CRC Press Science and Technology of Organic Farming: Second Edition

Organic farming is not only a philosophy; it is also a well-researched science. The second edition of The Science and Technology of Organic Farming presents the scientific basis of organic farming and the methods of application needed to achieve adequate yields through plant nutrition and protection. Organic farming is a scientifically derived method of improving soil fertility to increase agricultural yields with limited chemical inputs. As such, it can meet public demand for reduced chemical inputs in agriculture and play a key role in meeting the needs of a growing world population. The new edition of this highly regarded book gives clear and comprehensive details on how soil fertility can be maintained and how plants can be nourished in organic agriculture. Chapters on soil fertility and plant nutrition explain the chemistry of the plant, the soil, and the soil solution and outline the importance of plant macronutrients and micronutrients. The book offers practical information on using of green manures, composts and lime to maintain soil fertility; introduces methods of tillage of land; provides organic methods of controlling weeds, insects, and diseases; and suggests how food produce can be stored without refrigeration. The text provides information on how to assess and govern the nutritional status of crops and the fertility and condition of soil and presents guidelines, recommendations, and procedures for determining the best fertility recommendations for individual situations. This edition includes an entirely new chapter on hydroponics that explains organic approaches to hydroponic crop production. With a full bibliography of references, this text is a practical guide for anyone interested in organic farming, from farmers and agricultural advisers to teachers, soil scientists, plant scientist, entomologists and students of other biological and environmental sciences. About the Author Allen V. Barker is a Professor in The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has over 55 years of experience in teaching and research in organic and conventional agriculture and has interests in soil fertility and plant nutrition. He was raised on a crop and livestock farm in southern Illinois, near where his family has farmed since 1800. He was graduated in an Agricultural Science major at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and received master’s and doctoral degrees from Cornell University. He regularly teaches courses in organic farming, soil fertility, plant nutrition, and organic farming seminars at the University of Massachusetts. He is a retired farmer.