Taking the First Steps Outside; Under Threes Learning in the Natural Environment - Book Review

Book Revie

Fruit Tree Pruning in South Dakota

Pruning generally constitutes a major problem for the fruit-grower. Unlike many other orchard practices, the results of experimental methods of pruning are less conclusive. Since a number of years may be required to observe the full results of pruning, the problem becomes all the more uncertain and difficult. With definite information lacking, it is only natural that different pruning systems are found in the same locality, and that they range from the most severe to no pruning at all. The best place to study fruit tree pruning and training systems is in the most productive orchards. All the varietal characteristics of the tree must be carefully considered among the factors determining the amount and kind of pruning a tree should receive. A properly pruned tree cannot be expected to give the best results if other good cultural practices are neglected. Cultivation and the use of fertilizer should also be a part of the program

Reducing Winter Injury in Red Raspberries

Winter injury is an important problem in South Dakota raspberry growing. Even the most hardy varieties now available may be damaged so extensively that no fruit is produced the following summer. It has been observed that a mild winter will cause more injury than will one that is continuously cold. Because of the uncertainty of winter survival, covering the plants with soil has become a standard practice. While this is an effective way of preventing winter injury, the method has some disadvantages. Covering the canes breaks off some buds and canes. The labor cost is also rather high. It was believed that some cultural practice might affect winter survival. Four such practices were started in 1953 and are the basis for this report

Four Essentials for a Good Tomato Crop: A Progress Report

Important as the tomato is to our vegetable supply, the home gardener might well afford to consider some ways of increasing production. Information collected at the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in recent years indicates that by attending to four simple details, any grower may reasonably expect to increase his supply of tomatoes. In most instances it is a conservative estimate to say that the yield can be more than doubled by following the program outlined here

Effects of herbivory as an ecological constraint of willow growth at a restored riparian corridor

A critical component of nearly all riparian restoration projects is the rapid successful recovery of native vegetation. The dynamic conditions and diverse biotic community supported by riparian ecosystems can present numerous constraints to restoration efforts. This study investigated stunted growth of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) cuttings planted along the banks of Redwood Creek as part of the National Park Service’s Muir Beach Restoration Project to restore habitat for special status species in California. Based on observations of deer browsing, as well as signs of extensive biomass removal, I designed a field experiment using exclusionary fencing to test the significance of deer browse on growth of recently planted willows. My study design consisted of measuring the difference in growth (height, mean canopy diameter, estimated aerial percent cover, and volume) in relation to three factors (exclusionary deer fencing, side of bank, and willow age) during the 2013 growing season. Results of my study indicate that deer herbivory was a critical stressor contributing to limited growth of recently planted willow cuttings along the restored banks of Redwood Creek. The main effect of exclusionary fencing was very highly significant for all four growth metrics; however, it had the greatest beneficial effect on younger willows in their second growing season along the right bank. Exclusionary fencing can be used as a cost-efficient method for restricting browsing by wild herbivores at riparian restoration sites, most effective when implemented for protecting willows during their first two growing seasons or until they are resilient to the effects of herbivory

Hazardous Jurisdiction/Chatham Steel Corporation v. Brown: A Note on Personal Jurisdiction and CERCLA

In 1986, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) was amended to include, among other things, a provision for nationwide service of process. This provision greatly increased the choice of federal forums in which to sue defendants in CERCLA cases. In Chatham v. Brown, the court broke from this line of thinking and analyzed the case using a traditional constitutional Due Process analysis. Although the Chatham court ultimately held that it had personal jurisdiction over the defendants, the analysis it used may be a harbinger of things to come. That is to say, the constitutional analysis in Chatham could easily be used to restrict the exercise of personal jurisdiction in CERCLA cases. This note analyzes the basis of the court\u27s reasoning, the gaps in the court\u27s logic, and the implications of the decision for future CERCLA cases. Section I explains the facts of the Chatham case. Section II discusses CERCLA by first giving an overview of the statute\u27s liability scheme and then specifically applying CERCLA liability to the Chatham case. Section III analyzes jurisdiction by offering a brief overview of the law and applying that law to Chatham. Section IV concludes by forecasting the potential ramifications of the Chatham case on future CERCLA cases

Preliminary Evaluation and Description of Domestic and Introduced Fruit Plants

This preliminary report attempts to evaluate in as much detail as possible what value this fruit collection may have. Attempts to determine the value of plant material for breeding stock are based on opinions. This report describes the characteristics of the plants to the extent they have been observed. Plant and fruit characteristics are reported, disease susceptibility noted as well as any special feature observed. Any special uses and characteristics, such as root stock, dwarfing habit, date of flowering, and other special features noted have been recorded. This evaluation was designed to aid in a more thorough evaluation by those who may have a specific need for such plants in an improvement program. In order that a better understanding may be had of these fruit plants, weather data are presented for the period when these plants were growing