proliferate too. [...an interesting story of bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the food chain, but I am struck by the idea that these problem lifeforms are there simply because the environment is polluted - stop the toxins going in, they will finish their job and the water will be clean again...]

Bees Are Harmed by Cell Phone Towers

Recent experiments have found that worker bees fail to return to their hives when their navigation skills are interfered by the mobile microwaves. Cell phones were placed near beehives. These hives collapsed totally in 5 to 10 days, with the worker bees failing to return to their homes.

Nanoparticles Damage DNA

Researchers in the United Kingdom have found some nanoparticles - which can be found in common household items - can damage DNA without even penetrating the cells. "Nano-toxicological research has focused on looking at what happens if we put nanoparticles inside these type of cells...What [this latest research is] saying is once nanoparticles are in the body they have a capacity to cause toxocological effects at a distance."

Pay By the Mile Car Insurance

California moved a step closer last month to pay-as-you-drive policies that could allow motorists to buy insurance like they do gasoline - a little at a time. The goal is to use per-mile pricing to entice Californians not to drive so much, thus easing air pollution, relieving traffic congestion and lowering the number of traffic collisions.

Emails After Death

This is an interesting curiosity. Remember that time you poured your heart out in an email to your best friend after one too many glasses of wine? Or that sexy message from an old lover that made you blush at work? Well, if you die, your family and others could end up reading them. Web email services owned by internet giants Google and Microsoft have a policy of keeping your data after you die and letting your next of kin or the executor of your estate access it. [It looks like these sorts of things needs to be mentioned in Wills too]

Peter Andrews in Geelong

Peter will provide an overview of his theories on how Australia's landscape can be brought ‘Back from the Brink' of total degradation. He will challenge your beliefs on the treatment of weeds and your understanding of Australia's system of hydrology. His insight and ability to read the landscape will leave you in no doubt that it can be restored to pre-European levels.....or better.  Andrews in Geelong 05/11/2009,20:14 27.00 Kb

Health

Healthcare Reform Concerns

The US Government is rolling out a new treatment pattern of palliative care into hospitals, nursing and residential homes. It is based on experience in a Liverpool hospice. If you tick all the right boxes in the Liverpool Care Pathway, the inevitable outcome of the consequent treatment is death. Basically a legal form of euthanasia. [I do not share the same sentiments as this author on some issues, but it is interesting that this form of euthanasia is likely to become less of an individual choice than a State choice]

But I just love Ron Paul's perspective - especially as it relates to 'Rights'. People have a right to life, liberty and to earning a living, but not a right to other people's services. For example, you don't have a 'Right' to government services as such - after all the government has nothing until it takes from someone else first...

Abandon Western Diets for Health

AGEs are toxic substances reportedly produced in abundance in the Western diets, as a result of heating, pasteurisation, drying, smoking, frying or grilling. The compounds are said to promote oxidation and inflammation, which may ultimately increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Participants in the AGE-less intervention were advised poach, stew, or steam their meals and after four months a range of biomarkers declined by as much as 60% in participants.

Folic Acid Asthma Link

Folic acid supplements taken by mid-to-late-term pregnant mothers may lead to a much higher risk of asthma in the child. The researchers add that the news should not put mothers off the supplements, which have important benefits. Instead, they should switch to natural sources of folate in the later stages of pregnancy. [Indeed, natural is generally always best, but now we have the synthetic version in all our baked products]

Iodine in Our Bread

As happened recently with folic acid, our breads have also just been fortified with iodine too. All synthetic of course. Cyndi O'Meara has done some research on this source of iodine - and it is mined then processed with potassium hydroxide all from Japan and Chile. But why not take it in its natural form? This is a wonderful interview.

Rocket Fuel in Baby Forumla

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 15 brands of powdered infant formula are contaminated with perchlorate, a rocket fuel component. 

What is Scientific Evidence?

Many would support the idea that if the science isn't there to support an ingredient or product, then it shouldn't get the health claim. But relying solely on one type of science blinkers us to what the science as a whole shows. The over-reliance on clinical trials at the expense of the totality of the evidence is undermining an important regulation. Now is the time to reassess clinical trials as the ‘gold standard' of nutrition science.

This debate has grown out of the rejection and outlawing of many health claims being made for foods in Europe  - many being 'real' foods (as part of the harmonisation/Codex process). The consequences are seemingly enormous with R&D likely to shut doors and people being turned to drugs instead of food for health because the science can 'back' them.

Obesity Vaccine?

Anti-smoking and obesity vaccines are already in the pipeline!! And its going to be big business - afterall, laws are in place that indemnifies vaccine manufacturers from financial ruin should things go wrong. Manufacturers have complete insulation from ANY prosecution for harm or damage from their product. It's a near foolproof business venture as far as criminal and financial liability is concerned.

Fructose Leading to Metabolic Syndrome?

Researchers compared the effects of agave syrup (90% fructose), fructose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), HFCS plus the appetite suppressor Hoodia, or the non-caloric sweetener Stevia. Cholesterol levels were higher in the rats fed fructose and HFCS, and triglyceride levels had increases significantly in rats feeding on agave, HFCS, and HFCS plus Hoodia. Significant increases in levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase were observed in serum from animals fed fructose and HFCS. Increased levels of this enzyme are indicative of liver damage or disease.

Cartoon

Miscellaneous

I have been following stories from Rebecca Fine of The Science of Getting Rich for many years now. They are uplifting, empowering, insightful, fun and absolutely fantastic - and its all for free. I have just read Rebecca's talk on the Paradox of Purpose and I just know that it will stop everyone in their tracks. It is brilliant, and it so true. Are you doing what you enjoy, really really enjoy? Or are you biding your time waiting for something, something that you can't even describe?

Events

The calendar is playing up, so most of the links below are directed back to other websites where possible or to a contact email address. If there are no links, look to the related article above.   

* Peter Andrews in Geelong - Geelong Vic 17th November 2009.

Postscript

Wow, what a song, what a message. It leaves the question ringing in your head - 'Why?'. Declan Galbraith is a 13 year old singer who apparently wrote this song as well as singing it. Beautiful. I still have tingles from listening and watching.

Then check out how some people are carving pumpkins - exquisite!