Organic Matter Versus Material

COMMENTARY

• Oldest known agricultural site dated 8000 plus years ago on the Santa Cruz River
• Bias on Arizona soils due to lack of organic matter, less rain and little biological activity
• Organic matter is residue broken down into material. Organic material is broken down by microbes
• Microbes become active once water and food is introduced

Fascinating Facts About Arizona Ag

COMMENTARY

• Cotton and alfalfa grown in our hot climate
• Dr. Silvertooth’s fascinating things are its intense because of desert climate yet produce the highest yields and quality crops
• Farmers make it happen by maintaining balance between climate and irrigation
• Farmer intensity are always pushing for greater efficiency
• The future of Biodynamic Farming
• Creating the market first then grow the crop

Biosphere2 For Climate Study

COMMENTARY

• University Of Arizona runs the Biosphere2 near Tucson
• Biosphere can simulate different kinds of climates for various studies
• Studies of the evolution of soils under different climates
• What does the future hold with two consecutive wet winters

RESOURCE

• Biosphere 2