Eco-agriculture, Fact or Fiction?

Entry #10

6/28/2011

“David Kuria envisions an “ecoagriculture” landscape in Lari-one where agricultural production, rural development, and ecosystem management are mutually supportive.  This vision draws on two broad strategies: ecologically suitable production practices on farms and a mutli-stakeholder approach to managing agriculture and natural resources in the landscape as a whole  (p. 16 SOW 2011).”               

This particular issue is important me because I believe eco-agriculture has the potential to reverse or at least reduce some of damage done by insecticides and other agricultural-chemical products.  Growing concern about unfertile soil and water degradation is at an all time high.  However, with such great concern comes great resolve and innovation.  Understanding the dynamics among plants, animals, water, soil, insects, and other microorganisms is the first crucial step.  Eventually, with this knowledge, farmers will use livestock and herbaceous plants as manure, legumes for soil fertility, and microorganisms in healthy soils to thwart pests and suppress disease.  There are plenty of natural alternatives to these harmful agricultural-chemical products if farmers just keep an open-mind. 

"A Land Remembered" (quick synopsis and analysis)

Entry #9

6/27/2011

A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith is historical fiction novel centered around three generations of McIveys and the evolution of each generation as Florida becomes a more industrialized state.  Patrick provides an array of characters, environments, and scenarios that paint an invigorating picture of a long forgotten Florida.  He not only references actual historical events in his book, but he also goes into great detail describing vividly the Floridian wildlife and botany from the 1860’s to the early 1900’s.  Furthermore, the characters are so rich that you can’t help but to get attached to them.  The McIveys in particular are interesting in their own right because they go through various trials and tribulations in the unforgiving rustic lands of Florida, but they have such a respect and love for the land itself as if it were part of their own family.  They also respect all forms of life and care for their fellowman regardless of their color or creed.  You could even go to the extent of saying they have their own ethical code of conduct.  What is most interesting is how each generation’s opinion on property rights evolved from Tobias to Solomon.   Solomon is the only McIvey that sort of loses his way, but towards the end of his life he acknowledges his wrongs and reclaims the McIvey way of life.  Additionally, Patrick depicts the industrialization of Florida and the transitioning of the McIvey business as well.  The McIvey business transformed from one of simple cattle driving to a lucrative one of real estate.  This was well written novel that provided much insight into a Florida that would seem alien to all that inhabit it today.  A lawless, untamed, and rustic Florida that was unforgiving to those that knew little of survival.  It forever changed my perception of Florida.

Moringa!!!!

Entry #8

6/20/2011



It's pretty easy to understand why I'm obsessed with this plant if you just look to your left.  It surpasses most of the common foods that are known for giving a particular nutrient.  It just amazes me that I just recently heard about this plant.  I'm not a health nut, but I do like taking care of my body when I can.  This type of vegetation provides everything you need in a nice little package.  I want the powder form of the Moringa but it's actually kind of expensive.  ECHO sells a semi-decent bag of the powdered form of this plant for $35.  If I could buy it in bulk and pay a lower price cause of the margins then that would be ideal for me.  I know I'm too lazy to actually buy the $3 seeds, grow the stuff, and make it into a powdered form.

ECHO the Agricultural Environment

Entry #7

6/19/2011

 ECHO the Agricultural Environment

Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) is a non-profit association of individuals that seek to teach impoverished farmers valuable and sustainable agricultural techniques to better their whole community.  ECHO’s work spans the globe from the United States to countries such as Africa, Haiti, Thailand, etc.  They’ve realized that missionary work is not enough to help the less fortunate communities of the world that rely on local farmers, and that the only way to help these people effectively is to teach them to help themselves.  ECHO has educated hundreds in agricultural techniques and has been directly responsible for increasing the quality of life in several communities.  I learned a great deal about several types of plants, their advantages, and about the goals of this ambitious organization as a whole.  I also enjoyed the animals that help ECHO with their mission through various means.

ECHO is also responsible for the production, marketing, distribution and consumption of its own line of organic products.  ECHO sells a variety of products and vegetation derived from the assortment of plants they grow.  These plants are examined by researchers and then they produce research papers based on their findings.   The findings in these papers are then used in turn to market the benefits of the products created from those particular plants.  Furthermore, the products and vegetation created by ECHO are also distributed by their global farms.  Finally, they reach consumers through the tours they give of their facilities or through their various networking avenues.

The revenue gained from their agribusiness depends on the crucial relationships between the soil, water, and climate.  ECHO grows their vegetation in several types of soils depending on which plant they want to grow; moreover, they use a variety of soils from regular dirt to pine cones.  However, the soil is just one element of the farming process.  ECHO has advanced irrigation methods that provide the critical water that their plant life thrives off of.  The most challenging aspect of the farming process is the climate because this is the only factor out of the three that isn’t controllable.  Florida’s climate is a unique obstacle because it rains heavily only for six months and then it’s basically blistering heat for the rest of the year.  ECHO compensates for the climate by pairing the right seed with the right kind of soil, and taking advantage of their irrigation systems.

ECHO receives about 56% of their income through the tours they give around their facilities, and make the rest through sales of their products, plants, seeds, etc.  Being a nonprofit organization, ECHO relies heavily on tours and product sales; nonetheless, their efforts provide sustainable methods of fighting world hunger yet they get little government funding.  Bill Hooth, our tour guide, was the person that mentioned to me that little government funding is provided to ECHO and that could be partly due to the fact that they’re a Christian denomination organization.  I’m honestly still not sure on the whole government funding issue because it seems to me that they provide enough valuable resources to impoverished people to rival all the current missionary work.  Missionary work does benefit mankind, but it seems like a “quick fix” or short term solution.  ECHO’s teachings provide reliable long term solutions that impact whole communities.  In addition, I feel that ECHO is making progress in gaining recognition for their efforts in agricultural sustainability and biodiversity.  They are currently the third largest tourist attraction in the Lee County area and will hopefully surpass the Shell Factory someday (because that place is lame).

This organization is constantly making strides in ending world hunger.  ECHO’s agricultural expertise, variety of seeds, knowledgeable members, and righteous cause provides an excellent catalyst to feed millions of hungry people.  An effort of such proportions leads to innovations such as the one being done with the highly nutritious Moringa tree.  This particular type of vegetation is a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium.  According to Bill, “the Moringa can almost double the size of an infant suffering from malnutrition”.  ECHO has determined various methods of utilizing the Moringa as a dietary supplement, lotion, water filter, etc.  The knowledge and tools are there, but it’s up to people like you and me to invest resources into this organization whether it is volunteering or funds.  ECHO is globalizing their resources in order to fight world hunger effectively; therefore, a little volunteering here or money there goes a long way for their cause.  I’m personally going to purchase some of their all natural products such as Moringa powder and add it into my daily diet.  I feel it is the least I can do to help them with their mission and it’s a great product as well.

Cloning Endangered Animals, Right or Wrong?

Entry #6

6/16/2011

Approximately 100 species become extinct a day. Despite increasing interest in using cloning to rescue endangered species, successful interspecies nuclear transfer has not been previously described, and only a few reports of in vitro embryo formation exist. Here we show that interspecies nuclear transfer can be used to clone an endangered species with normal karyotypic and phenotypic development through implantation and the late stages of fetal growth. Somatic cells from a gaur bull (Bos gaurus), a large wild ox on the verge of extinction, (Species Survival Plan < 100 animals) were electrofused with enucleated oocytes from domestic cows. Twelve percent of the reconstructed oocytes developed to the blastocyst stage, and 18% of these embryos developed to the fetal stage when transferred to surrogate mothers. Three of the fetuses were electively removed at days 46 to 54 of gestation, and two continued gestation longer than 180 (ongoing) and 200 days, respectively. Microsatellite marker and cytogenetic analyses confirmed that the nuclear genome of the cloned animals was gaurus in origin. The gaur nuclei were shown to direct normal fetal development, with differentiation into complex tissue and organs, even though the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within all the tissue types evaluated was derived exclusively from the recipient bovine oocytes. These results suggest that somatic cell cloning methods could be used to restore endangered, or even extinct, species and populations. (citation below)

Should the artificial restoration of endangered or extinct species be considered in the name of sustainability?  I thought of this recently to myself and decided to look up any scientific publication involving this subject.  We do have the technology to produce at least enough of these species to give them a fighting chance at repopulation; however, being a taboo subject, cloning carries its own morale, social, practical, etc. kind of complications.  There could also be consequences that would arise from bring these species back, but wouldn't it help the planet in the long run by increasing its biodiversity?  I honestly believe that there will be a time when cloning is going to be a feasible option, basically only option in some cases, in terms of repopulating endangered or extinct species.  I think this subject is very interesting and could be a potential solution or maybe a pipe dream, who knows.

Source: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/152045500436104

Coolest Hybrid Car Ever

Entry #5

6/15/2011

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid (above) Sports Concept is a sports car concept which could fill a gap in Toyota's model lineup left vacant since 1997 and the passing of the Toyota Supra.  It has a 3.5 liter hybrid engine that puts out 400 horse power when working with it's electric motor.  It has great performance figures and a sleek design as well.  The FT-HS Hybrid, being a sports car, is obviously not completely eco-friendly but I think it's putting us in a great mind set in terms of sustainability.  I feel that corporations are starting to notice that the "green" movement is catching on and is going to be a huge factor when marketing products eventually.

Field Trip 2

Entry #4

6/3/2011

Lover’s Key State Park

Lover’s Key State Park is a maritime preserved park located in Fort Myers Beach and off the Gulf of Mexico.  Lover’s Key is actually one of four barrier islands (the others being Inner Key, Black Island, and Long Key).  The state acquired the islands in 1983 and in 1996, merged with adjacent Carl E. Johnson County Park to become Lover’s Key Carl E. Johnson State Park.  It has an abundance of wildlife and vegetation, but the true wonder is the environment itself.  This park offer 2.5 miles of white sandy beaches, trails, canoeing, sunbathing, swimming, fishing, wildlife sighting, and other recreational activities.  There is simply a plethora of activities and things to see.  On side note, Lover’s Key is also dog friendly and so I brought along my beagle buddy Ori.

 I’m sure everyone that goes to Lover’s Key can’t help but to fall in love with this beautiful island.  It’s surreal how quiet the park can get, but then you hear the rustle of a sabal palm tree as a result of a gentle breeze or the chirp of an osprey in the distance.  In addition, the overall beauty of Lover’s Key is incredible, from the white sandy beaches to the mangrove fringed canals.  The elements truly have shaped a sight to see.  The Florida sun, rain, and rich soil provided a natural catalyst to the vegetation of the island.  The vegetation in turn creates a strong foundation for the island and provides a great defense against storms, hurricanes, etc.

The park is within the Barrier Chain subzone of the Costal Lowlands physiographic region.  The elevation of Lover’s Key ranges from mean seal level to about five feet, with the exception of any man-made land marks.  Water reaches further in the island and nurtures the plant life due the low elevation.  As a result, it benefits the whole food chain of the island from the plant life bottom of the pyramid to the carnivores at the top.  In addition, I identified 5 tree species, 5 non-woody plants, and 5 bird species in this environment.  The 5 tree species are the sabal palm, cabbage palm, Jamaican dogwood, buttonwood, and gumbo limbo.  The 5 non-woody plants are the blue porterweed, poison ivy, coral bean, Spanish bayonet, and prickly pear cactus (illustration below).  The 5 bird species are the great egret, anthinga, blue jay, bald eagle, and osprey.

This particular piece of paradise is unique in that it has canals that are tasseled with mangroves.  The Florida mangrove system is an important habitat for many species because it provides nursery grounds for fish and roosting areas for birds.  Furthermore, Lover’s Key has estuaries that provide a transition from fresh water rivers to salt water oceans.  These estuaries are kind of isolated from the ocean because of the barrier islands.  They also provide habitats for all kinds of critters.  However, all life on estuaries is affected by the salinity and sedimentation.  The biology of the fish in this area has adapted to the uncertain salinity and sedimentation levels produced by this ecosystem.  As a result, this environment provides a steady supply of fish for the predators that depend on them.