www.sare.org resources ecosystem-services-from-cover-crops Ecosystem Services from Cover Crops The Ecosystem Services from Cover Crops resources found on this page include a series of fact sheets, three infographics and one PowerPoint slide set. Together, these resources address the role of cover crops in nutrient management, erosion, infiltration, soil organic matter, supporting wildlife and beneficial insects, and carbon sequestration. They are available for use by educators, […]
www.sare.org resources choosing-the-right-tools-for-your-farm Choosing the Right Tools For Your Farm A manual created by Ain Chike and Georgia Organics outlines hand tools, small engines, their utility descriptions and where to source them for growers in the Southeast. It allows readers to understand each tool and their practical uses. This short 4-page PDF acts as a overview for important tools to ensure efficient and productive yields […]
www.sare.org resources grazing-networks-for-livestock-producers Grazing Networks for Livestock Producers Grazing networks promote a mutual self-help approach to learning that is based on shared local experience and that provides several benefits to participants. This publication offers suggestions for finding or starting a grazing network and provides examples of the kinds of activities grazing networks might conduct. It also contains recommendations for sustaining a grazing network […]
www.sare.org resources understanding-and-measuring-social-sustainability Understanding and Measuring Social Sustainability What is social sustainability? Social sustainability involves a focus on the well-being of people and communities. Just as sustainable agriculture promotes long-term ecological health and economic vitality, it also contributes to vibrant communities and regions and satisfying livelihoods for farmers, ranchers, and others in the food system. In many ways, success in one area of […]
www.sare.org resources a-sustainable-approach-to-controlling-honey-bee-diseases-and-varroa-mites A Sustainable Approach to Controlling Honey Bee Diseases and Varroa Mites Geographic Adaptability: Relevant to beekeepers throughout the US and Canada. Honey bees are the world's most economically valuable insect pollinator of fruits, vegetables and other crops. Along with the more than 4,000 species of wild bees in North America, honey bees also provide significant pollination of wildflowers and cultivated gardens. The health of honey bee […]
www.sare.org resources sare-library-usb-drives-bundle-of-10 SARE Library USB Drives - Bundle of 10 Order SARE’s Library of Publications thumb drives for access to SARE’s current publications, program materials, videos and selected regional materials right at your fingertips—no internet connection needed. This item includes 10 USB drives. Each thumb drive includes: Books Bulletins Fact Sheets Regional Materials Report from the Field SARE Program Materials Videos from the Field Youth […]
www.sare.org resources 10-ways-cover-crops-enhance-soil-health 10 Ways Cover Crops Enhance Soil Health Soil health is a hot topic these days, one that is justifiably receiving considerable attention from farmers and their farm advisors. Whereas in the past, soil testing and evaluation focused more on chemical and physical measures, new research has shown that the biology of the soil is very important to its overall health and productivity. An incredible diversity of bacteria, protozoa, arthropods, nematodes, fungi and […]
www.sare.org resources the-sustainability-of-biofuel-fact-sheet-series The Sustainability of Biofuel Fact Sheet Series The following peer-reviewed fact sheets are available on eXtension.org: Biodiesel and the Food vs. Fuel Debate Biodiversity and Biofuel Production Biofuels and Greenhouse Gas Reductions Biomass Feedstocks and Energy Independence Diverse Plant Mixtures for Sustainable Biofuels Environmental Life Cycle Analysis of Biodiesel Genetically Modified Organisms for Bioenergy Systems Introduction to Energy Efficient Irrigation Introduction to […]
www.sare.org resources using-low-tunnels-to-extend-the-growing-season-for-organic-strawberries-in-alabama Using Low Tunnels to Extend the Growing Season for Organic Strawberries in Alabama This project was designed as a demonstration project to determine if the strawberry harvest season could be extended, potentially allowing farmers to get their strawberries to the market early for premium prices. Low-tunnel production can provide an opportunity for local organic growers to economically produce early berries, particularly if they do not have the resources […]
www.sare.org resources safe-and-profitable-oil-production-fact-sheets Safe and Profitable Oil Production Fact Sheets Edible oils, which are oils used for salad dressing, deep fat frying or pan frying cooking methods, are often produced by large-scale processors. But Penn State University and the University of Vermont have been working together to create easily accessible information on edible oil production for small-scale processors. The following fact sheets provide information on oilseed […]
www.sare.org resources moving-nursery-producers-toward-sustainable-practices-fact-sheets Moving Nursery Producers Toward Sustainable Practices Fact Sheets In recent years, there has been increased interest in sustainable production practices among nursery producers, primarily for economic reasons. Conventional nursery production relies heavily on the use of plastic containers, chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and imported substrate (“potting soil”) components. These fact sheets and handouts were developed by a team lead by University of Florida […]
www.sare.org resources cover-crops-and-no-till-management-for-organic-systems Cover Crops and No-Till Management for Organic Systems This Rodale Institute fact sheet reviews the use of cover crops and no-till in organic systems, including selection, establishment and mechanical termination of cover crops; crop rotations; and energy and production budgets.
www.sare.org resources tomato-grafting-for-disease-resistance-and-increased-productivity Tomato Grafting for Disease Resistance and Increased Productivity Researchers around the world have demonstrated that grafting can protect plants against a variety of soil-borne diseases in various climates and conditions. Grafting has been successfully implemented in many countries to battle diseases such as Verticillium and Fusarium wilt, corky root rot and bacterial wilt, among others. Along with maintaining high fruit quality, tomato grafting […]
www.sare.org resources good-agricultural-practices Good Agricultural Practices Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification is a way for growers to let buyers know that they follow appropriate food safety practices on their farms. These fact sheets from North Carolina State University on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification and insurance cover options for vegetable producers provide information for growers interested in adopting GAPs. IsGAPWorthIt.pdf 765.40 […]
www.sare.org resources reduced-tillage-and-cover-cropping-systems-for-organic-vegetable-production Reduced Tillage and Cover Cropping Systems for Organic Vegetable Production Healthy soils comprise the foundation for organic food and fiber production. Sustainable soil management integrates cover cropping, other organic and natural mineral inputs, and judicious tillage practices to obtain high crop yields, while building and maintaining high soil quality. This information sheet captures research by Virginia Tech and the Virginia Association for Biological Farming to […]
www.sare.org resources using-manually-operated-seeders-for-precision-cover-crop-plantings-on-the-small-farm Using Manually Operated Seeders for Precision Cover Crop Plantings on the Small Farm Growing good cover crops begins with planting the seed uniformly and at the right rate and depth to ensure a good stand. This can be especially challenging for small-scale farms that do not have access to tractor-drawn grain drills, which can cost $6,000 to 8,000 for a 4-foot to 6-foot-wide drill. This Virginia Association for […]
www.sare.org resources cover-crops-for-all-seasons Cover Crops for All Seasons One of the basic tenets of sustainable agriculture is that greater diversity yields greater agro-ecosystem stability, more beneficial organisms, fewer pests and diseases, more sustained crop yields, and more opportunities for farmer innovation. This Virginia Association for Biological Farming information sheet provides research-based information on a cover crop “toolbox” from which growers can select cover […]
www.sare.org resources cover-cropping-on-farm-solar-powered-soil-building Cover Cropping: On-Farm, Solar-Powered Soil Building Sustainable farmers and gardeners know that the soil needs to be “fed” regularly in order to continue yielding good crops. Organic matter (carbon-based materials derived from living organisms) and nitrogen (N) are especially subject to depletion from intensive production, and must be replenished annually. There are two ways to accomplish this. One way is to […]
www.sare.org resources polyculture-and-reservoir-ranching Polyculture and Reservoir Ranching Aquaculture is the farming and caring of aquatic organisms including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants under individual or corporate ownership. Aquaculture has been almost entirely responsible for the expansion of available food fish since 1988, with production doubling in inland waters over the last decade. However, the majority of the expansion in aquaculture production […]
www.sare.org resources in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities In-House Composting in High-Rise, Caged Layer Facilities Manure handling, storage, and disposal are common problems facing poultry producers in the United States. Fly and odor control, urban encroachment, a limited nearby land base for manure disposal, and increased regulatory pressures necessitate the development of alternatives to traditional scrape and haul systems. One alternative for high-rise layer facilities is to compost manure inside […]