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Re: Humus
> This is a very interesting debate. In thinking about and discussing soil
> quality, organic matter is usually mentioned within the research circles.
> And discussion is ongoing as to which portion of the soil organic matter
> reactes (changes up or down) in a grant oriented reseach time scale. That
> which seems to be lacking in the discusion is the role of microbes.
> Including the types of microbes and how to foster there existence.
Siegfried Luebke is a microbiologist and much of their
work is based on the role of microbes in soils. They've
released a video titled "Microbial Life in the Soil"
that includes incredible micro-photography of the
clay-humus crumb. One analogy is that of a beautiful cave-like
structure with "lots" of surface area due to the undulations on
the stalagmites.
[Incidentally, the WSAA in asssociation with MOA released a video
titled "Life in the Soil" that has a similar focus; i.e., poorly
managed soils and healthy soils compared via micro-photography].
In related work, the Luebkes prepared microscopic slides dyed with
acrodyne orange and flouresced under UV light to show the presence
of microbes in soils and composts managed appropriately.
The chroma test and buffered pH test are other indicators of
microbial activity.
> I find
> it amazing the the Luebkes were able to increase there organic matter
> levels 13% over only 10 years. If I have understood the claims, this
> was accomplished on a farm scale, using that carbon which available
> specifically from the Luebke farm. I guess I am asking if the Luebkes
> needed to import Carbon from other sources?
The Luebkes run an organic dairy sheep and vegetable farm.
Their forage-based rotation (alfalfa-grass mix) is important for
both the sheep (which provide animal manure to compost),
and as a source of green chop for use in compost. The third compost
ingredient needed is either farm-produced straw, or
alternatively, municipal yard waste like wood chips and tree trimmings.
This municipal yard waste is highly valued by compost-making
farmers in Europe.
> Which gets into further debate
> as to whether enough carbon exists within the current system to allow all
> of agriculture to increase the OM to healthy levels, 5% or so.
It is my impression the microbial inoculants play a
major role in building the %O.M. and humus levels to these
levels. Dr. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer was instrumental in introducing the
practice of microbially inoculating green manures at
plowdown. The B.D. Field Starter he devised (and is still available
through The Pfeiffer Foundation in New York) contained 55
different types of microbes. The Luebkes have since modified the
original recipe, which they initially obtained years ago.
Instead of a standard 3-4 week green manure waiting period, the
Luebkes are planting back into digested residues within a few days.
Does this have implications for grain farming in regions
where leguminous green manures are frowned upon becasue they put
on N too late in the spring and therefore corn planting is
delayed beyond the preferred soil moisture period as a
result of lag time for green manure breakdown?
> The
> Thompsons from Iowa have made arrangments with the local village to use the
> carbon, in the form of organic waste, as a cost effective amendment to
> their soil. Would all farmers need to compete for these contracts, or
> could the carbon be produced on-farm.
> --
> Thomas Hansmeyer
> St. Paul MN
> hansm001@maroon.tc.umn.edu
Veganic compost comes to mind as one solution. First, put
up a stock of hay or straw. Next growing season, make green
chop from a pasture or cover crop and then build a compost pile
using chopped, stored dry fodder. A small amount of soil or
finished compost would be an important amendment.
Veganic compost was described by Daziel O'Brien in "Intensive
Gardening."
Animal manures, on the other hand, seem to be a vital
component of good quality compost, however, so without
first-hand experience or research, I wonder how veganic
compost would compare.
Good questions! Perhaps each day we sprout a new bud or
fill out a finely-divided leafy branch on the "Sanet Sustainable
Agriculture Learning Tree"
Steve Diver
Fayetteville, AR
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QB 92-24: Air Pollution Effects on Crops and Forests, J. Gates,
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QB 91-44: Potential New Crop: Guayule, J. Rafats, February
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QB 92-54: Potential New Crop: Kenaf, Commercial Fiber and Pulp
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QB 93-33: Solar Energy Alternatives for Agriculture, S. Chapman,
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QB 93-03: Sustainable or Alternative Agriculture, J. Gates,
November 1992, 84 p.
QB 91-146: Use of Computers for Farm Management, J. Gates,
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QB 93-55: Wastewater Irrigation, K. Schneider, July 1993, 54 p.
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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN PRINT: CURRENT BOOKS
Introduction
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Title: Agricultural Policy and Sustainability: Case Studies from
India, Chile, the Philippines and the United States
Editor: Faeth, Paul
Publisher: Washington, DC: World Resources Institute, 1993. 113 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86A37 1993
Annotation: Maintains that conventional economic analysis obscures
or miscalculates the degradation of the natural resource base that
supports agriculture and contributes to policies that damage this
resource base. Explores how such policies influence farmers'
choices. Suggests natural resource accounting methods that provide
a better comparison between farm policies and sustainability.
Offers several recommendations in the areas studied - - rice and
wheat production in India, wheat farming in Chile, pesticides and
rice production in the Philippines. Considers U.S. farm policy
biased against resource conserving production systems. Analyzes
alternatives to corn and soybean production in Pennsylvania and
Nebraska.
Inquiries may be made to World Resources Institute, 1709 New York
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006.
Title: Agricultural Productivity, Sustainability, and Fertilizer
Use
Author: Parish, D. H.
Publisher: Muscle Shoals, AL: International Fertilizer Development
Center, 1993. Paper series IFDC P-18. 21 p.
NAL Number: S596.7.P37 1993
Annotation: Discusses the major issues involved in using
fertilizers, including interaction with soil and water, nutrient
recovery, nitrogen fixation, soil-borne diseases, soil erosion, the
environment, crop production.
Inquiries may be made to International Fertilizer Development
Center, P.O. Box 2040, Muscle Shoals, AL 35662.
Title: Agricultural Research Alternatives
Authors: Lockeretz, William and Molly D. Anderson
Publisher: Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1993. 239 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86O97 v. 3
Annotation: Volume 3 in the series, Our Sustainable Future.
Examines the historical and philosophical forces that have
influenced agricultural research in the U.S. Considers the
relevance of multidisciplinary research to alternative agriculture;
the connection between agroecology and alternative agriculture;
developing information and management systems; on-farm research;
farmers' influence on research. Proposes means for developing the
most relevant and efficient kinds of research, such as a
professional reward system, funding programs, and agricultural
education.
Title: Alternative Agricultural Opportunities: A Bibliography
Publisher: St. Paul, MN: Center for Alternative Plant and Animal
Products, University of Minnesota, 1991. 106 p.
NAL Number: Z5074.A815A57 1991
Annotation: A bibliography prepared from fact sheets, research
reports, manuals, conference proceedings, Extension publications,
and other sources often overlooked. Contents are divided into five
major areas, agronomic field crops (forage, fiber, grains, legumes,
oilseeds); horticultural crops (fruits, nuts, vegetables,
ornamentals, greenhouse production); forest resources (woodland
management and timber marketing); livestock (aquaculture, bees,
cattle, buffalo, deer, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, mules,
llamas, alpacas, wildlife); marketing and economics. Includes a
subject index.
Available for purchase from Center for Alternative Plant and Animal
Products, University of Minnesota, 340 Alderman Hall, 1970 Folwell
Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
Title: Alternative Crop and Alternative Crop Production Research
Publisher: Fargo, ND: North Dakota State University, 1992. 95 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.A65A46 1992
Annotation: An update to the marketing and use of alternative crops
research being conducted at NDSU. Includes work done on oil seeds,
amaranth, crambe, barley, pearl millet; spring wheat-soybean,
flax-wheat and flax-lentil intercropping; lupin production; flea
beetle control.
Title: Alternative Farming Systems and Rural Communities: Exploring
the Connections
Publisher: Greenbelt, MD: Institute for Alternative Agriculture*,
1992. 100 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.A65A57 1992
Annotation: Proceedings of IAA's ninth annual scientific symposium
held at Chevy Chase, MD, on March 2 and 3, 1992. Discussions
explored the meaning and importance of community; the ecological
connections between alternative farming and rural communities; what
alternative farming systems and rural communities can do for each
other; research methods that measure the movement of farmers into
sustainable practices and the effect this may have on rural
communities; the impact of past public policy and what reforms are
needed to ensure viable links between agriculture and rural
communities.
* Now the Henry A. Wallace Institute for Alternative Agriculture,
9200 Edmonston Rd., Suite 117, Greenbelt, MD 20770-1551.
Title: Amish Agriculture in Iowa: Indigenous Knowledge for
Sustainable Small-Farm Systems
Author: Yoder, Rhonda Lou
Publisher: Ames, IA: Iowa State University, Technology and Social
Change Program, 1990. Studies in Technology and Social Change no.
15. 69 p.
NAL Number: S451.I8Y63 1990
Annotation: Observations about the Iowa Amish and their farming
methods as a model of sustainable agriculture. Although not a
technical report, attention is given to agricultural practices and
social and cultural features to determine how Amish farmers are
unique and how they are similar to other Iowa farmers. Includes a
brief review of the historical development of Old Order Amish in
Europe and the United States.
Available for purchase from the Center for Indigenous Knowledge for
Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University, 318
Curtiss Hall, Ames, IA 50011.
Title: Basic Formula to Create Community Supported Agriculture
Author: Van En, Robyn
Publisher: Great Barrington, MA: Robyn Van En, 1992. Unnumbered
pages.
NAL Number: HD9225.A2V35 1992
Annotation: A handbook for organizing and maintaining community
based agriculture. Includes ideas for reaching local customers,
acquiring land, harvesting and distributing, promoting
cooperation. Provides information on seed varieties and pesticides
found on produce; a directory of community supported agriculture
projects; resource guide.
Available for purchase from Robyn Van En, Indian Line Farm, RR 3,
Box 85, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Title: Beyond the Large Farm: Ethics and Research Goals for
Agriculture
Editors: Thompson, Paul B. and Bill A. Stout
Publisher: Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1991. 312 p.
NAL Number: S541.B48
Annotation: Assesses the direction in which U.S. agricultural
policy should go. Includes an analysis of the environmental
degradation caused by conventional agriculture and what should be
reasonable environmental goals.
Title: Building Soils for Better Crops: Organic Matter Management
Author: Magdoff, Fred
Publisher: Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1992. 176 p.
NAL Number: S592.8.M34 1992
Annotation: Volume 2 in the series, Our Sustainable Future.
Discusses the importance of organic matter to soil fertility and
practices that enhance organic matter in the soil, such as using
animal manures, cover crops, crop residues and composts, reduced
tillage and erosion control. Provides technical information on the
chemistry and dynamics of soil organic matter. Includes a glossary
of common terms.
Title: Chicken Little, Tomato Sauce and Agriculture: Who Will
Produce Tomorrow's Food?
Author: Gussow, Joan Dye
Publisher: New York: The Bootstrap Press, 1991. 143 p.
NAL Number: S441.G87 1991
Annotation: Discusses the major problems facing food production and
distribution systems, e.g., the loss of topsoil, heavy use of
artificial fertilizers and pesticides, low commodity prices, high
debt loads, unstable land prices, falling farm population.
Explores the competing alternatives of industrial agriculture and
smaller-scale, more localized sustainable food systems.
Title: Common Harvest: An Alternative Food and Agriculture Resource
Directory (2nd ed.)
Authors: Guenthner, Dan; Rick Bonlender; Dick Kulisheck
Publisher: Minneapolis: Food Action Network, Inc., 1992. 150 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86G84 1992
Annotation: Looks at the issues that influence current popular
concepts of food and land. Considers alternative choices that are
available to help create a more sustainable food system, such as
small space gardening, edible landscaping, composting, seed
gathering, and food preservation. Offers ideas on diet and
nutrition with suggestions on food choices for improved health.
Discusses collective initiatives such as community and specialized
gardening, local food policies, land trusts and stewardship. Lists
organizations, commercial outlets, books and periodicals that are
useful in all areas of alternative food production.
Available for purchase from Food Action Network, Inc., 5324 Park
Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55417-1720
Title: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis: Special
Issue Devoted to Perspectives on Relationships Between
Sustainability of Soil and the Environment
Editor: Wallace, Arthur
Publisher: New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1994. 169 p.
NAL Number: S590.C63. Vol. 25, nos. 1 & 2, 1994
Annotation: The 25th anniversary issue of this journal addresses
the challenge of recovering and maintaining healthy soil to secure
the long-term sustainability of agriculture. Soil organic matter
contributes not only nutrients but provides necessary physical and
biological properties. Discusses the importance of restoring soil
organic matter to near original levels; storing carbon in soil as
a means of avoiding global warming; small-scale farms as a model
for conservation; social and economic barriers to sustainable
agriculture; environmentally sound rules for fertilizers; employing
water-soluble polymers and gypsum to correct soil problems and
ensure more efficient use of water; the need to consider the value
of protecting an ecosystem more than an endangered species.
Suggests that consumerism may be the primary environmental problem
facing the world.
Title: Conservation Farming: "After the Basics": The Next Steps
Forward
Editor: Petheram, R.J.
Publisher: [Horsham, Vic., Australia?]: Wimmera Conservation
Farming Association, 1993. 53 p.
NAL Number: S478.A1W56 1993
Annotation: Proceedings of the eighth annual seminar of the Wimmera
Conservation Farming Association held at Longerenong, Victoria
(Australia) on March 11, 1993. As in the U.S., Australian soil
types vary and some of the information provided here may be helpful
in the U.S. and Canada. Topics include experiments performed to
determine ideal seedbed criteria for direct-drill (no-till) wheat;
features of Janke no-till planting points, that allow minimal
disturbance of soil and minimum loss of moisture; weed control
research; new spray technology; controlled-release herbicides;
cropping practices to combat cereal root diseases.
Title: Conservation Policies for Sustainable Hillslope Farming
Editors: Arsyad, Sitanala, et al
Publisher: Ankeny, IA: Soil and Water Conservation Society, 1992.
364 p.
NAL Number: S627.G68C66 1992
Annotation: Based on material presented at a workshop in Indonesia
in March 1991. Stresses the importance of hillslopes and other
marginal land in a time of increasing population and food shortage.
Emphasis is on tropical developing countries. Offers insight into
socioeconomic and cultural conditions that often hinder small
farmers from implementing new methods in hillside farming;
government conservation policies; legal and land tenure issues; and
other elements in sustainable use of hillslopes.
Title: Conservation Tillage Systems and Management: Crop Residue
Management with No-till, Ridge-till, Mulch-till
Publisher: Ames, IA: Iowa State University, MidWest Plan Service,
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept., 1992. MWPS-45. 140
p.
NAL Number: S604.C675 1992
Annotation: A handbook that provides information and research about
the elements of conservation tillage, that leaves enough crop
residue to protect the soil from erosion throughout the year.
Includes methods of estimating residue cover, crop and soil
response to tillage systems, cost comparisons, combining
conservation tillage with other cropping practices, managing pests
and diseases, fertilizing, equipment selection.
Title: Creating A Sustainable Food System: Pioneers Tell Their
Story
Publisher: St. Paul: Minnesota Food Association, 1992. 87 p.
NAL Number: HD9007.M6C74 1992
Annotation: A survey of 33 Minnesota sustainable food growers,
processors and consultants concerning production, marketing and
future plans. Includes grain growers, beef, dairy and poultry
producers, vegetable and fruit growers, honey and maple syrup
producers--their experiences, problems, and views.
Inquiries may be made to Minnesota Food Association, 2395
University Ave., Room 309, St. Paul, MN 55114
Title: Cropping Systems in Intensive Agriculture
Editor: Djumalieva, D. and Anton Vassilev
Publisher: New Delhi, India: M D Publications, 1993. 214 p.
NAL Number: S602.5.C7713 1993
Annotation: An English translation of a l986 Bulgarian publication.
Discusses crop rotations based on ecological conditions;
relationship of crop rotation with soil fertility; and protecting
plants from diseases, pests and weeds. Includes rotation schemes
for cereals, vegetables and tobacco.
Title: Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems
in Africa
Author: Okigbo, Bede N.
Publisher: Ibadan, Nigeria: International Institute of Tropical
Agriculture, 1991. 66 p.
NAL Number: S542.A4055 1991
Annotation: Examines the socioeconomic factors, natural and human
resources, and climatic conditions that must be considered in
determining the scope and success of sustainable systems in Africa.
Title: Earth User's Guide to Permaculture
Author: Morrow, Rosemary
Publisher: Kenthurst, NSW, Australia: Kangaroo Press, 1993. 152 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.P47M67 1993
Annotation: A guide for implementing permaculture in either an
urban or rural setting. Outlines the principles and ecological
basis of permaculture. Discusses climate factors and how to
accommodate them; soil components and how to improve deficiences;
reducing consumption of water, how to trap, store and reuse it;
using trees as windbreaks; designing and building a home; planning
food gardens and orchards; raising poultry and bees; aquaculture.
Examines sustainable systems in different biozones of the world.
Considers the social aspects of permaculture including community
land use.
Title: Environmentally Compatible Agricultural Development:
Resource, Food and Income Security as a Task for Development and
Structural Policy
Author: Otzen, Uwe
Publisher: Berlin: German Development Institute, 1992. 59 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86O89 1992
Annotation: Assesses soil and water degration and damage to the
international environment caused by growing population, overuse of
resources, land tenure systems, trade and commercial systems,
industrialization, climatic factors. Defines criteria for
ecological changes in agricultural structures; appropriate
strategies for stabilizing resources and implementing sound
agricultural policies.
Title: Environmentally Sound Agriculture: Proceedings of the Second
Conference
Editors: Campbell, Kenneth L.; Wendy D. Graham; A.B. "Del" Bottcher
Publisher: St. Joseph, MI: American Society of Agricultural
Engineers, 1994. 578 p.
NAL Number: (being processed)
Annotation: Papers presented at a conference held April 20-22,
1994, in Orlando, FL. Topics include planning agricultural
production systems as ecosystems for sustainability; real estate
law--habitat preservation, tax benefits and capitalization
available to farmers; preventing water pollution on farms;
management technologies; information systems and education;
nutrient management; erosion control; water management; pesticide
containment; waste management and utilization.
Inquiries may be made to American Society of Agricultural
Engineers, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659.
Title: Evaluation for Sustainable Land Management in the Developing
World
Editors: Dumanski, J. et al
Publisher: Bangkok, Thailand: International Board for Soil Research
and Management (IBSRAM), 1991. 3 vols., 81 p., 631 p., 140 p.
NAL Number: HD1131.I57 1991
Annotation: Proceedings of an IBSRAM workshop held at Chiang Rai,
Thailand, Sept. 15-21, 1991. Objectives were to develop concepts
for evaluating sustainable land management, prepare and test a
framework for sustainable land management. Most of the technical
papers deal with Asian or African experiences. Topics include
agroclimatic guidelines, environmental aspects, genetic resources,
soil and water management, livestock and food production, economic
and social aspects, methods for measuring the sustainability of
managed ecosystems, research needs and forecasting future
production.
Title: Extensive and Organic Livestock Systems: Animal Welfare
Implications
Publisher: South Mimms, Hertfordshire, England: Universities
Federation for Animal Welfare, 1993. 123 p.
NAL Number: HV4757.E98 1993
Annotation: Proceedings of a symposium organized by the Federation
and the Humane Slaughter Association, held at Cirencester, England
on Sept. 10 and 11, 1990. Although mostly a reflection of British
experience, much of the material provided may have a wider
application. Topics include organic farming in the UK and the role
of livestock; poultry, dairy farming, beef production, pigs, sheep,
health and disease, rare and traditional livestock breeds, mobile
slaughterhouses.
Title: Fit for a Pig: Low-cost/Sustainable Strategies of
Resourceful Hog Farmers
Author: Gralla, Shawn
Publisher: Hartington, NE: Beginning Farmer Support Network, Center
for Rural Affairs, [1991?]. 46 p.
NAL Number: SF395.G73 1991
Annotation: Promotes the concept that hog production is an
effective means for beginning farmers to build equity with
relatively low to medium capital investment. Relates low-cost
practices used by successful hog farmers in Nebraska, Iowa and
South Dakota. Topics include feeding systems, buildings,
equipment, breeding stock.
Inquiries may be made to Beginning Farmer Support Network, Center
for Rural Affairs, Box 736, Hartington, NE 68739.
Title: Food for the Future: Conditions and Contradictions of
Sustainability
Editor Allen, Patricia
Publisher: New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993. 328 p.
NAL Number: HD1415.F633 1993
Annotation: A discussion of the social, ethical, economic and
political aspects of sustainability by 15 leading contributors,
including Miguel Altieri, Kenneth Dahlberg, Carolyn Sachs, Neill
Schaller, Garth Youngberg. Explores approaches to understanding
and developing sustainability, barriers facing sustainability, the
potential and limitations of sustainable systems.
Title: Food from Dry Lands: An Integrated Approach to Planning of
Agricultural Development
Editors: Alberda, Th. et al
Publisher: Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1992. 211 p.
NAL Number: S613.F57 1992
Annotation: Volume 1 in the series, Systems Approaches for
Sustainable Agricultural Development. From experiences and data
gained in the semiarid regions of Israel agro-pastoral systems were
designed that include grazing and pastures; moisture, nutrients and
plant production; sheep raising; cropping; economic elements.
Title: From the Ground Up: Rethinking Industrial Agriculture
Authors: Goering, Peter; Helena Norberg-Hodge; John Page
Publisher: Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Zed Books, 1993. 120 p.
NAL Number: S439.G64 1993
Annotation: A review of the characteristics of industrial
agriculture since World War II and associated environmental, social
and economic problems, e.g., specialization, standardization and
centralization, and their effect on the small farmer; environmental
and health effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides;
mechanization and the cost of fossil fuels; decline of the family
farm; pressure on Third World countries to export food;
biotechnology, trade and the GATT. Proposes reassessing the
conventional concept of wealth and the sustainability of the
present way of life. Discusses the nature and diversity of
ecological agriculture; techniques for soil fertility, weed and
pest control; responsible animal husbandry; the changing attitude
of farmers; demand for organic products; linking farmers and
consumers.
Title: From the Ground Up: Wisconsin Sustainable Farmers Tell of
Their Practice and Vision (2nd ed.)
Editor: Irwin, Mike
Publisher: Madison, WI: Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection, Ag. Resource Management Div., Sustainable
Agriculture Demonstration Program, July 1992. 68 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86F76 1992
Annotation: Originally published in 1990, this is a collection of
experiences, observations and suggestions from ten sustainable
farmers on producing organic vegetables, raising sheep, growing
amaranth, crop rotation, dairy farming, and other aspects of
sustainable farming.
Title: Green Manure Crops: The Organic Alternative for Improving
Soils
Authors: Gardner, Bruce and Wendy Morgan
Publisher: East Melbourne, Vic., Australia: Agmedia, 1993. 52 p.
NAL Number: SB284.3.A8G37 1993
Annotation: A booklet that provides information about using green
manures in high rainfall conditions and dryland cereal areas.
Explains the benefits of green manures in improving soil structure
and nutrition and offers advice on selecting and managing green
manure crops. Discusses some disadvantages of using green manures,
mostly as a result of poor management, such as depleting moisture
in non-irrigated soil, competing with subsequent cash crops for
nutrition, providing a habitat for certain pests.
Title: Greening A Brown Land: The Australian Search for Sustainable
Land Use
Authors: Barr, Neil and John Cary
Publisher: South Melbourne, Australia: MacMillan Education
Australia Pty Ltd, 1992. 343 p.
NAL Number: HD1033.B37 1992
Annotation: Considers the problems that Australia faces in rural
land use - soil erosion, salinity, acidification and compaction;
dependence on chemicals that result in residues in food; growth of
introduced pests and weeds; destruction of grasslands, forests,
range, and wetlands. Explores the physical, historical and social
causes involved and looks at how Australian farmers are responding
to these problems.
Title: Growing Into the 21st Century: Proceedings from the Second
Sustainable Agriculture Symposium
Publisher: Washington, DC: National Association of Conservation
Districts, 1992.
149 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86S867 1992
Annotation: Proceedings of a symposium held in Memphis, July 20-22,
1992. Topics include sustainability and the outlook for U.S.
agriculture; pollution prevention and resource protection; global
implications of sustainable agriculture; impact of alternative
tillage systems on U.S. corn and soybeans; forces shaping the
future of production agriculture; conventional and organic farmers'
views on sustainable agriculture; economics of promoting
sustainable agriculture; environmental policy; quality of life in
rural areas; opportunities and barriers to sustainable agriculture
research and education. Offers several recommendations for
overcoming obstacles in adopting sustainable farming practices.
Title: A Guide to Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Publisher: Rochester, IL: Illinois Sustainable Agriculture
Society, 1992. 39 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86G85 1992
Annotation: Includes brief interviews with several Illinois farmers
who are experimenting with sustainable practices; a resource
directory that lists Illinois agencies, organizations, farmers and
others who can answer questions about sustainable agriculture;
results of a survey that questioned farmers, consumers and
environmentalists about their views on sustainable agriculture, the
environment and food safety.
Inquiries may be made to Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society,
P.O. Box 649, Ashland, IL 62612.
Title: Highgrove
Authors: Charles, Prince of Wales and Charles Clover
Publisher: New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. 283 p.
NAL Number: S605.5.C43 1993
Annotation: In 1980 the Prince of Wales bought a small estate in
Gloucestershire. The gardens and landscaping had been neglected
and an effort was begun to design a system of chemical-free
gardening. The 300 acres were to be farmed organically and were to
be financially viable. Describes features of the system
implemented to achieve that end, including crop rotations, green
manures, natural plant-based insecticides, weed control, livestock.
Covers financial aspects of the farm. Describes other operations
from thatching to breadmaking, and a reed bed sewage treatment
system.
Title: Hope for the Land
Author: Little, Charles E.
Publisher: New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1992. 228
p.
NAL Number: HD205.L58 1991
Annotation: Discusses the concept of land stewardship, proposed by
Aldo Leopold and others, and the development of a pervasive land
use ethic. Emphasizes that land is the origin of community and the
destruction of this relationship leads to loss of both. Looks at
the competing elements in land use and the often destructive
results.
Title: The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Network: 1992 On-farm
Participatory Research Program
Publisher: [Rochester, IL?: Illinois Sustainable Agriculture
Network, 1993?] Unnumbered pages.
NAL Number: S540.O53N55 1993
Annotation: Summary reports of agronomic and economic data from
Illinois farmers who participated in on-farm research projects in
1992. Includes descriptions of crop treatments, crop and price
yields, and farmers' comments on their experiences.
Inquiries may be made to Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Network,
P.O. Box 649, Ashland, IL 62612.
Title: Implications of Sustainable Farming Systems in the Northern
Great Plains for Farm Profitability and Size
Author: Dobbs, Thomas L.
Publisher: Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, 1993.
Economics Staff Paper 93-5. 13 p.
NAL Number: HD1775.S8E262 No. 93-5
Annotation: Examines seven years of data from South Dakota farms,
comparing alternative, conventional and ridge till systems, to
determine net return to land management ($ per acre and $ per hour)
and farm size required to sustain a net return of $40,000.
Title: Integrating Sustainable Agriculture, Ecology and
Environmental Policy
Editor: Olson, Richard K.
Publisher: Binghamton, NY: Food Products Press, 1992. 161 p.
NAL Number: S22.I57 1992
Annotation: Proceedings of a conference sponsored by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Alternative
Agriculture in Arlington, VA, July 22 and 23, 1991. Participants,
including ecologists, economists, sociologists, soil scientists,
and government policy-makers, met to consider how ecology could aid
sustainable agriculture. Concludes that ecology is not yet widely
applied to designing sustainable management systems. A more
ecologically based agriculture could increase production efficiency
and decrease environmental impact, but resource constraints will
determine the limits to sustainable production. Topics discussed
include the effects of federal policies on ecologically sustainable
systems; defining and measuring ecological sustainability in
agricultural systems; interdisciplinary approach to setting goals
in building sustainable agriculture; using soil nutrient cycling
processes; landscape ecology; reducing agricultural impact on the
environment; sustainable agriculture education and research.
Title: The International Conference on Agriculture for the 21st
Century: Toward a Sustainable Agriculture for the Pacific Rim
Nations
Publisher: New York: MOA Foundation, 1991. 112 p.
NAL Number: S470.P16I57 1990
Annotation: Papers presented at a conference at Maui, HI, October
12-14, 1990. Topics include biological nitrogen fixation;
long-term effects of organic and conventional farming on soil
production; growing trees (alley farming) as a strategy for
nutrient management of food crops and suppressing weeds in the
tropics; methods of pest management and reduced pesticide use;
sustainable farming techniques in Hawaii; food safety; developing
organic policies and standards.
Title: Land Conservation Through Public/Private Partnerships
Editor: Endicott, Eve (Lincoln Institute of Land Policy)
Publisher: Washington, DC: Island Press, 1993. 364 p.
NAL Number: HD205.L336 1993
Annotation: Although the book's primary focus is on the protection
of natural and undeveloped areas, there are many aspects that are
important to sustainable agriculture, such as managing land to
control water pollution and soil erosion. Discusses the work of
The Nature Conservancy, American Farmland Trust and The Trust for
Public Land. Outlines partnership projects and practices that
involve federal, state and local agencies and private participants;
funding mechanisms for partnerships.
Title: Land Resource Economics and Sustainable Development:
Economic Policies and the Common Good
Author: van Kooten, G. Cornelis
Publisher: Vancouver, BC: UBC Press, 1993. 450 p.
NAL Number: HD75.6.V36 1993
Annotation: A somewhat technical text that seeks to apply economics
in providing a rational and balanced approach to problems involved
in allocating land resources. Contains historical and theoretical
background on land economics. Includes economics related to soil
conservation, land preservation, control over water in agriculture,
management of rangelands and forests.
Title: Legume Green Manuring
Publisher: Edmonton, Alta.: Alberta Agriculture, 1993. 7 p.
NAL Number: S661.J46 1993
Annotation: An informational pamphlet on the benefits and
management of green manure.
Inquiries may be made to Alberta Agriculture, Print Media Branch,
7000 - 113 St., Edmonton, Alta. T6H 5T6 Canada
Title: Management Guide for Low-imput Sustainable Apple Production
Publisher: [Amherst, MA?]: USDA Northeast Low-imput Sustainable
Apple Production Project, the Universities of Massachusetts,
Vermont, Cornell and Rutgers, and Rodale Research Center, 1990. 84
p.
NAL Number: SB608.A6M35 1990
Annotation: Focuses on economic factors and horticultural practices
applicable to apple growing in the northeast U.S. Topics include
selecting, designing, preparing and maintaining orchard sites;
selecting root stocks; pruning; harvesting; disease and pest
management.
Title: Michigan On-farm Demonstration and Research Project: 1991
Results
Publisher: Washington, DC: American Farmland Trust, 1992. 41 p.
NAL Number: S451.M5M53 1992
Annotation: This cooperative effort between the Michigan
Agricultural Stewardship Association and the American Farmland
Trust compares conventional with alternative farming at 16 on-farm
and demonstration sites around the state. Reports on the results
recorded during the 1991 growing season.
Inquiries may be made to American Farmland Trust, 1920 N St. NW,
Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.
Title: Michigan Sustainable Agriculture Project - 1992: On-farm
Research and Demonstration Results
Publisher: DeKalb, IL: American Farmland Trust, 1993. 49 p.
NAL Number: S451.M5M52 1993
Annotation: Results of the second year of this joint project
between American Farmland Trust and the Michigan Agricultural
Stewardship Association. On-farm sites were used to emphasize
preventing soil erosion and deterioration of water quality,
improving farm profitability, and protecting the rural environment.
Provides information and techniques that may be applied by farmers
considering sustainable practices.
Available for purchase from American Farmland Trust, Center for
Agriculture in the Environment, P.O. Box 987, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Title: Northern Plains Organic Crops Marketing Analysis: Wheat,
Oats, Sunflower
Authors: Stearns, Larry D. and David L. Watt
Publisher: Fargo, ND: North Dakota State University, Dept. of
Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Experiment Station, January
1993. Agricultural Economic Report no. 293. 35 p.
NAL Number: 281.9 N814A no. 293
Annotation: Results of a study to determine major domestic and
international markets for organically raised wheat, oats, and
sunflower; current and potential supplies in the Northern Plains
area (South and North Dakota and Minnesota); market constraints
perceived by wholesalers and retailers; possible marketing
improvements.
Title: Ogallala: Water for a Dry Land: A Historical Study in the
Possibilities for American Sustainable Agriculture
Author: Opie, John
Publisher: Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1993. 412 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86O97 v. 1
Annotation: Volume 1 in the series, Our Sustainable Future, focuses
on the Ogallala aquifer in the central plains and seeks to
determine the effects of increasing consumption and declining
groundwater. Describes the physical features and plant life of the
region before settlers arrived; the settlers' attempts to succeed
there; the dust bowl experience of the 1930's; the influence of
irrigation technology in the 1960's; attempts to conserve and
manage Ogallala groundwater; possible threat of long-term climate
change.
Title: Organic Field Crop Handbook: A Project of Canadian Organic
Growers, Inc.
Editor: Macey, Anne
Publisher: Ottawa: Canadian Organic Growers, Inc., 1992. 192 p.
NAL Number: S605.5.K722 1992
Annotation: An introductory guide to organic farming. Provides
information to conventional farmers wishing to convert to organic
production and organic farmers who wish to expand their cropping.
Includes material on soil ecosystems; manures; pest, weed and
disease management; certification and marketing; designing crop
rotations; growing alfalfa, clover and forage mixtures, barley,
buckwheat, corn, flax, oats, oilradish, rye, soybeans, spelt and
winter wheat. Does not cover fruit and vegetable production or
animal husbandry. Provides a directory of organic organizations,
organic certification standards, bibliography of selected books and
periodicals.
Title: Pennsylvania Sustainable Agriculture Project - 1992: On-farm
Research and Demonstration Results
Publisher: DeKalb, IL: American Farmland Trust, 1993. 27 p.
NAL Number: S451.P4P46 1993
Annotation: Results of a joint project between American Farmland
Trust and the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.
Topics include using cover crops in a small-scale vegetable
operation; intensive rotational grazing; fertilizer rates in corn;
flowers and herbs for small farms; controlling early blight in
tomatoes; weed control techniques in organic soybeans.
Available for purchase from American Farmland Trust, Center for
Agriculture in the Environment, P.O. Box 987, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Title: The Pesticide Question: Environment, Economics, and Ethics
Editors: Pimentel, David and Hugh Lehman
Publisher: New York: Chapman and Hall, 1993. 441 p.
NAL Number: QH545.P4P4793 1993
Annotation: Assesses the environmental and social impact of using
pesticides, including the relationship between the cosmetic
appearance of products and pesticides, health risks, methods and
effects of reducing pesticide use. Examines government policies
that encourage pesticide use in the U.S. and the EPA's
mismanagement of the Alar incident; public concern over pesticides
in food and water; current trends in pesticide use.
Title: Proceedings of the 1991 Farming for Profit and Stewardship:
Sustainable Agriculture in the Pacific Northwest
Editor: Murray, Helene
Publisher: Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University, Dept. of Crop
& Soil Science, 1991. 90 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86T7 1991
Annotation: Proceedings of the West Cascades Conference held on
March 1 and 2, 1991, in Portland, OR. Presentations include
guidelines for grant programs on sustainable agriculture; small
fruit production in the Northwest; wheat health management; keeping
young farm families on the farm; pest and weed management; using
cover crops; pasture management; marketing opportunities; on-farm
research.
Title: Reintegrating Fragmented Landscapes: Towards Sustainable
Production and Nature Conservation
Editors: Hobbs, R. J. and D. A. Saunders
Publisher: New York: Springer-Verlag, 1993. 332 p.
NAL Number: S478.W4R45 1993
Annotation: Concerns the wheat growing areas of Western Australia
and the search for approaches to land use that maintain agriculture
and include conservation of nature. Provides a geological and
social history of the development of the area. Describes the
changes and resulting problems in ecosystems, soil properties, and
water conditions. Attempts to design solutions to these problems
that integrate development with resource management, including
economic and ecological considerations.
Title: Returns to Resource-conserving Crop Rotations with and
without Government Programs
Authors: Williams, Jeffery R. and Penelope L. Diebel
Publisher: Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University, Dept. of
Agricultural Economics, June 1993. Staff paper 93-10. 23 p.
NAL Number: HD1401.S73
Annotation: Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American
Agricultural Economics Association, August 1-4, 1993, at Orlando,
FL. Analysis of the Integrated Farm Management Program Option of
the 1990 farm bill indicates it provides little economic incentive
to adopt resource-conserving crop rotations. Outside of this
program, net returns are greatest when resource-conserving crops
are rotated with a commodity program crop. Provides production
strategies with and without the commodity program.
Title: The Role of Trees in Sustainable Agriculture
Editor: Prinsley, Roslyn Tamara
Publisher: Boston: Kluver Academic Publishers, 1993. 186 p.
NAL Number: SD1.F627 v. 43
Annotation: Volume 43 in the series, Forestry Sciences. Considers
the potential of agroforestry for changing and improving the
sustainability of agriculture and forestry. Describes the benefits
for conservation and biodiversity of soil, with the focus on
Australian experience, research and development. Topics include
planting trees in dryland salinity; reversing salinisation;
alternative products from trees and shrubs, such as oils, nuts,
seeds, medicinal chemicals, craftwoods, charcoal; as shelter for
protecting soil, plants and livestock; as fodder for livestock;
management and planning guidelines; integrating wood production
into Australian farming systems.
Title: Sacred Cows and Hot Potatoes
Authors: Browne, William P. et al
Publisher: Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1992. 151 p.
NAL Number: HD1761.S17 1992
Annotation: Challenges many of the myths and assumptions that
underlie much of U.S. farm policy_such as equating high farm prices
with high farm incomes, farm programs with food programs,
production with productivity; confusing farming with rural society;
other counterproductive aspects.
Title: Sell What You Sow!: The Grower's Guide to Successful Produce
Marketing
Author: Gibson, Eric
Publisher: Carmichael, CA: New World Publishing, 1994. 302 p.
NAL Number: HD9005.G53 1994
Annotation: The smaller grower has an opportunity for financial
success by meeting the market demand for quality and variety
typically absent from large, conventional producers. Offers advice
on market research, choosing what to grow and the best methods for
selling, which may include direct marketing or through retail,
wholesale, or cooperative outlets. Includes suggestions on
merchandising, promotion, customer service, pricing and other
business matters.
Title: Showcase of Sustainable Agriculture Information and
Educational Materials
Publisher: Burlington, VT: Sustainable Agriculture Network,
University of Vermont. 1993. 79 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86S56 1993
Annotation: A guide to materials available from universities,
government, businesses and organizations. Indexed by contributors,
authors, titles, and subject matter.
Inquiries may be made to Sustainable Agriculture Publications,
Hills Bldg., Room 12, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
05405-0082
Title: Smallholders, Householders: Farm Families and the Ecology of
Intensive, Sustainable Agriculture
Author: Netting, Robert McC.
Publisher: Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1993. 389 p.
NAL Number: GN407.4.N48 1993
Annotation: An anthropological and historical view of intensive
agriculture practices of small-scale farmers around the world.
Discusses specialized technologies and know-how developed by these
smallholders; organization of farm family households; allocation of
labor and time; farm size and productivity; property and tenure
rights; market and economic forces; the future of small-holder
intensive systems.
Title: SMP's: Sustainable Management Practices for the Nineties
Author: Fernholz, Carmen M.
Publisher: Madison, MN: A-Frame Press, 1992. 100 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86F47 1992
Annotation: Offers guidelines for analyzing present management
practices, before beginning the transition to a sustainable system,
by an evaluation that includes profiling variable costs per acre,
pesticide usage, crop performance, energy, capital and labor.
Stresses the importance of nitrogen to crops and how to purchase or
produce it. Considers weed control, providing soil nutrients
without chemical fertilizers and with or without livestock manure,
benefits from using both the rotary hoe and row crop cultivator,
double cropping with alfalfa.
Title: Soil Conservation and Sustainable Land Use: An Economic
Approach
Author: Graaf, Jan de
Publisher: Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Royal Tropical Institute,
1993. 191 p.
NAL Number: HD1131.G73 1993
Annotation: Another in the Institute's series, Development Oriented
Research in Agriculture. Provides technical information, theory
and history of land degradation, soil and water conservation, and
sustainable land use. Suggests economic assessments and methods
that are broader than the traditional cost and benefit analysis and
include social factors, environmental impact, development of human
and physical resources. Emphasizes practical applications and the
role of farm households in project planning and decision making.
Title: Soil Fertility for Organic Farmers
Authors: Kindberg, Eric and Beth Ardapple Kindberg
Publisher: Mt. Judea, AR: Ozark Small Farm Viability Project, 1991.
24 p.
NAL Number: S633.K55 1991
Annotation: A booklet that provides basic information about
practices that provide humus-rich soil. Includes the use of crop
residues, animal manures, green manures, and other organic
fertilizers. Offers guidelines for water management, tillage, crop
rotations, growing legumes, managing green manures and sod
pastures.
Available for purchase from Ozark Small Farm Viability Project,
P.O. Box 99, Mt. Judea, AR 72655.
Title: Strategies for Sustainable Animal Agriculture in Developing
Countries
Editor: Mack, Simon
Publisher: Rome, Italy: United Nations, Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), 1993. FAO Animal Production and Health paper
107. 271 p.
NAL Number: SF1.F64
Annotation: Proceedings of the FAO Expert Consultation held in
Rome, Dec. 10-14, 1990. Topics include the impact of regional
government policies on livestock production; government and
co-operative services for production and marketing of milk and
meat; using animal feed resources including tropical pastures and
rangelands; animal-crop integration; genetic resources; disease
control; research, education, training and extension services.
Title: Sustainability of Land Use Systems: The Potential of
Indigenous Measures for the Maintenance of Soil Productivity in
Sub-Sahara African Agriculture: A Review of Methodologies and
Research Results
Authors: Hailu, Zegeye and Artur Runge-Metzger
Publisher: Weikersheim, Germany: Verlag Josef Margraf Scientific
Books, 1993. 168 p.
NAL Number: S625.A357H35 1993
Annotation: Number 7 in the series, Tropical Agroecology. Focuses
on the sub-Sahara where per capita food production has declined
over several decades. Examines the sustainability of regional land
use systems; aspects and causes of land degradation and the
economic effects; measures taken by farmers to adjust to changing
situations. Proposes a research program to evaluate the
sustainability of land use systems; successful local land
management practices; relationship between individual, household,
community and nation.
Title: Sustainability of Quality Food Production in the
Twenty-first Century
Publisher: Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University, 1992. 51 p.
NAL Number: SF196.U5P76 1992
Annotation: Proceedings of a symposium of the American Forage and
Grassland Conference held on June 9, 1990, at Blacksburg, VA.
Considers the likely obstacles that will face agriculture in the
next century; the position of the beef industry in sustainable
agriculture; consumer trends that will influence the food industry;
the potential for sufficient food production and the greenhouse
effect as an impediment to production.
Title: Sustainable Agricultural Development: The Role of
International Cooperation
Editors: Peters, G.H. and B.F. Stanton
Publisher: Aldershot, England: Dartmouth Publishing Co., Ltd.,
1992. 704 p.
NAL Number: HD1405.I58 1991
Annotation: Proceedings of the 21st International Conference of
Agricultural Economists held on August 22-29, 1991, in Tokyo.
Includes papers on food security and world agriculture in the next
century; markets and agricultural development; public and private
sectors in agriculture; dryland agriculture and sustainability;
potential of biotechnology for agriculture and the food industry;
environmental issues; characteristics of farm households. Offers
several views on agricultural aspects in developing countries and
trade policies and market development in Europe.
Title: Sustainable Agriculture: In Concept and In Deed
Author: Castillo, Gelia T.
Publisher: London: Overseas Development Institute, Regent's
College, December 1992. Network paper 36. 32 p.
NAL Number: S539.5.N47 no. 36
Annotation: Originally presented as a paper at the Asian Farming
Systems Research Symposium held at Columbo, Sri Lanka in November
1992. Discusses the challenges agricultural research faces in
dealing with sustainability, including the necessary but often
adversarial relationship between indigenous knowledge and
biotechnology. Describes some of the concepts and ideas that
underlie sustainable agriculture. Presents a review of the impact
of farming systems research and its apparent limitations.
Emphasizes the need to understand an existing system before
attempting to improve or change it. Suggests that the combination
of subsistence production and commercialization may be the most
effective scheme in certain areas for family well-being. Discusses
the importance of secondary crops to system diversity; the
connection between international trade and land use; and the goal
of agrosystem analysis in research, policy and action.
Title: Sustainable Agriculture Directory of Expertise 1993
Publisher: Burlington, VT: Sustainable Agriculture Network,
University of Vermont, 1993. Various pagings.
NAL Number: (being processed)
Annotation: Contains the names and addresses of 717 people and
organizations with expertise in various areas of sustainable
agriculture. Listings are by state with comprehensive indexes for
individuals, organizations, crop and livestock topics, products and
services, areas of expertise, and management methods.
Inquiries may be made to Sustainable Agriculture Publications,
University of Vermont, Hills Bldg., Room 12, Burlington, VT
05405-0082.
Title: Sustainable Agriculture Program Directory 1992: A
Comprehensive Listing of State, National, and International
Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives
Editors: Cuchetto, Andrea, et al
Publisher: Washington, DC: American Farmland Trust, March 1992. 70
p.
NAL Number: S494.5. S86S875 1992
Annotation: Lists 224 sustainable agriculture programs and
organizations (private, government, academic) from the
international to the local level. Each entry includes a brief
description of the organization or institution, address, telephone
number, publications issued.
Title: Sustainable Farming and the Role of Farmers' Organizations
Publisher: Paris, France: International Federation of Agricultural
Producers, 1990. 62 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86S879 1990
Annotation: A farmer-centered approach to rural development
programming and improving farm systems that views farmers as the
key to solutions and not part of the problem. Suggests that
insufficient contact exists between research, extension and
development services and farmers' organizations. Looks at
approaches to be made in improving farm systems, reaching farmers
at the grass roots level, enhancing farmer participation and
strengthening farmers' organizations.
Title: Sustainable Farming Guide Book
Publisher: St. Paul: Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture, Energy and
Sustainable Agriculture Program, 1990. Unnumbered pages.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86S89 1990
Annotation: A guide for farmers who are considering a change from
conventional methods to a sustainable or alternative system.
Although prepared for the Minnesota farmer, this guide offers
suggestions that may be helpful to farmers living elsewhere.
Assists in determining practicable objectives and preparing a
transition plan. Deals with different farming enterprises, e.g.,
dairy, poultry, beef, hogs, grain and horticulture crops. Includes
discussion of weed management, rotational grazing and cropping, and
profitability. Furnishes practical experiences of individual
Minnesota farmers engaged in different farming ventures.
Title: Sustainable Hog Production
Authors: Gegner, Lance E. et al
Publisher: Fayetteville, AR: Appropriate Technology Transfer for
Rural Areas (ATTRA), 1992. 20 p. plus enclosures (various pagings).
NAL Number: HD9435.U62G45 1992
Annotation: Information for establishing a sustainable hog
operation. Topics include breed selection, feeding, swine health,
farrowing facilities, waste management, and economic
considerations. Provides sources for additional information.
Inquiries may be made to ATTRA, P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR
72702.
Title: Sustaining Land, People, Animals, and Communities: The Case
for Livestock in a Sustainable Agriculture
Author: Caneff, Denny
Publisher: Washington, DC: Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working
Group, 1993. 26 p.
NAL Number: SF51.C36 1993
Annotation: Discusses the value of livestock in a sustainable
system, in the rural economy, and the undesirability of the current
"animal factory" livestock industry. Examines issues raised by
environmental, animal welfare, and food quality interests. Offers
policy options and recommendations to ensure healthy animals,
viable rural communities and family farms, a healthy environment,
and healthy food supply.
Inquiries may be made to Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working
Group, 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Box 76, Washington, DC 20002.
Title: Trade in Organic Foods: Growing as Partners into the 21st
Century
Editors: Geier, Bernward; Carl Haest; Alice Pons
Publisher: Tholey-Theley, Germany: International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), 1991. 149 p.
NAL Number: HD9000.5.I58 1991
Annotation: Proceedings of an IFOAM conference held in Vienna,
Austria, Nov. 11-13, 1991. Topics include enhancing quality of
organic products; organic meat production; marketing and retailing;
certification methods; integrated agriculture. Most of the
presentations focus on European circumstances.
Title: Varieties of Sustainability: Reflecting on Ethics,
Environment and Economic Equity: Abstracts of Presentations
Publisher: [Santa Cruz, CA?: University of California, Santa Cruz,
1991?]. Approximately 43 unnumbered pages.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86V27 1991
Annotation: Abstracts of papers given at a conference on May 10-12,
1991, at Pacific Grove, CA. Topics include scientific and moral
aspects of animal welfare; alternative animal husbandry; class,
race and gender issues in sustainable agriculture; public and
collective pest control; global restructuring of agricultural and
food systems; farmer/citizen participation in policy making at U.S.
land grant schools; ethical concerns involved in sustainable
agriculture and development; social and economic aspects of
agricultural policies in both developing and industrial countries.
Title: Weed Management in Sustainable Agriculture
Publisher: [Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que.: Resource Efficient
Agricultural Production (REAP), 1991?]. 31 p.
NAL Number: SB610.2.R42 1991
Annotation: Proceedings of the 5th annual REAP conference held at
Macdonald College, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que., Canada, March 19,
1991. Includes papers in French or English on crop rotation and
cover crops in weed reduction; economics of weed control in
alternative farming systems; mechanical weed control in cereals and
row crops; ridge tillage.
Title: What Really Happens When You Cut Chemicals?
Editors: Shirley, Christopher et al
Publisher: Emmaus, PA: Rodale Institute, 1993. 156 p.
NAL Number: S494.5.S86W48 1993
Annotation: Prepared by staff of The New Farm. Examines data from
research studies comparing high- and low-input cropping systems, to
help farmers reduce the use of chemicals. Includes substantial
on-farm experience. Offers suggestions on what chemicals to reduce
and how to begin.