Expect Fertilizer Prices to Go Up Real Fast !

[Guest]

I just read Island resident Richard Ha's Blog and I'm startled to learn that Fertilizer prices will probably be increasing very fast.

This impacts everyone who uses ferts.[V]

I highly suggest you read today's entry.

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Lower your expectations and be ready for anything.

[mikewj]

Increased fertilizer cost? Time to quit chemical dependency and start composting. Separate out the good green stuff from the trash and make a wonderful organic soup to feed the plants. Maybe go back to the farming method from old England in the Middle Ages; divide the available garden space into four plots, plant three, leave one fallow, and rotate the crops for best production.

Don't know how well they grow in Hawaii, but my wife's dad (Midwest farmer) used to plant soybeans, harvest the crop and plough in the plants to increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil.

Also consider edible hedges, fruit trees and brambles for self sufficiency and to trade at a co-operative.

[hikatz]

We have a freshwater brackish pond in Hilo which has a lot of algae, the type you find in fishtanks Ceratophyllum or hornswort? It is a good organic fertilizer, but hard work [] pulling it out of the drain pond. We usually pull out 1-2 truckloads of algae a week, if you don't mind the work, you are welcome to come and get a load FREE, e-mail us if you are interested.

[gtill]

The method of plowing back most of the plant, is practisd in most of the nation,and recommended by AG Depts everywhere! It also conserves water!

But if anyone thinks these islands could be fed organically, better think again! Starvation was much of what kept the population in check! Many areas survived by apuaha, trading from mountain to sea!

Certain prime areas like N Kohala central ridges were the main sourse of sweet potatoe, the biggest crop, and the most fertile land! Sure they survived, but mostly just survived!

HK, algae is a good fertiliser, but it would take a bunch to be enough to use! A 2" trash pump with filter might work, with a screened box on land. (or a wetordry vac!)

Organic as a soil amendment to keep the food taste mabe, but not total!

[Guest]

Richard Ha found an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal regarding the rising prices of Fertilizer. Here is an interesting quote:

Fertilizer prices are rising faster than those of almost any other raw material used by farmers. In April, farmers paid 65% more for fertilizer than they did a year earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That compares with price increases of 43% for fuel, 30% for seeds and 3.8% for chemicals such as weedkillers and insecticides over the same period, according to Agriculture Department indexes.

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Lower your expectations and be ready for anything.