Farm Horizons • Dec . 5 , 2016 • Page 23 garden
• saves time and money tending to garden needs Hazards of rubber mulch
It ’ s flammable – research study comparing several different mulches found that when rubber mulch , which contains petroleum products , is ignited , it is more difficult to extinguish than any other mulch--including wood chips .
It ’ s toxic – like any other material , tires and rubber mulches are eventually broken down by environmental factors , such as sunlight , or by bacteria and fungi . The chemicals that leach from tires are anything but benign . They include heavy metals , such as aluminum , cadmium , chromium , molybdenum , selenium , and zinc . Two other common rubber leachates are 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole ( MBT ) and poly aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs ); these chemicals are health hazards for humans and the environment .
It ’ s destructive – many vegetables and ornamentals mulched with rubber can accumulate high levels of zinc , sometimes to the point of death . Other metals found in decomposing rubber can also accumulate in plant roots , leaves , or fruit , depending on the species . Acidic soils are particularly sensitive because heavy metals are more available for plant uptake . Decomposing rubber mulches provide a constant stream of toxic leachates into adjacent aquatic systems . Research has also shown that entire aquatic communities are injured or killed when exposed to these chemicals . Send your gardening questions to rcschlueter @ yahoo . com •
What is a fair farm rental agreement ?
Determining a fair farm rent agreement is a challenge in today ’ s economy with significantly lower corn and soybeans prices in 2016 , preceded by recent record high commodity prices and farm land values . Farm land rental rates are dropping as corn and soybean prices continue in this low price cycle .
Landlords , farmers , and agri-business professionals can learn about the factors affecting land rent at informative meetings being held across Minnesota . These free meetings are being provided by the University of Minnesota Extension .
David Bau , Extension educator in ag business management , will present topics including historic and projected farmland rental rates , current farm land values , projected
2017 input costs and cash grain prices , along with rate of return to the landlord at current market values which help calculate an affordable rental agreement .
Attendees will receive several useful worksheets and factsheets that will help to determine a fair 2017 farm land rental rate .
• Monday , Dec . 12 at 9:30 a . m . in room 120 at the Wright County Government Center , 10 2nd St . NW in Buffalo .
• Tuesday , Dec . 13 , 9:30 to 11:30 a . m . at Carver County Government Center , Township Hall Conference Room on second floor , 600 E . 4th St ., Chaska , MN ( enter building by flagpole ).
For additional information , contact your county Extension educator . •