Attention Readers !
Are you looking for Products, Equipment or Services for your business? If so, check out these leading companies advertised inside:
AutOMAtIC FlOOr SySteMS
Keith Manufacturing Co – pg 3
BAggINg/PAlletIzINg equIPMeNt
The Global Land Grab: What It Means for Agriculture, Energy, and Society
Amadas Industries – pg 13
nVenia – pg 20
Premier tech – pg 22
COMPOSt turNer
resource Machinery & engineering – pg 13
CONVeyOrS & CONVeyOr PArtS
Amadas Industries – pg 13
equIPMeNt SAleS grindertrader.com – pg 20
grINderS, ChIPPerS & SCreeNINg SySteMS
Action Vibratory equipment – pg 14
Amadas Industries – pg 13
Bandit – pg 9
diamond z – pg 19
hogzilla – pg 20
Maverick environmental equipment – pg 8
rotochopper – pg 11
Vermeer Corporation – pg 6
Viably – pg 23
MulCh COlOrINg equIPMeNt/ COlOrANtS
AgriCoatings – pg 7
Amerimulch – pg 15
Britton Industries – pg 8
CMC – pg 5
Colorbiotics – pg 2
Faltech – pg 18
Florida Coastal Colors – pg 21
Milagro rubber Inc – pg 12
Münzing Corporation – pg 16
t.h. glennon Co – pg 24
MulCh SuPPlIerS Ohio Mulch – pg 4
PAylOAd WeIghINg & MeASurINg SySteMS
Walz Scale – pg 17
trAIlerS Weaver Systems – pg 10
trOMMel BruSheS
Power Brushes Inc – pg 20
WeAr PArtS
Armorhog – pg 20
By Kathleen Marquardt
In recent years, the topic of land acquisition by major corporations, foreign governments, and private equity firms has gained increasing attention. Companies like BlackRock, JP Morgan, Vanguard, and others have been purchasing vast tracts of farmland, forests, and singlefamily homes, raising concerns about the long-term impact on agriculture and local communities. Additionally, foreign powers like China are acquiring U.S. land, heightening worries about national security and resource control. These “land grabs” are transforming not only the economy but also the social and environmental landscape.
But what’s driving this rush for land, and what are the implications for our food supply, environment, and civil society?
The Corporate and Foreign Takeover of Farmland
The National Family Farm Coalition warns that 40% of U.S. farmland is expected to change hands in the coming decades. Historically, farmland has been locally owned, with family farms passed down through generations. However, as large corporations and foreign entities, notably from China, buy up agricultural land, local control is diminishing.
Much of this land is being repurposed for non-agricultural uses, such as real estate developments or renewable energy projects, further eroding the foundation of rural farming communities. The loss of farmland to speculative investors could have severe consequences for food production and security, especially as global population growth continues to strain resources. Oxfam America has estimated that over an acre of farmland is lost every minute in the U.S., contributing to rising food prices and supply chain challenges.
Renewable Energy: A Double-Edged Sword?
In an interview with Tom DeWeese, President of the American Policy Center, an organization protecting property rights, after enumerating many of the ways wind and solar power are not what they are said to be, he noted that they also will never produce enough power to be a significant source of energy. Beyond that, he pointed out that these “sustainable” changes to “save the planet” are changing our entire civil society, while also damaging our land, water, and air we breathe. The U.S. government has set ambitious goals to transition to renewable energy sources,
The Global Land Grab
Continued from page 1
such as wind and solar, in an effort to combat “climate change”. But these projects come with significant land requirements, often at the expense of agriculture. For instance, meeting the current administration’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035 would require about 700,000 acres of land just for solar installations.
While renewable energy is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, large-scale wind and solar farms often displace farmers and take valuable land out of food production. The environmental benefits of solar and wind power are also accompanied by challenges. Wind turbines have a relatively short lifespan (6–10 years), and once decommissioned, their components, which contain rare earth minerals, often end up buried on-site, potentially contaminating the soil. This means that farmland converted for renewable energy may never be restored to its previous productive capacity. DeWeese notes that farmland lost is farmland lost forever.
Critics argue that while renewable energy is vital, we must carefully balance the need for clean energy with the preservation of agricultural land.
As DeWeese says, “solar and wind power has to be stored; you don’t run directly off it. And when the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow, that stored power runs out
pretty quickly.”
DeWeese adds, “Seventeen million acres are planned for solar panels in the Midwest; 250 million acres for wind turbines. Even 2400 such turbines wouldn’t produce enough electricity for the peak summer needs of New York State. But they intend to convert the entire nation’s energy supply to this farce. Is there enough land in the whole U.S. to build them? For example, Scotland has cleared 17,283 acres for windfarms. To do this, they have wiped out 14 million trees.”
The Impact on Farmers and Food Security
Family farms are vital to both the economy and food security, but they are increasingly at risk. As corporate and foreign buyers acquire land, smaller farmers often struggle to compete with rising land prices. Additionally, strict environmental regulations are pushing many farmers out of business. The loss of family-owned farms and the consolidation of land into the hands of large corporations could result in a less diverse, less resilient agricultural system.
Rural areas face additional challenges from eminent domain laws, which allow governments
Continued on page 6
Publisher / Editor Rick Downing
Contributing Editors / Writers Kathleen Marquardt • Robert LaGasse Sandy Woodthorpe
Production & Layout Christine Mantush
Advertising Sales Rick Downing
Subscription / Circulation Donna Downing
Editorial, Circulation & Advertising Office 6075 Hopkins Road, Mentor, OH 44060 Ph: 440-257-6453 • Fax: 440-257-6459 Email: downassoc2@oh.rr.com
Subscription information, call 440-257-6453. Soil & Mulch Producer News is published bimonthly by Downing & Associates. Reproductions or transmission in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.
Annual subscription rate U.S. is $19.95. Outside of the U.S. add $10 ($29.95). Contact our main office, or mail-in the subscription form with payment. ©Copyright 2024 by Downing & Associates
The Global Land Grab: What It Means for Agriculture, Energy, and Society
to seize private land for public projects, including wind and solar farms. This practice is increasingly being used to confiscate farmland for energy infrastructure, further reducing the amount of land available for growing food. As farmland is converted into energy projects or sold for speculative purposes, food production is likely to decrease, driving up food prices and affecting the cost of living for everyone.
China’s Growing Influence
Foreign ownership of U.S. land is also a growing concern, especially as China continues to acquire large tracts of farmland and infrastructure. With 384,000 acres
Continued from page 4
already under Chinese ownership, there are worries about the potential for foreign control over critical resources like food and energy. China’s involvement goes beyond land ownership. The Chinese government is also heavily investing in renewable energy projects in the U.S., often through companies that claim to be “made in America” but are in fact controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. For example, a Michigan electric vehicle (EV) battery plant, Gotion Inc., is technically an American company but must follow Chinese government mandates. This growing influence over key industries, including energy and agriculture, has raised concerns about national security and economic independence.
YOUR SHREDDER
The Dangers of “Smart Growth” Policies
DeWeese brought up the “second front” of the land and homes being bought up. Arkansas was the first state to stand up and say that Chinese citizens or officials cannot purchase property in their state. What is Arkansas seeing that other states aren’t – yet? Along with the agricultural and forest land, we are seeing single-family homes being bought up at reduced prices because “Smart Growth” policy is being put in place, making it too impossible for middle-class people to even upgrade their homes. The farmers cannot survive while trying to obey absurd sustainable rules, thus they are going out of business. BlackRock, Vanguard, et al, and Bill Gates are grabbing land as fast as they can.
In the article “The Private Equity Land Grab Expanding to Smaller Legacy Cities”,Catherine Tumbler notes, “Corporate and institutional investors expanded their role in the housing market more than a decade ago, picking up foreclosed and distressed properties across the country at rock-bottom prices during the Great Recession, then renting or reselling them after the recovery. Today they are consolidating even more property and power, a trend marked by rising real estate ownership by limited liability corporations (LLCs), the increasing sophistication of algorithmic tools for amassing different types of property in aggregate, and increased reliance on driving up rents, rather than house-flipping, to extract profits. Leaders in legacy cities, preoccupied with dramatic population loss for decades and enthusiastically welcoming investment now, could be caught unprepared to handle a land grab that benefits only the wealthy, displacing most everyone else.”
Carbon Capture and Its Unintended Consequences
In addition to land acquisitions for renewable energy, large-scale projects related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) are gaining momentum. CCS is promoted as a technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by capturing and storing it underground. However, critics argue that these projects are expensive, unproven, and could result in more environmental damage than they prevent. The process often requires significant land, diverting even more resources from agriculture or other vital uses.
Some experts have pointed out that CCS, along with carbon offsets, has become a speculative industry in its own right. These so-called “green” solutions are being marketed as essential to combating “climate change”, but there is growing skepticism about their actual effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Continued on page 8
Scan to take a deep dive into the machine.
OPEN THE LS3600TX
The Global Land Grab
Technology, Surveillance, and Land Use
Another emerging factor in the land grab is the rise of data centers and AI technology. Data centers require massive amounts of energy and water to operate, and the U.S. government has already dedicated millions of acres to building the necessary infrastructure for this rapidly growing industry. These centers, integral to the expansion of AI and digital technology, require energy that is 400–500 times greater than traditional searches through platforms like Google.
This reallocation of land and water resources is another threat to agriculture, as it shifts valuable resources away from farming and food production. Moreover, the expansion of AI technology raises concerns about privacy and surveillance, as these data centers collect information on everything from driving habits to social interactions.
The Future of Land, Energy, and Agriculture
The global rush for land, whether driven by corporate interests, foreign governments, or renewable energy projects, is reshaping the landscape of rural America and beyond. The implications for farmers, food security, and local communities are profound. While renewable energy and carbon capture technologies might be helpful tools in the fight against “climate change”, we must carefully consider their long-term impact on the environment, agriculture, and society.
Preserving farmland and keeping land within local control is essential for the sustainability of both our food systems and rural communities. As corporations and foreign powers continue to buy up land, public awareness and government action will be critical in ensuring that land use decisions are made in the best interests of society as a whole—not just for the benefit of a few powerful entities.
» 40” diameter capacity
» Heavy-duty 50” diameter x 66” wide hammermill
» 20 hammer inserts
» Caterpillar C32, 1,200 horsepower engine
» Standard impact detection system
If you haven’t tried a Bandit unit for your operation, please contact a local Bandit dealer, email marketing@banditchippers.com or visit our website www.banditchippers.com and we will be happy to assist you!
MODEL HM-6420 40” Capacity Hammermill Grinder
Food Waste Diversion Efforts Not as Effective
as Hoped,
UCSD Study Finds
Efforts to divert food waste from landfills have gained momentum in recent years as part of broader environmental initiatives. However, a new study from UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management reveals that these programs may not be as effective as hoped. Researchers found that of the first five states to adopt food waste bans—California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Massachusetts—only Massachusetts has shown notable success, reports an article in The Epoch Times
The study, published in Science, reports that while the intention behind these bans is to reduce landfill waste and curb greenhouse gas emissions, most states saw only minimal impact. Massachusetts stands out for achieving a 13.2% reduction in landfilled waste, thanks to several key factors. It has the highest concentration of food waste processing facilities per square mile, the clearest regulations, and the strictest enforcement, including more frequent inspections of food waste generators compared to other states.
In contrast, the other states studied have struggled to achieve significant reductions. Despite laws making it illegal for businesses like grocery stores to send food waste to landfills, the study found no more than a 3% decrease in landfilled waste across these regions.
Researchers stress that while the results are disappointing, the effort should not be abandoned. With food waste accounting for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, finding ways to improve these programs is crucial. The study points to California’s 2016 Senate Bill 1383, which requires cities and businesses to provide organic waste collection services, as an example of the types of actions that can help make these bans more effective.
The authors of the study suggest that other states can learn from Massachusetts’ success by improving infrastructure, simplifying laws, and enforcing regulations more rigorously. By doing so, they believe food waste diversion programs could better achieve their environmental goals and significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
With growing awareness of the environmental impact of food waste, the conversation is shifting from whether food waste bans are necessary to how they can be made more effective. Massachusetts’ model offers a potential blueprint for success, highlighting that comprehensive policies combined with strong enforcement can make a real difference in reducing landfill waste.
Researchers Develop “Living Plastics” That Degrade in Compost
The development of “living plastics” offers a promising solution to the global problem of plastic pollution. According to an article on scitechdaily. com, scientists led by Dr. Dai Zhuojun at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology have created a plastic that degrades when exposed to environmental triggers such as composting or surface erosion. The innovation involves embedding engineered bacterial spores into plastics like poly (caprolactone) (PCL). These spores, dormant during regular use, activate and release plasticdegrading enzymes under specific conditions, breaking down the plastic quickly.
This approach, published in Nature Chemical Biology, represents a significant step forward in sustainable materials science. The spores can survive the high temperatures and pressures typical of plastic processing and remain inactive until triggered by environmental factors. Once activated, the spores release enzymes that degrade the plastic, with tests showing complete breakdown within days, far faster than traditional plastics.
The research team’s work could extend beyond PCL to other plastics like PLA, PET, and PBS, indicating a broad applicability across different types of plastics. This breakthrough could revolutionize the future of plastic manufacturing, enabling materials that serve their purpose during use but break down quickly once discarded, reducing long-term pollution and helping to mitigate the problems associated with plastic waste.
Outbreak of the Southern Pine Beetle in Alabama
The southern pine beetle outbreak poses a serious threat to Alabama’s forests and its economy, with the state’s forestry industry being one of its key economic drivers, reports kiowacountypress. net . The Alabama Forestry Commission has reported widespread infestations, particularly in the northern counties. Drew Metzler, forest health coordinator, noted that this is the most severe outbreak the state has seen since 2001, with many trees turning from green to brown in just two weeks due to the beetles’ rapid destruction.
The hardest-hit areas include Bankhead National Forest and the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest. This issue is not isolated to Alabama, as neighboring states like Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina are also experiencing outbreaks.
The Impact of Rising US Duties on Canadian Lumber Market
The longstanding trade dispute between the US and Canada over softwood lumber has taken a new turn, reports an article on resourcewise.com. In August 2024, the US Department of Commerce nearly doubled its duty rates on Canadian lumber imports, raising concerns on both sides of the border. This latest move has reignited debates about fair competition and government subsidies in the lumber industry, with potential ripple effects across the North American market.
At the heart of the issue is the cost of timber from publicly owned forests in Canada—particularly in British Columbia, where most forests are government-owned. US lumber producers argue that Canadian companies benefit from unfair advantages, as provincial governments may not adjust timber prices based on market conditions. This, they claim, allows Canadian lumber to undercut US producers in their own market.
The US government responded to these concerns by imposing a new combined duty rate of 14.54% on most Canadian lumber exports, a significant increase from the previous rate of 8.05%. This decision, finalized in August, applies not only to future exports but also retroactively to those made in 2022. It comes at a time when the lumber market is under strain, with demand and prices hitting record lows, prompting mill closures in both the US and Canada.
Despite the challenging market conditions, Canadian sawmills have managed to increase their production and exports. In the first half of 2024, Canadian softwood lumber production rose by 4.6%, with exports to the US up by 3.4%. Meanwhile, US production fell by 3.2% during the same period, according to data from the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA).
For many in the US lumber industry, the decision to raise duties was a welcome one. The US Lumber Coalition, which advocates for domestic producers, argues that with demand low and mills struggling, the country doesn’t need Canadian imports to meet current construction needs. They view the duties as a necessary safeguard to protect US jobs and businesses.
However, the Canadian perspective tells a different story. Lumber producers in British Columbia, Canada’s largest lumber-producing province, are facing a range of challenges, including a shortage of affordable timber to feed their mills. For them, higher duties could spell disaster, leading to further mill closures and job losses. Some worry that if Canadian mills are forced out of the market, the US could face a lumber shortage when housing demand picks up again.
US homebuilders, the primary consumers of softwood lumber, also have concerns. They argue that higher duties on Canadian imports will drive up costs, making home construction more expensive and potentially putting additional strain on an already troubled housing market.
As the US and Canada continue to navigate this complex trade relationship, the impact of rising duties on the North American lumber market will be closely watched. While the current slump in demand has prompted protective measures, the long-term effects could be felt by consumers, producers, and homebuilders on both sides of the border.
Georgia Power’s Biomass Energy Plan Sparks Controversy
Georgia Power has received approval from state regulators to move forward with a controversial biomass energy plan, despite pushback from consumer advocates concerned about the high costs, reports The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The plan involves sourcing energy from burning wood, a practice known as “biomass,” which will be significantly more expensive for consumers compared to other energy sources.
The Public Service Commission (PSC), which oversees Georgia Power and other investor-owned utilities, voted 4-1 in favor of the biomass proposal. This decision allows Georgia Power to purchase nearly 80 megawatts of power from two providers under three contracts. Despite criticism, most of the commissioners did not comment before the vote, with Commissioner Tricia Pridemore casting the only opposing vote.
According to an independent evaluator, the new biomass contracts will cost two to three times more than other energy options. Environmental and consumer advocates have expressed concerns that the added costs will significantly impact Georgia Power customers, many of whom are already facing rising bills. These increases are largely tied to new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle, rising fuel costs, and upgrades to the state’s energy grid.
Critics argue that the biomass plan could cost consumers billions of dollars on top of already-approved rate hikes. The Southern Environmental Law Center estimates that the typical residential customer could see their monthly bill increase by around $45 by next year. However, neither Georgia Power nor the PSC has provided official cost estimates.
Despite the cost concerns, the PSC was motivated by the potential economic benefits to rural areas. Georgia is a leader in the biomass industry, producing wood pellets that are often exported to Europe and the UK for energy production. Commissioner Tim Echols noted that the plan would support local forestry and trucking jobs while reducing waste from timber harvesting. “We represent everyone in the state, not just Georgia Power ratepayers,” Echols said in defense of the plan.
Turning Waste into Wealth: Transforming Urine into Compost for a Sustainable Future
In the small town of Jay, New York, an innovative facility is changing the way we think about human waste, reports the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. The Human Urine Research and Demonstration (HURD) facility, created by the nonprofit project Compost for Good, is leading a groundbreaking effort to convert human urine into nutrient-rich compost. This eco-friendly approach could revolutionize agriculture, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of the project are John and Katie Culpepper, co-founders of Compost for Good, who have spent years developing the facility’s unique composting process. Using urine as a nitrogen source, the HURD facility employs a high-temperature composting regimen to transform what is traditionally considered waste into a valuable resource. Their work addresses two major environmental challenges: reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and preventing the pollution of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters caused by excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.
Urine, which contains a significant portion of the nutrients we excrete, is often overlooked as a resource. By capturing and recycling these
nutrients, the facility offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers, which are not only resource-intensive to produce but can also degrade ecosystems when they leach into water systems. Phosphorus, a key nutrient in urine, is typically sourced from mined fertilizers linked to environmental problems. Repurposing urine helps alleviate these issues, offering a safer and more sustainable way to nourish soils.
The composting process at the HURD facility is both simple and highly effective.
Urine, water, and a carbon source—such as wood pellets—are combined in specific ratios to create the ideal conditions for microbial activity. These microbes feed on the nutrients in the urine and break down the carbon source, transforming the mixture into compost. The material is heated by microbial activity to over 131°F for at least three days, meeting stringent safety standards for composting set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The result is a rich, dark compost with the texture and aroma of healthy forest soil. The process is not only low-cost and environmentally beneficial but also safe, as it effectively kills pathogens and neutralizes pharmaceuticals present in the urine.
Compost for Good’s efforts have attracted the support of organizations like AdkAction and the Adirondack North Country Association, with funding from the Cloudsplitter Foundation. The facility has already processed over 1,600 gallons of urine, producing nutrient-dense compost that will soon be used in plant trials. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the project’s research and development.
The HURD facility is sharing its expertise with scientists, engineers, educators, and policy makers around the world, showcasing how human waste can be turned into a resource that benefits both the environment and communities.
As John Culpepper puts it, “Composting human urine is a pivotal part of advancing ecosanitation practices. By reimagining urine as a resource, rather than waste, we can reduce the environmental impact of conventional systems and enrich our soils with essential nutrients.”
With its simple, cost-effective, and scalable approach, the HURD facility is poised to become a leader in the growing movement for sustainable waste management, offering a glimpse into a future where eco-sanitation plays a vital role in fostering environmental resilience
Clean and Screen Your Compost, Mulch &
Publix Super Markets and Waste Management Partner on Composting Facility
Publix Super Markets and Waste Management have partnered to open the Okeechobee Organics Recycling Facility in Okeechobee, Florida, reports supermarketnews.com. This facility uses advanced aerated composting technology to process food waste from Publix stores, such as produce, bakery, and floral items, along with yard waste, into organic compost products.
For Water-Based Mulch Colorants
DEE FO®
Defoamers
Highly effective in reducing foam
Fast foam break
The facility spans eight acres and is located next to Waste Management’s Okeechobee Landfill. It has a capacity to process 30,000 tons of waste annually—half of which is food waste and the other half yard waste. The facility uses a forced aeration system, with computer controls to manage airflow and treat the air during the composting process.
Initially, Waste Management collects organic material from 40 Publix stores in Miami-Dade County and two Publix GreenWise Markets in Palm Beach County. Publix plans to extend the program to more stores in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The compost products produced by Garick, a subsidiary of Waste Management, are expected to be used for lawn and garden applications.
EDAPLAN® METOLAT®
Dispersants
Researchers Using Forestry Waste to Combat Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water
According to an article on www.woodbusiness.ca, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed an innovative solution to tackle one of the most persistent environmental challenges—removing toxic “forever chemicals” from drinking water. Known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these chemicals are widely used in everyday products like waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foam. Unfortunately, they are also highly resistant to breaking down in the environment, earning them the “forever chemicals” nickname. Over time, PFAS can accumulate in the body, posing serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues.
Excellent viscosity stabilization
No separate wetting agent required
&
www.munzing.com info@munzing.us
The UBC engineering team, led by Dr. Johan Foster, has created a water treatment system designed to not only capture these dangerous chemicals but also destroy them. What sets their approach apart is the use of activated carbon filters made from forestry waste—an eco-friendly, lowcost solution that could transform how water is purified. This carbon-based material binds to PFAS in water and breaks them down into harmless components that can be safely disposed of. For even greater efficiency, the filters can be paired with ultraviolet (UV) light, although this step is optional, making the system adaptable to areas with limited sunlight.
Current water filtration technologies often fall short in addressing PFAS contamination. Many existing systems capture the chemicals but risk releasing them back into the environment when filters are disposed of. The UBC system avoids this problem, providing a more permanent solution by breaking down PFAS rather than merely containing them.
Sustainability is another key feature of this new method. By using forestry or agricultural waste as the raw material for the carbon filters, the process is more economical and environmentally friendly. The creation of these filters doesn’t produce harmful emissions, and the method even sequesters carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere if the waste were left to decompose.
This breakthrough has the potential to be scaled up for use in homes, industrial applications, and even entire municipalities. The team is now working on producing larger quantities of the material for real-world testing, with hopes of seeing this innovative technology widely adopted in the near future.
In a world where clean drinking water is increasingly threatened by industrial pollutants, this new approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to remove dangerous contaminants, ensuring safer water for all.
Prescribed Fire: A Tool for Red Oak Regeneration and Sustainable Forest Management
The Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a key player in the forests of the Northeast, where it serves both ecological and economic purposes. Renowned for its strong, durable timber, red oak is a popular material for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. It also plays a critical role in supporting wildlife, offering food and shelter to various species, from birds and mammals to insects. Additionally, red oak helps in carbon sequestration and is remarkably resilient during droughts and low-intensity ground fires. However, despite its value, forest managers in New England have long faced challenges in regenerating red oak—growing new seedlings and saplings to replace harvested trees.
According to an article in the UNH Today newsletter, in response to this, researchers at the university of New hampshire (uNh) are exploring an innovative solution: the use of prescribed fire to promote red oak regeneration and help the species expand its range. Leading the study is Matthew Vadeboncoeur, a research scientist at UNH’s Earth Systems Research Center. Along with his team, Vadeboncoeur is investigating how controlled burns can be used to enhance oak growth, improve forest health, and prepare ecosystems for a changing climate.
Prescribed fire, or controlled burning, is a forest management tool used more widely in other parts of the United States to reduce wildfire risk and promote healthy forests. In New England, however, it has been employed less frequently, typically focused on conserving rare species rather than timber-producing forests. Vadeboncoeur’s research aims to change that by demonstrating the benefits of fire-based management for red oak regeneration.
“There’s been some skepticism among forest managers in New England about whether the long-term benefits of prescribed burns for timber production are worth the short-term risks and costs,” says Vadeboncoeur. “Our goal is to provide scientific evidence showing that prescribed fire can improve tree seedling health and diversity.”
The study, which involves field research in the White Mountain National Forest, has already yielded promising results. The researchers found that oak seedlings are thriving in areas that have undergone both thinning and controlled burns, with about three times as many seedlings compared to areas that were only thinned. Moreover, the seedlings in burned areas appear to grow faster and healthier, benefiting from reduced competition for light and nutrients.
In addition to field studies, the team is also conducting controlled experiments by planting oak seedlings in burned and unburned soil to understand the effects of fire on regeneration. Early findings suggest that soil quality may improve following a burn, helping acorns grow more robustly.
However, the research also highlights that timing and fire intensity are critical factors. For example, intense wildfires that occur when acorns are plentiful on the ground can hinder oak regeneration, as the acorns may be destroyed before they have a chance to sprout. This underscores the importance of carefully managing when and how prescribed burns are carried out.
The implications of this study go beyond improving red oak regeneration. As Vadeboncoeur explains, “The functional diversity of forests—especially their tolerance to heat, drought, and wildfire—will be more critical than ever in a changing climate. Prescribed fire could be a valuable tool in creating more resilient forests.”
This research is also engaging local communities and forest managers through educational outreach, providing demonstrations on the benefits of prescribed fire. Andy Fast, a forest industry specialist with UNH Cooperative Extension, emphasizes that forest managers are eager for new tools to help with oak regeneration, noting that New Hampshire harvests over 20 million feet of red oak timber annually to meet demand from both domestic and international markets.
EQUIPMENT & PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks New Milestone for Rotochopper
St. Martin, MN – Rotochopper is proud to announce the completion of its newly expanded facility, a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, customer-focused solutions, and growth. With the finishing touches complete, the ribbon cutting ceremony, held in late August, celebrated the opening of the new Research and Development Innovation Center.
This 12,000 square foot expansion includes a state-of-the-art production space, significantly increasing the company’s manufacturing capabilities, along with an office area to enhance collaboration and efficiency. Additionally, the new facility features a dedicated area for research and development.
Tosh Brinkerhoff, Rotochopper CEO expressed his enthusiasm for the completed expansion, “I am excited about this addition to our factory. The new Research and Development (R&D) space not only accelerates our innovation efforts, but also creates an environment where our team can develop fresh ideas and bring cutting-edge technologies to life. This expansion aligns with our mission to continually introduce new products to the market, helping our customers become more productive and profitable.”
When the Elements Fight Back, We Power Through
For packaging materials like mulch and soil, equipment must be durable, abrasion-resistant, and efficient to handle tough production environments. Our machinery is built to meet these challenges head-on.
From bagging to bulk in-feed, filling, automation, palletizing, and load securing, our equipment offers:
• Superior Durability: Designed for harsh environments.
• Abrasion-Resistant Steel: Withstands tough materials
• Efficient Performance: Keeps production lines running smoothly
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for industrial and natural materials.
For packaging solutions that perform under pressure, trust nVenia to deliver
ROBOTIC PALLETIZER
News From The Mulch & Soil Council
By RoBeRt LaGasse, executive DiRectoR
Bulk Measure Committee Report
MSC Bulk Measure Committee convened recently in Dublin, OH, to address pivotal issues shaping the bulk materials sector.
Chaired by Ben Ballard, the gathering encompassed a wide array of discussions and decisions pivotal to the future of bulk material sales.
Member Survey and NISt Inquiry: An initial portion of the meeting centered on the delayed member survey aimed at delineating prevalent bulk loading practices across the industry. Amidst deliberations, Chair Ben Ballard and committee member Mike Kozak pledged to collaborate on drafting a comprehensive survey instrument, underlining their dedication to industry-wide clarity and cohesion.
The committee also addressed an inquiry from NIST regarding the method of sale for bulk soil products. Focusing on the industry’s prevailing practice, the committee emphasized that, while some packaged topsoil and landscape soil are sold by weight, the vast majority of packaged soils are sold by volume. Similarly, bulk sales predominantly adhere to volume metrics, aligning with established Weights & Measures guidelines on intended use of products.
Method-of-Sale vs Verification: A cornerstone of the meeting was the discourse on Best Management Practices (BMPs). The committee navigated complexities surrounding accurate volume verification, especially in scenarios involving both plant-side pickups and customer deliveries. Innovations in electronic measurement technologies sparked interest, with discussions highlighting the necessity for NTEP certification
to ensure measurement accuracy and legal compliance.
Committee Chair Ben Ballard presented findings from his research into electronic methods for verifying bucket loading processes, paving the way for broader applications in truckload assessments. The promise of electronic solutions was a focal point in bolstering industry-wide standards.
draft BMP review: Bob LaGasse introduced a draft outline for Bulk Load Measurement BMP, aimed at harmonizing standards across industry, regulatory, and customer landscapes. The document, spanning five pages, delineates challenges and proposed BMPs, with ongoing considerations on integrating electronic technologies to refine volume assessments.
Future Prospects and Next Steps: Looking ahead, the committee set sights on the MSC Annual Meeting in San Antonio, slated for Oct. 8, 2024. Anticipated discussions will delve deeper into electronic verification methodologies and finalize the BMP framework, underscoring a commitment to operational transparency, accuracy, fairness and customer satisfaction.
The Mulch & Soil Council is the national association of producers of horticultural mulches, consumer potting soils and commercial growing media. Its mission is to define quality products and promote an open market and fair competition. For more information about MSC, visit www.mulchandsoilcouncil.org or call 806-832-1810.
Serious Grinding Built For North America
The Komptech Lacero 8010 is a powerful, high-speed, horizontal grinder purpose-engineered for the demanding North American wood waste, biomass, mulch, orchard/land clearing, and organics markets.
/ Feed large waste volumes into the versatile 7'10" open-front hopper / Leverage all-day grinding with the huge 41" diameter downswing drum / Track chassis with optional 3-axle dolly for quick on-road transport
Explore Your Next Opportunity In Wood and Green Waste Grinding thinkviably.com/lacero
www.thinkviably.com/lacero
Ins I de Th I s Issue
The Global Land Grab: What It Means for Agriculture, Energy, and Society PAGe 1
Researchers Develop “Living Plastics” That Degrade in Compost PAGe 10
Turning Waste into Wealth: Transforming Urine into Compost for a Sustainable Future PAGe 14
Researchers Using Forestry Waste to Combat Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water PAGe 16
Prescribed Fire: A Tool for Red Oak Regeneration and Sustainable Forest Management PAGe 18
News From The Mulch & Soil Council PAGe 22
