Predatory nematodes are tiny, worm-like organisms that feed on other soil-dwelling creatures such as insects and mites. These microscopic predators have been gaining popularity in the agricultural industry as a natural and effective way to control pests without the use of harmful pesticides.

The agricultural use of predatory nematodes involves introducing them into the soil to target specific pests that cause damage to crops. There are different species of predatory nematodes that are effective against different pests, and their effectiveness depends on factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil type.

One of the most commonly used species of predatory nematodes is Steinernema feltiae. These nematodes are effective against a wide range of soil-dwelling pests such as fungus gnats, root aphids, and thrips. They work by infecting the host pest with a bacteria that kills it, and then feeding on the decomposing pest.

Another species of predatory nematode used in agriculture is Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. These nematodes are effective against a variety of soil-dwelling pests including grubs, weevils, and other beetle larvae. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes have a unique behavior where they release bacteria that kill the host pest before feeding on it.

Predatory nematodes are typically applied to the soil as a liquid solution or powder that is mixed with water. The nematodes can be applied directly to the soil or injected into the soil around the base of the plants. Once introduced to the soil, the nematodes will seek out their target pests and begin their hunt.

One of the benefits of using predatory nematodes is that they are completely natural and do not harm beneficial insects, plants, or the environment. They also do not leave any harmful residues on crops, making them a safe alternative to traditional pesticides.

Another advantage of using predatory nematodes is that they are highly effective at controlling pests. They are able to target pests that are difficult to control with other methods, such as those that live deep in the soil. Predatory nematodes are also able to attack pests in their early stages of development, before they cause significant damage to crops.

Overall, the use of predatory nematodes is a promising alternative to traditional pesticides for pest control. They offer a natural and effective solution for farmers and growers, while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices such as no-till gardening and farming. As more research is conducted on the effectiveness of different species of predatory nematodes, we can expect to see them play an increasingly important role in pest management strategies for agriculture.

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Ants, those pesky insects belonging to the family Formicidae, can cause significant problems in your garden or greenhouse. While they don’t directly harm plants, their activities have wide-ranging consequences for crop production. These tiny creatures have an insatiable fondness for the sweet honeydew produced by Scales, Mealybugs, and especially Aphids. In fact, they go as far as herding these pests from plant to plant to encourage greater honeydew production. Moreover, ants diligently protect their captive herds from their natural predators, making it crucial to control ant populations, when using beneficial insects.

In addition to the problems caused by ants, these pests can also construct nests within raised garden beds, grow bags, and nursery pots. They can find their way under equipment that is infrequently moved, such as water tanks and reservoirs. These hidden nests can create further challenges for ant control and management efforts.

To combat ant infestations in such scenarios, incorporating predatory nematodes has proven to be particularly effective. When applied to the soil, nematodes have the opportunity to encounter ant nests and the developing ant larvae within them. Predatory nematodes infect and kill ant larvae by releasing an insect toxic bacteria upon contact, disrupting the ant colony’s lifecycle and gradually reducing the overall ant population. By targeting the vulnerable larvae stage, predatory nematodes can have a significant impact on ant populations, aiding in the management of ant infestations.

Moreover, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have been found to possess an interesting deterrent effect on ants. When EPN infect and kill insects, including ant larvae, the bacteria release chemical cues that serve as signals to nearby ants. These chemical signals act as alarm pheromones, indicating the presence of a threat to the ant colony. In response, ants may exhibit avoidance behavior and relocate their nest to avoid the area where EPN are present. This relocation can help disrupt the ants’ established foraging routes and reduce their impact on gardens, lawns, greenhouses, and farms.

To maximize the effectiveness of predatory nematodes and their deterrent effect on ants, proper application is crucial. Following the application instructions, providing sufficient soil coverage, and ensuring targeted treatment of areas with ant nests are essential steps. By strategically applying predatory nematodes and creating an environment where ants perceive a threat, there is a higher likelihood of deterring ants and potentially causing them to relocate their nest away from the targeted area.

It’s important to note that different ant species may respond differently to EPN and their deterrent effect. Monitoring the ant population and considering repeated applications may be necessary to achieve long-term control and discourage ants from returning to the treated area.

When confronted with ant infestations, incorporating predatory nematodes into an integrated pest management approach offers a natural and targeted solution for controlling ants and effectively managing ant populations. By utilizing the deterrent effect of EPN, gardeners and farmers can improve their ant control efforts, minimizing the impact of ants on crops.

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The-powers-that-should-not-be are pumping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; compressing it into liquid; and pumping it across the country in decommissioned natural gas pipelines. Then, it is pumped underground.

The intended consequence of this is a constraint on the supply of natural gas and a reduction in CO2 that will reduce crop production as plants crave 4x more CO2 than is in the atmosphere.

If you are a prepper or homesteader, you must get Masterblasterpilled and focus on producing feed, food, and fuel. You must develop new skillsets to survive and thrive. You also must learn how to prioritize as well.

Right now, you need to prepare for fall and winter crop production with reduced CO2. Plants need about 1200 ppm of CO2 for photosynthesis. Air has about 300 ppm. In a greenhouse, plants use up almost all of the CO2 in the air within the first hour of daylight. Then, photosynthesis slows substantially until a door is opened or a fan pulls in fresh air.

Stacking functions is the key to effectively utilize your resources. To create an ongoing supply of CO2 inside of your greenhouse, you need something to generate it. This can done with fish in an aquaponics system, small livestock such as rabbits, or fermentation. Today, let’s focus on fermentation as this is an easy way to get carbon dioxide production going in your greenhouse.

To begin with, you need a vessel like a bucket. I like 7 gallon buckets. Fill the bucket with 5 gallons of room temperature water. Mix in 2 pounds of sugar per gallon of water. Mix it up really good. Then, sprinkle in a packet of dry yeast. It can be baking, brewing, or wine making yeast. If you have access to it, I’d use EC-1118 winemaking yeast. Cover the bucket with a towel or a loose fitting lid and place it in the greenhouse. It will ferment vigorously for about 10 days and produce lots of carbon dioxide. If you have a big greenhouse, add more fermenter buckets. In hillbilly jargon, this is called a “sugar wash” or a “sugarhead”.

When it’s done fermenting, you will have a sour tasting beer that is about 13% alcohol by volume. Make sure to add more fermenters to your greenhouse each week for a continuous supply of gas. Your crop production will increase by about 1/3. I’m speaking from experience.

Over the past decade, most farmers in the organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture industry have heeded the warning that we’ve reached “peak phosphorous”; phosphorous being a nutrient produced through the mining of phosphate rock. During the lockdown, we saw disruptions in the distribution of nitrate fertilizers and then several suspicious fires at fertilizer plants followed by the war on nitrogen that has been regulating farmers out of business.

All of this has contributed to a rise in food costs and has bolstered the overpopulation narrative that is being pushed by the technocratic elite who benefit through “crisis investing” in degrading solutions like fake vaccines and culinary insects. It doesn’t have to be this way as has been proven by many organic farmers and permaculture mavericks.

Fertilizers have long been recognized as essential agents in enhancing plant growth and improving crop yield. However, it is not just the chemical composition of these fertilizers that plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy plant growth; the presence and collaboration with beneficial soil microbes are equally essential. Furthermore, fertilizer doesn’t have to be produced in a factory or mined. It can come from livestock manure, humanure, compost, worm castings, insect frass, chicken litter, biochar, algae, anaerobic digestate, and many other sources. In this article, we will explore the symbiotic relationship between fertilizers and these unsung heroes of the underground world – beneficial bacteria and beneficial fungi.

Mycorrhizae: Earth’s Natural Nutrient Superhighway

Mycorrhizae, often referred to as the “hidden half” of plants, are a group of beneficial fungi that form a mutualistic association with the roots of most plants. This fascinating partnership is a classic example of nature’s ingenuity, as mycorrhizal fungi provide plants with several crucial advantages:

• Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: Mycorrhizae extend the reach of plant roots by forming a network of mycelium, which can access nutrients and water sources that would otherwise be out of reach for plants.
• Disease Resistance: They act as a barrier against pathogenic fungi and bacteria, thereby protecting plants from soil-borne diseases.
• Stress Tolerance: Mycorrhizae help plants withstand environmental stressors like drought and high salinity, making them resilient in challenging conditions.

When combined with fertilizers, mycorrhizal fungi create a potent partnership. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients, while mycorrhizae increase nutrient absorption, improving plant growth and health.

Beneficial Bacteria: The Soil’s Microbiome Guardians

The soil microbiome is a complex ecosystem, with beneficial bacteria playing a crucial role in maintaining soil health. Some beneficial bacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to plants in a form they can absorb. Rhizobia and Azotobacter are well-known examples of such nitrogen-fixing bacteria as well as Bacillus subtilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaceans, Bacillus lichiniformis, Streptomyces griseus, and Paenibacillus Polymyxa. Others, such as Bacillus megaterium, facilitate the bio-availability of phosphorous.

These microorganisms improve soil structure, prevent disease, and facilitate nutrient cycling. When fertilizers are introduced into this environment, they can complement the work of these bacteria by providing additional nutrients, thus boosting plant growth.

Trichoderma: The Biocontrol Agents

Trichoderma is a group of beneficial fungi known for their antagonistic relationship with plant pathogens. They compete with harmful fungi for resources, effectively suppressing disease-causing agents in the soil. In addition to their biocontrol capabilities, Trichoderma species can also solubilize phosphorus, making this essential nutrient readily available to plants.

When fertilizers are used alongside Trichoderma, they support these fungi in outcompeting harmful pathogens and further enhancing nutrient availability for plants.

Beneficial Fungi: Guardians of Biodiversity

In addition to mycorrhizae and Trichoderma, many other beneficial fungi, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus species, contribute to soil health. These fungi break down organic matter and release essential nutrients, making them accessible to plants. They also play a role in decomposing dead plant material, promoting nutrient cycling in the ecosystem.

When fertilizers are applied alongside these beneficial fungi, they complement their work by providing supplemental nutrients. This partnership results in healthier, more resilient plants.

Conclusion

The world beneath our feet is a bustling ecosystem of microorganisms that play a vital role in plant health and agricultural productivity. Fertilizers, when used thoughtfully in conjunction with beneficial soil microbes like mycorrhizae, beneficial bacteria, Trichoderma, and other beneficial fungi, can lead to a harmonious relationship that benefits both plants and the environment. This collaboration not only ensures improved nutrient uptake but also enhances plant resistance to disease and environmental stressors. As we continue to explore sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, leveraging these partnerships with beneficial soil microbes becomes increasingly important.