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Fertility Fetish

June 25, 2011 By admin

An initial reaction to the usage of the phrase “fertility fetish” in Helen Gardner’s Art Through the Ages is a reaction of unease. History is undoubtedly presented with a bias, but reminders of that bias are never pleasant. Phrases such as “fertility fetish” demonstrate this slant. “Fertility Fetish” has been used to describe the Venus of Willendorf statue. “Fertility fetish” can be broken down for further analyzation. “Fertility” is defined as the ability to produce offspring; power of reproduction, while “fetish” can be defined as an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment of habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency.

The power to produce offspring is obviously associated with women and the term fetish is generally a term that has negative connotations. This implies that an object that is defined as a fertility fetish is not an object that only pays great respect to fertility, but an object with an unhealthy reverence for fertility. The phrase “fertility fetish” is an inherently sexist phrase. It carries an implication that fertility and therefore females, is an idea that is not deserving of any type of praise. It is surprising that Gardner honored the usage of the phrase by including it in her work especially considering that in all likelihood it was a phrase first used by men who did not think the idea of a female with power was likely. Attaching fetish to the word fertility is also anti-sex. The only way in which a state of fertility is to be obtained at the time when the phrase was first used, was through a sexual encounter. By attaching fetish onto fertility, the phrase is basically degrading the idea of pregnancy achieved through sex.

Perhaps the worst bias that is placed on the Venus of Willendorf or other “fertility fetishes” is the bias of western cultures, specifically those where Christianity is common. The reason why the Woman of Willendorf is referred to as a fertility fetish instead of an ancient Austrian religious artifact is due to the spin of modern religion. If it was an ancient Christian artifact, it would be regarded as a religious artifact, but since it’s a Pagan religion, it’s a fetish. History and religion walk a very tight rope. Much of human history is based around religious figures, ceremonies, and places. However, it is critical that history, despite its religious involvement remain as objective as possible. False reporting writes false history. This is why terms like “fertility fetish” are so destructive. It pays injustice to not only a work of art, but an entire civilization.

“Fertility fetish” can be broken down for further analyzation. “Fertility” is defined as the ability to produce offspring; power of reproduction, while “fetish” can be defined as an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment of habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency. The power to produce offspring is obviously associated with women and the term fetish is generally a term that has negative connotations. This implies that an object that is defined as a fertility fetish is not an object that only pays great respect to fertility, but an object with an unhealthy reverence for fertility.

The phrase “fertility fetish” is an inherently sexist phrase. It carries an implication that fertility and therefore females, is an idea that is not deserving of any type of praise. It is surprising that Gardner honored the usage of the phrase by including it in her work especially considering that in all likelihood it was a phrase first used by men who did not think the idea of a female with power was likely.

Attaching fetish to the word fertility is also anti-sex. The only way in which a state of fertility is to be obtained at the time when the phrase was first used, was through a sexual encounter. By attaching fetish onto fertility, the phrase is basically degrading the idea of pregnancy achieved through sex.

History and religion walk a very tight rope. Much of human history is based around religious figures, ceremonies, and places. However, it is critical that history, despite its religious involvement remain as objective as possible. False reporting writes false history. This is why terms like “fertility fetish” are so destructive. It pays injustice to not only a work of art, but an entire civilization.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: 5, after-iui-pink-bleeding-occur-and-when-it-confirm-pregnancy, body-feels-hot-pregnancy, brown-spotting-for-three-days, do-your-areolas-darken-if-your-going-to-get-your-period, f, Fertility, Fertility Fetish, high-vaginal-temperature-causes, how-not-to-get-pregnant-without-using-birth-control, how-soon-do-your-areola-change-when-pregnant, late-period-after-iui, light-pink-spotting-then-brown-discharge-cramping-early-pregnancy, light-spotting-and-pressure, lymph-nodes-during-menstruation, period-late-brown-discharge-stomach-ache, pinkish-brown-spotting-clomid-day-of-period-pregnant, reasons-for-pink-discharge, short-period-with-pink-spotting-with-mucus, weakness-after-implantation-of-the-egg

Fertilizer Injectors

June 24, 2011 By admin

Modern fertilization systems include fertilizer injectors that belong to one of two types: fertilizer injectors that are electrically powered (independently or by a controller), or fertilizer injectors that are mechanically powered by water pressure.

The fertilizer injectors inject fertilizer solutions into the irrigation water. The ratio in which the solution is injected is termed “injection rate”. This ratio can be expressed as percentage or v/v units.

For example – a ratio of 5 liter/m3 means that 5 liters of fertilizer solution are injected into each m3 of irrigation water. The same injector rate can be expressed in percentage as 0.5% (5 liter / 1000 liter x 100) or as 1:200. Higher injector rate means more fertilizer solution is injected into the irrigation water.

There are three essential elements that need to be considered to ensure an efficient operation of injectors: the required injector flow rate, the water pressure and the materials the fertilizer injector is made of.

Injector flow rate

The required flow rate of a fertilizer injector depends on:

the irrigation flow ratethe required fertilization levelthe concentration of the fertilizer stock solutionFor reaching a certain fertilization level, higher irrigation flow rates require fertilizer injectors with higher flow rates.

For example, if you want to inject 5 liters of fertilizer stock solution into 1 m3 of water, and the irrigation flow rate is 30 m3/hour, you will need a fertilizer injector with a minimum flow rate of 150 liter/hour (30 m3/hour x 5 liter/m3 = 150 liter/hour). It would be impossible for a fertilizer injector with a lower flow rate, to reach the desired fertilization level.

Use this simple calculation to check whether your fertilizer injector can provide the required fertilizers quantities:

Divide the fertilizer injector flow by the irrigation flow to get the injection rate.

For example, If your fertilizer injector 150 liter/hour and the irrigation flow rate is 30 m3/hour, then the maximal possible injection rate is 5 liter/m3 (150/30), or 0.5%.

If the flow rate of your fertilizer injector is too low, you can take one of the following actions:

Decrease the irrigation flow rate, by irrigating fewer valves at the same time

Increase the concentration of the fertilizer stock solution. In this case, make sure you don’t exceed the solubility limitations of the fertilizers.

Water pressure and water flow affect the performance of fertilizer injectors.

Water flow through the injector and water pressure in the irrigation line must be adequate for an efficient operation of fertilizer injectors.

For example, if the water pressure in the irrigation line is higher than the maximal pressure against which the injector can work, the fertilizer solution might not be efficiently injected, and the fertilizer injector might even eventually not inject any fertilizers at all.

Some mechanical injectors use the water pressure as their power source (e.g. Dosatron). Such injectors have a characteristic range of water flow in which they can work efficiently. If the water flow through the injector is out of this range, the injector is likely not give adjusted ratio .

Materials a fertilizer injector has to be made of

An additional consideration in choosing your fertilizer injector is the type of chemical that would be injected by it.

Injectors that are used for injecting acid, must be resistant to corrosion. Furthermore, the type of acid makes a difference.

Parts of the fertilizer injector that come into contact with sulfuric acid must be made of acid-resistant rubber, while parts that come in contact with phosphoric acid, must be made of stainless steel.

In fertilizer injectors that are consistently used to inject pesticides, plastic parts should not come in contact with the solution because many pesticides contain chemicals that damage PVC.

Better safe than sorry – buy injectors that can provide slightly higher flows than your maximum requirements.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: 1-week-after-ovulation-pregnancy-symptoms, body-weakness-of-a-woman, brown-discharge-and-constant-peeing, brown-spotting-on-first-day-of-period, can-stress-cause-you-to-spot-pink-and-brown-discharge, f, implantation-bleeding-when-pooping, leg-pain-from-ivf, light-color-in-breasts-in-early-pregnancy, light-spotting-and-migraine-headaches, morning-vagina, nauseousness-in-the-middle-of-the-night-and-cramps, pain-and-brown-discharge-pregnant, peach-pinkish-discharge, poor-embryo-quality-2011, PVC, spotting-while-breastfeeding-pregnancy, very-low-energy-before-missed-period, wet-vagina-symptom-of-pregnancy, what-does-it-mean-to-have-mucusbloodybrown-discharge

Five "Earth Friendly" Reasons to Use Natural Fertilizer

June 24, 2011 By admin

Natural fertilizer is fertilizer made from naturally occurring plant and animal products. Some natural fertilizers contain the same nutrients as synthetically produced fertilizers. Other natural fertilizers contain much more than synthetic fertilizers, or different types of plant-boosting elements. If you currently use synthetic fertilizers, here are ten reasons to switch to natural fertilizer.

1) Natural fertilizer is made from plant and animal parts, and not from a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction to artificially produce synthetic fertilizers uses a huge amount of energy-mostly from carbon-producing fossil fuels. (The myth that synthetic fertilizers are made from fossil fuels is just that-a myth; however, the energy used to produce them is a source of pollution.)

2) Natural fertilizers contain less active ingredient than synthetic fertilizers, making it less likely that gardeners will over-apply and cause nutrients to leach into groundwater. The active ingredients in natural fertilizers are “fully chelated” so they are available for immediate uptake by plants, further reducing the risk of polluting groundwater.

3) Seaweed fertilizers, one type of natural fertilizer, contains many micro-nutrients needed for plant growth that synthetic fertilizer formulas do not contain. Micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, boron and molybdenum are just as important to plant growth as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, but most standard fertilizers do not contain these nutrients.

4) Natural fertilizers are not salts, as synthetic fertilizers are. Natural fertilizers are less likely to burn your plants if you over-apply by mistake. Applying synthetic fertilizers can cause plant stress if the plants have experienced a dry spell and are under stress. Natural fertilizers will not cause the plants stress.

5) Most natural fertilizers are made from renewal resources-especially the seaweed based natural fertilizer. While synthetic fertilizers are produced in labs, the energy used to produce them is not generally from renewable sources.

Aside from the lowered environmental impact of natural fertilizers, they are great choices for gardeners because they provide more balanced nutrition for plants, resulting in healthier plants overall.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: 2-days-before-period-spotting-cramps-headache-boobs-sore-nauseous, basal-body-temperature-and-ectopic-pregnancy, brown-discharge-instead-of-period, brown-spotting-2-weeks-after-period, can-u-get-pregnant-with-swollen-lymph-nodes, cramping-while-pooping-while-pregnant, does-dark-areolas-always-mean-youre-pregnant, frequent-urination-after-missed-period, how-late-can-a-period-be-max, light-brown-discharge-amenorrhoea, light-brown-spotting-and-no-period, moist-vagona-means-pregnancy, pink-discharge-not-pregnant, pink-discharge-week-after-period-due, sensation-in-vagina-is-it-a-sign-of-pregnancy, sickness-and-light-period, signs-of-pregnancy-watery-light-pink-discharge, swollen-breasts-after-conception, ways-not-to-get-pregnant-without-birth-control, what-does-it-mean-if-i-start-my-cycle-and-it-goes-away-in-a-day

Natural Fertilizer Is Not Crap

June 23, 2011 By admin

When thinking about the term “natural fertilizer,” a rotting pile of horse manure might come to mind. Some will think of a bin full of compost and worms. Others will gleefully remember the first time they learned what the word “guano” meant. Believe it or not, natural fertilizer can be made from natural materials other than crap. Sure, horse manure, turkey manure, bird droppings and worm “casings” are great natural fertilizers. If you don’t have a horse farm nearby, or a pickup truck with which to haul, or you live in a climate where running a small worm farm would require a return to old-fashioned agriculture by keeping your worms cozy in your garage all winter, there are alternatives that do not involve conventional, synthetic fertilizer.

Free Natural Fertilizer

Most fertilizers are a combination of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The NPK numbers on the fertilizer bags you buy at the store give the ratio of these ingredients to each other. Depending upon your lawn or plant types, some ratios work better than others. A free way to add nitrogen to your lawn and garden is to keep your grass clippings. You can use a mulching mower and leave the clippings right on the lawn, or you can use a bag to collect the clippings and spread them in your garden. As soil organisms break down the grass clippings, nutrients will return to the soil, and the soil structure will improve.

Seaweed Fertilizer

Seaweed is a plentiful resource, and a source of many nutrients. Asian cultures have used seaweed as a staple of human diets for centuries. Seaweed is just as beneficial for plants. Plants need micronutrients, which are trace elements that occur in soil in much lower quantities than Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Most soil tests do not test for micronutrients and it can be difficult to restore balance of nutrient availability if it becomes unbalanced. Using a natural source of micronutrients like seaweed is a good way to ensure micronutrient availability in the soil.

You can apply seaweed directly to the soil, as a mulch, if you are lucky to live where there is ample seaweed for harvesting. Before applying, it is a good idea to hose it down to remove excess salt. Seaweed breaks down quickly, but its slimy consistency contains components that help improve the structure of crumbly, sandy or coarse soil. The other, easier way to use the powerful effects of seaweed (especially if you live in a land-locked state) is to purchase a concentrated nutrient solution made with seaweed. These solutions can be diluted with water and applied like conventional liquid fertilizers, but they are safer for people and plants.

Plants Need Hormones, Too

Another type of concentrated, liquid, natural fertilizer is a fertilizer solution made from plant hormones. In people, hormones regulate body functions. Plant hormones function in much the same way. There are hormones that promote fruit growth, hormones that promote vegetative growth, hormones that regulate reproduction, photosynthesis and every other plant function. Plant hormones can be synthetically produced and used to produce artificial results in plants. (One example-flats of petunias for sale at your local big-box store that are about one inch tall but full of blooms. Some plants never grow out of those treatments.) When mixed appropriately and applied correctly, plant hormone natural fertilizer solutions are quite safe and effective.

Natural, Safe Fertilizers-More than Crap

Commercial growers have been slow to embrace natural fertilizers as a business-friendly way to produce cash crops. Those growers have a lot on the line, and many have referred to natural fertilizers as “snake oil.” With public demand growing for safer, more environmentally friendly agricultural products, large scale farmers will start to jump on the bandwagon. Additionally, modern large-scale farming methods deplete soil and ruin structure, where using natural fertilizers does not. Eventually it will make more sense to commercially produce plant products with more natural, sustainable products.

There is nothing, however, stopping you, the home gardener, from trying these natural fertilizers today. They will produce higher yields in the short term, and maintain soil structure and fertility in the long run. They are a win-win option for you and for your plants.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: 2-wks-pregnant-throwing-up, are-spider-veins-a-sign-of-pms, birth-fetish, bubbly-stomach-and-gas-for-2-days, early-light-short-period, fetish-heavy-menstrual-bleeding, late-period-dark-aerola-still-pregnant, light-menses-with-headache, light-spotting-infertile, pink-discharge-after-period, pink-discharge-followed-by-brown, pink-period-blood, pink-spotting-after-iui, Plants Need Hormones, pressure-after-urination-and-spotting, Seaweed Fertilizer Seaweed, spotting-at-night-only-and-not-pregnant, swimming-when-pregnant-bleeding, swollen-lymph-node-in-vagina, turkey

How You Can Benefit From Fertility Herbs

June 23, 2011 By admin

When it comes to trying for a baby the inability of being able to conceive a can certainly be very painstaking, but on the same token, it can also be confusing to say the least. One of the most important pointers that you should be certain to keep fresh in your mind is that you ought not to give up your dream of conceiving. There are a range of alternative options out there for you to choose from which may help enrich your fertility. Here, through this interesting article, we will take a much more detailed look at some fertility methods which you may be interested in, as well as how they can benefit you and your other half.

Naturally, there are different types of methods for you to choose from which may be effective for enhancing fertility. Some of these include hypnosis and acupuncture. One of the most dynamic ways that is put to use in as a way to enhance your chances of being able to have a child is fertility herbs. Chances are that you are probably thinking that fertility herbs is a “new” method. But, the truth in the matter is that fertility herbs have been used for many centuries in order to enhance fertility.

A combination of alternative prescription medicines can work by enhancing the male or female fertility. One of the other most popular methods which is used in order to escalate the chances of conceiving is in vitro fertilization. Hypnotism and acupuncture are also both very popular methods which are used in order to increase fertility.

If you are looking for a way that is effective, you should think about using fertility herbs. Chances are that you may be thinking that fertility herbs are a “new” method that works in order to increase fertility. However, the truth in the matter is that fertility herbs have been used for centuries.

If you are contemplating using fertility herbs, there are a number of different things that you ought to take into your train of thought. You probably are interested in learning what types of fertility herbs may be effective, as well as the benefits that they can provide you with. Here, we will take a detailed preview at some of the fertility herbs which you may be interested in.

Understanding The Upper Hand of This Approach

It is very likely that one of the major reasons which you have been experiencing infertility is due to the added stress that you have in your life. I cannot emphasize this enough as it is so very commonly overlooked when we consider fertility. In order to increase your fertility ratio, one of the most important things may be to find ways to add balance to your life and control the amount of stress levels that you experience each day. Stress by itself has its own health implications so it is very wise to take heed and try to eliminate any undue stress that may be upon you.

Probably one of the main reasons to blame for your fertility is due to the stress that your life is filled with. One of the most important factors to increasing your chances of having children is experiencing a more relaxing life. Getting rid of any unnecessary stress or frustrations can be very important for you.

An effective method to reduce the amount of stress that your body feels is fertility herbs. When they are taken regularly, fertility herbs can help you do a range of tasks that may be very helpful and improve your chances of having children. Some of these things include regulating hormones, as well as reduce anxiety and stress that you experience. All of these things can be important to improving your chances of having children.

This approach is so dynamic because it works to relax your body and it also works to regulate your sexual drive. If you are thinking who fertility herbs may be the most effective for, the answer is most likely women. It has been demonstrated that they can help provide the nurturing that the uterus needs.

A Great resource For Calcium, Magnesium and Protein

If you are looking for a fertility herb which has been proven to one of the most effective, then you should think about using red clover blossom. The main reason that is so effective is because it contains a variety of different vitamins which are quite useful for women. The main benefit that this fertility herb has to offer is the fact that it is packed with the protein that your body needs.

Two of the most important things which can be found in red clover blossom are calcium and magnesium. These are very important things that the body needs in order to remain healthy.

If you are wondering what form you will take red clover blossom in, you can feel rest assured to know that there are a variety for you to choose from. Whether you are interested in taking a tablet, a capsule, a tea or an extract, there are many options which are available for you. The recommended daily dosage of this fertility herb is between four hundred and fifty and nine hundred milligrams, and it can be taken between 1 and 3 times daily.

Using Female Ginseng as a Fertility Herb

One of the other most effective fertility herbs that you may want to consider using is dong quai. It has been nicknamed female ginseng, as it tends to work very similarly to estrogen, which is a female hormone.

It is recommended for this fertility herb to be taken in tincture form. The time in which it is most suitable to be taken is during the days between a woman’s ovulation and menstruation. The amount which should be taken is between six and twelve drops in a liquid dropper. The amount of times that this should be taken each day is between one and three.

The best way to find out which herb for fertility would be the most suitable for you, is to go ahead and ask your family practitioner. You ought to additionally find out whether or not it can be used in conjunction with any medications that you are already using.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: body-temperature-brownish-discharge-vomiting-headaches-and-dehydration, body-temperature-in-second-trimester, can-you-gain-weight-fast-after-conception, cervix-on-first-day-of-missed-period, extra-wet-before-period, i-have-bad-morning-sickness-but-negative-pregnancy-test, increased-urination-begining-of-pregnancy, late-period-and-brownish-blood, late-period-then-brownish-blood, missed-perid-and-having-a-lot-of-bowel-movement, natural-wet-vulvas, pink-discharge-day-before-period, pink-secretion-after-ivf, potassium-ovulation, pregnancy-test-evening, pregnant-and-when-i-poop-i-have-a-discharge, remedy-for-spotting-before-period, spotting-period-headache-tubal, very-pale-pink-discharge-after-a-missed-period, what-does-it-look-like-when-areolas-darken

Ethanol, Fertilizer & Higher Natural Gas Prices

June 22, 2011 By admin

What does growing corn and other crops have anything to do with natural gas? It takes about 33,000 cubic feet of natural gas to produce one ton of nitrogen fertilizer. About 96 percent of the corn planted in the United States depends on fertilizers, such as Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3), 28pct-Liquid Nitrogen, Urea and Ammonium Sulfate. Fertilizers consume more than three percent of total U.S. natural gas use. The ethanol boom could dramatically impact natural gas prices.

Some 90 percent of the cost of manufacturing nitrogen fertilizer depends upon the price of natural gas. The more fertilizer produced, the more natural gas is utilized and the higher both eventually cost. And according to widely followed natural gas commentator Phil Flynn of Chicago-based Alaron Trading, “Ethanol plants are going to require natural gas consumption to produce electricity.” Flynn hadn’t yet conducted a study into how much natural gas consumption would be required for these plants, but said in a telephone interview that he could be pursuing this.

We asked Flynn if the ethanol mania would have any impact on natural gas prices. “Absolutely,” he responded, citing that increased corn planting would require natural gas for the nitrogen-based fertilizers and to power the 116 existing ethanol plants. Another 78 plants are now being constructed. Flynn pointed out natural gas prices would benefit from the ‘front and back end’ of the ethanol boom.

Nearly 95 percent of U.S. ethanol distilleries use natural gas boilers. Citigroup analyst Gil Yang estimated 28 billion cubic feet of natural gas would be consumed for every one billion gallons of ethanol produced. Cumulative ethanol production could surpass 12 billion gallons. Some analysts are predicted a natural gas demand increase up to one percent from the ethanol boom. But their estimates do not include increased fertilizer demand to increase corn yields.

Record Corn Planting and Natural Gas

Corn acreage is one of the largest consumers of nitrogen-based fertilizer. And because of the recent ethanol subsidies, more corn will be planted this year than in the past six decades. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, corn growers intend to plant 90.5 million acres in 2007. Because forecasts of ethanol production are expected to increase, expect more corn to be grown. In 2008, about 25 percent of U.S. corn production is planned to produce ethanol. By 2012, 4.3 billion bushels of corn are anticipated for ethanol production. It takes about 450 pounds of corn to produce 25 gallons of ethanol fuel to power an SUV.

The recent ethanol boom has become a blessing for fertilizer companies and their share prices. Since this past summer, shares in Saskatchewan-based Potash Corp have more than doubled to a record $191.46/share. The company is the world’s largest potash producer and a significant producer of nitrogen fertilizers. Shares in Illinois-based CF Industries have nearly tripled in the same period. The company manufactures both nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. Both have benefited from relatively lower natural gas prices in the face of strong demand for their products.

In 2004, about 12 million tons of nitrogen nutrients were consumed. But the increased corn planting has begun causing shortages in nitrogen fertilizers, according to Potash chief executive William Doyle. He told Bloomberg News last week that some farmers are not receiving sufficient fertilizer supplies because transportation facilities are nearly overloaded with shipments. This could impact fertilizing in mid summer if supplies continue to remain tight.

Corn planting takes place now through May in the Midwestern U.S. Some farmers pre-plant their nitrogen in March and April and skip the ‘side dressing’ in the summer. Fertilizing is generally done for two to three weeks at corn planting time. Side dressing is done over another two to three week period in July. “Knee high by the Fourth of July,” describes when the second fertilization is done. This refers to the height of the corn and represents the last fertilizer application for the growing season. Side dressing is said to give plants a boost and provide an easy, smooth and better harvest.

We talked with an Ohio farmer who told us, “Even though we farmers are complaining about the additional cost of fertilizer, we can not afford to not apply adequate amounts for corn production.” He explained, “If 28-percent Nitrogen costs me $100/ton more, and I use one-third ton per acre, that is an additional cost of $33/acre. With a yield of 150 bushels/acre, the cost is $0.22 more per bushel. But if corn prices are $1.50/bushel higher, then I can’t afford to under-apply the nitrogen.” There is a better return in higher corn-producing states, such as Iowa and Illinois, where yields are 200 bushels per acre.

The western Ohio farmer also compared his fertilizer costs for this season compared to previous plantings. “In 2000, my cost for NH3 was $242/ton,” he said. This year’s cost has nearly doubled to $580/ton. For the 2001 planting season, he paid $165/ton for 28-percent liquid nitrogen. His costs would have been about $280/ton for this season, but he pre-paid for this fertilizer in December, paying about the same he would have paid in 2004. For every one dollar increase or decrease in natural gas prices, fertilizer prices can swing up or down by 95 cents.

For this farmer’s fertilizer applications, he prefers 28-percent liquid nitrogen for each of handling and application. While anhydrous ammonia (NH3) can also be used, and is cheaper per unit of nitrogen, he finds it is less safe for use. NH3 is also a favorite among the illegal methamphetamine-manufacturers, which siphon off the ammonia from farmer’s nursing tanks. Urea is volatile and used mainly for wheat, but it also used by western Corn Belt farmers.

Fertilizer prices have more than doubled over the past 15 years, and there is no respite in the near-term. A recent Energy Information Administration outlook forecasts benchmark natural gas prices rising by 9.2 percent in 2007 and increasing another 3.7 percent in 2008. World demand for fertilizers grew by 13 percent between 2001 and 2005, according to The Fertilizer Institute. After China and India, the U.S. is the world’s third largest nitrogen producer. Next year, the Ohio farmer could be faced with a steeper bill to fertilize his corn and other crops.

Global Nitrogen Demand to Drive Natural Gas Demand

The ethanol success story in Brazil has spread worldwide. Fortunately for Brazil, ethanol is produced by sugarcane, not corn. The country relies mostly upon non-nitrogen-based potash for its fertilizer – possibly as much as 6.5 million tons in 2007. But Brazil’s productivity of liter per hectare from sugarcane dwarfs corn’s productivity.

According to The Worldwatch Institute, sugarcane yields about 6,500 liters of ethanol for every hectare compared to less than 3,000 liters of ethanol produced on every corn hectare in the United States. The ratio of energy output of sugarcane, compared to the fossil energy input required to produce ethanol, is higher than 8 times. The same ratio applied to corn stands between 1.3 and 1.8.

As with all commodity discussions, one must talk about China and India. Ethanol production is rising, but remains far below the percentage shares of the U.S. and Brazil. Fertilizers are serious business in China, where nearly 50 million tonnes of fertilizer are annually consumed. By 2011, fertilizer production could top 63.5 million metric tons, according to China’s National Agricultural and Rural Economic Development (NARED). Of this, China hopes to produce 42 million metric tons of nitrogen fertilizers.

By 2020, there could be as little as 0.2 hectares of agricultural land per person. But China is faced with a significant problem while maintaining an annualized 7.5-percent GDP growth rate during this time. How will China obtain sufficient natural gas to reach this target?

Earlier this month, a senior adviser to the National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC) announced, “We are seeing difficulties importing gas.” China has been stymied in meeting its annual LNG import target of 20 million tons by 2015. The country has been attempting to reduce its dependence on imported oil by increasing use of natural gas.

China’s NDRC has targeted natural gas to comprise 8 percent of the country’s energy mix to help ease the pollution burden the coal industry places on China. The country is the world’s largest copper consumer and the largest steel manufacturer. For its energy, it draws heavily upon its coal production – and is now expected to become a net importer of coal for 2007.

High natural gas prices have forced China to rely more upon coal and accelerate its emphasis on the country’s growing natural gas sector. In March, PetroChina and Royal Dutch Shell PLC started commercial production in the joint venture’s Changbei gas field in northwestern China. Other natural gas fields in southwestern China, PetroChina’s Longgang gas field, and Sinopec Corp’s Pugang gas field in Sichuan province, may both show promise in increasing gas’s role in the country’s energy mix. But the NDRC’s plans of 92 billion cubic meters of natural gas production by 2010 is likely to fall short. At this time, gas may only reach a bit higher, at 5.3 percent, of the China’s overall energy production.

Which brings us back to fertilizer. China plans to annually increase grain productive capacity by 0.65 percent within five years – and hopes to decrease planted grain acreage by 0.18 percent. The state planning commissions will be forced to improve yields. Hence, we expect an increased reliance upon nitrogen fertilizers to realistically achieve the country’s target. Significant percentage increases in nitrogen-based fertilizers may be needed to overcome the poor soil nutrients in China.

How will China reconcile lowered expectations of natural gas imports in the context of increasing nitrogen-based fertilizers? We have previously covered China’s emerging coalbed methane (CBM) sector because (a) the country hopes to reduce the number of coal mining accidents resulting from methane explosions and (b) CBM can help increase the country’s energy mix.

According to the Carbon Finance Unit of The World Bank, China has placed a significant emphasis on coal methane projects. China’s National Climate Change Coordination Committee place coal methane projects into the top four prioritized categories for developing projects. Over a 20-year period, China hopes to reduce the carbon dioxide equivalent of 40 million tons by capturing the methane gas from the country’s coal mines and utilizing the gas to produce clean energy.

Now there is a third reason to follow the country’s CBM sector. A large share of China’s coalbed methane consumption has been allocated for nitrogen-based fertilizers. The industry generally depends upon methane gas for nitrogen production. As the country increases fertilizer production, the country’s state-owned CUCBM (China United Coalbed Methane) company will play a responsible role in helping bring many early-days CBM projects into production.

This could also explain BP Plc’s announcement, earlier this year, planning to heavily invest in the expansion of the company’s CBM fields in the San Juan Basin (Colorado, New Mexico). BP plans to spend more than $2 billion to increase its methane gas production. Other countries are also looking to CBM as another way to meet the increased demand for natural gas.

When CUCBM began awarding the production-sharing contracts (PSC) to foreign-owned companies, such as Far East Energy, Green Dragon Gas, Fortune Oil and Pacific Asia China Energy, the company probably did not forecast a large share of the methane production to be produced from the coalbed would go for fertilizer production. But, at this stage, this could increasingly become the case.

As the world moves forward to manufacture ethanol for its energy needs, or to make its soil yield a greater harvest, the role of natural gas could increase dramatically. Subsequently, the floor for natural gas prices could begin escalating as has been found with many other commodities. Not just in the United States, but in many other countries where fertilizer consumption could grow by leaps and bounds.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: Brazil, brown-blood-tiredness, CBM, China, does-pms-include-brown-spotting, f, frequent-unrination-brown-discharge, frequent-urination-brown-spotting, higher-bbt-after-ovulation-than-normal, pink-vaginal-discharge-28-weeks, slight-pink-spotting-day-of-expected-period, spotting-and-pressure-after-urination, trying-to-conceive-perid-pain-brown-discharge, United States, vegina, waking-at-night-wth-nausea, weight-gain-before-missed-period, what-does-it-mean-if-you-wake-up-dizzy, where-are-your-bowels-when-you-are-pregnant, www-frosthillfarm-org

Why You Need To Fertilize Your Lawn

June 21, 2011 By admin

Why do you need to fertilize?

Your lawn takes nutrients out of the soil and uses them to aid growth. If your soil lacks adequate nutrients your lawn will suffer. First, as you probably know, fertilizing makes your lawn greener. Most people fertilize to green up the lawn but they don’t know much more than that about why to fertilize.

Fertilizers can include chemicals to inhibit or kill weeds. However, a healthy lawn can actually can keep weeds at bay on its own. A healthy lawn competes with weeds to grow and will win when it has the right conditions.

Another reason to fertilize is that when the nutrients are available, the lawn develops healthier roots. Healthy roots grow deeper. Deep roots can better draw upon water and nutrients in the soil. Furthermore, deep roots reduce thatch and browning. Finally, fertilizer contains nutrients that grass needs to resist disease and drought.

Why are there so many different fertilizers?

The three primary nutrients in a fertilizer are Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Each element has its own affect upon grass. Nitrogen stimulates grass growth and greening. Phosphorous stimulates the development of roots and seedlings. Potassium promotes disease and drought resistance.

As the weather changes, your lawn has changing needs. In the heat of the summer, your lawn needs water and little else. In order to survive the cold weather, your lawn needs to have healthy roots and so a fertilizer to promote root growth should be applied before the cold weather sets in. At other times of year your lawn needs nutrients to enable growth and greening. Finally, various weeds have their own growing seasons. In order to give your lawn the edge over weeds, you should fertilize at the beginning of the various weed growth seasons.

Where you live, the type of grass you have, the condition of your soil and the weather all affect your choice of fertilizer and when it should be applied. You also have a choice of organic fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, which is sprayed on, or time released granules which are distributed with a spreader. All of these factors result in the many choices of fertilizer.

What do those numbers on the package mean?

Fertilizer is comprised of three primary nutrients; Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The symbols for these nutrients, respectively, are N – P – K. The numbers on fertilizer packages represent the ratio of the nutrient to the total weight of the package. So a 50 lb. bag labeled as 25-5-10 is 25% nitrogen, 5% phosphorous, 10% potassium. By multiplying the weight of the package, by the percentage of the nutrient, you can determine the number of pounds of each nutrient. So in the example above, .25 * 50 lbs = 12.5 lbs. of nitrogen, 2.5 lbs. phosphorous and 5 lbs. potassium.

So what is the rest of the bag contain? Mostly inert fillers. Why not make the bay lighter and leave those fillers out? Those fillers help with even distribution of the nutrients and in the slow-release of nutrients over time.

When should you fertilize?

The weather is the chief influence on when to apply nutrients. The beginning and end of the growing season are the two most important times to fertilize the lawn. These two applications will be adequate to sustain a healthy lawn. However, also preparing for the winter and fertilizing prior to the appearance of weeds will give you the best results.

Where you live influences the timing for each of these applications. If you live in a warmer climate, then the early and late summer are ideal for pre and post growth season applications. In colder climates, spring and fall are the best times to apply nutrients. Early summer is the time to apply nutrients to aid in the prevention of weeds.

For winter protection you should apply fertilizer prior to the first frost or in warmer climates, when the grass stops growing.

Which fertilizer should you use?

You should have your soil tested every 3-4 years to determine what nutrients may be needed. You can purchase a soil test kit, or take a sample to a local nursery. Some counties have agencies that can also test soil for a nominal fee.

The result of your soil test will be a factor in your choice of fertilizer. Generally, the proper ratio of primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and Potassium.) is influenced by the season. The selection of secondary nutrients is influenced by the condition of your soil.

You have three choices when it comes to form of fertilizer; organic, liquid or timed release. Organic fertilizer is your classic food or animal waste that has been composted. The benefit of organics is that you really can’t damage your lawn by over-fertilizing. You may also have a ready supply of composted material. The down side is that it won’t contain the balance that your lawn needs, it is heavy, requires large quantities and is relatively difficult to apply. Liquid fertilizer can be convenient to apply because it is sprayed, usually with an attachment to your hose. However, it doesn’t last as long and so it must be applied much more often. Slow release fertilizer comes in granules which are spread with a hand spreader or larger push spreader.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of leaving the lawn clippings when you mow. These clippings break down quickly and return vital nutrients to the soil. The rumors you have heard about lawn clippings leading to thatch are untrue. The USDA has tested and determined that thatch does not result from lawn clippings being left on the lawn. The key is that you don’t wait until the lawn is too tall and that you mow only when the grass is dry. Otherwise, you will end up with clumps of clippings that turn brown and are unsightly as well as may block sunlight from the grass underneath.

Because of all the factors that influence the selection of fertilizer, you should take advantage of the knowledge of the staff at your local nursery or home center. First of all, they are generally going to stock the appropriate fertilizer for the current season and the unique considerations for your region. Furthermore, their staff can help you to identify your variety of grass (bring a sample with you), answer your questions and help you select the appropriate fertilizer for your needs.

How much Fertilizer should you use?

Over fertilizing can lead to chemical burn, excessive top growth and weakens your lawn. Under fertilizing results in a lawn that lacks color & lushness, increases risk of disease and results in more weed growth. Clearly, getting the right balance is important.

This is also where the local nursery staff is invaluable. The type of grass will affect the quantity of nutrients needed. Ask the staff to help you select the right product for your type of grass (remember, bring a sample of your grass). If you know your variety of grass, you can also just read the packages as they will include detail of how much of their product to use for your variety of grass.

Always follow all of the directions for the use, application and cautions listed on the package. Use of protective clothing, gloves, eyewear and breathing masks is recommended when working with chemical fertilizers.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: 12-days-late-brown-discharge, are-women-gassy-before-they-start-their-period, cramping-and-brown-discharge-before-period, engorged-cervix-and-late-period, f, if-areolas-do-not-become-darker-does-it-mean-not-pregnant, late-period-and-exhausted-and-brown-discharge, late-period-without-cramps, lower-abdominal-cramping-two-weeks, missed-period-smelly-pinkish-brownish-discharge, peony-farm-vermont, polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-swollen-glands, stress-pink-brown-discharge, studies-says-couples-who-wait-longer-to-have-sex-have-a-longer, swollen-breasts-nausea-period, very-light-spotting-with-no-menstrual-symptoms, week-9-pregnancy-fatigue, what-causes-pink-discharge, what-does-it-mean-when-you-are-light-headed, what-does-it-mean-when-you-feel-light-headed-during-pregnancy

Basic Gardening – Fertilizing and Plant Nutrition

June 20, 2011 By admin

Plants, like people, need to be fed regularly, and like people, too much or too little is not a good thing. So, giving advice on fertilizing plants can be challenging. Differences in soil types, existing nutrients, plant type and climate are but a few of the factors that affect proper fertilization. First, let’s understand a little bit about fertilizers in general. All plants require at least 17 different nutrients to survive. Some nutrients come from the air, some from water and others from the soil. When we fertilize a plant, we are adding some of the nutrients that come from the soil.

When we fertilize, three nutrients stand out as the ones that are needed in the greatest amount and that need to be supplemented most often. These are called the primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium . Every fertilizer will have three numbers on its label to indicate the percentage of each of these three nutrients that it contains. For example, our Bud-N-Bloom Booster is a 15-30-15 formulation. It contains 15% nitrogen, 30% phosphorus, and 15% potassium. Knowing the formulation is important, but there are other factors such as solubility, molecular form, etc. that directly affect nutrient availability. We will leave those details to the plant scientists and others who have a more technical interest, but it is essential to purchase fertilizers from a trusted source so you can have confidence that you are getting what you pay for and what your plants need.

In addition to the primary nutrients, many premium fertilizers (like all Cottage Farms fertilizers) include a group of nutrients know as the micronutrients. These are plant nutrients that are just as essential for healthy plant growth as any of the other nutrients we have discussed, but are needed only in small amounts by the plant. One can think of micronutrients for plants as being analogous with vitamins for people. Selecting fertilizers with a complete micronutrient package is always the best choice.

Young plants and recently transplanted plants often grow more rapidly and have a less developed root system than the more mature established plants, thus more frequent supplemental fertilization is called for. Annuals also require a lot of nutrients to sustain their rapid growth and flowering. For best results fertilize young, fast growing plants and all annuals every one to two weeks with a soluble fertilizer, such as one of our Bud-N-Bloom fertilizers. For established shrubs and trees two or three feeding in the spring to early summer should be sufficient. When applying soluble fertilizers, like those offered by Cottage Farms, the application would be very similar to a “watering” as described in the Basic Garden Watering section.

If you chose to use a “dry” fertilizer, place the fertilizer where it will reach the plant roots, within the area between the trunk and the drip line. Spread the fertilizer evenly over the entire area and be cautious to avoid getting fertilizer on the trunk. The best time for this application is in the spring when you see some new growth emerging. If you have shrubs and trees planted in grassy areas you will want to apply several small amounts to avoid burning the grass. If you use a “slow release” fertilizer, follow the label closely as each formulation varies in content and longevity.

Never fertilize a dry plant . It is a good idea to thoroughly water a plant the day before fertilizing. Be sure you have had rain or you have irrigated between fertilizations. Remember more is not better when it comes to fertilizing. It is very important to read the fertilizers directions on how much to apply. It is better to use less fertilizer more often than too much which can burn the roots and kill the plant.

As a general rule, fast growing plants like annuals need more fertilizer than slower growing plants. For most plants, stop all fertilization with the approach of fall and allow the plants to harden off and enter winter dormancy.

Over fertilization: Too much fertilizer creates a “salty” condition in the soil that can damage roots and inhibit water and nutrient uptake. The symptoms are similar to the signs of under watering (drought).

Under fertilization: Nutrient deficiencies occur when one or more of the essential nutrients are unavailable or in short supply. Nitrogen deficiency is probably the most common deficiency, and its symptoms are yellowing of the lower (older) leaves. Most deficiencies are difficult to diagnose and are usually avoided with adequate fertilization.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: Basic Garden Watering, brown-blood-start-of-period, can-one-be-constipated-the-first-wk, Cottage Farms, delayed-period-and-pink-discharge, do-all-pregnancy-temperature-change, headache-brown-spotting-no-period, high-temp-day-of-expected-period, how-do-some-people-struggle-to-get-pregnant, late-period-and-pink-discharge, light-brown-discharge-5-days-before-period, light-period, light-pink-spotting-one-day-irregular-periods, missed-a-period-and-the-next-one-i-got-brown-discharge, once-a-egg-is-fertlized-can-u-start-getting-gas, pink-vaginal-discharge-not-pregnant, swollen-and-high-body-temperatues, what-do-areolas-look-like-when-you-are-pregnant, what-does-it-mean-when-you-feel-light-headed, what-does-pink-discharge-mean

Preservation of Fertility in Women Diagnosed With Cancer

June 20, 2011 By admin

Amidst all the turmoil of cancer diagnosis and figuring out how to beat it, you and your health care providers commonly forget that the odds are that you will survive your disease for many years to come. Loss of fertility is one of the most disheartening consequences of cancer treatment. This is a guide to all the young women and men diagnosed with cancer on how to preserve their ability to conceive after cancer treatment. Unfortunately, in the real world, you do not get timely information to be able to make an informed decision. Surveys of young women and men indicate that they are very interested in future fertility. Surveys of providers, however, points that in less than half the cases fertility issues are discussed or women are referred for consultation. Interestingly, when women inquire about fertility they are more likely to receive information about future fertility or referral to a specialist.

Call to Action: the notion that ‘I / you got cancer and would be lucky to sort it out’ should not stop young people and their physicians from planning for long term survivorship issues. It is really possible to lead quite a normal life after cancer treatment with thoughtful preparation and consultation with pertinent health care providers

Preservation of Fertility in Women

Who needs it and how its done?

Fertility is a key aspect of the quality of life for cancer patients of childbearing age.

Preservation of fertility is defined as the application of medical, surgical and laboratory procedures to preserve the potential of genetic parenthood in adults and children at risk of sterility before the end of natural reproductive lifespan (Gosden 2009).

Decrease or loss of fertility can take place due to exposure to medication (chemotherapy), radiation or surgery (e.g removal of the ovaries). The American Cancer Society estimates that cancer affects one in each 3 women living in the United States. Modern cancer treatment commonly involve exposure to chemotherapy and sometimes pelvic radiation. Cancer and its treatment though is not the only situation that affect fertility. Fertility can also be diminished by bone marrow transplantation and treatment of kidney disease usually due to lupus (lupus nephritis).

If you are a women or a man living in the United States and recently diagnosed with cancer or another condition that threatens your future ability to mother or father children, this lens is written with you in mind. The odds are you will beat your disease and survive for many years to come. Considering fertility-sparing options before starting disease treatment may greatly enhance your ability to conceive a biological child after cure.

Health Problems that Jeopardize Fertility

Who needs to consider fertility preservation?

a. In 2009 about 700,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer, about 10% of them under the age of 45. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Each year bout 15,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before 45 year. Women can also be diagnosed with leukemias, lymphomas, cancer of the colon, uterus, ovary, skin or thyroid gland. Treatment of all these cancers is associated with long term effects during the survivorship period including decline in fertility. The effects of cancer treatment go beyond the harm caused by the method of treatment itself to the time spent in treatment and time needed for follow up. This delay means women will probably attempt pregnancy several years later than they intended.

b. Women undergoing bone marrow transplantation for treatment of cancer, anemias (e.g sickle cell disease) and other diseases. The use of chemotherapy and radiation prior to transplantation is usually associated with fertility loss in the vast majority of patients.

c. Some women develop breast or ovarian cancers due to abnormality in breast cancer gene (BRCA1 & 2). Reducing the risk of future cancer may require removal of both ovaries with loss of fertility.

d. Women diagnosed with connective tissue disease (Systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis…) or autoimmune disease may have severe disease affecting their organs (e.g kidney). Chemotherapy is sometimes used to suppress their immunity which may lead to fertility decline. Moreover, the antibodies generated by the disease process may directly affect ovarian function.

e. Individuals exposed to accelerated loss of eggs due to genetic disease (e.g mosaic Turner syndrome) can also benefit from preservation of fertility

f. Fertility extension. Women delaying pregnancy for career or social reasons (no male partner at this time) can consider freezing their eggs or embryos (using donor sperm). This option was not studied in large population studies.

Effects of Cancer Treatment on Ovarian Function

In general the younger the woman, the more oocytes she harbors in the ovary and the higher the likelihood that some oocytes will remain in the ovary after treatment.

a. Chemotherapy and the Ovary. The use of chemotherapy can lead to fast loss of oocytes (eggs). Oocytes carry the genetic material that women pass to their children after fertilization by a sperm. The effect of these agents is variable depending on the drug, dose, frequency of administration, and age of the woman at the time of treatment. Cyclophosphamide is the most harmful agent for future fertility. These medication appear to cause loss of eggs through damage of its DNA and inducing spontaneous demise of the egg. There is no proven method that can prevent this loss.

b. Pelvic Radiation and the Ovary. Exposure of the ovary to radiation can damage the eggs and the remaining tissue of the ovary. The amount of radiation that leads to complete loss of ovarian function is dependent on the age. A dose of 1500cGy will sterilize the majority of women at age 30. Smaller doses will sterilize older women.

c. Time factor. Cancer treatment usually requires several months. For some cancers (e.g breast cancer) medical treatment (tamoxifen) is required for 2 to 5 years after surgery and chemotherapy. For others oncologists recommend a period of observation for 1 to 2 years. This will delay a woman’s plan to start a family to a later age when fewer oocytes remain in the ovary. Actually the effect of cancer treatment on the ovary appears to be similar. Continuous loss of eggs from the ovary takes place in all women. Cancer treatment accelerates this loss so that the number of eggs in the ovary would correspond to older age.

d. Pelvic Radiation and the Uterus. Exposure of the uterus to radiation increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor and abnormal pregnancy outcome.

Evaluation of Ovarian Function after Cancer Treatment

Tests that reflects fertility potential (egg production) in women

Although many think that resumption of menstruation after cancer treatment indicates that the woman retains the ability to conceive, this is not true. Some women have regular menses with near exhaustion of the eggs in the ovaries. Thus, menstruation is not a reliable indicator of the ability to conceive.

The function of the ovary before after cancer treatment can be evaluated using hormone tests and ultrasound.

1. Cycle day 2 or 3 FSH (follicle stimulating hormone, normal is less than 12mIU/mL)

2. Inhibin

3. Antimullerian hormone (AMH). This is a new and promising marker and appear to be more accurate than the other markers.

4. Vaginal ultrasound to evaluate the number of small follicles visible in the ovary.

Although these markers are more accurate than menstrual history, normal markers after treatment does not mean that ovarian function is completely preserved after exposure to treatment.

Here is a study that I did in 2006. I compared the response to fertility medication in women cancer survivors that were exposed to chemotherapy to those that present for fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. The number of eggs obtained from those exposed to chemotherapy was much less than those not exposed.

Methods Used to Preserve Fertility in Women

How it is done?

Methods used to preserve fertility in women are generally divided into three categories:

Modification of cancer treatment plan to reduce damage to the ovaries and uterus:

1. Preserving one ovary in women affected with early ovarian cancer.

2. Preservation of the body of the uterus with removal of the cervix in early cervical cancer.

3. Use of progesterone treatment instead of removal of the uterus in endometrial cancer.

Protection of the ovaries from the damage caused by cancer treatment:

1. Ovarian transposition is a surgical procedure to move the ovaries upwards, away from radiation field before pelvic radiation. Results are variable as some scattered radiation still reaches the ovaries.

2. Protection of the ovaries from the effect of chemotherapy. GnRH agonists are a group of medications that suppress the master gland in the brain, preventing the release of the hormones that stimulate development of follicles in the ovaries. Although suggested, there is no proof that they actually protect the ovaries and improve the chance of pregnancy after the use of chemotherapy.

Low Temperature Storage of Embryos, Oocytes or Ovarian Tissue:

1. Embryo freezing

2. Oocyte freezing

3. Ovarian tissue Freezing

Because they are applicable to all types of cancer, I will go through these in some detail.

Embryo Freezing

The standard method for women with a partner

This is considered the standard method for preservation of fertility. Its suitable for women with a male partner or accepting he use of donor sperm and when cancer treatment does not need to be started immediately.

This method entails stimulation of the ovary with medications and frequent monitoring of response using ultrasound and blood work. This stimulation usually requires 12 to 14 days.

The eggs are then removed from the ovary by an outpatient procedure under sedation. Egg retrieval requires passing a needle through the vagina into the ovary. Eggs are then fertilized in the lab and the resulting embryos are frozen 2 to 6 days later and stored for later use. Cancer treatment can start immediately after egg retrieval.

After cure, women can request to use their embryos, that are placed back into the uterus after simple preparation of the lining of the uterus. The transfer of two embryos into the uterus yields a pregnancy rate of about 30%.

Women diagnosed with an estrogen sensitive tumors (e.g. breast cancer, uterine cancer) require special attention to mitigate estrogen rise during stimulation.

Egg Freezing

Slow freezing and Vitrification

Egg freezing is considered for women with no male partner and declining the use of donor sperm. It requires stimulation of the ovaries and egg harvest as described earlier.

The human egg is unique. Its the largest cell in the body with high water contents. The membrane surrounding the cell is not very permeable. Moreover, its the only cell in the body where chromosomes are spread on flimsy structure called the spindle, rather than being enclosed inside the nucleus of the cell.

The egg requires special expertise to freeze. One of two techniques are used; slow freezing or vitrification (rapid freezing). The newer vitrification method has the advantage of minimizing the formation of ice crystals inside the egg and yields better survival of the egg at thawing.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine still considers egg freezing experimental.

In Vitro Maturation

Growing eggs in the lab

In this method a very short ovarian stimulation for 3 to 5 days is performed followed by retrieval of immature eggs. Eggs are then matured in the lab, fertilized and the resulting embryos are frozen for later use. The efficiency of this method is lower than retrieving fully mature oocytes. About 50% of follicles punctured yield an egg. Approximately 70% of the eggs reach maturity in the lab and about 70% of those fertilize. This method is suitable for women demonstrating high response to stimulation to fertility medication.

Ovarian Tissue Freezing

Investigational method

This is an experimental method for preservation of fertility. In this method one ovary is removed, processed and frozen. After cure, the ovary is transplanted back in the pelvis (orthotopic) or under the skin (heterotopic). Processing of the ovary means that the outer 2-3mm (this is the part that contains the eggs-the cortex) is shelled out and cut into thin strips. So far the ovary cannot be frozen as a whole organ because its too thick for cryoprotectants (the substance that protects the tissue from damage caused by freezing) to diffuse into it before freezing. Removal of the ovary is performed using laparoscopy (minimal access surgery) or at the time of surgery for other indication.

The inner part of the ovary (does not contain eggs) is sent for tissue examination to make sure it does not contain any malignant cells. Since ovarian harvest can be accomplished in 1 to 2 hours, this method is used when there is no time to complete ovarian stimulation (2 to 3 weeks) or when stimulation of the ovary is not possible as in girls before puberty. Because of the experimental nature of the procedure, its offered to women with very high risk for ovarian failure after treatment.

Co-ordination of Cancer Treatment & Fertility Preservation

Multiple studies in the US surveying patients or oncologists found that discussion and referral for preservation of fertility takes place in less than 50% of patients. Referral was more likely when patients inquire about fertility issues.

This underlines the importance of educating women about fertility issues and the diagnosis of cancer and other allied diseases. Empowering women to ask questions appears to one of the most important initial steps to receive appropriate information about and possibly pursue preservation of fertility.

Collecting information and co-ordination of care between providers concerned with cancer treatment and those that deal with preservation of fertility can be a demanding task, especially at difficult and busy times. Here is a planning tool that aims at helping you organize your thoughts and collecting information about your cancer and to discuss this information with multiple providers.

If You Do not Read Anything Else Read This

Cancer treatment especially chemotherapy reduces the ability to conceive. If you were diagnosed, you deserve to get answers about long term issues including fertility. Preservation of fertility is possible and relatively easy. The standard method for women is embryo freezing.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: 38-weeks-light-period, brown-discharge-after-period, brown-discharge-after-period-pregnancy, dim-spotting-menstrual, Egg Freezing Slow, f, Fertility, head-ache-and-brown-spotting, high-basal-body-temperature, how-to-change-egg-quality-in-women, httpwww-frosthillfarm-orgcategorypregnancy, lighter-period-swollen-boobs, natural-treatment-for-enlarged-labia, ovulation-day-pink-blood, pink-discharge-spotting-after-period, pregnant-or-peiord-cramps-and-pink-sticky-discharge, spotting-before-period-headaches-nausea, stomache-pains-brown-urine-discharge, United States, Vitrification Egg

Natural Fertilizers For Luscious Lawns And Gardens

June 19, 2011 By admin

Growing a beautiful garden and a luscious lawn is within reach of every home gardener. While it might be easiest to reach for conventional fertilizers and pesticides to maintain your urban oasis, for the sake of your health, your children’s health, and your drinking water supply, it makes sense to take a look at different methods of maintenance.

It’s Easy Being Green

The beautiful, lush, green look of lawns comes from a correct balance of nutrients. Depending upon the type of grass in your yard, you will need to apply fertilizer at different times of the year. The coveted green look comes from correct applications of nitrogen. Many types of grasses are nitrogen guzzlers. Cool-season grass like bluegrass and winter rye grass love nitrogen when the weather is nice and cool, but burn easily if over-fertilized during the summer. All grasses benefit from slow-release varieties of fertilizer so that they do not get burned.

Salting Your Grass

Did you know that when you apply synthetic fertilizer, you are essentially salting your grass? Man-made fertilizers are composed partially of salts. Just as people benefit from a low-sodium diet, so does your yard! A great alternative to synthetic fertilizer are natural fertilizers made from biological components. There are several ways to achieve a natural fertilization of your yard. Cutting your grass with a mulching mower and leaving the grass clippings returns about two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year. You will still need supplemental fertilizer, but mulching mowers make a big dent in nitrogen needs. Natural fertilizers are a great option to supplement grass clippings.

Types of Natural Fertilizers

Natural fertilizers are made from materials that occur in nature. Fish emulsion, seaweed, plant hormones and other compounds compose natural fertilizers. As with any concentrated product, it is important to read the label and apply correctly, but overall, natural fertilizers are much safer than their synthetic counterparts. Natural fertilizers decompose more quickly than synthetic fertilizers, meaning that they do not persist in the environment and cause harm. Some natural fertilizers use formulas high in micronutrients, which are nutrients that regulate physiological function in plants, and are sometimes not available in high enough quantities in the soil. Other natural fertilizers use plant hormones to encourage plant growth in ways favorable to fruit production and nutrient concentration.

What makes Natural Fertilizers Safe?

Natural fertilizers are, on the whole, safer than synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers are concentrated chemicals that persist within fatty tissue when absorbed or ingested. You cannot put down a broadcast, slow release fertilizer and then play tunnel-tag or touch football in the yard. Natural fertilizers are made from plant and animal products that do not persist in tissue and are broken down by soil organisms and absorbed quickly by plants. You could fertilize your yard with a natural fertilizer made from seaweed and enjoy a tranquil yoga session shortly thereafter.

Less Work in the Long Run

Perhaps the most beneficial aspect to using natural fertilizers on your lawn and in you garden is that you will continue to build good soil structure. By using natural fertilizer, you will not overwhelm soil organisms that make nutrients available through their metabolic processes. You will add organic matter to the soil which improves drainage and root penetration. The healthier your soil is, the healthier your plants will be. By not using synthetic fertilizers and chemicals that are toxic to beneficial insects, you will maintain ecological balance in your yard. Over a growing season, and several growing seasons, your yard’s natural system will become more and more balanced, meaning less work for you and better results. You can’t beat that!

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: abdominal-pain-discharge-after-period-ends, areolas-darken, brown-discharge-followed-by-bleeding, brown-spotting-for-3-days-and-nothing, can-constipation-cause-spotting-instead-of-period, f, how-accurate-are-doctors-urine-pregnancy-tests, is-it-normal-to-gain-weight-after-conception, is-one-of-the-signs-of-pregnancy-vagina-feeling-wet, light-headed-nausea-pinkish-blood, light-pink-bleeding-first-day-of-periods, miracle-gro-fertilizer-pregnancy, morning-sickness-with-a-negative-pregnancy-test, Natural Fertilizers Natural, Natural Fertilizers Safe, period-off-but, pregnancy-constipation-cramping, small-amount-of-brown-blood-after-one-missed-period, watery-discharge-sign-of-pregnancy, what-are-the-harmful-effect-soil-because-fertilizers