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COG Organic Field Crop Handbook, Second Edition, expanded and rewritten

 This handbook is a basic introduction to organic farming. It provides practical "how to" information and will be useful for conventional farmers wishing to convert to organic techniques, for farmers in the transition between conventional and organic practices and for organic farmers who want to expand their crop rotations. It does not include information on fruit and vegetable production or on animal husbandry.

Most of the information contained in this handbook came directly from farmer experience. The reason for this approach is two-fold. First, the availability of organic farming documentation from research sources has, until quite recently, been limited. The encouraging trend toward research into more sustainable agricultural practices gives reason to hope that the scarcity of scientifically-based extension information will soon be a thing of the past. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, a substantial body of practical information has been developed by individual farmers. It is hoped that this handbook can serve as a vehicle to achieve a wider distribution of this valuable, hard-won information than might be possible through more informal networking.

The handbook is divided into four sections. Section one covers the basic principles of organic agriculture including economics, transition and organic standards & certification; section two discusses methods of organic farming, section three provides detail on designing a crop rotation and section four is a step-by-step guide to field crops. (Three Appendices and Index included).

Below are links to some chapters in the First Edition of the COG Orangic Field Crop Handbook.

1. Principles of organic farming

• 1.1 Microconceptions and Implications
• 1.2 Transition
• 1.3 The Soil Ecosystem
• 1.4 Manure Management and Composting
• 1.5 Green Manures
• 1.6 Purchased Soil Amendments
• 1.7 Weed Management
• 1.8 Pest and Disease Management
• 1.9 Certification and Marketing

2. Designing a crop rotation

• 2.1 Sample crop rotations
• 2.2 Choosing crops for a crop rotation
• 2.3 Crop options
• 2.4 Where to start the rotation

3. Field Crops

• 3.1 Alfalfa, clovers, and forage mixtures
• 3.2 Barley
• 3.3 Buckweat
• 3.4 Corn
• 3.5 Flax
• 3.6 Oats
• 3.7 Oil radish
• 3.8 Rye
• 3.9 Soybeans
• 3.10 Spelt
• 3.11 Winter wheat

Copyright © 1992 Canadian Organic Growers Inc . (Second Edition Copyright ©2001 Canadian Organic Growers Inc.)

Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

How to order the COG Field Crop Handbook:

• Email EAP at info@eap.mcgill.ca
• Visit the COG Publications Index and make your order

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