Agassiz Observer, August 02, 2013

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Friday, August 2, 2013

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LATIN RYTHMNS

Agricultural research: Up close and personal

The Rio Samaya Band will perform in Pioneer Park on Aug. 15

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Pacific Agriculture Research Centre open house Jessica Peters

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WELCOMING SASQUATCH Visitor photo ops with Harrison Hot Springs’ new front entrance

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Locally Owned & Operated 7266 Pioneer Ave. 604-796-8444

Soil may not look like much to the naked eye, but every shovelful is teeming with life. But before getting out the bug spray, master's student Katie Neufeld wants everyone to know the importance of that microscopic life. There are complex relationships at work in every square inch, from the beetles and bugs we can see, to the microscopic nematodes and fungal filiments we can't see. That science behind the soil was explained by Neufeld on Saturday at the Pacific Agriculture Research Centre open house. She is completing her field research on soil management at the 175-acre, Agassiz-based research station, and was chosen to speak about her work for their annual open house. Neufeld encouraged her audience to learn more about the dirt beneath their feet, and explained why. "A spade full of rich garden soil contains more species of organisms that can be found above ground in the entire Amazon rain forest," she said, while passing around samples of well-aggrated soil. Everyone needs to be aware of soil composition, she said, if we are to keep our food supply strong and viable. Even with the advances in soiless growing media and aquaponics, rich soil is necessary for our survival. For example, the stronger soil is, the fewer pesticides and fertilizers are needed to support plant life. And while some of the research going on at the station revolves around pest protection, including the development of bug resistant crops, building up the soil in the ground can be just as effective. "If you have healthy soil, the organisms can lock in the nutrients," she said. There are micro and macro organisms, she added. The macro organisms (worms, beetles,

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JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

The Research Station open house included up close and personal looks at many facets of agricultural research, including a chance for children to hold young chicks.

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Bacon & Eggers POOF. You’re a morning person.


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Agassiz Observer, August 02, 2013 by Black Press Media Group - Issuu