Hazardous Household Chemicals Affecting Pets and their Safe, Toxin-Free Substitutes
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In a news article published on March 16, 2012, written by Greg Seaman, the benefits and uses of various organic and chemical products for gardening and lawn care were discussed. Here's a summary of the products mentioned and their purposes.
Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers play a crucial role in improving soil health and long-term fertility. Products such as Milorganite, an organic slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, have a composition of 6-4-0 and a weight of 36 lbs. Another organic fertilizer, Corn Gluten Granulated Organic Fertilizer, has a composition of 9-0-0 and a weight of 30 lbs. These fertilizers increase soil organic matter, enhance microbial activity, and improve water retention in the soil, promoting nutrient cycling and crop resilience.
MicroLawn Grass Seed & Microclover Blend, with a weight of 5 lbs, is another organic fertilizer that helps improve soil health and promote the growth of grass and clover.
Organic Pest Control Products
Organic pest control products, like compost and organic soil amendments, are effective in suppressing fungal and bacterial diseases. They enhance beneficial microbial populations that antagonize pathogens and improve soil physical and chemical properties that support plant health and stress resistance. For instance, compost and farmyard manure treatments have been shown to significantly reduce disease severity and increase yield in crops like hot peppers and chili plants.
Chemical Herbicides and Pesticides
Chemical products like DITHIOPYR 2EW and SePRO's StriCore herbicide function primarily as pre-emergent weed controls rather than organic inputs. DITHIOPYR 2EW provides pre-emergent control of a wide range of grassy and broadleaf weeds and is suitable for various turf types. StriCore herbicide offers broad-spectrum, season-long weed control targeting weed shoots with minimal turf injury, protecting root systems, and allowing flexible tank mixing to extend weed protection in warm- and cool-season turfs.
Pest Control Solutions
The article also mentions several pest control solutions. Safer Brand Sluggo, a natural slug and snail control solution, has a weight of 12 lbs. Bonide Bionetic Fire Ant Killer is a bait product for fire ant control.
ESP MoleMax Mole Repellent Granules, with a weight of 10 lbs, are used to deter moles. Mosquito Dunks are mentioned as a solution for mosquito control. Insect Dust Diatomaceous Earth, with a weight of 4.4 lbs, is a natural pest control product.
Lastly, the article mentions Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed, but no weight was provided for this product.
By integrating the purposes and demonstrated effectiveness of the listed products as described in the provided article sources, this synthesis aims to provide a comprehensive guide for gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts.
In the realm of sustainable living, green homes and gardens can benefit from the use of organic fertilizers like Milorganite, Corn Gluten Granulated Organic Fertilizer, and MicroLawn Grass Seed & Microclover Blend, which not only improve soil health but also promote the growth of grass and clover. For pest control, pet-friendly options such as Safer Brand Sluggo, Bonide Bionetic Fire Ant Killer, ESP MoleMax Mole Repellent Granules, Mosquito Dunks, and Insect Dust Diatomaceous Earth can be integrated into one's home-and-garden lifestyle, catering to both the environment and beloved pets.
