Blogs

Mary Ernsberger Mary Ernsberger

The Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

There has been a lot of buzz recently about a ‘new’ way to farm. It’s called ‘Regenerative Agriculture’. Science has yet to come up with a precise definition that outlines the practices that a person ‘must’ follow to call their agricultural processes ‘regenerative’. Until that happens, farmers who attempt to restore their soil’s organic matter and biodiversity increasing carbon draw down from the atmosphere can use this term. As the soil improves so does soil fertility, the local water cycle, healthier crops, and improved yields. Some farmers believe in the no-till practice while others say there are minimum tillage techniques that will still qualify under the regenerative agriculture umbrella. Common practices include the use of cover crops, compost, and compost extracts to restore soil microbial activity, crop rotations

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The Science Behind

The School Lunch and Test Score Connection

Abstract

In the writing of this essay, several studies were reviewed to obtain the groundwork, including studies that clearly showed a direct correlation between food quality and learning.  Of all the studies identified through the use of the LIRN and Google Scholar databases, none were found that presented information clearly opposing the topic.  As a result of the research, a hypothesis was formed showing improved nutrition in school food programs would create an overall increase in standardized test scores by improving the internal learning environment.    

Essential Oils as a Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

This essay explores two peer-reviewed articles that explored the potential uses for essential oils in the therapeutic treatment of psychiatric disorders.  As anxiety is recognized as one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders, studies with a focus in this area were chosen.