Jason Smith

Even today, all over the world, towering ancient giants are still destroyed in order to produce inferior, transitory products in society. And even when they are not destroyed by human hands, other mysterious forces seem fade them away. In the pacific northwest, according to reseachers that presented at the Current Topics in Forest Health sponsored … Old Growth

Agronomy is the science and economics of producing and using plants for food, fuel, and other products. The field encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including plant breeding, soil science, entomology, and meteorology. It is a complex and multifaceted field, requiring a holistic approach to solving agricultural problems.One of the major challenges facing agronomists is … Agronomy – The Economics of Applied Chemistry

Botany is the study of plants and their relationship to the environment and other organisms. One of the most important aspects of botany is understanding the fundamental nutrients and elements required for life. All living organisms require a certain set of elements and nutrients in order to grow and function properly. These elements can be … The Nutrients Needed For Life

Bear with me here. This stuff is really taking things to the next level. This is something that sets the perspicacious human being, poor but aware, beyond billionaires who can still be slaves. Even fantastically wealthy people are limited by their own minds. They might believe accurate things about money, or rather, accurate things about … Common Law

We really need to dial in how we make decisions. Let your Yay’s be yay’s and your Nay’s be nays. What is the word you speak? What is the word you live? It is difficult to write about these topics and not have it spiral out of control in complexity. What are the core components … Contract Law

Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization or cryodesiccation, is a modern process used to preserve perishable materials by removing moisture from them. This process has a wide range of applications, from preserving food and pharmaceuticals to preserving delicate biological samples.A freeze dryer is the equipment used to perform freeze drying. It consists of a refrigeration … Cryodesiccation

Cymatics is a branch of science that studies the interaction between sound and matter. It is a fascinating field that explores the ways in which sound waves can create visually captivating patterns in physical materials. This field of study has applications in sound engineering, acoustic science, and even music.The wave dynamics underlying cymatics can be … Cymatics, Sonic Science

It is written in the everlasting tablets of truth, that water is the master sculptor of the landscape. Erosion and deposition are two interconnected processes that shape the surface of the earth. Erosion is the removal of soil and rock material from the earth’s surface by natural agents such as water, wind, and ice. Deposition, … Erosion and Deposition

Now that we’ve looked at grasslands, let’s take a peek at holistic range management. Rotational grazing is a method of land management that mimics the natural grazing patterns of wild animals. The practice involves moving livestock from one pasture, or “paddock,” to another on a regular basis, often daily or weekly. This is known as … Rotational Grazing

The great plains. The steppe. Grassland ecology is the study of the different types of prairies and their key characteristics. Prairies are a type of ecosystem characterized by grasses and other herbaceous plants, with a limited number of trees and shrubs. There are two main types of prairies: shortgrass and longgrass.Shortgrass prairies are typically found … Grassland Ecology

Bringing the discussion a step further… Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes and substances that make up living organisms. At its core, biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life. It is the field that seeks to understand how the building blocks of life, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and … Biochemistry, the big idea

Oh yes, we’re about to go there. Mushroom hunting is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that has been enjoyed by people for generations. Whether you are an avid nature lover, a foodie, or simply enjoy exploring the outdoors, mushroom hunting can provide you with a unique and fulfilling experience.The life of a mushroom hunter is … The Mushroom Hunter

Mushrooms are basically what it’s all about. We are, most likely, some strange sort of advanced mushroom creatures. Mycology is the study of fungi, including their taxonomy, biology, ecology, and medical significance. Fungi are unique organisms that are neither plant nor animal, but belong to a separate kingdom of their own. They play critical roles … Mycology

The inland northwest actually has many different sub-biomes in it. Variations within the bioregion. And it really branches out when you look at the climate analogues with other parts of the world. There are ALOT of options for things people can grow and how to grow them within the region! Climate Analogues: Understanding Similar Climates … Climate Analogues

Historically, people did not live in urban contexts. Throughout the modernization process, governments have rounded people in most nations up into them. At present, many would still choose them though that has unignorably been changing. The future is defined by the balance we’ve yet to strike. The cat’s out of the bag; nobody wants to … The Urban Homesteading Concept, and dimensions of its roles in crafting the collective unconscious

By and large we mostly deal with temperate climate situations in our day-to-day in the Northern Rockies. The tops of the mountains can be boreal, so we can get fiercely cold, but the winters will always refute plants that are not to the proper hardiness. The tropics are a unique and diverse region of the … The Tropics

Earthworks refers to the process of shaping and moving the earth for various construction and engineering purposes. The use of earthmoving machinery has become an integral part of construction, mining, and agricultural projects. It involves using heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and other equipment to move, shape, and remove soil and other materials from … Earth Moving

Root cellars are structures that are used for storing food, vegetables, and fruits. They are often located underground, partially or fully, and are designed to provide a cool and damp environment that is ideal for preserving perishable food items. This makes root cellars an excellent alternative to refrigeration, which is often not available or unreliable … Root Cellars

Davinci, studies of embryos

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR, or EMF) is a type of energy that travels through space and spreads through time. Electromotive forces, electromagnetic frequencies… all names, everything is vibration. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. EMF is an essential aspect of our lives, as it allows us to … Electromagnetic Radiation

Cryptocurrency, digital money. Money, currency, commerce are all very sophisticated topics actually with lots of subtle legal innuendo. Currency and money have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years, enabling trade and commerce, and facilitating economic growth. However, with the advent of technology, a new form of currency has emerged, called cryptocurrency. … Crypto Currencies, Barter, Alternative economies

Microscopes: Understanding the Optics, Cost, and Benefits Microscopes are essential tools in scientific research, allowing us to observe and study objects and organisms too small for the naked eye to see. There are different types of microscopes, but all rely on the principle of magnification, which is achieved by bending light rays to focus on … Microscopy revisited

Microscopy is the study of objects and materials that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. It is a field of science that has revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world and has numerous practical applications in a wide range of industries. In this article, we will introduce the field of microscopy … Microscopy – Measuring Matter with Light

A coppice woodlot is a type of forest management system that involves cutting trees down to the ground, with the intention of stimulating new growth and encouraging the production of shoots. These shoots can then be harvested for various purposes, such as poles, firewood, tree hay, and more. The process of coppicing involves cutting down … Coppice Woodlots

We’ve discussed in various places grassland ecology and disturbance events, let’s delve into fire. Fire ecology is the study of how fire interacts with and affects ecosystems. Fire is a natural and necessary component of many ecosystems, playing a critical role in shaping the landscape and shaping the distribution and abundance of plant and animal … Fire Ecology

Pomology is the scientific study of fruit, which encompasses the cultivation, harvesting, storage, processing, and study of fruit plants. It is a branch of horticulture that focuses on the botanical, genetic, and physiological aspects of fruit plants, as well as the commercial production and consumption of fruit. Fruit is a mature ovary of a flowering … Pomology

Fermentation is a process by which microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria convert sugars and carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids. This process has been used for thousands of years as a means of preserving food, as well as for producing various fermented food and drink products such as beer, wine, bread, yogurt, and pickles.Fermentation … Fermentation

Ricing is NOT a beginner level thing to try to wildcraft. Its entirely worth learning about and trying, though, once you’re ready. Wild rice is a species of aquatic grain that belongs to the genus Zizania. It is native to North America and is an important crop for many indigenous communities. The plant grows in … Wild Rice

Ahh! Give thanks for the living soil! Soil is a complex and dynamic mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms that provide the foundation for all life on Earth. Understanding soil structure is essential for successful agriculture and land management, as it can provide critical information about a plot of land’s health, … Soil structure

Cartography: The Art and Science of Mapmaking Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. It involves the creation, analysis, interpretation, and communication of spatial data through the use of maps. Cartography plays an essential role in our daily lives, helping us navigate our way around the world, understand spatial relationships, and make informed … Cartography

Forestry is the science, art, and practice of managing forests and related natural resources, such as range, pasture, and wildlife habitat. A critical aspect of forestry is the assessment of forest health, which involves evaluating the overall well-being of a forested area and determining if there are any issues that need to be addressed.To assess … Intro Forestry

Beavers are a species of large aquatic rodents that play a critical role in many ecosystems across North America, Europe, and Asia. These animals are part of the family Castoridae, which includes only two extant species – the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). Beavers are known for their unique … Beavers and Their Work

Water. How much we all love it. Aquaculture, also known as fish farming, is the cultivation of aquatic plants and animals for food, recreation, and other purposes. It is a rapidly growing industry that provides a significant source of food for human consumption, as well as other products such as bait, fertilizer, and ornamental fish. … Aquaculture

We’re gonna introduce something that is technically impossible to see. The invisible environment of human society refers to the unseen systems, structures, and processes that sustain and govern our communities and economies. This includes everything from laws and regulations, to trade and commerce, to the built environment and the various institutions that make up our … Invisible Environment

As the demand for sustainable and independent energy sources grows, more and more individuals and families are turning to small scale energy systems. These systems, which range from fully off-grid solutions to grid-tied systems, allow for greater control over energy consumption, lower costs, and reduced dependence on large, centralized power grids.Off-Grid Energy SystemsOff-grid energy systems … Small Scale Energy Systems, Homesteaders and Off-Grid Living

Its not very common for someone to think of the intersection of physics and biology: usually chemistry intermediates those two fields. But it is its own entire subject, people get pHDs studying it all the time. Biomechanics: Understanding the Mechanics and Function of Organisms Biomechanics is a field that focuses on understanding the mechanics and … Biomechanics

Surveying is the science and craft of measuring and determining the relative positions of points, lines, and objects on the earth’s surface. The information gathered through surveying is used to create maps, design and build structures, and manage natural resources. A surveyor must have a thorough understanding of mathematics, geology, and technology to accurately measure … Tools and Craft of Surveying

As a lad I studied latin. I loved it, they always said it was impractical and that it was a dead language. Well, it turns out latin is used in science quite a bit. And botany is no exception. I use latin every day! Botany is the scientific study of plants and the tree of … Botany; Form and Function

There’s ALOT to say about composting. What a subject. Wow! Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as leaves, food waste, and yard clippings, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment known as compost. It is a simple and natural way to improve soil fertility and reduce waste, and it has numerous environmental benefits, … Compost – Biochemistry of Mixing Materials

Design is one of the most important things any can study, and something everyone probably should. It is another one of those fractalline, seriously massive topics that bleeds into everything we do. Walk into a wabi-sabi, zen’ed out space and you will see what appears to be a very simple scene. Yet, try and create … Brief Primer on Design

Words… What is a word…? What do words mean? Etymology is the study of the history of words, their origins, and how their meanings have changed over time. Language is a complex and sophisticated system of communication that has been developed by human beings to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. The study of language … Language

Ethiopian church sanctuary forests

An Interpretation of the Sandpoint Arboretum as a Societal Forest Garden The arboretum is a striking and public example of a forest garden, though people may not think of it this way right now. It is a forest insofar as it has a diverse mix of species filling different light-capturing.  It is a garden insofar … Arboretums as Forest Gardens

Greenhouses are structures designed to provide a controlled environment for growing plants and crops. They are used for a variety of purposes, including commercial agriculture, horticulture, and gardening. The concept of greenhouses has been around for hundreds of years, and their use has allowed people to grow plants in areas and during times that would … Greenhouses

Macademia nut orchards in Australia

Let’s talk about the cartography of chemistry for a little bit. The periodic table of elements is a graphical representation of all the known chemical elements, arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The table was first proposed by the Russian chemist Dmitry Mendeleev in 1869, who organized the elements based on their atomic weight … The Periodic Table

Optics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of light and its interactions with matter. It is a fundamental science that explores the properties of light, including its behavior, properties, and applications. From telescopes and microscopes to fiber-optic communication and laser technology, optics has a significant impact on many aspects of our … Optics

βιολογία Ah, life. Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. At its core, biology seeks to understand what constitutes life and how living things function. The field is vast and encompasses many different subdisciplines, each with its own unique perspectives and approaches.One of the defining concepts … Bios Logia

Environmental Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in the environment. It encompasses the chemical processes and reactions that take place in the air, water, and soil, as well as the impact of human activities on these systems.One of the major topics in … Chemistry series continued – Environmental

Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the identification and characterization of unknown substances and the determination of their chemical composition. It is a fundamental field of study in chemistry, with applications in many areas including medicine, environmental science, and industry.One of the key concepts in analytical chemistry is the use of … Some of the tools and tech, Analytical chemistry

Chemistry is the scientific study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. It is one of the oldest sciences, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks, who were interested in understanding the properties of materials and creating new materials. The modern field of chemistry began to take shape in … Chemia, Matter

Fractals are a type of mathematical object that are characterized by their self-similarity, meaning that their shape and structure are repeated at different scales. The term “fractal” was first introduced by the French mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot in 1975, and since then, fractals have become an important tool for studying complex systems and patterns in nature.The … Fractals

Symmetry is a concept in mathematics that refers to the invariance of an object under certain transformations. It is an important concept in many areas of mathematics, as well as in physics, engineering, and art. Symmetry can be thought of as a balance or repetition of features in a design, pattern, or object.In mathematics, symmetry … Symmetry

Mathematical modeling is an important tool used by engineers and physicists to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems. It allows us to take real-world problems and translate them into mathematical equations that can be solved and analyzed. One powerful tool used in mathematical modeling is the partial differential equation (PDE).Before diving into PDEs, … Brief Intro to Partial Differential Equations

Let’s set the foundation to discuss important practical matters later. Electromagnetism is a fundamental force of nature that governs the behavior of electrically charged particles. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, along with gravity, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. The electromagnetic force plays a crucial role in … Electromagnetism

Nonlinear dynamics is a branch of mathematics and physics that deals with the study of systems that exhibit complex behavior. The main difference between linear and nonlinear systems is that linear systems can be described by linear equations, while nonlinear systems are described by nonlinear equations. Linear equations are equations that can be written in … Nonlinear Dynamics

Extremely complicated subjects that we do not have answers for, we only posit the questions. Fluid dynamics is the study of the movement of fluids and the forces that act on them. It is a branch of physics that deals with liquids, gases, and plasmas and how they respond to forces such as gravity, pressure, … Fluid Dynamics

Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of how functions change over time. They are built upon the foundation of calculus, and are an evolution of the themes of single variable calculus. ODEs are used to model a wide range of real-world problems, from simple mechanical systems to … Ordinary Differential Equations

Unity and harmonyAesthetic appreciationTechnological sharpnessIn as much as time permits, there is no reason not to Am I fool, to study physics and engineering at the university and then get into a horticultural field post graduation? Of course everyone is different. Everyone will answer differently. We’ll need to introduce a lot of concepts and terms … Why should a farmer study mathematics?

As a farmer or horticulturist, you may not realize it, but you use physics and engineering principles every day in your work. In order to understand and solve problems that arise in your field, it can be helpful to know some of the key concepts and terms from these disciplines.First, let’s talk about physics. Physics … Farmers are Engineers

Let’s generalize this a step further and kick up into a higher and more powerful way of looking at the world building upon what we’ve already looked at. Vector calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of vector-valued functions, vector fields, and the properties of space and motion. It is a … Vector Calculus – Multivariable Functions

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of change, motion, and rates of change. It is a powerful tool that has played a significant role in shaping the modern world and continues to be essential in many fields of study. From physics and engineering to economics and finance, calculus is used … Calculus – Let’s begin to understand the world…

While it doesnt have a whole of immediate connection to most of what we talk about here… …You just have to love Bonsai. How could you not? We could wax poetic all day about this. But what of it, in simple terms? Bonsai is an ancient art form that has been practiced in Asia for … Bonsai

Time.  You monstrous illusion. Hollow, empty.  Full. What time is it? What is time? Good questions… Difficult, too Time is a concept that has fascinated philosophers and scientists alike for centuries. At its core, time is a fundamental aspect of the universe that we use to describe the change and progression of events. It is … Time

Sing to me muses- just like that. Or let me sing to you. As anyone who has tasted joys in life will observe, nature is bursting forth- veritably exploding with beauty.  What is the form to its essence?  But as anyone who has danced with decay would vouch for, lasting satisfaction is unobtainable in this finite … Introduction to the Project

There is a bit of question if rice is healthiest kind of food available to people, but there is none that societies have lived off of it for thousands of years. Rice paddies are a common sight in Japan, and they have been an essential part of the country’s agricultural landscape for centuries. Rice is … Japanese Rice Paddies

Some of the most beautiful and devastating poetry you’ll ever read, thousand year old fresh from the Benedikt Beuern.

Spending time in rural mountain villages in China, I wept upon seeing the contrast to life the way it was to so many on the planet. Some of the healthiest people and situations you would have ever encountered. China’s agriculture has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it is … Traditional Chinese Agriculture