The difference between conventional and organic farming is the way in which the land is managed and food produced. Typically on a conventional farm, the farmer uses synthetic inputs like herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers as well as the use of genetically engineered crops and animals to make food production more efficient. While organic faming practices apply age old agricultural practices such as composted animal and green manures, compost, crop rotation, and proh

Introduction to Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems The production of organic agricultural products must either maintain or improve the natural resources of an operation, including soil and water quality. Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practices must maintain the condition of the soil, which is accomplished through crop rotation, the use of cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials. What is an Integrated Crop-Livestock System? An Integrated Cro

What is crop rotation?  According to the Rodale Institute , crop rotation is the practice of planting different species of crops sequentially on the same plot of land to improve soil health, optimize soil nutrients, and combat pest and weed pressure. The focus is to ensure that crops of the same species/family are not grown repeatedly without interruption on the same field.   Foundational, different crop families will utilize different quantities of soil nutrients, this is be

Green manures might feel like a modern sustainable ag trend, but the idea isn’t new at all. Farmers in ancient Greece, Rome, and China were already turning grasses and wild plants back into the soil to keep fields productive . So this practice has been around for a couple thousand years — we’re simply bringing it back into the spotlight. So what exactly are green manures? Think of green manures as cover crops grown with the intention of feeding the soil instead of feeding peo

Organic farming operates under strict regulations regarding pesticide use, with a focus on preventative measures and limited use of...

Weed management is a critical aspect of successful vegetable farming. One innovative and environmentally friendly method gaining traction...