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Subject listing for: Soil Fertility and Organic Matter |
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A list of agroecology case studies with active links to the actual case studies across the world.
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This website is an information resource for developing sustainable agroecosystems, emphasizing international training, research, and application of agroecological science to solving real world problems. Building on the first Agroecology textbook, this site offers agroecological knowledge to anyone concerned with sustainable food systems. We also conduct training courses and intensive workshops on-site in Santa Cruz, California, including the International Short Course in Agroecology and support international activities linking agroecology and sustainability, such as the August 1999 Symposium on Ecological Processes in Agricultural Landscapes. This site also provides tools for understanding principles of agroecology using a series of case studies, an agroecology discussion forum, and a glossary of agroecological terms.
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This chapter in the guide for field crops explores various topics regarding soil management and fertilizer use
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From ATTRA's Horticulture Technical Notes, this publication includes information about amendments in proper context, plant and animal by-products, manure-based products, rock and mineral powders, seaweed products, microbial inoculants, and soil conditioners.
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This is a 56 slide presentation about soil health by the Northeast Region SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) Program.
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This brief article written by Roland Bunch was published in the ILEIA (Centre for Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) newsletter Vol 11, No 3. The article discusses improving soil fertility and touches on a variety of subjects from farmer experimentation, to zero tillage, and biological diversity. Note: ILEIA is in the process of revising their website and you may have some trouble if you wish to navigate from this article to other ILEIA resources.
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This site includes information on the principles and characteristics of sustainable soils as well as management steps to improve soil quality.
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This Ohio State University Extension Factsheet provides information regarding organic material application and recommendations, and factors influencing runoff and application rates.
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The Center for International Forestry Research has researched a way to provide a framework that analyzes the challenge for soil fertility research and devises management strategies that produce food in sufficient quantity and quality whilst also providing soil-based ecosystem services.
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Primer cartel con dibujos sobre tipos de suelos, nutrientes, manejo de la fertilidad de suelos. Sección del libro en internet "Mejorando la Nutrición a través de Huertos y Granjas Familiares: manual de capacitación para trabajadores de campo en América Latina y el Caribe" (FAO, 2000).
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This page has Mulch-L correspondence concerning effects of mulches and green manures on soil pH
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Mulch-L mailing list correspondence
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This research paper discusses two on-farm experiments conducted between 1998 and 1999 in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The experiments looked at the effects of mucuna and natural fallows and methods of land preparation on the yields of dry season okra and tomatos.
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This IIED working paper examines the impact of a research program to better understand the economic and management causes and effects of soil fertility decline in Kalama, Kenya. The paper is in English, but includes a French translation of the summary.
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Future Horizons: Recent Literature in Sustainable Agriculture. This site presents reviews of recent sustainable agriculture literature.
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This IIED working paper presents the results of a participatory survey to characterize and analyze local knowledge about soil fertility and soil fertility management practices in the semiarid highlands of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. (PDF)
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This University of Missouri (USA) extension publication discusses the questions facing crop producers and fertilizer suppliers regarding nutrient management for no-till cropping systems on Missouri's erodible land.
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Five key principles in agriculture for sustainability, based on the natural processes of fertility found in humid tropical forest ecosystems: 1) Maximize organic matter production, 2) Keep the soil covered, 3) Use zero tillage, 4) Maintain biological diversity, 5) Feed plants through the mulch
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Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystem (GCTE) Focus 3 involves interdisciplinary research to improve our general predictive ability for selected agronomic species, grasslands and rangelands; for multi-species cropping systems; for managed forests; for major pests, diseases and weeds; and for soils. The research results will help national programmes to plan site-related management strategies and adaptive research for both today's rapidly changing environment, and for future conditions. The work of this Focus will interact with, and strongly build on, the very large body of existing and ongoing agronomic and forestry related work throughout the world.
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This ILEIA article in pdf format discusses a project in Negros, Philippines that looks at using sugarcane trash farming, organic rice farming, and vegetable production to improve soil fertility, crop yields, and food security.
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This on-line booklet contains profiles of eight farmers from Canada and the United States who are transitioning to organic farming. It also has information on crop rotations, soil fertility, pest management, certification, and marketing.
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Muy breve descripción del proceso de conversión del monocultivo de banano, de un manejo convencional intensivo en insumos a un manejo diversificado con bajos insumos externos. Es un proceso de transición con cuatro fases bien marcadas.
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Hoja sencilla con dibujos, para usar en cursos de capacitación - una sección del libro disponible en internet titulado "Mejorando la Nutrición a través de Huertos y Granjas Familiares: manual de capacitación para trabajadores de campo en América Latina y el Caribe" (FAO, 2000).
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This information sheet from the Virginia Association for Biological Farming provides simple, easy to understand information on soil testing.
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Presented at the 1998 Australian Agronomy Conference, this study measured soil physical and chemical fertility components of Ferrosol soil in northern Queensland and found degradation due to cropping.
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This homepage for the Research Group on Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycling outlines the group's research and describes specific projects.
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IFPRI has examined many ideas behind soil fertility, the challenges with soil fertility, as well as responses at both the farmer and institutional level. A section is also devoted to Sub-Saharan Africa. (pdf)
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This paper in pdf format published by IFPRI in 2000 discusses integrated nutrient management as a tool to improve plant and soil nutrition and to increase agricultural production. It focuses on sub-saharan Africa and the challenges for farmers.
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This IIED paper analyses how farming systems in the Siaya District of Kenya have evolved and resulted in environmental degradation, what farmers’ perceptions are of soil fertility decline, and how they manage it. The paper concludes with an assessment of the potential of some new technologies. (PDF)
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Addresses Azolla-Anabaena symbiosis, rice-Azolla-Fish culture, flood-tolerant legumes, soil-nitrogen dynamics, and BNF and nitrogen balance.
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Ofrece servicios de analisis de suelos.
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This report assesses soil fertility components in a transition from a conventional farm to an organic farm. Research based at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins.
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This article explains how organic matter in the soil is turned into plant nutrients and shows how many farm practices reduce organic matter. Includes practical tips on maintaining an adequate supply of organic matter in the soil
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This on-line handbook published by the Sustainable Agriculture Network in 1998 contains a variety of information on cover crops. It also includes plant descriptions, a resource list, a seed source list, and more. (PDF)
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Un manual práctico y breve del Centro de Investigación, Educación y Desarrollo (CIED) de Perú para apoyar a la promoción y extensión de técnicas agroecológicas como la labranza mínima, el uso de mulch, la rotación de cultivos, los policultivos, y los cultivos de cobertura. Incluye dibujos y actividades para los participantes.
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This edition of The Manager, a feature prepared by Cornell University dairy specialists, appeared in the October 2003 edition of Northeast Dairy Business Magazine. It contains links to 10 brief articles discussing manure application, leaching, storage and handling.
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This ATTRA publication discusses raw manure problems and solutions and alternatives to raw manures.
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Artículo breve (páginas 13 y 14) en la revista Terralia sobre los experimentos iniciales por Liebig y Boussingault quienes demostraron el valor y la respuesta de plantas a varias formas de materia orgánica. El primer artículo de una nueva sección de la revista dedicada a la Materia Orgánica en los suelos agrícolas. Edición No. 8.
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Una breve introducción a la estructura interna de la materia orgánica. Parte de una nueva sección de la revista Terralia dedicada a la Materia Orgánica en los suelos agrícolas. Edición No. 8.
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This brief paper, a part of the 1996 Proceedings of the 8th Australian Agronomy Conference in Towoomba, describes the results of an experiment in which soil microbial biomass was measured in response to three different residue treatments through time, as well as discussing aspects of modelling such changes.
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English, French, and Spanish language electronic mailing lists about tropical cover crops green manures, mulch, managed fallows, and other organic inputs.
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This Penn State Cooperative Extension (USA) publication is available in pdf format. It discusses nutrient management and soil fertility in conservation tillage systems.
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This MOIST (Management of Organic Inputs in Soils of the Tropics) site from Cornell University (USA) contains a draft of a paper about soil fertility maintenance by Roland Bunch. The site begins with a letter from the author explaining why he wrote the paper and requesting input.
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This 6-page paper in pdf format discusses research in the UK into phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) cycling in organic farming systems and into identifying guidelines for best management practices.
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This on-line book in pdf format was published by GTZ in 1998. It presents the results of 7 years of research on soil fertility and other soil issues related to highland farming under land pressure.
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Principles involved in switching from conventional agriculture to organic agriculture
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This FARM Facts extension bulletin through Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization provides an in depth look at nutrients in regards to soil fertility and management, and how to supply vital nutrients organically.
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This site provides information about soil properties in sustainable agriculture, and specifically detailed information on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Insights on how to fertilize organically.
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This outreach "Science You Can Use" article provides an overview of organic matter and specific nutrients as well as requirements for crops (PDF).
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This site is a table of contents for an on-line handbook providing information on new research developments on conservation farming systems in the Pacific Northwest (USA) including topics such as soil erosion, conservation tillage, weed control, and fertility management.
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This proceedings paper from a 1997 workshop in Denmark discusses adoption and constraints of LEIA practices, the need for agricultural intensification, and technology transfer.
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This 1997 edition of ILEIA Magazine covers rebuilding soil fertility in low external input sustainable agricultural systems. It includes articles on green manure, swidden agriculture, integrated nutrient management, and soil and water conservation.
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ACRES USA discusses the Albrecht Model of soil management. It explains model concepts as well as soil analysis and explanations.
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CIMMYT has published material regarding Soil Fertility in Southern Africa. This paper attempts to answer many questions that relate to new practices at improving soil fertility in this region.
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This IIED working paper discusses a participatory research project set up by the African Highlands Initiative (AHI) and Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization. The project's goal was to increase the capacity of farmers to develop appropriate technologies for combating soil degradation. The farmers in Gununo, Ethiopia spent three years testing a number of practices including legume cover crops, soil erosion control measures, and minimum tillage.
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Una organización con el objetivo de ayudar a granjeros, agricultores y agrónomos a entender el beneficio del Manejo Sostenible de Nutrientes en Agricultura (agricultura Orgánica y Ecológica). Hacen disponible software para el manejo sostenisble de nutrientes en agricultura.
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University of Massachusetts extension materials regarding soil and nutrient management such as soil basics (physical and chemical properties, organic matter, etc.), composting, and others.
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This University of Florida extension materials main page connects to information on soil fertility, quality, testing, surveys, properties, field methods, nutrient management, plant nutrition, and related topics. Connects to Spanish publications.
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ACRES USA describes different methods of fertilization and how to achieve optimal soil fertility for your specific soil type.
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Soil fertility and productivity articles from a number of scientific journals can be accessed through this ASA-CSSA-SSSA collection. Abstracts are freely accessible; access to full text may require payment. Browsing and search functions for related agricultural topics can be found at http://soil.scijournals.org/collections/.
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CIAT, ICRAF, and TSBF have published information on the problems regarding soil fertility, progress and achievements, as well as what to look forward to and issues surrounding funding.
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This outreach publication provides information about organic matter and nutrient needs for crops including specific nutrient sources (PDF).
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CIMMYT has examined the implications of declining soil fertility for the maize-based cropping systems in southern and eastern Africa. The paper examines technologies currently available for enhancing soil fertility.
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An on-line and hardcopy newsletter published by the Southeast Asia Regional Network on Soil Fertility and Improved Fallow Management.
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Soil Fert Net is the Soil Fertility Management & Policy Network for Maize-Based Farming Systems in Southern Africa. It is a network of individuals and organizations working on soil fertility issues in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, and it is closely linked to the Rockefeller Foundation Food Security Programme. The site contains contact information, links, and a description of Soil Fert Net's research, networking, and promotion activities.
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This Bulletin provides an overview of soil quality and contributing factors, and also information on how farmers can enhance soil quality in an organic system. (PDF)
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Saskatchewan Interactive is a collaborative project in Canada which built a series of educational modules on topics from agriculture to tourism. Of particular interest within this module on soils, are the sections on living soils (soil biology), soil fertility, soil management (particularly soil organic matter), soil chemistry, and soil physics.
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A paper compiled by the North Dakota State University Extension which discusses the importance of Soil Sampling,
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This fact sheet answers the four questions: How often should you sample the soil? Where do you sample a field? What time of year should your samples be collected? How should you sample different tillage systems?
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ACRES USA discusses the benefits and workings of soil testing.
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This site, from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, provides links to information regarding organic matter, soil structure, soil compaction, and others.
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This paper describes the relationship between soybeans and the thirteen mineral nutrients essential for proper soil fertility.
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Sun Gro produces high quality, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, peat-based and bark-based growing mixes for the professional and consumer markets.
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New Mexico State University Extension provides details of how to test your soil, including supplies needed, where to sample, how to sample, and where to mail the sample.
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This 2004 searchable Pennsylvania State University (USA) publication contains a variety of information related to agronomy including pest management, soil fertility management, cover crops and conservation tillage, soil erosion, and more.
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A paper on traditional upland rice-based cropping systems in West Africa. This paper has a french Résumé.
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This site contains an article about a micro-dosing fertilzer system that helped boost millet production in the Sahel.
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Developed at Cornell University (USA) this information resource page includes descriptions with pictures of a variety of agroforestry and organic agriculture practices. Also included are references and links.
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This database contains photos and information about the management and effects of more than 32 species of cover crops. Users may browse by species name or search the database by keyword.
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This UC SAREP Cover Crop Database includes over 5,000 items gleaned from more than 600 separate sources, including journal articles, conference proceedings, standard textbooks, unpublished data, and personal communications from researchers and farmers. The information in the database concerns the management and effects of more than 32 species of plants usable as cover crops. More than 400 different cover crop images are also available for viewing online.
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Un breve articulo por Roland Bunch en el boletín "ECHO Notas de Desarrollo", Edición 58 Febrero 1998. Trata del uso de abonos verdes/cultivos de cobertura en Mesoamerica y su valor.
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Un breve articulo de fondo por Roland Bunch en el boletín "ECHO Notas de Desarrollo", Edición 58 Febrero 1998. Trata del uso de abonos verdes/cultivos de cobertura en Mesoamerica y su valor.
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Professional development Program report. The objectives of this program were to develop extension training curricula emphasizing the paradigm of sustainable agriculture under island eco-systems; and, train extension agents and other field-level agriculture professionals to enable them to help farmers implement sustainable agriculture strategies at the field level in tropical areas of the western region.
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This February 2001 discussion paper examines the attitudes toward soil fertility management of 40 farming families in two zones of Sanmatenga, Burkina Faso. This publication costs $7 to access from the internet. (PDF)
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The WWW virtual library page on soils and substrates from METLA, the Finnish Forest Research Institute, has a variety of links on basic soil structure, populations, and processes
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