Research Area The long-term research objective of this project is to develop and translate fundamental agroecological knowledge into recommendations and products to improve the economic position of organic farmers and to improve their ability to meet consumer demand for organic products. Objective 1 is to develop component technologies and management strategies that lead to improved productivity, enhanced soil and water conservation, and efficient nutrient cycling on organic farms. Objective 2 is to understand agroecological principles that drive the function of organic cropping systems and quantify ecosystem services.
Featured in July 2008 issue of Agricultural Research Magazine. View the article in (html) or (pdf) format.
USDA-ARS Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705 Building 173 BARC-East, Phone 301.504.5607 www.ars.usda.gov/ba/anri/emfsl