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Bottled water not necessarily better than water from the tap
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many Americans believe that bottled water is safer than household tap water, but that isn’t necessarily the case.“Just because the water is said to come from some clear mountain stream doesn’t mean it is completely safe to drink,” said Bob Broz, University of Missouri Extension water quality specialist. “Who knows what a stream may pick up along the way?”
Smart lawn care protects the environment
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - On a per-acre basis, home lawns affect streams, rivers and lakes more than most farming operations, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. However, homeowners can be more environmentally responsible by managing stormwater runoff and using proper lawn care techniques.
Bat Blitz nets more than 600 bats in southeastern Missouri
WAPPAPELLO, Mo. – An intensive, three-night survey of the bat population on public lands in southeastern Missouri netted more than 600 bats, including representatives of several endangered, vulnerable or seldom-seen species.About 80 participants, including professional biologists, students and dedicated amateurs, converged on the University of Missouri’s University Forest Environmental Education Center, which served as headquarters for…
Tree wraps can help prevent winter’s southwest injury
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Tree wraps or guards can lessen the risk of southwest injury, a condition that can afflict young trees in winter, said a University of Missouri horticulturist.Southwest injury, or trunk scald, occurs on the lower portion of the trunk, said Michele Warmund. Low-angle winter sunlight warms trunk tissue during the day. This warming can activate dormant cells that become vulnerable to injury as temperatures plunge in the…
Plants can remove indoor air pollutants
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Overwintering plants indoors may improve air quality in your home during the long, chilly months, said a University of Missouri horticulturist."Research has found that plants can be very useful in absorbing harmful pollutants," said Mary Kroening.
Freezing your credit file
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - One of the fastest-growing financial crimes in the country is identity theft. One countermeasure is to freeze your credit file to keep thieves from establishing credit in your name, said a University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist.
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Field borders benefit wildlife on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Weedy field borders and brushy fence lines may not be attractive to some people, but for many Missouri farm wildlife and game species, those places are prime real estate.
MU students design biodegradable caskets
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Growing interest in environmentally friendly burials has inspired a team of University of Missouri biological engineering students to develop plans for caskets made of biodegradable materials, including linoleum."Biodegradable caskets lack contaminants that would otherwise seep into the groundwater and surrounding ecosystems," said Ben Goldschmidt, a senior in biological engineering from Columbia.
Ice melters may harm nearby trees
COLUMBIA, Mo.- Homeowners should be careful when using ice melters close to trees this winter, said a University of Missouri Extension forester. "Nearly all ice melters are salts," said Hank Stelzer. They work by lowering the freezing point of water to well below 32 degrees.
Warm winter days still bring risk of hypothermia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – People outdoors for prolonged periods are at risk of hypothermia even on warm winter days, said a University of Missouri safety specialist.“People relate hypothermia to subzero temperatures or falling through thin ice into freezing water,” said Karen Funkenbusch.Hypothermia can occur at much higher temperatures, even 50 or 60 degrees, particularly in wet and windy conditions, she said.
Flooded wells may be contaminated; use shock chlorination to disinfect water
COLUMBIA, Mo. - When large amounts of rain fall over a short period of time, private wells may be flooded by rising rivers or runoff. "Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill," said Bob Broz, an MU Extension water quality specialist.Water from a flooded well should not be used for drinking or food preparation until the well and plumbing system have been disinfected and the water has been…
MU scientists explore techniques to help farmers limit spread of antibiotics in animal waste
COLUMBIA, Mo. - A recent Associated Press report revealing the presence of drugs in many municipal water supplies has raised questions about the risks to humans of long-term exposure to small amounts of pharmaceutical compounds. While it is believed that most of the drugs originate from human medications, University of Missouri researchers are investigating the impact of livestock pharmaceuticals and developing best practices to…
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Missouri "crown jewel" for spring turkey hunting
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Many hunters consider Missouri the top state for spring turkey hunting, which this year begins April 12 with a two-day youth season, followed by the regular season, April 21 to May 11.Wild turkeys are now abundant in Missouri, yet a little more than 50 years ago the wild turkey had all but vanished from the state. "The wild turkey is a conservation success story in Missouri," said Bob Pierce, a University of Missouri…
Trapping still best for removing nuisance moles; repellents, baits and poisons often inadequate
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Homeowners may see some unwanted excavation in their lawns and gardens this time of year-the work of moles.Homeowners should forgo homespun remedies such as razor blades, bleach, lye or human hair, said Robert Pierce, University of Missouri Extension wildlife specialist. Repellents and toxicants also often fail to provide adequate control.
Put some thought into choosing the right lawn-care service
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Homeowners should put a lot of thought in selecting the right lawn-care service, said a University of Missouri turf grass scientist."You should always follow some basic guidelines in choosing a lawn-care company," said Brad Fresenburg.First, know what lawn- or landscape-care services you want. Ask several companies what services they offer and ask for client references.
Tips for growing asparagus
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Asparagus is a dependable perennial vegetable, often lasting in the garden for more than 15 years. Asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins, copper, vitamin A, iron, phosphorus and zinc. To successfully grow asparagus, it is important to select both a good permanent site and a cultivated variety suitable to the area, said Lala A. Kumar, University of…
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Prevent peach leaf curl
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Leaf curl is a troublesome disease of peach, nectarine and related plants. "Leaf curl is worse when the weather is cool and wet," said Lala Kumar, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. Leaves infected with the fungus Taphrina deformans become thickened, curled and grossly deformed or puckered. As the disease progresses, the leaf gradually changes color to light green, gray and yellow. Early leaf…
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The noodler and the damage done
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mark Morgan has no desire to catch fish with his bare hands, but that hasn't stopped him from becoming an expert on the controversial sport of hand fishing, also known as "noodling."Noodlers land catfish without rod, reel or other equipment. When you're noodling, your hands are the bait, so when the fish are biting, they're biting you. Noodling is legal in only about a dozen states, not including Missouri.
Planting time calls for extra safety precautions
COLUMBIA, Mo.-Planting time is one of the riskiest periods for farm injuries and fatalities-and a time for farmers to develop a professional attitude towards safety, said a University of Missouri farm safety specialist."Review equipment manuals. You may be less familiar with seasonal equipment than with equipment you use daily," said Karen Funkenbusch.As farmers plant this year's crops, they should keep in mind several recommended…
Smooth the transition to summer visitation
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - With the end of the school year approaching, divorced and separated parents need to plan ahead for summer visitation arrangements for their children, said a University of Missouri Extension human environmental sciences specialist.
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Nature photographers share tips for taking outdoor photos
NEW FRANKLIN, Mo. - Have you ever snapped a picture of a striking outdoor vista only to find that the image recorded by your camera is less than impressive? Taking good outdoor photographs doesn't necessarily require lots of expensive equipment or advanced technical skills, according to two of Missouri's premier wildlife photographers. However, it does take persistence and a practiced eye for details.
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Armadillos increasingly at home in the Show-Me State
COLUMBIA, Mo.- Missourians may find unexpected visitors in their lawns and gardens this summer as armadillos become a more familiar sight in the southern half of the state, said a University of Missouri Extension wildlife specialist."They are now commonly seen in southern Missouri," said Bob Pierce."We're getting more calls every year," said Jim Braithwait, wildlife damage biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Fuel-saving tips for Memorial Day auto travelers
COLUMBIA, Mo. - While record-high fuel prices may keep more Americans home this Memorial Day weekend, AAA estimates that at least 31 million Americans will still hit the highways.Motorists can use basic fuel-saving tips to take some of the sting out of soaring gas prices."You can increase fuel efficiency in several ways," said Leon Schumacher, a University of Missouri professor of agricultural systems management specializing in fuel-…
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Volunteers across the state crucial to monitoring water quality in Missouri’s lakes
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. - Missouri's lakes are an indispensable natural resource and a key economic asset bringing millions of dollars into the state's economy each year through tourism and recreation. That makes understanding and protecting the quality of Missouri lake water a vital task. However, with almost 300,000 acres of lake surface across the state, monitoring that water is an enormous and never-ending project.
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Asparagus is a heart-healthy choice
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Asparagus is one of those vegetables that people either love or hate. "If you haven't tried asparagus in a while, you may want to reconsider because asparagus is loaded with healthy nutrients," said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.