We still live in a world infused with chemicals from agriculture and industry. In retrospect, Carson's concern for the long term impacts of chemical pesticides on human reproduction, cancer, immune systems, brain function, embryonic development and hormonal problems seems eerily prescient. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission issues periodic warnings against ingesting fish that may contain man-made pollutants, and hunting and fishing regulations take into consideration food-cycle...

The Brazilian retail fertilizer market has grown by 50 percent since 1997, as production of soy, corn, sugar and other crops in the nation has increased. When fully operational in 2010, Bunge Maroc Phosphore is expected to have 375,000 tons of annual production capacity, from which it will manufacture phosphoric acid, triple superphosphate, and monoammonium and diammonium phosphate for shipment to Brazil, Argentina and other markets in Latin America. When fully operational in 2010, Bunge...

The bonds, or sukuk, will have a maturity of at least five years, extendable to ten, with a portion convertible to shares in Egyptian Fertilisers, he said, declining to give details. Egyptian Fertilisers has a stake in a urea project under construction in Nigeria with initial planned capacity of 565,000 tonnes, Abraaj officials said. Abraaj controls Egyptian Fertilisers, which produces about 1.3 million tonnes per year of urea for export. Abraaj is also interested in acquiring more...

The area is home to 11 endangered species: the delta smelt, the tidewater goby, the California clapper rail, the salt marsh harvest mouse, the California tiger salamander, the San Francisco garter snake, the California freshwater shrimp, the San Joaquin kit fox, the Alameda whipsnake, the valley elderberry longhorn beetle and the bay checkerspot butterfly. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allowing pesticides in the habitats of endangered species without adequately assessing...

Native plants can save money, too, because most need less water and fertilizer. Plant experts at universities, nature centers or botanical gardens may be able to tell you if a plant could cause trouble. Tips for avoiding invasive plants. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. How to avoid putting invasive plants in your backyard: Copyright 2007 Associated Press.