www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops soil-particles-water-and-air Ch 5. Soil Particles, Water and Air Moisture, warmth, and aeration; soil texture; soil fitness; soil organisms; its tillage, drainage, and irrigation; all these are quite as important factors in the makeup and maintenance of the fertility of the soil as are manures, fertilizers, and soil amendments. —J.L. Hills, C.H. Jones and C. Cutler, 1908 The physical condition of a soil has […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops the-living-soil Ch 4. The Living Soil … long before [humans] existed the land was in fact regularly ploughed, and continues to be thus ploughed by earthworms. —Charles Darwin, 1881 Soils are alive and the organisms living in them, both large and small, play a critical role in maintaining a healthy soil system and healthy plants. A handful of soil contains billions […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops amount-of-organic-matter-in-soils Ch 3. Amount of Organic Matter in Soils The depletion of the soil humus supply is apt to be a fundamental cause of lowered crop yields. —J.L. Hills, C.H. Jones and C. Cutler, 1908 The amount of organic matter in any particular soil is the result of a wide variety of environmental, soil and agronomic influences. Some of these, such as climate and […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops what-is-organic-matter-and-why-is-it-so-important Ch 2. What Is Organic Matter and Why Is It So Important Follow the appropriateness of the season, consider well the nature and conditions of the soil, then and only then least labor will bring best success. Rely on one’s own idea and not on the orders of nature, then every effort will be futile. —Jia Sixie, 6th century, China As we will discuss at the end […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems selecting-alternative-crops Selecting Alternative Crops When selecting alternatives, consider which crops are a good fit for your climate, soils, marketing skills and proximity to buyers. Diversify your markets as well as your crops. “Don’t just grow for one market,” said Myers. “If one goes down, another may hold its value better.” Consider: The alternative crops that follow can bring new […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems introduction Introduction Karl Kupers, an eastern Washington grain grower, was a typical dryland wheat farmer who idled his land in fallow to conserve moisture. After years of watching his soil blow away and his market price slip, he made drastic changes to his 5,600-acre operation. In place of fallow, he planted more profitable hard red and hard […]
www.sare.org publications building-soils-for-better-crops healthy-soils Ch 1. Healthy Soils All over the country [some soils are] worn out, depleted, exhausted, almost dead. But here is comfort: These soils possess possibilities and may be restored to high productive power, provided you do a few simple things. —C.W. Burkett, 1907 It should come as no surprise that many cultures have considered soil central to their lives. […]
www.sare.org publications what-is-sustainable-agriculture ecological-pest-management Ecological Pest Management Many of the ecological strategies farmers use to manage pest insects, weeds and diseases not only result in fewer pesticide applications but also create a healthier and more sustainable farm overall. Some of the most effective approaches include promoting biodiversity on the farm, rotating crops, conserving habitat for beneficial insects and using practices that improve […]
www.sare.org publications a-sustainable-approach-to-controlling-honey-bee-diseases-and-varroa-mites breeding-for-resistance the-difference-between-hygienic-behavior-and-varroa-sensitive-hygiene-vsh The Difference Between Hygienic Behavior and Varroa-Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) We are not alone in our efforts to select honey bees for resistance to Varroa mites. Researchers at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Lab in Baton Rouge, La., have bred and are maintaining several stocks of bees that have demonstrated resistance to Varroa. One of these stocks is called VSH, which stands […]
www.sare.org publications smart-water-use-on-your-farm-or-ranch soil-management profile-wicking-hills-and-cover-crop-valleys Profile: Wicking Hills and Cover Crop Valleys Like many farmers in the Northeast, Louis Lego, Jr. has increasingly faced flooding and drought troubles while he grows certified organic fruits and vegetables at Elderberry Pond Country Foods in Auburn, N.Y. In 30 years of farming, Lego has never seen a greater climate challenge. But through trial and error, he has finally found an […]