Producer Bulletins and Factsheets
Producer bulletins aim to present technical research results in a clear and concise manner that can be understood and implemented by organic farmers.
Biochar in Growing Media: Does it Help or Hurt Plants?
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance created by burning organic materials, often wood or woodchips, in an oxygen-deprived situation (pyrolysis). There has been a lot of hype about biochar with extravagant claims made about its potential to sequester carbon (thereby mitigating effects of climate change) and also to improve crop yields.
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Green manures and dehydrated poultry manure to optimize fertility in organic grain production system
A factsheet detailing green manures and dehydrated poultry manure to optimize fertility in organic grain production systems.
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Biological Pest Control
Organic farmers can control pests by providing habitat to support beneficial organisms, using trap crops, releasing biocontrol agents or applying biopesticides (pesticides made from natural sources, such as microorganisms, plants, animal tissue or minerals). Biocontrol (biological control) agents are living organisms that are introduced or supported by humans with the intent to harm invertebrate pests. Biocontrol agents are sometimes called “enemies” because they attack pests. Biocontrol agents include predators, parasitoids, parasites and pathogens of pests.
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Organic Greenhouse Advances: Root Environment and Wastewater Management
Organic farmers can control pests by providing habitat to support beneficial organisms, using trap crops, releasing biocontrol agents or applying biopesticides (pesticides made from natural sources, such as microorganisms, plants, animal tissue or minerals). Biocontrol (biological control) agents are living organisms that are introduced or supported by humans with the intent to harm invertebrate pests. Biocontrol agents are sometimes called “enemies” because they attack pests. Biocontrol agents include predators, parasitoids, parasites and pathogens of pests.
Download [PDF 2.35 MB]
Green manures and amendments for organic systems findings from Eastern Canada
Maintaining adequate soil fertility to sustain acceptable yields has long been regarded as one of the greatest challenges for organic producers. Organic farmers must adopt sound crop rotation that build fertility by promoting good soil health. This is achieved through the use of crop rotation including soil building crops and using organic soil amendments.
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Breeding for Organic Field Crops in Canada
Over the last 10 years, researchers and breeders involved with the three Organic Science Clusters have been exploring approaches to breeding cultivars suitable for organic management. They have looked at the costs and rewards in organic breeding and the impact these cultivars may potentially have on the industry. This bulletin outlines some of the key findings in organic field crop breeding research.
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