Environment, Forestry and Agriculture

Auburn Soil Lab Gets $43M Infusion

A venerable soil research facility at Auburn University is expecting a $43 million funding infusion from Congress for a new facility that will continue its work of improving global food production.

Who Owns Alabama’s Forests?

Who are the typical timberland owners in Alabama? Are the small landowners in it for investment or recreation? For some insights, we spoke with Stephen Burdette, a registered forester with American Forest Management's office in Prattville.

Making a Living in Crenshaw County

A photographer’s account of business life in three rural Alabama counties: Part 1, Crenshaw County.

Alabama Catfish Farmers See Tariffs As Fair Trade

With Alabama catfish farmers, free trade is not an unquestioned principle, as with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or the National Fisheries Institute. Black Belt producers say “free” trade has been an unleveled playing field of unenforced safety standards and dumping practices.

Land Trust to Preserve State’s Trove of Caves

Two groups hope to ensure protection of numerous caves and the fragile life that inhabits them on nature preserves owned and managed by the Land Trust.

Untreated Overflow

In affluent and poor communities alike, untreated sewage overflows into streams as many as 30 times a day across Alabama. Improvements to wastewater utilities usually only follow a problem, including a trip to the hospital after a summer swim.

Is Irrigation Making Rain Clouds?

UAH researchers were busy over the summer helping track weather conditions in the corn fields of Nebraska to figure out if acres and acres of corn plants can change the weather.

Miracle of Chemistry Conjures Corporate Poison

What was once proclaimed a miracle of modern chemistry has many Tennessee Valley residents not trusting their water supply. They’re looking for payback from the corporate magician.

Forest Giant Recapitalized

Georgia-Pacific feeds on Alabama, the nation’s second largest timberland. The big recession was time for big G-P reinvestment throughout the state.

Supply and Demand of Water

Only 10 percent of Alabama’s cropland is irrigated, compared to Georgia’s 50 percent and Mississippi’s 60 percent. If Alabama’s were 50 percent, the impact would be $200 million to $300 million a year.

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