Soil Solarization: An Effective Method for Weed and Pest Control

Soil solarization heats the soil by covering it with clear polyethylene sheeting during hot periods to control soil borne diseases and weeds. The technique has been commercially exploited for growing high-value crops in diseased soils when maximum daily air temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Farmers of the Deccan plateau in India have long exploited a form of solar heating of soil, by plowing the soil to expose the subsoil when maximum daily air temperatures usually exceed 40°C and soil temperature may reach 70°C. Studies have showed that 50°C will kill almost all weed seeds. Using clear plastic makes it possible to … Continue reading

The Impact of Plumbing Materials on the Environment

When buying a home you may be interested in having a sustainable home, and one of the most important aspects that you should not overlook the plumbing systems. With water contamination getting more and more common lately, it’s important to understand how plumbing systems work and their impact on the environment. Drinking water is carried through these pipes everyday and when choosing plumbing materials we must consider ecological toxicity, air pollution, fossil fuel depletion, and global warming. Low Cost When buying a home you may be looking for the cheapest way to be sustainable. Although some environmentally-friendly products may be … Continue reading