CULLMAN — We’ve all heard horror stories about how dangerous commercial fertilizers and pesticides are. But the future of these chemical based sprays and systemic gardening materials may look brighter.

    According to Director of North Alabama Horticultural Research Center, Arnold Caylor, much progress has been made in improving and using chemical additives on food crops.

    In conjunction with Auburn University, the local research center studies and records results of their testing on crops. These crops - like sweet corn and tomatoes – are tested   on 10-15 acres, set aside for this purpose.



            Pesticides and Fungicides;

   There are many organically based chemicals and pesticides, like Bt  (Bacillus thuringiensis) that are believed to be safe. For some years Bt  has been one of the most effective pesticides that both non-organic and organic growers can use. Bt is a natural organism found at low levels in soils throughout the world. It works by secreting one or more toxins after being ingested by an insect. The toxins are often specific to a family of insects. It appears not to harm humans or other life forms except for the intended targets.

    Man-made fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides- many of them derived from natural sources, like BT, or pyrethrums which are naturally derived from chrysanthemums- break down in sunlight,” Caylor explained. “ When an insect comes in contact with a leaf sprayed with approved pesticides - it will ingest enough to kill it - but as the plant continues to grow and receive sunlight, that sunlight will break those chemicals down.”  That’s the reason the instructions on most pesticides approved for use on food say to wait seven days or so before harvesting.

    “Back in the 50s and 60s, farmers used multiple pounds of fungicides and other chemicals. They stayed in the ground for years. Now, the fungicides we test and approve here are broken down by sunlight or in the soil, or rinsed away by water,“ he explained.

    “In the past, some farmers would spray indiscriminately. These days, the farmers who are good stewards of their land will scout their crops carefully, only using chemical sprays if they spot a problem,” said Caylor.







                Fertilizers;  

      “As far as the plant is concerned,” continued Caylor, “ it can’t tell the difference between natural and man-made fertilizers. “

       “Soil applied pesticides and fertilizers are broken down by elements in the soil,” said Caylor. “ There are good bacteria, fungi and soil microbes that are present in the soil which aids in this breaking down of chemical elements.”

       The fact is - chemicals are an added expense for farmers. They try not to use them any more than absolutely necessary. They have to conserve these products to keep their overhead as low as possible.

                                               

                       

Organic Methods;

    In addition to testing with chemicals, the North Alabama Horticultural Research Center also has three acres set aside for testing organic gardening principals - in addition to their other experimental acreage.

   Currently they are doing research on organically grown corn, tomatoes, peppers and cover crops.

   “We use compost instead of chemical fertilizers on those three acres,” Caylor explained.

   “By definition, organic gardening is, ‘A system of raising produce, beef or other foods, by using all natural input,’” he continued.

   The Organic Materials Review Institute, (OMRI) has strict guidelines that must be followed if produce is labeled as organically grown. “ By the OMRI guidelines, -if a farmer is growing and selling under an organic label- they have to be certified and inspected by independent inspectors. Those inspectors thoroughly check the crops to ensure that OMRI standards are being followed,” said Caylor.

    The Auburn based Horticultural Research Center, here in Cullman, uses things like, ‘green sand,’ or chicken litter, which also has to meet OMRI standards. “ The chicken farmers who raise organic chickens don’t use any antibiotics or growth hormones or growth stimulators of any kind,” said Caylor.

    The chicken litter, which is composted and formed into pellets, normally contains about 20 per cent nitrogen, along with phosphorus and potassium. “ They will usually add natural blood meal to up-grade it to about 40 per cent of those minerals.”

    “The organic produce cannot be fertilized with 13x13x13 or any other kind of fertilizers derived from petroleum,” he added.

    Farmers are using other means of enriching the soil so that it continues to remain healthy and viable for growing chemical-free organic foods.

    “They grow cover crops like clover, vetch, or legumes, which take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form the plant can use,” said Caylor.



 Summing it up;

     Here in the United States, we have the safest food production system in the world. “ Less than 2% of our farmers are feeding the other 98% of us,” emphasized Caylor. “ A lot of that is due to more efficient fertilizers and safer pest control.”

    We should always clean away any residual soil, whether on organic or inorganically grown produce. Read labels and ask our grocer about the county of origin of the produce they sell. Get to know our farmers and develop a relationship with them. The more we demand safer and healthier fruits and vegetables, the more farmers - and researchers like Arnold Caylor - will strive to meet those demands.



*Suggested reading materials. “ The Live Food Factor,” by Susan Schenck

For more detailed information on Bt, visit the website, www.nosprayzone.org

 , www.vegetablegardens.suite101.com , www.organicgardening.com

Contact your local extension agent for information on upcoming Master Gardener Classes, or for more information on safe gardening practices.