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| Cultivate Green |
March 19, 2007
Over 100 people attended the evening's discussion on soils held at the University of Houston, Gerald D. Hines School of Architecture Building, Houston Texas.
Brian Yeoman, Senior Research Scientist at HARC and advisory board member for Cultivate Green welcomed the attendees. He also mentioned plans for future events with information on topics and locations to be provided in the coming weeks.
Mr. John Ferguson, a licensed soil scientist and founder Nature's Way Resources, began the evening with an overview of the science of soil, including soil biology and the importance of the soil food web. He explained the role of microorganisms in maintaining healthy soil and keeping plant disease and insect pests in check. Mr. Ferguson defined compost and discussed how it replenishes and provides food sources for these essential microorganisms. He noted that trace minerals, required for proper plant development and human nutrition, are taken up from the soil by plants and must be replenished.
Ms. Ella Tyler, editor of the Citizens' Environmental Coalition's weekly update and an active member of the Houston Rose society for more than 10 years, spoke on earth friendly roses. She shared the Texas A & M requirements for development of these Earthkind roses that require only minimal maintenance, along with an extensive list of roses that have passed the scrutiny of test growers.
Ms. Heather Wilson, a landscape professional specializing in both residential and commercial projects, and Mr. Rick Smith, founder of Silver Sword Industries' Green Image, which is currently the distributor of Ecologel's Hydretain product line in Texas, Arizona and Southern Nevada presented the commercial and residential uses of Hydretain. Hydretain is a patented hygroscopic and humectant technology designed to manage soil moisture by marginally slowing evaporative loss, reportedly reducing watering requirements by up to 50%.
Ms. Betsy Ross Butilia wrapped up the discussion of soils. She is dedicated to the proposition that healthy soil makes healthy plants and therefore healthy livestock and people. She owns and operates several family businesses, including Sustainable Growth Texas, LLC, which manufactures and sells compost extract and the Betsy Ross Farm, a 500 acre cattle farm in Central Texas that produces Betsy Ross Grass-fed Beef. She reiterated the benefits of compost and compost extract to reintroduce and encourage soil microbiology to create the healthiest soils, which result in the healthiest plants, animals, and people.
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| Page Updated/Reviewed: 04/09/2007 1:43 PM |
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