Organic Agriculture

Growing on just one and a half acres, owners Jean-Martin and Maude-Helène feed more than 200 families through their thriving CSA and seasonal market stands and supply their signature mesclun salad mix to dozens of local establishments. The secret of their success is the low-tech, high-yield production methods they've developed by focusing on growing better rather than growing bigger, making their operation more lucrative and viable in the process.

Discover the revolutionary world of sustainable farming with the ultimate guide you've been waiting for. "Sustainable Farming Practices" is your gateway to understanding and implementing cover cropping, a transformative agricultural technique that brings ecological and economic prosperity to your farm. Start with an essential primer in Chapter 1, where you'll explore the significance of cover cropping, the variety of crops available, and the dual benefits these practices bring to our environment and your bottom line. Delve into Chapter 2 to master the art of selecting the perfect cover crop...

Mini Farming describes a holistic approach to small-area farming that will show you how to produce 85 percent of an average family's food on just a quarter acre - and earn $10,000 in cash annually while spending less than half the time that an ordinary job would require.

Unlock the secrets of sustainable livestock farming with Organic Farming and Livestock. This comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for mastering the ancient art and modern science of organic goat farming. Delve into the fundamentals with an enlightening introduction to organic goat farming. Discover the distinctions and merits of organic certification, explore the rich history and numerous benefits of this farming style, and learn how it stands apart from conventional methods. Selecting the right breed is crucial, and you will find detailed insights into popular breeds, their ...

When Rudolf Steiner gave these lectures 80 years ago, industrial farming was on the rise and organic methods were being replaced in the name of science, efficiency, and technology. With the widespread alarm over the quality of food in recent years, and the growth of the organic movement and its mainstream acceptance, perceptions are changing. The qualitative aspect of food is once again on the agenda, and in this context Rudolf Steiner's only course of lectures on agriculture is critical to the current debate.

The energies in fertilizers and in the cosmos do not often move needles, but they preside over crop production. As this books shows the reader, through learning to tap and use "life-force energy" it is possible to develop farming practices that are both high-quality and nondestructive to the environment. Since high sugar and mineral levels confer immunity against bacterial, insect and fungal crop destroyers, a complete BRIX chart on crops is included. Andersen's chapters outline in detail the difference between deadly slow-kill agribusiness farming and farming as it should be.

The soil is more than just a substrate that anchors crops in place. An ecologically balanced soil system is essential for maintaining healthy crops. This is a comprehensive manual on soil management. The "whats and whys" of micronutrients, earthworms, soil drainage, tilth, soil structure and organic matter are explained in detail. Kinsey shows how working with the soil produces healthier crops with a higher yield drawing on his wide range of experience as a master consultant. Learn how to balance soil nutrients for maximum yield. Discover why simple N-P-K fertilization isn't enough. ...

The story of the "Lentil Underground" begins on a 280-acre homestead rooted in America's Great Plains: the Oien family farm. Forty years ago, corporate agribusiness told small farmers like the Oiens to "get big or get out." But 27-year-old David Oien decided to take a stand, becoming the first in his conservative Montana county to plant a radically different crop: organic lentils. Unlike the chemically dependent grains American farmers had been told to grow, lentils make their own fertilizer and tolerate variable climates, so their farmers aren't beholden to industrial methods.

Ideas such as "crop and soil weatherproofing," the "row support system," and the "tillage commandments," exemplify the practicality of the soil/root maintenance program that serves as the foundation for Schriefer’s highly-successful "systems approach" farming. Schriefer was a pioneer in developing an awareness of the relation of tillage to soil fertility, focusing on three major soil basics — soil aeration, soil water, and soil decay. This book covers such topics as soil chemistry, plant and soil dynamics, above- and below-ground plant management, row support fertilization, zone-tillage...

There is a major disconnect between what we wear and our knowledge of its impact on land, air, water, labor, and human health. Even those who value access to safe, local, nutritious food have largely overlooked the production of fiber, dyes, and the chemistry that forms the backbone of modern textile production. While humans are 100 percent reliant on their second skin, it’s common to think little about the biological and human cultural context from which our clothing derives.

Unlock the secrets of sustainable living with "Introduction to Composting," your essential guide to the world of vermicomposting! Transform your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil amendments and contribute to a greener planet, all from the comfort of your home. Discover the intriguing history and crucial importance of vermicomposting in our introductory chapter. Understand why this eco-friendly practice is taking the gardening world by storm and how you can be part of it. Dive into the acclaimed benefits that vermicomposting offers, from nutrient-dense soil that boosts plant growth to ...

Are you ready to embrace a self-sufficient, eco-friendly lifestyle, even if you're starting from scratch? “The Essentials for Homesteading” is your gateway to success. Whether in a cozy apartment or a sprawling countryside, this practical guide will help you thrive without breaking the bank.

Looking to embark on a sustainable and rewarding journey in your own backyard? Look no further than Edible Gardening Essentials, your one-stop guide to growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs! This comprehensive eBook covers everything from soil preparation to plant maintenance, encouraging the cultivation of healthy and natural produce all year round. In Chapter 1, you'll learn the basics of organic gardening and how to set yourself up for success. From there, you'll dive into Chapter 2, where we'll guide you through the ins and outs of building an optimal garden environment. You'll...

Immerse yourself in the enriching world of sustainable agriculture with "Cultivating Abundance", an absolute must-read for individuals determined to lead a lifestyle of plenitude and sustainability. Embark upon your agricultural journey with an in-depth introduction of sustainable gardening, and indulge in comprehensive discussions pertaining to the healthiness of soil vital for substantial harvests. Explore the world of crops, where selectivity doesn't just guarantee prolific yields but transforms your ethereal dreams of a flourishing garden into an attainable reality. Comprehend ingenious...

Transform your small living space into a lush, productive oasis with Urban Farming for Beginners: Your Guide to Sustainable Gardening in Small Spaces. Whether you're a novice gardener or an experienced grower, this comprehensive guide will show you how to embrace urban gardening and sustainable agriculture, even in the tiniest of spaces.

Louis Bromfield was a World War I ambulance driver, a Paris expat, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist as famous in the 1920s as Hemingway or Fitzgerald. But he cashed in his literary success to finance a wild agrarian dream in his native Ohio. The ideas he planted at his utopian experimental farm, Malabar, would inspire America's first generation of organic farmers and popularize the tenets of environmentalism years before Rachel Carson's Silent Spring.

This is a concise yet complete handbook for starting a successful organic farm based on the community supported agriculture concept. Written for farmers and non-farmers alike, the book illustrates how two middle-aged novices are making a decent living on less than two acres of land. Bob and Bonnie found few resources applicable to their situation when they began researching making their farm dream a reality, and the book originally stemmed from their own desire to help others by sharing universal guidelines on small farm start-ups. The model explained in the book is an updated version of ...

Drawing on findings from leading health researchers as well as conversations with both chemical and organic farmers from coast to coast, Maria Rodale irrefutably outlines the unacceptably high cost of chemical farming on our health and our environment. She traces the genesis of chemical farming and the rise of the immense companies that profit from it, bringing to light the government's role in allowing such practices to flourish.

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your agricultural bounty with "Harvesting and Storage." This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the harvesting and storage process, ensuring you achieve the highest yields with the least amount of waste. Whether new to farming or a seasoned grower, this book will transform your approach with practical, insightful strategies. Begin by mastering the fundamentals in "Introduction to Harvesting Techniques." Learn to recognize the perfect harvesting time, select the best tools and equipment, and implement essential safety measures. Take your skills ...

This valuable collection of essays in volume 6 reveals the insights of a brilliant soil scientist who was ahead of his time in connecting the relationship between soil, plants and animals. Read about Albrecht’s substantiated theory and observation that insufficient soil fertility was responsible for poor crops, weeds and thereby a poor diet for the cow in terms of her food choice and her output.