 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
Researchers say desalinated water harms crops: report
Jerusalem (AFP) Nov 9, 2007 Desalinated water can adversely affect crops because of its low mineral content, Israeli researchers were quoted as finding by the Haaretz newspaper on Friday. Crops such as tomatoes, basil and certain species of flower are particularly susceptible, their study found. The report says the water's low mineral content, once considered an advantage, is actually bad for crops. Calcium shortage, for example, causes physiological defects, while magnesium shortage damages plant development. The researchers, including Jorge Tarchitzky, a senior official at Israel's agriculture ministry, are calling for desalinated water to be made suitable for farming by adding some of the nutritional elements vital to crops. Half the 100 million cubic metres produced at the desalinated water plant in Ashkelon, south of Tel Aviv, is funnelled to agriculture. Israel is a world pioneer in using desalinated water in farming. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Farming Today - Suppliers and Technology
Global pest uses promiscuity to wipe out competition: study
Chicago (AFP) Nov 8, 2007One of the world's most invasive agricultural pests that has devastated crops in China and Australia in recent years owes its "success" to its mating habits, a study released Thursday said. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
