RE: Return from Topsfield
John: Lightning is a Biological nitrogen fixer.
Biological nitrogen fixation is an essential natural process that supports
life on this planet. Higher plants and animals obtain nitrogen
ultimately from nitrogen-fixing organisms or from nitrogen fertilizers
(including nitrogen compounds formed during lightning strikes).
Available soil nitrogen, which originates from decomposing plant residues
and microorganisms, is normally deficient for intensive crop
production. This is the compelling reason to improve our understanding of
BNF for application to agriculture and forestry production
worldwide. In addition, the projected doubling in population over the next
50 years will put increasing pressure on food production,
the environment, and the need for fixed nitrogen. Growing concerns about the
environment, energy, nutrition, and agricultural
sustainability make the need for BNF research even more compelling.
Glenn Peters
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@mallorn.com [o*@mallorn.com]On
Behalf Of Heilmanjon@aol.com
Sent: Monday, June 05, 2000 8:51 PM
To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
Subject: Return from Topsfield
I have just returned from a few days in northeastern Massachusetts. I made
it
a point to drive my the Topsfield Fairgrounds, the Mecca, or Vatican, or St.
Paul's Cathedral, or Wittenberg... (well you get the idea-) of pumpkin
growing in the northeast.
When I was driving up to West Newbury, where I stayed, I got into a
hellacious thunderstom, and the papers later reported that a house and a
barn
had been hit by lightning and burned to the gound. Does this happen a lot to
you hardy folk? Earthquakes are no threat in comparison.
All of which brought to mind something that I vaguely recall - that fields
which have been struck by lightening yield great fruit. Anyone with this
happy experience? Can it be faked - can I just run a line from the power
pole
that goes behind my house into the ground near my plants?
Fantasy - or fact?
John, in sunny, dry and safe CA.
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