Archive for May, 2008
« Previous EntriesGrowing Citrus Fruits
Monday, May 19th, 2008Citrus thrives well in tropical and subtropical climates. Some of the best quality oranges are grown in the non-humid, irrigated, subtropical areas such as the Mountain Province. It can be grown in our four types of climate but areas with well-distributed rainfall throughout the year are best. Those with distinct and long dry periods should [...]
Hollow Blocks from Farm Wastes
Monday, May 19th, 2008METHOD #1
Rural folks can beat the high prices of housing materials. Out of farm waster and ordinary soil, one can make durable hallow blocks comparable in strength to commercial ones.
The hallow blocks can be made right on the building site and fashioned similar to commercial hallow blocks. Although considered strictly non-load bearing, it is very [...]
Growing Cashew Trees
Monday, May 19th, 2008I. INTRODUCTION
The Plant
In the Philippines, cashew is called kasoy or balubad in Tagalog or Balogo in Ilokano. It originated from north-eastern Brazil and was brought to the Philippines in the 17th Century. At present, cashew is cultivated in many tropical countries, the main producers are Brazil, India, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Alternatives to Portland Cement
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008Introduction
Cement, or some form of cementing material is an essential ingredient in most forms of building construction. Cement is the vital binding agent in concretes, mortars and renders, and is used for the production of walling blocks and roofing tiles.
Getting Started in Breeding Koi
Monday, May 12th, 2008Koi (or “nishikigoi”) are colorful fish in the carp family that were first bred in Japan more than 200 years ago. Today, many people breed koi as a hobby and even enter these fish in competitions and shows.
Tofu and Soymilk Production
Monday, May 12th, 2008Although the highest quality protein is found in animal products (meat, milk, eggs and fish), these products are expensive and often exceed the financial capacity of people in the developing world. The soya bean is high in nutritional value and provides a satisfactory alternative to animal products. It belongs to the grain legumes (also [...]
Fruit Leathers
Monday, May 12th, 2008Introduction
Fruit leathers are made by drying a very thin layer of fruit puree to produce a product with a texture similar to soft leather. Fruit leathers are eaten as a snack and are often targeted at health food markets, using marketing images such as “pure”, “sun dried” and “rich in vitamins”. Such claims [...]
Micro Irrigation
Monday, May 12th, 2008Conventional irrigation systems, such as channel irrigation and wild flooding tend to waste water as large quantities are supplied to the field in one go, most of which just flows over the crop and runs away without being taken up by the plants.
Recycling of Organic Waste
Friday, May 2nd, 2008
Introduction
Organic waste is produced wherever there is human habitation. The main forms of organic waste are household food waste, agricultural waste, human and animal waste. In industrialised countries the amount of organic waste produced is increasing dramatically each year.
Water Hyacinth Control and Possible Uses
Friday, May 2nd, 2008Water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)
Introduction
Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant which can live and reproduce floating freely on the surface of fresh waters or can be anchored in mud. Plant size ranges from a few inches to a metre in height. Its rate of proliferation under certain circumstances is extremely rapid and it can spread [...]
