Cold Air Accumulation and the Grower's Guide to Frost Protection


Book Description

After serving for more than a decade as a hydraulic systems designer and regional manager for Motion Industries (div. Genuine Parts Co.), and then as president and chief hydraulics designer for RPT Industrial Technologies for another nine years, Steve studied and apprenticed for more than eight years under Dr. Rafael Guarga, Eng. prof. emeritus and president of the University of Uruguay. During that time, they collaborated and developed a new frost protection method of controlling cold air flows and draining accumulated cold air masses. An avid sportsman, over the last thirty-five years Steve has devoted much of his spare time to introducing underprivileged children to outdoor sports such as fishing and hunting through a nonprofit organization called the Annual Wild Game Feed. Steve now lives in Crestline, California, and enjoys weekends at the lake with his daughters. He is currently president and CEO of Shur Farms Frost Protection, a company specializing in managing cold air flows in vineyards and orchards worldwide. His speaking engagements range from Chihuahua, Mexico, to Ontario, Canada, and virtually every growing region in the United States. His articles and research in frost protection are regularly published in trade journals throughout the world.




Cold Air Accumulation and the Grower's Guide to Frost Protection


Book Description

After serving for more than a decade as a hydraulic systems designer and regional manager for Motion Industries (div. Genuine Parts Co.), and then as president and chief hydraulics designer for RPT Industrial Technologies for another nine years, Steve studied and apprenticed for more than eight years under Dr. Rafael Guarga, Eng. prof. emeritus and president of the University of Uruguay. During that time, they collaborated and developed a new frost protection method of controlling cold air flows and draining accumulated cold air masses. An avid sportsman, over the last thirty-five years Steve has devoted much of his spare time to introducing underprivileged children to outdoor sports such as fishing and hunting through a nonprofit organization called the Annual Wild Game Feed. Steve now lives in Crestline, California, and enjoys weekends at the lake with his daughters. He is currently president and CEO of Shur Farms Frost Protection, a company specializing in managing cold air flows in vineyards and orchards worldwide. His speaking engagements range from Chihuahua, Mexico, to Ontario, Canada, and virtually every growing region in the United States. His articles and research in frost protection are regularly published in trade journals throughout the world.



















Nut Grower's Guide


Book Description

Nut growing has become more popular and technology has developed significantly over the last 5 years. This book is the starting point for prospective commercial nut growers – large or small scale, for farmers who want to diversify and also for gardeners interested in growing nut trees in their back yards. Nut Grower's Guide is the first comprehensive book to growing almonds, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. All aspects of site selection are covered, from soil and climate to aspect and topography through to previous land use and local pest species. Soil preparation, irrigation, planting and propagating trees are also covered. It covers the cultivation and processing of each of the major nut species and also provides guidance on packaging and the wholesale and retail marketing of nuts in Australia and overseas.




The Apple Grower


Book Description

For decades fruit growers have sprayed their trees with toxic chemicals in an attempt to control a range of insect and fungal pests. Yet it is possible to grow apples responsibly, by applying the intuitive knowledge of our great-grandparents with the fruits of modern scientific research and innovation. Since The Apple Grower first appeared in 1998, orchardist Michael Phillips has continued his research with apples, which have been called "organic's final frontier." In this new edition of his widely acclaimed work, Phillips delves even deeper into the mysteries of growing good fruit with minimal inputs. Some of the cuttingedge topics he explores include: The use of kaolin clay as an effective strategy against curculio and borers, as well as its limitations Creating a diverse, healthy orchard ecosystem through understory management of plants, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms How to make a small apple business viable by focusing on heritage and regional varieties, value-added products, and the "community orchard" model The author's personal voice and clear-eyed advice have already made The Apple Grower a classic among small-scale growers and home orchardists. In fact, anyone serious about succeeding with apples needs to have this updated edition on their bookshelf.




A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture


Book Description

The use of plastics in agriculture – to increase crop output, improve food quality and improve sustainability – has grown substantially in both quantity and the range of applications. Many of the early researchers that conducted field research in the use of plastics in agriculture have either retired or are deceased. These early pioneers in plasticulture research, the basis of plant production using plastics, were very creative and persistent in discovering uses of plastics in agricultural applications. A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture contains both references not only to their accomplishments but also their publications. The book discusses plasticulture-the basis of plant production using plastics – including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels. It covers the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agriculture, and the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production. This book introduces a range of academics and industrial practitioners to the impact of plastics in agriculture, both historically and in a range of current applications. It also provides new perspectives on future developments to enable further research and application. It is an invaluable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and such products in all aspects of agricultural production. - Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels - Contains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in agriculture - Covers the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production