organic industry overview - unctad
TRANSCRIPT
Organic AgricultureOrganic AgricultureOrganic Agriculture
The Principles of High Yielding
Organic Agriculture
The Principles of High YieldingThe Principles of High Yielding Systems
The Principles of High Yielding Systems
Andre Leu
IFOAM President
Andre Leu
IFOAM PresidentIFOAM, PresidentOrganic Federation of Australia,
Chairman
IFOAM, PresidentOrganic Federation of Australia,
Chairman
IFOAM is the international umbrella organization of organic agriculture
IFOAM is the international umbrella organization of organic agricultureorganization of organic agriculture
movements worldwideorganization of organic agriculture
movements worldwide
MissionMissionIFOAM's mission is leading uniting andIFOAM's mission is leading uniting and
International Federation of Organic Agriculture International Federation of Organic Agriculture
IFOAM s mission is leading, uniting and IFOAM s mission is leading, uniting and assisting the organic movement in its full assisting the organic movement in its full
diversity. diversity. International Federation of Organic Agriculture International Federation of Organic Agriculture
MovementsMovements VisionVisionOur goal is the worldwide adoption of Our goal is the worldwide adoption of
ecologically socially and economicallyecologically socially and economicallyecologically, socially and economically ecologically, socially and economically sound systems that are based on the sound systems that are based on the
principles of Organic Agricultureprinciples of Organic Agriculture.
Organic Industry Organic Industry OverviewOverview
organic: means the application of practices that emphasize the:
organic: means the application of practices that emphasize the:use of renewable resources; andconservation of energy, soil and water; anduse of renewable resources; andconservation of energy, soil and water; andrecognition of livestock welfare needs; andenvironmental maintenance and enhancement, recognition of livestock welfare needs; andenvironmental maintenance and enhancement, while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicals
while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicalschemicalschemicals
Organic Industry Organic Industry OverviewOverview
Organic systems improve soil fertility by using Organic systems improve soil fertility by using
CompostsNatural mineral fertilisersCompostsNatural mineral fertilisersCover cropsOrganic materials Cover cropsOrganic materials Organic materials Organic materials
Organic Industry Organic Industry OverviewOverview
Cultural and ecological management systems are used as the primary controls of:
Cultural and ecological management systems are used as the primary controls of:PestsWeedsPestsWeedsDiseasesLimited use of biocides of mineral, plant and DiseasesLimited use of biocides of mineral, plant and biological origin as the tools of last resort. biological origin as the tools of last resort.
Organic Industry Organic Industry OverviewOverview
Best Practice Organic Agriculture has Numerous Benefits
Best Practice Organic Agriculture has Numerous Benefits
High YieldsHigh YieldsPremium PricesRapidly Growing Industry Premium PricesRapidly Growing Industry Low Input CostsResilient to Climate ExtremesLow Input CostsResilient to Climate ExtremesEnvironmentally, Economically and Socially SustainableEnvironmentally, Economically and Socially Sustainable
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh Yields
United Nations Study – Organic Agriculture Increased Yields
United Nations Study – Organic Agriculture Increased Yields
Report by UNCTAD and UNEP –average increase in Report by UNCTAD and UNEP –average increase in crop yield crop yield
116 per cent increase for all African projects 116 per cent increase for all African projects
128 per cent increase for the projects in East Africa.’128 per cent increase for the projects in East Africa.’
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh Yields
United Nations Study – Organic Agriculture Increased Yields
United Nations Study – Organic Agriculture Increased Yields
‘The evidence presented in this study supports the argument ‘The evidence presented in this study supports the argument that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than most conventional production systems and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the
that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than most conventional production systems and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the systems, and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term.’systems, and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term.’
Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary general of UNCTAD and Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP
Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary general of UNCTAD and Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP
Impact of using compost - Grain yields from over 900 samples from farmers fields over 7 years
Impact of using compost - Grain yields from over 900 samples from farmers fields over 7 yearsover 900 samples from farmers fields over 7 yearsover 900 samples from farmers fields over 7 years
Average mean grain yields in kg/ha for 4 cereals
3500
4000and 1 pulse crop from Tigray, northern Ethiopia, 2000-2006 inclusive Check
2500
3000
000
1500
2000
0
500
1000
0Barley (n=444)Durum wheat (n=546)Maize (n=273)Teff (n=741)Faba bean (n=141)
Crop (n=number of observations/fields sampled)p ( / p )
Initial impacts on wheat yields in Hintalo Wejerat Tigray 2010
Initial impacts on wheat yields in Hintalo Wejerat Tigray 2010Wejerat, Tigray, 2010Wejerat, Tigray, 2010
4000
Grain Straw
37563617
3500
4000
27392578
23222500
3000
g/
ha
14941500
2000
ld in
kg
1000
1500
Yie
0
500
Compost Fertilizer CheckTreatment
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh Yields“Push Pull” for Stemborer and Striga Control“Push Pull” for Stemborer and Striga ControlPush – Pull for Stemborer and Striga ControlPush – Pull for Stemborer and Striga Control
The System’s Approach: EcoThe System’s Approach: Eco--intensificationintensification
U i lU i l
intensificationintensification
Using natural Using natural systems to systems to regulate pest regulate pest outbreaksoutbreaks
(example of (example of ( p( ppushpush--pullpullgreater farm greater farm
d ti itd ti itproductivity vs productivity vs higher yields 2 higher yields 2 to 10X)to 10X)
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh Yields
Scientific Review by Cornell University into the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Scientific Review by Cornell University into the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Organic SRI yields greater than the traditional crops Organic SRI had significantly lower input costs (fertiliser, Organic SRI yields greater than the traditional crops Organic SRI had significantly lower input costs (fertiliser, pesticide, weeding etc) than the conventional crops
“...the technology generates the estimated f h ”
pesticide, weeding etc) than the conventional crops
“...the technology generates the estimated f h ”average output gains of more than 84%.”
S B tt C t l (2004) B tt t h l b tt l t b tt f ?
average output gains of more than 84%.”
S B tt C t l (2004) B tt t h l b tt l t b tt f ?Source: Barrett C et al (2004), Better technology, better plots, or better farmers? Identifying changes in productivity and risk among Malagasy rice farmers , Am.J.Agric.Econ., 2004, 86, 4, 869-888
Source: Barrett C et al (2004), Better technology, better plots, or better farmers? Identifying changes in productivity and risk among Malagasy rice farmers , Am.J.Agric.Econ., 2004, 86, 4, 869-888
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsSystem of Rice Intensification (SRI)System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
In Madagascar, SRI has increased yields from the usual 2-3 tons per hectare to yields of 6,8 or 10 tons per hectare.
Source: Nicolas Parrott, Cardiff University, 'The Real Green Revolution‘
In Madagascar, SRI has increased yields from the usual 2-3 tons per hectare to yields of 6,8 or 10 tons per hectare.
Source: Nicolas Parrott, Cardiff University, 'The Real Green Revolution‘
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsSystem of Rice Intensification (SRI)System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Cuba – Two rice plants the same age and same varietyBy: Dr. Norman Uphoff, Cornell University
Cuba – Two rice plants the same age and same varietyBy: Dr. Norman Uphoff, Cornell University
HIGH YIELDSHIGH YIELDS
After typhoon, After typhoon, yp ,yp ,FFS farmer in FFS farmer in
Dông Trù villageDông Trù villageDông Trù village, Dông Trù village, Hanoi Province, Hanoi Province,
Viet NamViet Nam
By: Dr. Norman Uphoff, Cornell University
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsS f SS f SRecent Scientific Field Trials in the USA
US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial
Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA
US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan TrialUS Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial The ARS organically managed pecans out-yielded the conventionally managed, chemically fertilized Gebert orchard in each of the past five years. Yields on ARS' organic test site surpassed the Gebert commercial orchard
US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial The ARS organically managed pecans out-yielded the conventionally managed, chemically fertilized Gebert orchard in each of the past five years. Yields on ARS' organic test site surpassed the Gebert commercial orchardYields on ARS organic test site surpassed the Gebert commercial orchard by 18 pounds of pecan nuts per tree in 2005 and by 12 pounds per tree in 2007. (Bradford J.M .2008)
Yields on ARS organic test site surpassed the Gebert commercial orchard by 18 pounds of pecan nuts per tree in 2005 and by 12 pounds per tree in 2007. (Bradford J.M .2008)
The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trialsfound that organic yields were higher in drought years and the same as conventional in normal weather years (Posner et al 2008)
The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trialsfound that organic yields were higher in drought years and the same as conventional in normal weather years (Posner et al 2008)conventional in normal weather years. (Posner et al. 2008)conventional in normal weather years. (Posner et al. 2008)
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsS f SS f SRecent Scientific Field Trials in the USA
IOWA State University TrialsThe results from the Long Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) a 12 year
Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USAIOWA State University TrialsThe results from the Long Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) a 12 yearThe results from the Long Term Agroecological Research (LTAR), a 12 year collaborative effort between producers and researchers.
organic corn harvests averaged 130 bushels per acre while conventional
The results from the Long Term Agroecological Research (LTAR), a 12 year collaborative effort between producers and researchers.
organic corn harvests averaged 130 bushels per acre while conventionalorganic corn harvests averaged 130 bushels per acre while conventional corn yield was 112 bushels per acre. organic soybean yield was 45 bu/ac compared to the conventional yield of 40 b / i th f th
organic corn harvests averaged 130 bushels per acre while conventional corn yield was 112 bushels per acre. organic soybean yield was 45 bu/ac compared to the conventional yield of 40 b / i th f th40 bu/ac in the fourth year.
Cost-wise, on average, the organic crops' revenue was twice that of
40 bu/ac in the fourth year.
Cost-wise, on average, the organic crops' revenue was twice that of conventional crops due to the savings from non-utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. conventional crops due to the savings from non-utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsS f SS f SRecent Scientific Field Trials in the USA
Rodale Organic Low/No TillRecent Scientific Field Trials in the USA
Rodale Organic Low/No Till
The Rodale Institute has been trialling a range of organic low tillage and no tillage systems.The Rodale Institute has been trialling a range of organic low tillage and no tillage systems.
‘The 2006 trails resulted in organic yields of 160 bushels and acre (bu/ac) compared to the Country average of 130 bu/ac. (Rodale 2006)‘The 2006 trails resulted in organic yields of 160 bushels and acre (bu/ac) compared to the Country average of 130 bu/ac. (Rodale 2006)
Minimum Till without Herbicides
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh Yields
Scientific Review by Cornell University into a 22 l Fi ld St d
Scientific Review by Cornell University into a 22 l Fi ld St d22 year-long Field Study
The improved soil allowed the organic land to generate yields
22 year-long Field Study
The improved soil allowed the organic land to generate yields p g g yequal to or greater than the conventional crops after 5 yearsThe conventional crops collapsed during drought years.The organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years
p g g yequal to or greater than the conventional crops after 5 yearsThe conventional crops collapsed during drought years.The organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years The organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years, due to greater water holding capacity in the enriched soil.The organic crops used 30% less fossil energy inputs than the conventional crops
The organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years, due to greater water holding capacity in the enriched soil.The organic crops used 30% less fossil energy inputs than the conventional cropsconventional crops.
Published in the Journal Bioscience
conventional crops.Published in the Journal Bioscience
High YieldsHigh YieldsHigh YieldsHigh Yields
High Yields , Sustainability and Climate R ili hi d b
High Yields , Sustainability and Climate R ili hi d bResilience are achieved by:
Adequate Levels of Soil Organic Carbon (Organic
Resilience are achieved by:
Adequate Levels of Soil Organic Carbon (Organic Adequate Levels of Soil Organic Carbon (Organic Matter)Mineral Balance
Adequate Levels of Soil Organic Carbon (Organic Matter)Mineral BalanceMineral BalanceEcological Intensification Good Management Systems
Mineral BalanceEcological Intensification Good Management SystemsGood Management SystemsGood Management Systems
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterNutrient availability:Nutrient availability:Nutrient availability:
Stores 90 to 95% of the nitrogen in the soil
Nutrient availability:
Stores 90 to 95% of the nitrogen in the soil Stores 90 to 95% of the nitrogen in the soil, 15 to 80% of phosphorus and 20 to 50% of sulphur in the soil
Stores 90 to 95% of the nitrogen in the soil, 15 to 80% of phosphorus and 20 to 50% of sulphur in the soil Has many sites that hold minerals and consequently dramatically increases the soils’ Total ion Exchange Capacity
Has many sites that hold minerals and consequently dramatically increases the soils’ Total ion Exchange Capacitysoils Total ion Exchange CapacityStores cations, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and all trace elements
soils Total ion Exchange CapacityStores cations, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and all trace elementspp
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterNutrient availability:Nutrient availability:Nutrient availability:
Organic acids (humic and fulvic) help make
Nutrient availability:
Organic acids (humic and fulvic) help make Organic acids (humic and fulvic) help make minerals available by dissolving locked up minerals
Organic acids (humic and fulvic) help make minerals available by dissolving locked up minerals Prevents mineral ions from being locked upEncourages a range of microbes that make l k d i l il bl t l t
Prevents mineral ions from being locked upEncourages a range of microbes that make l k d i l il bl t l tlocked up minerals available to plants.Helps to neutralise the pHBuffers the soil from strong changes in pH
locked up minerals available to plants.Helps to neutralise the pHBuffers the soil from strong changes in pHBuffers the soil from strong changes in pHBuffers the soil from strong changes in pH
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterSoil Structure:Soil Structure:Soil Structure:
Promotes good soil structure which creates soil spaces for air and water by
Soil Structure:Promotes good soil structure which creates soil spaces for air and water bysoil spaces for air and water byAssisting with good/strong ped formation Feeding macro organisms (ie earthworms
soil spaces for air and water byAssisting with good/strong ped formation Feeding macro organisms (ie earthworms g g (and beetles etc) the form pores in the soil.
g g (and beetles etc) the form pores in the soil.
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterDirectly assisting plants:Directly assisting plants:Directly assisting plants:
The spaces allow microorganisms to turn
Directly assisting plants:
The spaces allow microorganisms to turn The spaces allow microorganisms to turn the nitrogen in the air into nitrate and ammonia (air is 78% N)
The spaces allow microorganisms to turn the nitrogen in the air into nitrate and ammonia (air is 78% N)Soil carbon dioxide contained in these air spaces increases plant growth H l l t d i bi l th th h
Soil carbon dioxide contained in these air spaces increases plant growth H l l t d i bi l th th h Helps plant and microbial growth through growth stimulating compounds Helps root growth, by making it easy for
Helps plant and microbial growth through growth stimulating compounds Helps root growth, by making it easy for Helps root growth, by making it easy for roots to travel through the soilHelps root growth, by making it easy for roots to travel through the soil
Soil organic matterSoil organic matter
Holds waterHolds water
Electron micrograph of soil humus
Holds water
Cements soil
Holds water
Cements soil particlesparticles
Increases nutrient storage & availability
Increases nutrient storage & availabilityavailabilityHumus can last 2000 years in the
availabilityHumus can last 2000 years in the 2000 years in the soil2000 years in the soil
Resilient to Climate Resilient to Climate ExtremesExtremes
Research Shows that Organic Systems use Research Shows that Organic Systems use Water More Efficiently
‘S l h ld h d
Water More Efficiently
‘S l h ld h d‘Soil water held in the crop root zone was measured and shown to be consistently higher … in the organic plots than the conventional plots due to
‘Soil water held in the crop root zone was measured and shown to be consistently higher … in the organic plots than the conventional plots due to organic plots than the conventional plots, due to the higher organic matter ...’ (Lotter 2003)organic plots than the conventional plots, due to the higher organic matter ...’ (Lotter 2003)
Resilient to Climate Resilient to Climate ExtremesExtremes
Research Shows that Organic Systems use WaterM Effi i tl
Research Shows that Organic Systems use WaterM Effi i tlMore Efficiently
‘The exceptional water capture capability of the organic
More Efficiently
‘The exceptional water capture capability of the organic The exceptional water capture capability of the organic treatments stood out during the torrential downpours during hurricane Floyd in September of 1999.
The exceptional water capture capability of the organic treatments stood out during the torrential downpours during hurricane Floyd in September of 1999.
The organic systems captured about twice as much water as the conventional treatment during that two day event’ The organic systems captured about twice as much water as the conventional treatment during that two day event’ g y(Lotter 2003)
g y(Lotter 2003)
Organic Corn - 1995 DroughtOrganic Corn - 1995 Drought
Better infiltration, retention, and Better infiltration, retention, and delivery to plants helps avoid delivery to plants helps avoid
drought damagedrought damagedrought damagedrought damage
OrganicOrganic ConventionalConventional
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
Research Shows that Organic Systems use WaterMore Efficiently
Research Shows that Organic Systems use WaterMore EfficientlyMore Efficiently
Volume of Water Retained /ha (to 30 cm) in relation to soil ( )
More Efficiently
Volume of Water Retained /ha (to 30 cm) in relation to soil ( )organic matter (OM).
0.5% OM = 80,000 litres (average 2004 level) 1 % OM = 160,000 litres
organic matter (OM).0.5% OM = 80,000 litres (average 2004 level) 1 % OM = 160,000 litres 1 % OM 160,000 litres 2 % OM = 320,000 litres 3 % OM = 480,000 litres 4 % OM 640 000 lit
1 % OM 160,000 litres 2 % OM = 320,000 litres 3 % OM = 480,000 litres 4 % OM 640 000 lit 4 % OM = 640,000 litres 5 % OM = 800,000 litres (pre-settlement level) 4 % OM = 640,000 litres 5 % OM = 800,000 litres (pre-settlement level)
Soil Organic Matters
5 % 1%
1%1% 5%5%5 % 1%
1%1% 5%5%
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
Organic Soil Carbon Systems Have Less Soil Erosion
Organic Soil Carbon Systems Have Less Soil Erosion
The results of a study that compared erosion in organic and conventional farming over 38 yearsThe results of a study that compared erosion in organic and conventional farming over 38 yearsconventional farming over 38 years.
‘This study indicates that, in the long term, the organic farming
conventional farming over 38 years.
‘This study indicates that, in the long term, the organic farming s study d cates t at, t e o g te , t e o ga c a gsystem was more effective than the conventional farming system in reducing soil erosion and, therefore, in maintaining soil productivity’ (Reganold et al 1987)
s study d cates t at, t e o g te , t e o ga c a gsystem was more effective than the conventional farming system in reducing soil erosion and, therefore, in maintaining soil productivity’ (Reganold et al 1987)(Reganold et al. 1987).(Reganold et al. 1987).
O i M ttO i M ttOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
• Higher corn and soybean yields in drought yearsyields in drought years
• Increased soil C and N
• Higher water infiltration
• Higher water holding cap• Higher water holding cap.
• Higher microbial activity
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
Organic Soil Carbon Systems Improve Soil Organic Soil Carbon Systems Improve Soil
"Results of this research suggest that organic farming systems can provide greater long-term soil improvement th ti l till t d it th f
"Results of this research suggest that organic farming systems can provide greater long-term soil improvement th ti l till t d it th fthan conventional no-tillage systems, despite the use of tillage in organic systems.”than conventional no-tillage systems, despite the use of tillage in organic systems.”
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation entitled "Strategies for Soil Conservation in No-tillage and Organic Farming Systems" (Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 62, Number 6). Journal of Soil and Water Conservation entitled "Strategies for Soil Conservation in No-tillage and Organic Farming Systems" (Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 62, Number 6).
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilisers Deplete Carbon Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilisers Deplete Carbon
Scientists from the University of Illinois analysed the results of a 50 year agricultural trial and found that synthetic nitrogen fertiliser resulted in all the carbon residues from
Scientists from the University of Illinois analysed the results of a 50 year agricultural trial and found that synthetic nitrogen fertiliser resulted in all the carbon residues from the crop disappearing as well as an average loss of around 10,000 kg of soil carbon per hectare. the crop disappearing as well as an average loss of around 10,000 kg of soil carbon per hectare.
This is around 36,700 kg of carbon dioxide per hectare on top of the many thousands of kilograms of crop residue that is
d i CO
This is around 36,700 kg of carbon dioxide per hectare on top of the many thousands of kilograms of crop residue that is
d i CO converted into CO2 every year. converted into CO2 every year.
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilisers Deplete Carbon Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilisers Deplete Carbon
The researchers found that the higher the application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser the greater the amount of soil carbon lost as CO
The researchers found that the higher the application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser the greater the amount of soil carbon lost as CO greater the amount of soil carbon lost as CO2.
This is one of the major reasons why conventional
greater the amount of soil carbon lost as CO2.
This is one of the major reasons why conventional This is one of the major reasons why conventional agricultural systems have a decline in soil carbon while organic systems increase soil carbon.
This is one of the major reasons why conventional agricultural systems have a decline in soil carbon while organic systems increase soil carbon.
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterUse Plants to Grow Soil CarbonUse Plants to Grow Soil CarbonUse Plants to Grow Soil Carbon Use Plants to Grow Soil Carbon
Between 95 and 98% of plant minerals come from water carbon dioxide and oxygenBetween 95 and 98% of plant minerals come from water carbon dioxide and oxygenwater, carbon dioxide and oxygen
The remaining 2-5% comes from the soil
water, carbon dioxide and oxygen
The remaining 2-5% comes from the soilThe remaining 2-5% comes from the soil.
Photosynthesis produces the carbon compounds that
The remaining 2-5% comes from the soil.
Photosynthesis produces the carbon compounds thatPhotosynthesis produces the carbon compounds that plants need to grow and reproducePhotosynthesis produces the carbon compounds that plants need to grow and reproduce
Organic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic MatterOrganic Matter
The Carbon GiftThe Carbon Gift
30-60% of the carbon and energy used by plants is d it d i t th il b l t t d t d30-60% of the carbon and energy used by plants is d it d i t th il b l t t d t ddeposited into the soil by plant roots as exudates and sheathsdeposited into the soil by plant roots as exudates and sheaths
Plant roots put thousand of tonnes per hectare of organic carbon and bio available minerals into the soil every yearPlant roots put thousand of tonnes per hectare of organic carbon and bio available minerals into the soil every yearcarbon and bio available minerals into the soil every yearcarbon and bio available minerals into the soil every year
MANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERS
Plants shed their roots after losing leaves because because they cannot produce produce enough sugars to feed their roots
MANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERS
Cut plants shed their roots and add organic carbon and minerals into theminerals into the soil to feed the microorganismsmicroorganisms and the crop
MANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERS
MANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERS
Tall plantshave d deeper roots and deposit deposit more carbon deeper into the soil
Minimum Till without Herbicides P t C iP t C iPasture CroppingPasture Cropping
Onions Growing in Rye Grass
Pasture CroppingPasture Cropping
Oats Sown into Pasture
P t C iP t C iPasture CroppingPasture Cropping
Oats Sown into Pasture
Composting MethodsComposting MethodsComposting MethodsComposting MethodsA bi t A bi t A bi t A bi t Anaerobic compost Anaerobic compost
Mix and make the same way as aerobic however there is Mix and make the same way as aerobic however there is no need to turnno need to turn
Anaerobic compost Anaerobic compost Mix and make the same way as aerobic however there is Mix and make the same way as aerobic however there is no need to turnno need to turnno need to turn.no need to turn.No oxygen means that it takes more than twice as long No oxygen means that it takes more than twice as long before it is ready to usebefore it is ready to use
no need to turn.no need to turn.No oxygen means that it takes more than twice as long No oxygen means that it takes more than twice as long before it is ready to usebefore it is ready to useLess nitrogen loss Less nitrogen loss Anaerobic bacteria create a range of organic acids and Anaerobic bacteria create a range of organic acids and enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts
Less nitrogen loss Less nitrogen loss Anaerobic bacteria create a range of organic acids and Anaerobic bacteria create a range of organic acids and enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts (lime, rock phosphate, crushed basalt, dolomite, gypsum (lime, rock phosphate, crushed basalt, dolomite, gypsum etc) bio available etc) bio available Ch k d l f iCh k d l f i
enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts enzymes that are useful in making mineral rock dusts (lime, rock phosphate, crushed basalt, dolomite, gypsum (lime, rock phosphate, crushed basalt, dolomite, gypsum etc) bio available etc) bio available Ch k d l f iCh k d l f iCheaper to make due to less costs for turning to Cheaper to make due to less costs for turning to oxygenateoxygenateCheaper to make due to less costs for turning to Cheaper to make due to less costs for turning to oxygenateoxygenate