From: ir@ene.nu
On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 08:46:54 -0500, "Kurt"
wrote:
>I do know of some varieties that attract and digest insects but did not know
>about the milk bonnet eating nematodes. żIs that beneficial? Nematodes are
>harmful to some farm crops, but are they just a part of 'Natures balance' on
>the whole?
Many species of nematodes are also beneficial -those who eat fungi or
other nematodes- but some are harmful. The latter are the main reason
why you have to rotate certain crops, if you are mono-cultivating, but
there are other methods that scientists have been studying, like
mixing crops, or adding other nematodes or nematode-trapping fungi to
the soil.
Coprinus comatus (shaggy mane) is one that has been found eating the
Peanut Root Knot Nematode, and others too.
I tried to find what kind of nematodes the Conocybe was eating, but
found that I was wrong - sorry about that. It hasn't actually been
seen *eating* nematodes, just killing them.
The interaction between fungi, bacteria, nematodes and other
microorganisms is very important. They make the nutrients available to
herbs and trees (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus), and together they
keep the nutrients recycled and tied to the upper part of the soil.
>I guess being fungi are genetically closer to animals than plants you can't
>blame them for wanting a 'burger'!
I haven't thought of that, but you certainly have a point there...
>My parents farmyard (because of farm activity, past livestock,etc) provides
>quite a classroom.
I'm sure it does, and I was very happy to read about your attitude
that there are no weeds!
I beleive in leaving things to grow where they appear by themselves,
especially trees, because I think that creates the most natural and
healthy forests.
It's sad to see them being cut down one after another and replaced
with large mono-cultures of pine or spruce.
Irene Andersson
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* Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)
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