Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich fertilizer material produced during the decomposition of organic material by earthworms. Vermicompost tea, produced by 'steeping' vermicompost in water, may serve as a viable, cost-effective alternative to solid vermicompost, providing immediate nutrients to crops. This study evaluated the residual/carry-over nutrient and yield impacts of several vermicompost fertilization programs in a successive corn-to-strawberry double-crop system.

In this free online course prepared by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), learn about profitability and marketing practices for organic field crops. The course will cover: dynamics of the organic marketplace; marketing strategies for organic field crops; profitability considerations for organic producers; and the economics of transitioning to organic.

This episode of Voices from the Field is the second part of a conversation between NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis and Michael O’ Gorman, an organic farming pioneer and founder of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Mike and Michael talk about mitigating risk in tomato crop and general ag operations.

Soil test reports can be difficult to interpret, but doing so correctly helps ensure crop productivity while avoiding wasted nutrient and financial resources. This factsheet, produced by Clemson University Extension, explains how to interpret routine soil test results, covering pH, buffering capacity, macro- and micronutrient ratings, nitrogen, organic matter, CEC, and base saturation, and how these values inform fertilizer recommendations.

Hosted by Florida Organic Growers with the University of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance, this webinar offers an overview of organic farming and production considerations for the islands.

Methods to conserve and augment beneficial insects in modern horticultural production systems are needed given issues with pest resistance to insecticides, pest resurgence due to lack of natural enemies, and replacement of native with invas…

Biochar is an increasingly popular organic soil amendment due to its high carbon content, porosity, and cation exchange capacity, which can result in improved soil structure, increased nutrient retention, and stimulated microbial activity. This study evaluated how biochar, when applied at multiple rates in combination with conventional or organic fertilizer, impacted soil health in a plasticulture-based tomato production system.

In this free online course prepared by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), learn about pest and disease management strategies in organic field crops. The course will cover: the importance of healthy agroecosystems for pest/disease control; crop rotation strategies; rules and regulations for pest management in organic production; and more.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater is joined by Dr. Johannes Lehmann, a Cornell University professor with the School of Integrative Plant Science. They talk about misconceptions around soil humus, explore new ways to look at the organic components of soil, and discuss the challenges of creating a circular economy.

Direct marketing of beef, pork, or lamb can add income for producers willing to invest patience and effort. This factsheet, produced by Clemson University Extension, outlines four key steps for direct marketing meat: identifying your market and applicable laws, choosing a meat processor, developing promotional strategies and branding, and clearly communicating processing yields and expectations to customers.

Join Joe Reynolds of Love is Love Cooperative Farm in Mansfield, GA, for this virtual farm tour featuring tips on organic production, marketing, and infrastructure.

There is high demand for organic broccoli in the Southeast, as shown in a 2013 market survey by Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, which revealed that broccoli is one of the top organic produce items in short supply. Broccoli can be pro…