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| This Week's Titles: |
| Reducing
Chemical Wind Drift Problems |
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Making A Lawn Droughtproof |
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| Farm
Fuel Expenses May Drop |
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| Getting
Ready For Spring Gardens |
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| Senior
Adults Feeling Stresses War Brings |
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| Reducing
Chemical Wind Drift Problems |
1:36 |
College scientists have found
a way to reduce wind drift problems when applying certain chemicals. |
A major problem in the
application of herbicides is spray drift, when the wind blows
some of the chemicals to other fields, causing damage to other
crops. But engineers with the University of Georgia's College
of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have demonstrated
a new air induction spray nozzle that reduces drift when applying
herbicides. "What happens is that air is pulled into the nozzles
at the point of exit and actually causes larger droplets to
be formed, and the larger droplets have a larger mass so whenever
they come out of the spray nozzle itself, they tend to go down
straight to the target, less vines are developed, so you have
less drift." That was Paul Sumner with the College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences. Since growers began using these
nozzles to apply herbicides, drift problems have been reduced
around thirty-two percent. The savings in drift reduction for
Georgia agriculture is now more than $200,000 annually. John
Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences, reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Making
A Lawn Droughtproof |
1:24 |
It is possible to droughtproof
your home lawn. |
After heavy rains in February
and March, most lawns are still saturated, with water standing
in low areas. So thoughts of a dry summer have been pushed aside,
since the grass is full of water. But a turf specialist with
the University of Georgia Extension Service says you have to
prepare for hot, dry weather weeks before the arrival of summer.
He adds the best way to condition a lawn for drought is to cut
back on the amount of water you apply. "The most important thing
is not to irrigate until your grass undergoes drought stress
and generally we can see drought stress when the grass starts
to turn bluish gray in color or as we walk across it we see
footprints." Gil Landry with the College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences, who adds limited watering promotes a
deep root system and healthier turf. So if dry weather returns
this summer, the roots can look deep for water, instead of being
confined to shallow areas of the soil. John Harrell, University
of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Farm
Fuel Expenses May Drop |
1:29 |
Farmers may finally see a drop
in fuel related expenses. |
Farmers have been having
to dig deep to pay for diesel and other fuels this year. But
with the war in Iraq winding down, fuel prices began a slow
drop. Bill Givan, an agricultural economist with the University
of Georgia Extension Service says overall farming expenses could
be reduced this year, if fuel prices continue to fall. "If they
do then maybe the projected cost of farming in 2003 won't be
what we thought they were about a month ago." Bill Givan with
the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. In addition
to drops in diesel and gasoline prices, the cost of natural
gas has also dropped some. While natural gas prices are still
about double what they were last year, it could mean prices
for products like anhydrous will not be quite as high as was
previously forecast back during the winter. John Harrell, University
of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Getting
Ready For Spring Gardens |
1:29 |
Home gardeners need to spring
forward and get ready for spring gardens. |
As the weather begins to
warm, home gardeners begin itching to get their hands dirty
in their spring gardens. Bob Westerfield, a horticulturist with
the University of Georgia Extension Service says if the site
was used for a winter garden , you need to turn the land under.
"Certainly if you haven't done so it's a good time to turn under
your garden. You may have planted a winter garden or maybe you
had something like clover or wheat planted. Go ahead and till
that in right now or shovel it and spade it, so that you begin
to break down that organic matter, that'll be good for the soil."
Bob Westerfield with the College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences,who adds if you haven't taken soil samples of your
spring garden site, get that done as quickly as possible,s o
you will know which fertilizer to apply. Once the garden is
planted, make sure the plants receive plenty of moisture. Consider
using a soaker hose, which will appl water low in the ground
to the roots, where moisture is needed to help the plants grow.
John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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| Senior
Adults Feeling Stresses War Brings |
1:36 |
Many senior adults are feeling
the stresses of war. |
During these times of war,
terrorism threats, and other problems, we find ourselves looking
for ways to help young children make it through these stressful
times. But a human development specialist with the University
of Georgia Extension Service says senior adults can also suffer
from the increased stress war brings. He adds many seniors feel
increased pressure because they experienced combat in previous
wars. "Many of those seniors who were in combat themselves have
stuffed those emotions over the years, and with the television
coverage we have today of war as it's taking place, it can dredge
up some of those painful memories." Don Bower with the College
of Family and Consumer Sciences, who adds painful memories of
those combat experiences may have been kept inside for years.
Having support from family and friends is important for seniors
coping with memories of war and combat. Having a network of
friends could also help the seniors talk out some of those stored
up feelings of anger and pain. John Harrell, University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting
from Tifton. |
Links to audio files:
(files include a brief quote from the source for your use.)
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