Archive for September, 2011
Fall Fertilization
Application rates and timing vary according to grass species, soil type and lawn condition. Normally, four to six applications of AGGRAND 4-3-3 Natural Fertilizer per year are sufficient. The first application is made as soon as the grass shows signs of growth (green color) in early spring. The second application follows in three to four weeks (shorter interval for sandy soil). On lawns in good condition (mostly turf grass, with few weeds and a small amount of thatch) a third application can be made before the grass goes into summer dormancy. Resume fertilization in late summer when the grass starts to grow again. Fertilize two or three more times before the end of the season at the same interval as the spring fertilizations.
The addition of 1 pint/5,000 sq.ft. of AGGRAND 0-0-8 Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash to the spray mix once in early spring, before summer heat and / or drought, and in early fall provides increased beneficial effects to plant health. Addition of 1 quart/2,000 sq.ft. of AGGRAND 0-12-0 Natural Liquid Bonemeal once in early spring or later fall provides further enhancement of root development.
Biodiesel Blends
More info from National Biodiesel Board. www.biodiesel.org
Myth: Biodiesel in any blend is incompatible with the new 2010+ diesel engine technologies.
Fact: The new engine emission control systems in the 2010+ vehicles are all still easily compatible with blends up to at least B5. Rumors about incompatibility stem from concerns about the possibility of increased engine oil dilution that can come into play with the use of higher biodiesel blends (B10 and higher) in the few new light duty diesel vehicles that utilize an emissions control system with in-cylinder post injection technology.
However, recent research studies by Volkswagen as well as the National Renewable Energy Lab all concluded that despite the slightly higher oil dilution levels with biodiesel blends above B10, the oil viscosity levels still remained in an uncritical range and there were no negative impacts on vehicle emissions, engine performance, or parts wear as a result of the biodiesel use. With proactive oil change service intervals and the responsible use of high quality biodiesel blends meeting ASTM specifications, users can still fuel up confidently with blends up to B20, per manufacturers recommendations, without concern for engine performance. More studies with higher blends of biodiesel are planned for the near future.
Biodiesel Facts
Some more info from National Biodiesel Board. www.biodiesel.org
Myth: Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel fuel.
Fact: One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the fact that it can be used in most existing diesel engines and fuel injection equipment in blends up to 20 percent with little impact to operating performance. Biodiesel has a higher cetane number than U.S. diesel fuel. In more than 50 million miles of in field demonstrations, B20 showed similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity, and it has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel (falling in the range between #1 and #2 diesel fuel).
Biodiesel Myths
Got on a great site today, in search of more on biodiesel and found the National Biodiesel Board. What a great place, full of real answers to biodiesel. www.biodiesel.org This is what i found.
What Biodiesel is: Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil and even new sources such as algae. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel blends can be used in compression ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
What Biodiesel is not: Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil. Fuel grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.
Biodiesel is also not the same as ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable biofuel made primarily from corn and intended for use in gasoline powered engines, while biodiesel is a renewable biofuel made from a variety of materials and designed for use in diesel engines, with different properties and benefits.
Soil Applications
Greenhouse Tomato; Begin fertilizing the soil once seedling have emerged and have developed 2-3 true leaves. AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer products can be applied through greenhouse injection or mixed in a bucket and applied with a water can. Rates are given for weekly applications. Adjust accordingly when applying more or less often.
Mix 1.5 ounces AGGRAND Natural fertilizer, 1 ounce AGGRAND Liquid Bonemeal, 0.5 ounces AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 1 gallon of water. Apply 1 cup of solution to each gallon of media. Keep well watered between fertilizations. Leach the media with plenty of fresh water every 8 weeks or at least once during the growing cycle.
Greenhouse Tomato
Greenhouse tomato production requires sufficient levels of macro and micronutrients to set fruit; calcium and potassium are especially critical. Insufficient levels of these nutrients result in diseased plants and poor quality fruit.
Development of an organic growing system that stimulates rapid early growth and development is critical. The addition of aerobically composted (or other) material, worm castings or used potting mix, inoculates the media with micro organisms. The micro organisms convert the natural fertilizer nutrients and fix atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nutrients which speeds plant growth and development.
Wheat and Small Grains
Low organic matter levels in soils can be gradually improved by incorporating crop residues into the soil. Rates vary according to soil fertility and other inputs used. Higher dilution rates are more effective than lower dilution rates. Two or three lighter applications may be more effective than one heavy application. If other constraints only allow one trip over the field, do not exceed a 3 percent dilution rate (3 gallons AGGRAND Natural Fertilizers to 97 gallons water).
To reduce susceptibility to attack of insects and disease causing organisms, apply a per acre mixture of 1 gallon AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer or 1 quart AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 35 gallons of water when sign of infestation become apparent.
Post Harvest, Per acre mix ratio: 1 gallon AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and 35 gallons of water. Till in with stubble or crop residue in late summer.
Trees Showing Signs of Stress
1 quart AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer, 1 pint AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 10 gallons of water applied to the root zone stimulates feeder root formation and nutrient uptake.
Insects, To reduce susceptibility to attack of insects and disease causing organisms, apply a per acre mixture of 1 gallon AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer or 1 quart AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 20 gallons of water when signs of infestation become apparent.
Desirable
Natural fertilizer products have become a desirable and cost effective alternative to synthetic turf care products for golf courses. Naturally fertilized turf exhibits higher tolerance to environmental stress, increased soil microbial activity and recycling of nutrients, as well as better moisture retention and increased root development.
Bentgrass Tees and Greens, 1 quart AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and 6 gallons of water per 2,000 square feet once per month. Double rate on problem greens with no ill effects.
Add 1 pint AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash to reduce susceptibility to disease and drought during spring, late spring, late summer and early fall applications.
Add 1 quart AGGRAND Natural Liquid Bonemeal per 2,000 square feet in the fall to aid root development.
Semi Transmission Oil
Long Life Synthetic Transmission Oil’s high viscosity index translates into better HIGH and LOW temperature performance compared to conventional fluids. In cold weather, it provides easier shifts and reduced fluid drag for increased fuel economy. Its exceptional thermal stability inhibits chemical breakdown and sludge formation at high operating temperatures to help transmissions run cleaner.
AMSOIL Long Life Synthetic Transmission Oil’s synthetic base oils withstand the pressures of high load, high torque applications. As a result, it resists viscosity loss due to mechanical shear to provide a durable lubricating fluid film for increased wear resistance and longer transmission life.