This publication explores the different approaches to tillage intensity in organic crop production systems. It reviews a number of alternatives and provides a summary of recent research and future research needs.
Resources Category: Organic Crop Production
Explore best practices in organic crop production. Get expert tips on soil management, crop rotation, and sustainable farming techniques to boost your organic yields.
Organic Tomato Production
This publication addresses practical questions on organic tomato production. It focuses on the specific production challenges, including site selection (soil and climate), variety selection, sources of organic seeds and organic annual transplants, organic grafting, planting and training/staking arrangements, soil fertility and fertilization, crop rotation, and pest (insect, disease, and weed) management. Harvest and yield/productivity are… Continue reading Organic Tomato Production
Tipsheet: Crop Rotation in Organic Farming Systems
fact-sheets on crop rotations for organic farming systems.
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic greenhouse vegetable production requires extensive upfront investment but can yield premium prices if the grower can identify a marketing channel without a lot of competition. The key to profitable greenhouse vegetable production is keeping annual costs low. The highest costs for greenhouse production are energy and labor. This publication includes information on energy conservation,… Continue reading Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
This publication discusses various marketing channels for organic herbs and assesses the economic factors to consider for small-scale organic greenhouse production of fresh-cut herbs. It also addresses production methods, including potential for hydroponic production.
Apples: Organic Production Guide
This publication provides information on organic apple production from recent research and producer experience. Many aspects of apple production are the same whether the grower uses low-spray, organic, or conventional management. Accordingly, this publication focuses on the aspects that differ from nonorganic practices-primarily pest and disease control, marketing, and economics.
Pears: Organic Production
This introduction to commercial organic pear production covers pear diseases, disease-resistant cultivars, rootstocks, insect and mite pests and their treatment, Asian pears, and marketing. Two profiles of organic pear growers are included. Electronic and print resources are provided for further research.
Pruning for Organic Management of Fruit Tree Diseases
This publication explains why pruning is an especially important disease-management tool for organic tree fruit growers. It explains how to remove diseased wood and prune branches and discusses how this can control spread of disease and help prevent hosting of pathogens that cause rot. Pruning strategies for apples and pears are contrasted with techniques used… Continue reading Pruning for Organic Management of Fruit Tree Diseases
Establishing Organic Buffers
This fact-sheets from WSDA explains the organic regulations on boundaries and buffer zones and how to minimize risk of contamination by using buffers.
Seed, Annual Seedling and Planting Stock Guidelines
This fact-sheets provides guidance on organic regulations for seeds, seedlings, and planting stock.