Organic Farming Principles and Practices
Farming is both challenging and exciting. We
have compiled knowledge about how things grow and why some growing
methods might be preferred over other methods. The following information
is offered to help expand awareness of methods of organic farming
and sustainable agriculture.
(Click here for a comprehensive review of the Principles and
Practices of Organic Farming PDF).
High Tunnel Crop Production and Cold Storage
for Year-Round Marketing
"Fresh, nutritious and local" are key principles
of organic farming. A primary goal of the SOF project is to demonstrate
methods for season extension and year round production. High tunnels
(unheated greenhouse cold frames) provide opportunities for winter
harvesting of leafy greens, carrots, leeks and other crops as
well as early and late season production of important crops like
potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Two key principles that help with
crop production are internal covers in the winter and roll up
sides for the summer. We are also testing or comparing single
or double layer plastic film and some alternative heating methods.
Click here for a comprehensive review of Greenhouses for Food
and Farming.
(Click here to
open the Greenhouses for Food and Farming PDF)
Compost Production and Use
Providing nutrients and building the organic
matter content of the soil are both facilitated by the use of
compost. We have been working on composting methods since we began
the SOF, and the compost used in the tunnels was made on site
with materials such as hay, straw, leaves, peat, and materials
for the dairy and swine barns on campus. A long range goal is
for the SOF to become self sufficient without imported compost
or organic materials. Composting is easy and interesting and is
a great way to teach about microorganisms and ecology. Click here
for a comprehensive review of Compost.
(Click here to open the Compost PDF.)
Organic Transplant Production
Greenhouse grown flower, herb and vegetable
transplants create a wide range of production and marketing opportunities.
Whether you are just starting with transplant production or building
on past experience, there are several areas of greenhouse management
to consider. Click here for a comprehensive review of Organic
Transplant Production.
(Click here to open the Transplants
PDF)
Diversified Vegetable, Fruit, Herb and Flower
Production
Diversification can provide for greater ecological
and economic health and "diversity" is a key principle
of organic farming. Diversity applies to many aspects of the farm
but our initial focus is on crop diversity. We started with vegetables
and are currently growing over 40 different types. We are developing
perennial tree and small fruit plantings, and have dedicated land
for perennial vegetables, herbs and cut flowers.
Organic Insect, Disease and Weed Management
As farmers, we are learning to manage weeds,
insects, diseases and predators like deer. Organic farming methods
are based on understanding the natural ecology of the land and
working with the least invasive management methods available.
There are many alternative strategies to pesticides and herbicides
but success depends on thoughtful planning and implementation.
Our goal is to manage the farm to maximize biological diversity
and the potential for competitive balance. We plan to use diversified
plantings in smaller blocks, crop rotations and companion planting.
We can select insect and disease resistant crops and cultivars;
anticipate probable insect and disease occurrence and use cultural
and management strategies that minimize damage; use soil fertility
and organic matter management strategies that regulate (reduce)
nutrient availability to provide economically sustainable yields
in place of maximum yields; and maximize overall plant health
or resistance by reducing stress. We can also use physical barriers
to exclude pests; cultivate and provide refuge for insect predators
or parasites; and if necessary, use biological or organic materials
that limit (not eradicate) the growth or competitiveness of damaging
insects or diseases.
Student Organic Farm Graduate Theses
"Salad Lunches and Radish Dreams: Greenhouse
Gardening at Grayson Elementary School"
by Emily Reardon Click here
to open the PDF.
"It Takes a Village to Raise a Salad: The Development of the Student
Organic Farm and Community Supported Agriculture Program at Michigan
State University"
by Michelle Ferrarese Click
here to open the PDF
"Edible Forest Garden Permaculture For the Great Lakes Bioregion: Background, Development and Future Plans for the MSU Student Organic Farm Edible Forest Garden"
by Jay Tomczak Click here to open the PDF
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