Use of chemical fertizers
By rebecca1957
@rebecca1957 (265)
United States
April 15, 2008 5:52am CST
I attended a class last night on organic gardenng vs use of chemical fertilizers. I never realized that the dead zones in water are caused by the runoff of these fertilizers and pesticides going into our water. Fish are dying because algae grows along the water edge. This algae uses up the oxygen in water, fish can't breathe, then they die and are washed up on the beaches. Last year we started to garden organically. I would like to encourage others to do the same. Any thoughts?
2 people like this
3 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
15 Apr 08
Yep, and did you know that a few years ago they made the Amish cut back on using manure to fertilize because it was running off into Chesapeake Bay? If they have the power to stop the Amish, don't they have the power to stop the agribusiness corporations? Something's wrong with this picture.
2 people like this
@rebecca1957 (265)
• United States
15 Apr 08
We use a mild form of organic matter because we raise goats. The goat manure is an all purpose type manure and is not harsh whatsoever. I know I will never use chemical fertilizer. We try very hard to always be earth conscious.
2 people like this
@oscarbartoni (2581)
• United States
17 Apr 08
I have been do9ing organic gardening for most of my life, (I didn't before I was able to walk so that doesn't count I guess). My ancestors were native American and as such did organic gardening before they became roamers of the plains. Even then they practiced returning to the soil; as much as they could and using as much of the animals as they could. I have had organic gardens ever since I go out of the army except for a few years when I was moving around a lot. I am now putting in an organic garden that is larger than last year and hope to enlarge it even more next year. I have to dig the garden by hand so I have to be careful of my back.
@Jakesnake1978 (1380)
• United States
24 Apr 08
You know what I would do? I would simply think of this. I would go to www.compostumbler.com. It is the best website to help you take care of your organic waste by recycling and composting.
1 person likes this
@rebecca1957 (265)
• United States
17 Apr 08
Digging a garden by hand is a lot of work. We used a machete and a shovel to remove sod as we expanded our garden. Back-breaking work for sure! My wrist is still giving me a bit of trouble, but it's sure worth it to be able to grow our own. Hope you don't get too sore as you expand!
2 people like this
@Jakesnake1978 (1380)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I agree with your idea. I would never use any chemical fertilizer at all. Instead I have a lot better idea. There is a rotating machine to convert all organic material into new compost. Yeah, it is recycling. It is called ComposTumbler. The company is based in Pennsylvania. If you want, just simply check out www.compostumbler.com. And let me know what you think. That way you will get fresh compost in a quick time. It is great for your gardens.
1 person likes this
@rebecca1957 (265)
• United States
24 Apr 08
We do have a compost tumbler and it works quite well. We also have several compost piles in various parts of our property. We use it as mulch between the rows in our garden. Great suggestion...thanks!
