scholarly journals Transition from Conventional to Organic Farming Systems: I. Challenges, Recommendations, and Guidelines for Pest Management

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gladis M. Zinati
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Conventional agricultural systems increase per-area food production, but deplete natural resources and degrade both crop and environmental quality. Many of these concerns are addressed by sustainable agricultural systems, integrated pest management, biocontrol, and other alternative systems. Environmental and social concerns have escalated the need for alternative agricultural systems in the last decade. One alternative, the organic farming system, substitutes cultural and biological inputs for synthetically made fertilizers and chemicals for crop nutrition and pest management. Practices used for crop and pest management are similar during transition from conventional to organic farming systems, but produce is not certified to be organic during the transition period. During the transition from conventional to organic farming, growers may face pest control difficulties and lower yields when conventional practices are abandoned. The objectives of this paper are to 1) give an overview of the reasons for converting to organic farming and the challenges that growers face during the transition period, 2) outline some potential strategies for crop, soil, and pest management, and 3) list guidelines and recommendations for pest management during the transition to organic farming. Implementation of crop and pest management practices depends on geographical location, climate, available onsite resources, and history of the land. During transition, growers rely on cultural mechanisms and on organic and mineral sources to improve soil fertility, to build a population of natural enemies to suppress pest populations. Pest management practices during the transition period that reduce pest populations to economically manageable levels include crop rotation, cultivation, cover crops, mulches, crop diversification, resistant varieties, and insect traps. These practices also enrich the soil biota and increase crop yields before produce is certified organically grown.

scholarly journals Transition from Conventional to Organic Farming Systems: II. Summary of Discussion Session and Recommendations for Future Research

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-612
Author(s):  
Gladis M. Zinati
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Discussion Session ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

A question/answer discussion session was conducted at the conclusion of the workshop “Pest Management During Transition to Organic Farming Systems”. The following categories were used to summarize the discussion: 1) questions and answers related to cultural and biological practices and their effects under various climatic conditions, 2) recommendations for pest management, and 3) future research needs. While many tactics are available, selecting and adopting the most suitable approach depends on soil conditions of the land, location, and the availability of the resources at affordable prices. Definitely, more research studies are needed on 1) weed seed banks under various cultural practices at different regions, 2) relationships between soil nutrients, and pest control, and 3) approaches to increase profitability of organic production during the transition period.

scholarly journals Stable Characteristics of Cover Crops for Weed Suppression in Organic Farming Systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Uchino ◽  
Kazuto Iwama ◽  
Yutaka Jitsuyama ◽  
Keiko Ichiyama ◽  
Eri Sugiura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Short-term nitrogen mineralization from warm-season cover crops in organic farming systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 396 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 353-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. O’Connell ◽  
W. Shi ◽  
J. M. Grossman ◽  
G. D. Hoyt ◽  
K. L. Fager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Nitrogen Mineralization ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Biological indicators of soil quality in organic farming systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.A. Stockdale ◽  
C.A. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Biological Quality ◽  
Organic Farming Systems ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe health of the soil, recognized by its active role in the linked processes of decomposition and nutrient supply, is considered as the foundation of agriculture by the organic farming movement. Nutrient management in organically managed soils is fundamentally different from that of conventional agricultural systems. Crop rotations are designed with regard to maintenance of fertility with a focus on nutrient recycling. Where nutrients are added to the system, inputs are in organic and/or non-synthetic fertilizer sources that are mostly slow release in nature. Hence a greater reliance is placed on soil chemical and biological processes to release nutrients in plant-available forms. In this respect, nutrient availability in organically farmed soils is more dependent upon soil processes than is the case in conventional agriculture. The development and use of biological indicators of soil quality may therefore be more important in organic (and other low input) farming systems. The aim of this paper is to evaluate current evidence for the impact of organic farming systems on soil biological quality and consider the identification of appropriate biological indicators for use by organic farmers and their advisors. Organic farming systems are generally associated with increased biological activity and increased below-ground biodiversity. The main impacts on biological fertility do not result from the systemsper sebut are related to the amount and quality of the soil organic matter pool and disruptions of soil habitat via tillage. Even within the constraints of organic farming practices it is possible for farmers to make changes to management practices which will tend to improve soil biological quality. It is, however, by no means clear that distinct indicators of soil biological quality are needed for organic farming systems. It is important not only to identify the most appropriate indicators but also to ensure that farmers and land managers can understand and relate to them to support on-farm management decisions.

scholarly journals Organic Corn Production Practices and Profitability in the Eastern U.S. Corn Belt

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8682
Author(s):  
Caroline Brock ◽  
Douglas Jackson-Smith ◽  
Subbu Kumarappan ◽  
Steve Culman ◽  
Cathy Herms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Corn Production ◽  
Outreach Programs ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Certified Organic

Efforts to assess and improve the sustainability performance of the growing organic farming sector depend on an accurate understanding of farm structure and management practices. To contribute to the dearth of literature in this area, we conducted a survey of over 850 certified organic corn growers in four states (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) in the spring of 2018. Findings show that most organic corn growers in this region had diversified livestock operations (mostly dairy) on relatively small farms (10–100 ha), which contrasts with trends of specialization and growth in farm size. More than half were dairy farmers, and nearly two-thirds farmed with horses (likely Amish). Soil fertility and health were managed by the use of manure, cover crops, forages, and a variety of other soil amendments. Organic corn growers relied heavily on moldboard plow tillage. All producers had positive net returns to labor and management in 2017, though net returns varied widely across operations. The results have implications for assessing the sustainability of organic farming systems, and for designing scientific research and extension/outreach programs to ensure they address the needs of the diverse organic farming population in this region.

Ecologically recoverable models of farming biology in Ukraine

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (93) ◽  
pp. 76-78
Author(s):  
S.E. Degodyuk
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Mineral Nutrition ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Small Rivers ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Natural Landscapes ◽  
Organic Farming Systems ◽  
Modern Vision ◽  
Universal Application

The article presents the modern vision of the development of biologization of agriculture by restoring natural landscapes and agrocenoses in the basins of small rivers of Ukraine with carrying out works on the restoration of the channels, floodplains and watershed basins with the implementation of agro-, chemo-, bio- and phytomelioration. The prospects of implementation of energy-saving and nature-compatible agricultural systems on the restored landscapes, ensuring the cultivation of toxicological products of plant growing, are determined. The universal application of organo-mineral bioactive fertilizers as natural complexes that meet the needs of mineral nutrition of plants for both traditional and organic farming systems is determined.

Cover Crops

2017 ◽  
pp. 257-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladan Ugrenović ◽  
Vladimir Filipović
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Multiple Role ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

The use of cover crops is widespread practice in organic farming systems. Cover crops can be defined as crops that are usually not grown commercially, and can have a multiple role in crop rotations. The benefit of cover crops has been known since long. Legumes are used as biological fixer of nitrogen for the next crop, and are established during periods when the soil is without major crops in order to reduce erosion. In recent years, the role of cover crops has been extended to the biocontrol of weeds, pests and diseases, as well as to the overall improvement of soil quality by increasing organic matter, encouraging the circulation of nutrients and reducing soil compaction. At the same time, their use tends to reduce costs and even create new sources of income on the farm.

scholarly journals (154) Alternatives for Pest Management in a Tropical Organic Watermelon Production System

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 1080B-1080
Author(s):  
Annette L. Wszelaki ◽  
Bryan Brunner
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Percentage Cover ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Main Plot ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

While much research has been conducted in organic farming, little has focused on tropical systems. Tropical, versus temperate, systems present additional challenges for organic producers, including differences in soils, temperature, daylength, rainfall, and humidity. Pest management in tropical organic systems can be particularly demanding due to the year-round pest pressure and optimal environment for pest proliferation. Weed management is essential for the production of high-quality watermelons, but can be difficult when herbicides are not permitted. Weeds also serve as a source of inoculum for disease organisms and a habitat for insects, both beneficial and detrimental. Many products have been advertised for pest control in organic farming systems, most of which have not been adequately evaluated in independent, replicated trials. Here we investigated alternatives to pesticides for the control of weeds, insects, and diseases in `Crimson Sweet' watermelons. A split plot on a RCBD with four replications per treatment was used, with weed treatment (± paper-grass mulch) as the main plot and 12 insect and disease control alternatives as subplots. The alternatives for insect and disease control included traditional copper-based fungicides, biological control agents, potassium bicarbonate, hydrogen dioxide, milk, and commercial formulations of essential oils. Weed abundance (percentage cover), disease severity (percentage disease), and insect damage (percentage foliar damage) were evaluated weekly using a modified Horsfall-Barratt scale. Yield and quality were measured at harvest on five plants from each replication. While none of the products should be relied upon as the sole means of managing pests, those with efficacy could be integrated into organic management programs.

scholarly journals Crop yields and supply of nitrogen compared in conventional and organic farming systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarika Alaru ◽  
Liina Talgre ◽  
Viacheslav Eremeev ◽  
Berit Tein ◽  
Anne Luik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Cycle Period ◽  
Organic Fertiliser ◽  
Crop Cycle ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

The aim of organic agriculture is to produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of organic and conventional growing systems on (i) total amounts and supply of N taken up or applied to plants during a five year crop cycle period and (ii) crops total dry matter (DM) yield obtained during same period. The total DM yields from the organic treatments were 25–33% smaller than from the conventional treatments. The ratio of N output/N input was significantly the smallest in the organic treatment with cattle manure, where only 37% of all supplied N was used by plants during the crop cycle period. The organic fertiliser with faster mineralisation rate and splitting the application of organic N during crop cycle period would be more appropriate to supply sufficient quantities of N during rapid plant growth and to obtain higher crop yields in organic farming systems. 

scholarly journals Organic Farming and Cover-Crop Management Reduce Pest Predation in Austrian Vineyards

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
Jo Marie Reiff ◽  
Sebastian Kolb ◽  
Martin H. Entling ◽  
Thomas Herndl ◽  
Stefan Möth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Pest Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Lobesia Botrana ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Natural Pest Control ◽  
Predation Rates

Habitat simplification and intensive use of pesticides are main drivers of global arthropod declines and are, thus, decreasing natural pest control. Organic farming, complex landscapes, and local vineyard management practices such as implementation of flower-rich cover-crop mixtures may be a promising approach to enhance predator abundance and, therefore, natural pest control. We examined the effect of organic versus integrated management, cover-crop diversity in the vineyard inter-rows, and landscape composition on the natural pest control of Lobesia botrana eggs and pupae. Predation of L. botrana pupae was reduced by organic farming and species-poor cover-crops by about 10%. Predation rates of L. botrana eggs did not differ significantly in any of the studied management options. Dominant predators were earwigs (Forficulidae), bush crickets (Tettigoniidae), and ants (Formicidae). Negative effects of organic viticulture are most likely related to the negative nontarget effects on arthropods related to the frequent sulfur and copper applications in combination with the avoidance of strongly damaging insecticides by integrated winegrowers. While a 10% difference in predation rates on a single pest stage is unlikely to have strong practical implications, our results show that the assumed effectiveness of environmentally friendly agriculture needs to be evaluated for specific crops and regions.

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