In Cuba, Cleaner Rivers Follow Greener Farming

First joint Cuba/U.S. geology team in half-century discovers Cuban fertilizer pollution far lower than Mississippi River—model for global agriculture
Researchers stand on bank of river in Cuba with onlookers on bridge

When the Soviet Union disintegrated in the early 1990s, food production on the island of Cuba was reduced—as the supply of Russian fertilizers, pesticides, tractors, and oil dried up. Under the stress of an imminent food crisis, the island quickly rebuilt a new form of diversified farming—including many urban organic gardens—that depended less on imported synthetic chemicals. Over the last two...

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Phosphorus Surplus Hurts Cleanup Efforts: Vermont

Vermont farms have built up a massive phosphorus surplus – one that is growing at an estimated 1,500 tons per year – as farmers continue to import large quantities of animal feed and fertilizer, a new University of Vermont study says. 

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lake champlain

Study: Climate Change Could Outpace EPA Lake Champlain Protections

New research suggests that Lake Champlain may be more susceptible to damage from climate change than was previously understood—and that, therefore, the rules created by the EPA to protect the lake may be inadequate to prevent algae blooms and water quality problems as the region gets hotter and wetter.

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