Category Archives: Pest Control

7 Crop Health Metrics That Matter to Farmers

  By | | , ,
8 Comments

Crop health is of paramount importance to farmers; thus, careful and consistent monitoring of crop health is an absolute must. A recent study on coffee yield losses from 2013 to 2015 revealed that pests and diseases led to high primary (26%) and secondary (38%) yield losses in the researcher’s sampled area. This highlights the significance of closely paying attention to such detrimental factors in your crop’s environment. Doing so will ensure maximum yield and profit for farmers come harvest time.

land clearing machinery for biofuels sector

To look at crop health monitoring as governed by just one or two aspects, however, is a serious mistake. Rather, a holistic approach must be adopted; in other words, more factors need to be monitored than just pestilence and disease.

Here are seven of the most important crop health metrics for farmers to monitor, based on the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Program’s guidelines.

1. Crop appearance

Perhaps the most obvious indicator of crop health is their general appearance. While not an all-in-one, foolproof method of gauging the current condition of a particular set of crops, a farmer possessing the right tools and knowledge can tell quite a lot from simply looking at the state of his or her plants.

Lightness or discoloration in foliage more often than not points to chlorosis, a state in which plants produce insufficient chlorophyll. Modern methods of crop health monitoring, including new technologies that utilize both near-infrared and visible light, allow farmers to actively and accurately monitor chlorophyll content.

2. Crop growth

Among the indicators of poor crop growth are short branches, sparse stand, and the rarity or absence of new shoots. This, of course, will inevitably affect your total yield in a negative way. Under ideal circumstances, there should be robust growth and dense, uniform stand in your crops.

3. Tolerance or resistance to stress

Simply put, crop stress is a decrease in crop production brought about by external factors. An example would be exposure to excess light and high temperatures, which may disrupt photosynthesis (known as photoinhibition). As a result, crops will have insufficient energy to bear fruit or grow, and may even sustain lasting damage to their membranes, chloroplasts, and cells. Healthy crops are stress-tolerant, and can easily bounce back after being exposed to stressors in their environment.

4. Occurrences of pests and diseases

An indicator that your crops are extremely susceptible to pests and diseases would be if over 50% of the population ends up getting damaged by said factors. Under the right circumstances, less than 20% of your crops would be negatively affected by any invasion of pests or spread of disease, allowing them to easily recuperate and increase in number once more.

Building crop resistance against harmful insects and diseases can be done in a number of ways, including improving crop diversity, crop rotation, using organic pesticides such as Himalayan salt spray and eucalyptus oil, and even genetic research and enhancement.

5. Weed competition and pressure

Apart from insects and plant diseases, weeds can also spell doom for your crops, if left unchecked. In the event that your farm becomes overpopulated with weeds that will steal the nutrients from your crops, you will certainly notice that your crops are steadily dwindling. Healthy crops, on the other hand, would eventually overwhelm the weed population and reclaim dominance over your field.

6. Genetic diversity

To have only one dominant variety of crop in your farm is tantamount to putting your eggs in a single basket. For instance, you should consider the importance of having multiple disease-resistant crop varieties on your farm. Don’t fall prey to the temptation of replacing them entirely with a single, higher-yielding type.

It is essential to build crop resistance against harmful insects and diseases

7. Plant diversity and population

In an ideal setting, there should be more than two species of plants in your field. Counting the actual number of trees or plants across your farm, as well as the naturally occurring vegetation on all sides of the area, can also give you a better perspective on your farm’s overall crop health.

Importance of crop management system

Some farmers become overly reliant on insecticides and other chemicals to eliminate their pest problems — a grievous error, as this will likely lead to even more serious problems. Even the indiscriminate application of mineral fertilizers may inadvertently boost pest populations by making conditions ideal for them to thrive.

Ultimately, a combination of the right knowledge and the proper technology is a must in measuring and monitoring crop health metrics. Farmers must always be aware of the current health of their crops, and must be prepared to address any problems with solutions that don’t end up causing more.

Green Methods For Mold Remediation

  By | | , ,
2 Comments

If you discover mold in your home, it’s important to take immediate action to remediate it. Traditional mold remediation methods often involve the use of harsh chemicals and other toxic substances that can harm both people and the environment. However, there are several environmentally friendly mold remediation methods that can effectively address mold problems without damaging the environment.

environmentally friendly mold remediation methods

What is Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp, humid, or moist environments, and it can be found both indoors and outdoors. It reproduces through spores that are released into the air and can quickly spread throughout a building, making it challenging to remove.

When mold is left untreated, it can cause a range of health problems for those exposed to it. The spores can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, and prolonged exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Additionally, mold can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

In addition to the health risks, mold can also damage the structure of a building. Mold can weaken walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to costly repairs or even structural failure if left untreated for an extended period.

What Causes Mold

Mold can grow in any area that provides the right conditions for its growth. As mentioned, these conditions include dampness, high humidity, and moisture, which are common in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. In these areas, mold can grow on various surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, floors, and even on furniture and fabrics.

Water leaks are one of the most common causes of mold growth. Leaks can occur in pipes, roofs, or other areas of a building and can go unnoticed for a long time, providing the perfect conditions for mold growth. High humidity and condensation are also significant contributors to mold growth, particularly in areas with poor ventilation. Moisture can accumulate on surfaces and in the air, creating the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive.

Environmentally Friendly Mold Remediation Methods

We will explore several environmentally friendly mold remediation methods that can effectively address mold problems without damaging the environment. From using natural cleaning agents to HEPA vacuuming, we will discuss various methods that are safe for both people and the environment. By choosing environmentally friendly mold remediation methods, we can protect our health and the environment at the same time.

1. HEPA Vacuuming

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuuming is a type of vacuuming that uses a specialized filter to trap small particles, including mold spores, dust, and other allergens. A HEPA filter is designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it an effective tool for removing mold spores from surfaces.

HEPA vacuuming is a safe and effective method for removing mold spores from surfaces because it doesn’t involve the use of chemicals or other toxic substances. Instead, it relies on the power of suction to remove mold spores from surfaces. This method can be particularly useful for removing mold from carpets, upholstery, and other soft surfaces that can’t be easily cleaned with other methods.

However, it’s important to note that HEPA vacuuming should be used in combination with other mold remediation methods. While HEPA vacuuming can effectively remove mold spores from surfaces, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of mold growth. Therefore, it’s important to address any sources of moisture or other conditions that may be contributing to mold growth to prevent it from returning in the future.

Additionally, HEPA vacuuming should be performed by a trained mold remediation professional who understands the proper techniques for using this method safely and effectively. This is especially important when dealing with large areas or severe mold infestations.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent that can be used to remediate mold. It is a mild acid that can effectively kill and prevent the growth of mold spores, making it a popular alternative to harsh chemicals.

One of the main benefits of using vinegar to kill mold is that it is non-toxic and doesn’t release harmful fumes, making it safe for both people and the environment. Unlike traditional mold remediation methods that use harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia, vinegar won’t harm surfaces, pets, or people. It’s also readily available and affordable, making it a popular choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to mold problems.

To use vinegar to remove mold, you should mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then use a brush or scrub pad to remove the mold from the surface. Rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely. For tough mold stains, it may be necessary to repeat the process a few times to fully remove the mold.

Be careful not to use vinegar on porous surfaces such as wood or drywall, as it can cause damage to these materials. Additionally, vinegar should not be mixed with bleach or other cleaning agents, as this can create toxic fumes.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and natural cleaning agent that can also be used to remove mold. It is an alkaline compound that can help to neutralize acidic odors and inhibit the growth of mold, making it a popular choice for those looking for an eco-friendly solution to mold problems.

Like vinegar, baking soda is non-toxic and doesn’t release harmful fumes, making it safe for both people and the environment. It’s an affordable and widely available alternative to traditional mold remediation methods, making it a popular choice for those looking for a natural and cost-effective solution.

To use baking soda to kill mold, mix a one-quarter tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water. Baking soda can be effective at removing mold stains and preventing its recurrence.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Bathroom Mold

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful natural disinfectant that can be used to remediate mold. It is a non-toxic compound that is safe for both people and the environment and doesn’t release harmful fumes. Hydrogen peroxide is often used in hospitals and other medical settings to disinfect surfaces, making it a popular alternative to harsh chemicals for mold remediation.

To use hydrogen peroxide to remediate mold, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water. Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing mold spores and can help to prevent their recurrence.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil are powerful natural antifungal agents that can be used to remediate mold. These oils contain potent properties that can effectively kill mold spores and prevent their growth, making them a popular alternative to harsh chemicals.

Unlike traditional mold remediation methods that use harsh chemicals, essential oils are non-toxic and don’t release harmful fumes, making them safe for both people and the environment. Essential oils are derived from plants, which makes them a natural and eco-friendly solution to mold problems.

Tea tree oil is a particularly effective essential oil for mold remediation, as it has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s often used in hospitals and other medical settings as a natural disinfectant. Lavender oil and eucalyptus oil are also effective at killing mold spores and have the added benefit of providing a pleasant aroma.

Mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the mold-affected area. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water. Essential oils can help to eliminate musty odors in addition to killing mold.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom

  By | | , ,
3 Comments

Most homeowners have black mold in their homes without even knowing. Most types of mold grow in dark, warm, and humid places that are often hidden, such as bathrooms. Removing bathroom mold can be challenging, but it’s essential not only for the aesthetics of your bathroom but also for your health and indoor air quality. With the right conditions, mold can grow within 48 hours, and leaving it untreated might lead to several health conditions, including respiratory illnesses and aggravated allergies, and asthma. Therefore, you should clean mold immediately and find ways of preventing recurrent growth.

Unfortunately, most conventional mold cleaning products are made from harmful ingredients. The Environmental Working Group found ingredients that irate the lungs in half of these products. However, you can avoid these harmful products and consider eco-friendly and overly effective cleaning products. These natural mold cleaning products include:

Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Bathroom Mold

1. Vinegar

White vinegar is a safe and affordable natural mold cleaning solution that clears mold growth in the bathroom and other surfaces expertly. The solution has antibacterial properties that make it effective in cleaning and preventing mold growth. Regular vinegar used for cooking contains 5% of acetic acid. However, you should use white vinegar with 6% to eliminate mold. The extra percentage is what makes it effective. You can find this in your local home improvement stores.

To use the solution, transfer undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it directly into the surface with mold. Let it sit for one hour, use a scrub brush to loosen any stubborn mold, and wipe the surface with warm water.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

You can also clean your bathroom mold effectively using hydrogen peroxide. In a humid environment such as South Florida, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective measure for mold remediation. It is a three-in-one agent with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that is safe to use and environmentally friendly. You can use the solution to kill mold from porous household materials, such as woven furniture.

To use hydrogen peroxide, mix two parts of water with one part of hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can soak the solution in a towel and wipe the affected surface directly. Allow the solution to settle on the surface for 10 minutes, scrub it with a toothbrush, and wipe the remaining mold with a towel.

3. Tea Tree Oil Solution

Tea tree oil solution is not only effective in keeping spiders away but also a natural and safe option for getting rid of mold from your bathroom. This natural fungicide is a strong cleaning agent that can kill and prevent mold spores from growing. To make this solution, mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water and adjust the ratio of this mixture accordingly.

Shake the solutions to mix and apply using a spray bottle for better coverage. After applying to the area covered by mold, leave it for one hour to dry, then wipe the surface using a dry towel or microfiber clothing. Always use gloves or other protective gear since it can irritate your skin despite being a natural solution.

4. Grapefruit Seed Extract

The grapefruit seed extract is well known for its myriad health benefits. However, very few people know of its effective cleaning abilities. What makes this product very effective in cleaning mold in the bathroom and any other rooms in your home is the presence of polyphenols or limonoids and naringenin in the extract.

These compounds are effective in killing bacteria in carpet spills and laundry, which often promote mold growth. When used to fight bathroom mold growth, these acids penetrate any growth, preventing mold spores from recurring.

To use the solution;

  • Mix ten drops of grapefruit seed extract with one cup of water
  • Spray the solution and let it sit for between 10 minutes and one hour, depending on the saturation of mold, then wipe the residue
  • As with other natural remedies, use a spray bottle to saturate all the affected spots in your bathroom.

5. Lemon Juice

While this isn’t the strongest solution, lemon juice is widely available in most kitchens. Besides being natural, everybody likes the enticing smell of fresh lemon. That said, slice and juice five or more lemons depending on the size of the affected area. Pour the solution and leave it for five minutes, then wipe using a damp towel with warm water.

If the mold growth proves stubborn, you can scrub the bathroom floor, walls, or ceiling using a toothbrush. For optimal results, mix the lemon juice with hand or dish soap and some water.

Conclusion

The presence of mold in bathroom predisposes occupants to various health hazards, particularly respiratory problems. In severe cases, it can aggravate pneumonia, especially if someone had pre-existing health conditions. If you suspect mold growth in your bathroom, purchase a mold testing kit to confirm its presence. The above natural solutions can help in clearing small-scale mold growth. However, if the growth is extensive, hire mold remediation experts for professional services.

Termite Infestation: Essential Steps on Eliminating Termites

  By | | ,
1 Comment

Getting professional termite control services can be very expensive, as termites as well as fire ants are hard to control. Because of this, many people out there are beginning to wonder whether they can eliminate termites by themselves and whether choosing this route will be effective or not. If killing termites are something you’re considering then you happen to be exactly where you need to be right now.

Out of the numerous rodents, critters, insects and other pests, the termite is arguably among the most dangerous of them all. Getting professional termite control services can be very expensive, that goes without saying.

termite-infestation

Termite is a pest that has the ability to completely destroy the foundation of your house in just a couple of years or so. And that’s not even the worst part, which is for the first few years they’re basically unnoticeable. What this means is that they attack with no warning at all. Horrible no? Anyway, let’s take a look at a few ways you can get rid of termites and eliminate infestation.

1. Poisoned Bait

If you happen to be the type that’s a bit cautious of having large amounts of pesticides being sprayed all over your home then you might want to consider trying out this technique. With poison bait, you won’t have the need to use pesticides. The bait you set will attract termites that are foraging around and these termites will eventually carry this bait back to where the colony resides. You can place this bait in and around the whole house.

Some products go as far as having a detecting system as well aside from the bait itself. When installed, these types of bait systems will alert you when the bait is consumed. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. The costs of professional services vary and mytermitetreatmentcosts.com can help you determine the different costs available to you. Oh, and pest control professionals also employ the use of bait systems sometimes.

2. Liquid Termite Barrier

This method may not have the ability to kill the termites already infesting your home, however, it happens to be a fantastic way of preventing them from getting in. The idea behind this technique is to surround your home completely in a pesticide barrier that’ll poison any termites upon contact. While many commonly use it around the foundation of the house, you can also use it around certain wooden structures, tree stumps and wood piles.

Termidor happens to be one of the most effective of them all when it comes to products of this nature. Termites can’t detect it at all and it is very hard for them to avoid something they can not see nor smell.

3. Direct Chemical Treatment

While both poisoned bait and liquid barrier treatment are very effective when handling the outside of the house, there use isn’t really practical for the inside of the house itself. Yes, they can kill termites but they can’t be used directly within the house.

When you spot termites inside crevices found in your walls, rafters or attic, you’ll probably need something that can handle these annoying little critters right there and then. In such cases, direct chemicals will usually be your best bet. Most of these products come in a foam or spray, sprays being the ones that are most commonly used around the globe. With this method, all you need to do is locate the crevices and voids where the termites are and then spray the chemical or apply the foam.

4. Boric Acid

An ‘in-between’ solution that many people consider to be the best when it comes to the debate of natural solutions vs pesticides in pest control is boric acid. This method works on a number of insects, including the termite, It is theorized that this acid attacks the insect’s metabolic and digestive system. After the initial contact, it is known to take from around three to seven days before the exposed termite dies. And while it’s not exactly a natural solution, it happens to have much lower toxicity levels as compared to most of the other pesticides found on the market.

Borax, as it’s also commonly referred to, is widely available and is often found in powder form. However, you can also find it as a borate solution. When in powder form all you need is a good quality powder duster and then apply it by dusting the affected areas.

Your home is undoubtedly a very precious thing and pests should in no way be the cause for you to re-investment in it. They shouldn’t be the ones to decide for you whether you need to put in money into fixing it up again. Hopefully, these few methods highlighted in this article will help you ensure that this does not happen to you.

Problems Caused by Pigeon Population Growth

  By | | ,
1 Comment

Pigeons, these flying birds have grown in number alarmingly in the past few years. You find them flocking around in your garden or sitting on your window sill cooing in their particular manner. It seems like they are everywhere and have started to feel annoying. So, what can be done to control their vast population? And how did it increase so much?  Is using a pigeon birth control tactic the answer? If so, then which tactic could be the most effective in controlling their population? Read on to find your answers.

It has been estimated that the worldwide population of pigeons is 26,00,00,000. The main cause behind these big numbers is that some people feed these pigeons just because they love to. That is, they feed on humanitarian grounds since they feel that they must. They do so to ensure that pigeons don’t starve to death. At the same time, others do so because they believe that feeding birds is their moral duty.

pigeons-health-problems

Thus feeding birds at feeding centers and public places has become a common practice. This feeding is the main cause of the overpopulation of pigeons. Even if it gives you satisfaction, it actually ends up becoming harmful rather than benefiting you. As Dr. Naveen Panday says that alarmingly, feeding pigeons exposes us to health problems and may become a danger for society.

Health problems caused by pigeons

Pigeons secrete their droppings at odd places almost everywhere. These droppings are filled with spores. If you breathe them in, then they may cause many problems for you. The foremost of them being respiratory disorders. Moreover, the feces of pigeons is extremely acidic. If dropped on buildings, it destroys them. It also corrodes monuments.

In addition to this, female pigeons reproduce at an alarming rate; that is, they give birth to 48 squash in a year! On average, a pigeon can live up to 20 to 25 years. With such long lifespans for a bird, they don’t die off quickly. A well-fed pigeon excretes around 11.5 kilograms of hazardous droppings in just a year.

Global actions for prevention

In the year 2001, in London, a ban was imposed on the Trafalgar Square on feeding pigeons as it is extremely toxic for human health. In 2008, Venice also put restrictions on people who sell grains for feeding pigeons, applying strict penalties on them. Even Spain’s Catalan Town took a precautionary step in managing their pigeon population. They have been feeding pigeons Ovistop, a contraceptive that is composed of corn seeds. Those seeds are then covered with Nicarbazin. This helps in limiting their population.

Contraception

Talking of contraceptives, the OvoControl pigeon control program is your perfect choice for limiting their population. It has been estimated that by using the OvoControl program, pigeon growth declined rapidly with a 50% decrease per year. Furthermore, this birth control technique is humane and non-lethal. It simply disturbs the female pigeon’s ability to produce an egg. Thus fewer eggs mean fewer birds.

Diseases Caused By Pigeons

Dr. Kedar Toraskar says that for patients suffering from bronchitis, asthma or similar respiratory diseases, exposure to pigeons is harmful to their health. In fact, it may end up worsening their condition. The best preventive measure that can be taken is the complete removal of the source and maintaining cleanliness in the contaminated area. However, killing them off is not an option. Since this method does not produce immediate results; instead, their population increases rapidly. If you kill them, they would simply grow more. Thus OvoControl program is an ideal choice.

pigeon-birth-control

In addition to this, patients suffering from the diseases mentioned above should consult their physician at once to control their condition before it gets out of hand. Other birds like parrots, parakeets etc., can also worsen these diseases.

The biggest con of feeding sites is that a lot of these are constructed right outside marketplaces or community areas. As a result, many people are vulnerable to these problems. Doctors say that frequent feeding sites may lead to a disease known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis. In common terms, this is called pigeon breeders disease or bird fanciers disease. Persistent dry cough, fever, malaise and fatigue are the symptoms of this particular disease.

Dr. Kedar also adds that exposure to pigeons might cause progressive symptoms, including irreversible lung fibrosis and, in severe cases, death. These issues are caused by exposure to fecal matter and proteinaceous material on dried dust which finely falls off from the pigeon feathers.

Conclusion

Different governments and authorities must take quick steps to shut down the pigeon feeding stations. Hence all of these birds will move away somewhere else in the search for food. Furthermore, using anti-fertility drugs or contraceptives like OvoControl would end up controlling pigeon growth without harming them in return.

3 Tips For Keeping Your House Pest-Free This Summer

  By | | ,
3 Comments

The warmer weather might be great for holidays and spending time outside, but the one thing it also brings around are pests looking for food or some shelter out from the heat. The most common problems to find their way out of hiding are rats and pigeons, both of which are a danger to your health and a mission to get rid of once they have made their way into your home.

If you ever find yourself stuck in a war with pests and cannot get the best Pest Busters in Birmingham to assist you, then you should follow these easy steps to keep your home pest-free.

1. Keep garbage cans clean and closed at all times

Vermin are attracted to dirt and areas where there is a lot of rubble. They can smell it a mile away. If you ever see pigeons returning to the same spot consistently, then you know they are on the prowl to find food from a source close. Use disinfectant around the area if any food may have spilt over accidentally and soaked into the ground.

closed-garbage-can

The smell will attract rats, which are not very afraid of humans and usually travel in groups. Like pigeons, rats are always on the lookout for food sources, so they are likely to return if they find a good start. Keep pets food indoors so that they are not at risk either, and wash your pets regularly in summer to keep them from attracting pests with their smell.

2. Bedbugs

They can make their way into your furniture or bedding through dust, pets or other pests and it can be a nightmare to try and get rid of them. The first thing you should do to prevent their unwelcomed stay is to keep your mattresses clean. These little critters thrive off your dead skin cells and multiply in thousands every day.

storage-bed

Spraying your furniture with a safe detergent will keep them from being able to reproduce. If any of your beds have been affected, steam cleans the mattress and wash all the laundry immediately. You can even add an insect repellant spray to the steamer and make sure that the bed and the furniture is dry with heat. Do not leave it out on its own to dry; dry it immediately.

3. Cleaning

The result of trying to keep your home pest-free will have to be using disinfectant in all the areas where they are likely to gather and make sure that you do not leave anything out that they could use to make nests with or see as a food source. Citronella candles help to keep away flying pests like mosquitos and flies and can also help to onward off smaller vermin like mice.

cleaning-for-pest-free-home

If you suspect that you might have a problem, then call the best Pest Busters in Birmingham to help you enjoy summer pest free.

Conclusion

In summary, these measures not only help in keeping your home pest-free but also are economical in the long run, considering how much pest control costs when dealing with a full-blown infestation. Regular cleaning, proper garbage disposal, and specific preventive actions against bedbugs are key strategies.

If you suspect a serious cockroach issue, it’s advisable to contact cockroach pest control by Waynes for specialized assistance.

How Farmers Can Benefit from Agriculture Recruiting?

  By | | , ,
3 Comments

Agriculture recruiting is the process of hiring personnel with agrarian qualifications. The qualification may be in the form of diplomas, degrees, and practical experience. Farming is an art that can be learned by any individual interested in venturing into the industry. However, it takes a level of expertise to navigate the various dynamics that influence whether the farming process is a success. Let’s take a look at how farmers can benefit from agricultural recruiting.

agricultural-recruiting

1. Research

Data gathered from in-depth research is one of the ways that farmers can benefit from agriculture recruiting. As a farmer, it is tempting to plant convenient crops, season, and plants that are enjoyable. However, agriculturalists base decisions on in-depth research data.

Agriculture recruiting will provide researchers who can provide you with the following information that is crucial for the success of any crop:

  • The specific crops that grow well in your particular geographical area
  • The temperatures required for specific crops to grow in a healthy state
  • The best time of the season to plant a specific crop
  • The advantages and disadvantages of planting the crop
  • Mistakes experienced by other farmers and how to avoid these
  • Labour required for the crop
  • Gadgets needed for effective planting
  • Type of irrigation required for watering the crop

Such information requires in-depth research through case study analysis, interviews with farmers, participant observation, and desk research. Expert agricultural researchers will provide such data, which will help a farmer make informed decisions regarding their crop.

2. Business Management Consulting

A farmer may be a wealth of knowledge regarding the practical execution of crop planting. They may be sure of the times to plant, the soil, and the processes it takes to yield a quality crop. If the farmer is in business, they may not have the expertise regarding business management.

The business aspect of farming requires market research, competitor analysis, market trend projection, foresight, marketing, consumer behavior, and networking. Through agricultural recruiting, a farmer is paired with an expert in such business processes. The coupling of the skills may result in farming business success.

3. Soil Testing

It is difficult to determine the type of soil that you plan to grow the crop. Agriculturalists know how to test the soil to decide various dynamics. Soil type can determine the type of crop that will raise best, the produce that will require the least labor, the kind of fertilizer that nurtures the soil type effectively, and the season that certain crops flourish. A farmer who has soil tested before beginning a planting process will have a higher success rate than one who risks planting the wrong type of produce in the soil.

4. Seed Selection

Regardless of the type of crop that a farmer decides to plant, they can choose from numerous kinds of seeds. The decision to buy a particular type of seed should depend on varying factors such as land space, soil type, and temperature. This is the kind of information that a farmer will benefit from if they venture into agriculture recruiting. You can research it yourself—however, it may be difficult to verify the knowledge freely shared in digital spaces.

pest-management

5. Expert Damage Control

Crops can succumb to factors that are sometimes out of the farmer’s control. For example, unexpected heavy rainfall, winds, or a sudden pest problem could all affect the crop’s quality. Agriculture recruiting means accessing experts of damage control in such situations. Experts will know whether crops can be salvaged from the damage and the process that is required. If the crop is damaged beyond the point where any can be nurtured to health, experts will give information regarding how to move beyond the damage. Prevention methods in some cases may also be provided for future execution.

6. Pest Management

Pest management is crucial to the success of a crop. Experts can decipher whether a crop requires a form of pest management, the kind of pest that may damage the crop, how it damages the harvest, as well as when and how to apply pest control substances. Certain chemicals may, in fact, harm the crop, or become hazardous to health if applied on the wrong type of crop. The expert advice offered to farmers is therefore essential, especially when there is the use of chemicals. Agriculturalists are also trained on how to use the chemicals, meaning farmer safety is a priority.

Conclusion

Farmers can benefit from agriculture recruiting because of expert knowledge. Farmers can benefit from in-depth research, soil testing, seed selection consultation, damage control, pest management, and farming from the business facet. It is advised that farmers consult such expertise to avoid costly mistakes and develop their farming art through expert guidance.