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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #134961
Title: SOIL QUALITY IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

Author
item DELATE, K - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Cambardella, Cynthia
item Karlen, Douglas

Submitted to: Iowa Cooperative Extension Publication
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2002
Publication Date: 5/1/2002
Citation: DELATE, K., CAMBARDELLA, C.A., KARLEN, D.L. SOIL QUALITY IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS. IOWA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PUBLICATION. 2002. PM #1882. ISU COOP EXTENSION SERVICE, AMES, IA.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Building and maintaining soil quality is the basis for successful organic farming. However, before developing a soil management plan focused on soil quality in organic systems, farmers should become knowledgeable regarding the overall philosophies, legalities, and marketing opportunities in organic agriculture. A brief overview of organic agriculture is presented along with discussions on the importance of crop rotations, the role of soil amendments, and a review of relevant field research focused on organic soybean and cover crops for organic vegetable production.