Search

Indiana cultivates approximately 7000 acres of watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) every year, with the majority of production concentrated in southern Indiana, thus making this region a key area for watermelon production in the United States. Diverse irrigation and fertilization practices are used for watermelon production in the region, yet their effects on production outcomes remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the impact of existing practices on watermelon yield to optimize irrigation and fertilization practices for improved production. The experiment was conducted at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, Vincennes, IN, USA, during the 2022 and 2023 watermelon seasons. The following four treatments were applied: high irrigation, low irrigation, no irrigation, and fertigation. The fertigation treatment received the same water application as the high irrigation treatment, but with frequent fertilizer application with irrigation; however, fertilizers were applied before planting in the high, low, and no irrigation treatments. Although soil moisture levels at the different depths varied notably among treatments, no significant differences in yield by weight were observed. The minimal impact of irrigation on watermelon yield suggested that sufficient water is stored in the soil to prevent yield-reducing stress during dry periods. However, the high irrigation and fertilization treatments produced more fruit than the low irrigation and no irrigation treatments. The dry periods during both years coincided with the watermelon fruit-setting stages, potentially contributing to the lower fruit set in the low irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Fertigation showed a higher early yield in 2022 than that of the other treatments. An analysis of soil and tissue nitrogen levels indicated that solely applying nitrogen before planting could lead to excessive soil nitrogen during vegetative growth. This excess nitrogen might delay flowering and harvest. This project offers insights into enhancing irrigation and fertilization practices for watermelon production in southern Indiana, provides recommendations, and discusses future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

November at home TIPS & tricks Top tips for getting your garden ready for winter, plus new household hacks and gadgets HOW TO… prep the garden for winter Follow our [...]

December arabica coffee (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/KC*0/overview) Thursday closed down -6.90 (-2.73%), and November ICE robusta coffee (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/RM*0/overview) closed down -114 (-2.54%). Coffee prices retreated on Thursday, with arabica coffee falling to a [...]

December arabica coffee (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/KC*0/overview) Tuesday closed down -1.85 (-0.74%), and November ICE robusta coffee (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/RM*0/overview) closed down -90 (-1.97%). Coffee prices Tuesday extended Monday's losses, with robusta posting a 2-1/4 [...]

March NY world sugar #11 (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/SB*0/overview) Monday closed down -0.35 (-1.58%), and December London ICE white sugar #5 (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/SW*0/overview) closed down -3.50 (-0.62%). Sugar prices Monday settled moderately lower, with [...]

December arabica coffee (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/KC*0/overview) Monday closed down -5.60 (-2.18%), and November ICE robusta coffee (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/RM*0/overview) closed down -125 (-2.66%). Coffee prices retreated Monday, with arabica falling to a 1-week low [...]

Project Showcases Detecting a damp wall 01 A moisture reading in excess of 16% is considered to be damp. Anything over 20% is excessive. Roberto used a Pimoroni Grow HAT [...]

The article titled "SHAPE" discusses the analysis of alternating current signals and how they can affect the accuracy of locating underground utilities. The article explains that when a signal is transmitted, it can energize nearby metal signposts and streetlight cables, leading to interference in the signal. The article also discusses different methods of inspecting the shape of the field, including horizontal and vertical inspections, and how they can help determine the accuracy of the trace. The article emphasizes the importance of checking the shape of the field to ensure the correct identification of target lines and avoid interference from other metallic objects. [Extracted from the article]

The article in the journal "Argia" features a note from the editor, Amanda Whispell, who shares her experience giving a lecture on Odonata and leading a field day for the Historic Rivers chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. She expresses gratitude for the support and resources provided by the group, and highlights the diverse dragonfly and damselfly species observed during the field day in Colby Swamp. Whispell recommends visiting Freedom Park and Colby Swamp for those interested in observing odonate diversity. [Extracted from the article]

It's been said a high-yielding corn crop needs 25' of moisture per acre per year. Of course, the timing of that rain makes all the difference, but management strategies to [...]

The article presents the discussion on effect of soil additives on improving water retention capacity in the soil and thus enhancing water availability for plants. Topics include experiments was to reduce soil evaporation and thereby contribute to improved soil moisture; and materials included organic mulches such as wood chips, bark mulch, and straw, as well as synthetic mulches like plastic film and non-woven fabrics.

Arable, a company focusing on climate-smart agriculture, reported a collaboration with Google aimed at accelerating the adoption of agricultural technology that promotes water conservation and crop productivity simultaneously. The company [...]

December ICE NY cocoa (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC*0/overview) Thursday closed down -128 (-1.65%). September ICE London cocoa #7 (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CA*0/overview) closed down -92 (-1.62%). Cocoa prices posted moderate losses on Thursday as forecasts for [...]

India, Aug. 28 -- Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan are currently grappling with severe flooding caused by a land-based deep depression, which intensified over land and was exacerbated by moisture [...]

Byline: Greg Soulje Taking a look at ongoing dryness and drought-related areas of the nation as of late-August, three areas of concern have developed over the course of the late [...]

September ICE NY cocoa (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC*0/overview) on Monday closed up +536 (+6.21%), and September ICE London cocoa #7 (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CA*0/overview) closed up +23 (+0.36%). Cocoa prices rallied Monday, with NY cocoa up [...]

Spire Global successfully launched seven satellites on the SpaceX Transporter-11 mission, which launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on August 16. This marks Spire's third launch of 2024 [...]

Although it is only August, some forage-only and dual-purpose wheat producers in Oklahoma are already thinking about planting winter wheat for winter grazing. Early planted winter wheat is fraught with [...]

September ICE NY cocoa (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC*0/overview) on Friday closed down -42 (-0.56%), and September ICE London cocoa #7 (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CA*0/overview) closed up +20 (+0.33%). Cocoa prices Friday settled mixed. Cocoa prices Friday […]

September ICE NY cocoa (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC*0/overview) on Thursday closed down -530 (-6.55%), and September ICE London cocoa #7 (https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CA*0/overview) closed down -423 (-6.58%). Cocoa prices plummeted Thursday, with NY cocoa posting [...]

July has favored the US corn crop, with below-normal daytime temperatures and cooler nights reducing plant stress. Ample soil moisture compared to last year across the corn belt has further [...]

Words Lewis Normand All plants create some coverage of the ground and, in doing so, they help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture and can even help mitigate carbon loss from [...]

The Global Mulch Films Market Size is to Grow from USD 6.35 Billion in 2023 to USD 11.76 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.36 [...]

FLYING IQ WEATHER MATTHEW SCUTTER WHY SOIL MOISTURE REALLY MATTERS DETAIL VIEW The left image shows the surface moisture and temperature mapping as provided by the GFS global forecasting model. [...]

Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) offers an alternative to kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) for use on athletic fields. Tall fescue has the ability to withstand athletic field traffic, but little is known about the best management practices such as optimal height of cut (HOC). A 2-year study was conducted on established 'Snap Back' tall fescue grown over a native soil root zone to determine optimal HOC under simulated athletic field traffic. Plots were maintained at various HOC treatments (1.5, 2, or 3 inches) for the duration of the growing season. Twenty-five simulated traffic events were applied each fall with a modified Baldree traffic simulator. The percentage of green cover (GC) loss per traffic event by HOC varied between years. In 2017, the 1.5-inch HOC improved traffic tolerance (-1.7% GC per event) compared with the other HOC treatments (-2.6% GC per event) in terms of percentage of GC. In 2018, the HOC did not have an impact on traffic tolerance. Differences in traffic tolerance between years could be a result of differences in precipitation (78 mm in 2017, 6 mm in 2018) during the period when traffic occurred, which suggest that the lower HOC performs better under wet conditions compared with the greater HOC. There were no differences among treatments for the safety variables measured (surface hardness, rotational resistance, and soil moisture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LEISURE TIME / Love your outdoors your space Sustainable SWAPS These easy switches will make a big difference in your garden and to the planet 1 GROW YOUR OWN CUT [...]

WORLDWIDE COMPUTER PRODUCTS NEWS-April 16, 2024-Wyld Networks teams up with SugaROx to boost soybean farming in Brazil (C)1995-2024 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.co.uk Virtual satellite network operator Wyld Networks (Nasdaq First North [...]

Front month cotton gains are limited to 40 points for the midday prints. Futures are trading mostly in the black, though the lead month May contract is 3 points in [...]

Cotton prices finished the trading session with 29 to 37 point gains in new crop, but 25 to 33 point losses in old crop. My futures printed 170 point range [...]

Nestlé Pakistan has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, winning two awards in the categories of Gender Equity and Agri Tech and Food Security at the Sustainability Awards hosted by the Sustainable Policy Development Institute (SDPI). The awards were given for Nestlé Pakistan's initiatives, including the Nestlé: BISP Rural Women Sales Program, which supports rural women in achieving financial empowerment, and the use of Smart Soil Moisture Sensors to assist farmers in detecting subsoil moisture levels. The awards aim to honor exemplary efforts in sustainability and inspire a collective commitment towards a sustainable future. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a retrospective overview of research projects highlighted in 2023. Topics include the impact of golf courses on pond ecosystems, a new nematode management option in turfgrass, soil tests examining fairway responsiveness to nitrogen fertilization, fungicide effectiveness for disease control on creeping bentgrass fairways, and the modification of time domain reflectometry (TDR) for improved surface moisture estimation on putting greens.

This article explores the question of why leaves change color in the fall. While many people believe that falling temperatures are the main cause, the article explains that the change in color is actually due to a combination of factors. These include the decrease in direct sunlight, the amount of moisture in the soil, and the presence of pigments in the leaves themselves. The article also shares a story from the Algonquian people, who believed that the changing colors were caused by the blood of a great bear dripping onto the trees. Overall, the article provides both scientific and cultural perspectives on this natural phenomenon. [Extracted from the article]

The article shares tips for gardening Pellaea Rotundifolia or button fern. These include placing the plant under the sun or growing it behind obscured glass, checking soil moisture and avoiding overwatering, using a balanced liquid houseplant food to promote healthy growth, creating a humid environment, repotting only every few years, and propagation by dividing the rhizomes.

1 SP-110 Wireless Multi Sensor The SP-110 Wireless Multi Sensor from SPIIO offers four data points and is built to last 20-plus years in the ground. Spiio is a subscription-based [...]

The article focuses on the United States Golf Association's (USGA) efforts in water conservation and research for golf course management. The topics include the role of turfgrass breeding programs in water conservation, advancements in irrigation technology such as soil moisture sensors and drones, and the collaborative efforts between the USGA and golf course superintendents to improve water management practices.

Measuring sports field characteristics (e.g., surface hardness, soil moisture, etc.) can provide valuable information to guide management toward the safest, most consistent and most playable field conditions for athletes. Studies [...]

Below-normal temperatures and rains are forecast across areas of the Corn Belt the first half of this week. Temps will return to more seasonal levels the following 10 days, though [...]

Forecasts call for rains and mild-to-seasonal temps across the Corn Belt during the next 10 days. Dry southern and eastern areas of the region will see an improvement in soil [...]

Michael Le Page A EUROPEAN satellite that monitors sea ice thickness and soil moisture is frequently being blinded over Europe and the Russian Arctic due to heavy interference since Russia’s [...]

News / Technology Earth-monitoring satellite hit by interference since Ukraine invasion Michael Le Page A EUROPEAN satellite that monitors sea ice thickness and soil moisture is frequently being blinded over [...]

A EUROPEAN satellite that monitors sea ice thickness and soil moisture is frequently being blinded over Europe and the Russian Arctic due to heavy interference since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. [...]

Now's the time to top up mulch before the drying effects of summer really hit. Mulch has many functions: suppressing weed growth, reducing soil moisture loss, and moderating soil temperatures, [...]

CHIPMUNK: CELIA SEARLE Q The leaves on my aspen trees turn only slightly yellow at the edges before drying, turning brown and falling off every autumn. What causes this? Gail [...]

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 04, 2023 Locusts can destroy grain crops and pastures, threatening people's livelihoods. In an international project, researchers from the German Aerospace Center have now developed methods [...]

Denver-Boulder ranks fifth worldwide for startups in sector A third-generation Colorado farmer, Marc Arnusch grows barley and other grains on 2,200 acres in the Prospect Valley east of Keenesburg. His [...]

The article focuses on the importance of monitoring soil water status and implementing proper irrigation techniques for tree planting. Topics include the dependency of tree water supply on rainfall and irrigation, the construction of watering pans/troughs, and the use of tensiometers to determine soil water content.

The article presents the discussion on managing root zone moisture being critical to both the health and performance. Topics include ensuring adequate water for root uptake while preserving firm and dry surfaces; and collecting samples from sand based research putting greens constructed and managed under representative maintainance practices.