Resources
General
Gaining Ground: Making a Successful Transition to Organic Farming
(Canadian Organic Growers, 2005)
Covers the essential topics of organic farming, from soil building and planting to weed and pest management, certification, and marketing strategies. Also includes a one-year membership with the Canadian Organic Growers network. $45.00, 301 pp.
Organic Field Crop Handbook
Edited by Janice Wallace
(Canadian Organic Growers, 2001)
Outlines a variety of cropping methods and systems, and includes detailed descriptions of how to grow a number of different field crops based on interviews with successful organic farmers across Canada. $37.00, 292 pp.
The New Organic Grower
By Eliot Coleman
(Chelsea Green Publishing, 1989)
The new generation market gardener's bible. Although some details have been improved upon by others, this sets the standard for meticulous, well-planned small-scale organic vegetable production.
$24.95, 352 pp.
Organic Grain Cropping System and Marketing
By Pat Michalak
(The Rodale Institute, 2002)
An introduction to organic grain production covering every step from soil health to storage. processing and marketing. Also provides links to the NOP Standards. $10.00, 80 pp.
|
|
Cover crops and crop rotations
Managing Cover Crops Profitably
Edited by Greg Bowman
(Sustainable Agriculture Network, 1998)
Called “the most comprehensive book ever published on the use of cover crops to sustain cropping systems and build soil.” Provides detailed information on top regional species, performance statistics, cultural traits, planting specifics, pros and cons of 18 different leguminous and non-legume cover crops. $19.00, 212 pp.
Northeast Cover Crop Handbook
By Marianne Sarrantonio
(The Rodale Institute, 1994)
Details the processes of selecting and implementing cover crops in zones 3 through 7, covering 19 proven varieties.
$9.95, 188 pp.
Guide to the Expert Farmers' DACUM Chart for Managing Crop Rotation Systems
(Northeast Organic Network, 2002)
The NEON project gathered 12 experienced organic vegetable farmers, put them in a room and produced this stunning chart outlining real-life, practical 4- and 5-year crop rotation sequences with multiple variations. A real head-scratcher, in the best possible way. (free download, 4 pp. PDF format)
|
