more... > Louisiana Agriculture Magazine > Past Issues > 2005 > Winter 2005 Summer 2005 Spring 2005 Fall 2005      more articles... New Light Shed on Landscape Groundcovers [Image: monkey grass 3.jpg] The best choice for shady areas where light is a limiting factor in turfgrass growth is a groundcover. Typical lawn grasses are physiologically incapable of surviving such locations. This research project explored groundcover options. What's New? These articles appeared in the fall 2005 issue of Louisiana Agriculture. New sugarcane varieties take pressure off 384 LSU AgCenter sugarcane researchersshowcased new varieties at the sugarcane field day held July 20, 2005, at the Sugar Research Station at St. Gabriel. Compost 'for the road' [Image: Filter sock] Highway construction moves a lot of dirt around, and with construction comes the potential for erosion. Sugarcane rind show promise as building material [Image: Photo Vlosky and Wu] LSU AgCenter researchers recently completed a study that shows promise for the economic feasibility of using sugarcane rind as a supplemental raw material for manufacturing oriented strand board(OSB) and similar products. ‘Push boats’ help crawfish farmer cut costs [Image: push boat] IOTA – Acadia Parish farmer GerardFrey figures he has cut costs and increasedproduction of crawfish by using push boatsinstead of mechanized watercraft to harvesthis crop. Jack Hamilton endowed chair created The LSU AgCenter will have a $1 million endowed chair in cotton production as the result of industry donations honoring a man who was a driving force in Louisiana cotton production. Recycling Perlite to Reduce Greenhouse Tomato Production Costs [Image: perlite] Most greenhouse tomato operations in the southern United States are small. These growers have to hold down production costs to compete well in a market dominated by more efficient, larger operations. One way they do this is to reuse the root medium (perlite) for growing the greenhouse tomato plants. Nature-based Tourism Blazes Trail for Economic Growth [Image: logo] Rural America is turning to nature to revitalize its communities.Ironically, farming communities with enhanced natural amenities may boost business opportunities. Choose Child Care Carefully It’s a fact. Most tots and toddlers spend the majority of their waking moments in child-care programs.