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ATTRA Publications on Sustainable Agriculture (English)

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  1. Nematodes: Alternative Controls
    This publication provides general information on the tiny worm-like organisms called nematodes. A more detailed description of the genera of nematodes that attack plants is provided as well as various methods to diagnose, discourage and manage plant parasitic nematodes in a least toxic,...





  2. Ruminant Nutrition for Graziers
    Cattle, sheep and goats have the ability to convert plant carbohydrates and proteins into available nutrients for human use, making otherwise unusable land productive. However, proper care of the land and its grazing animals requires a sound understanding of ruminant nutrition. This publication...





  3. Meat Plants: Improving Profitability in Small and Very Small Operations
    Small and very small meat plants in the U.S. typically struggle with extensive overtime costs, high turnover, high stress, production overcapacity, a declining rural customer base, declining profitability, and an extensive need for capital investment. This publication highlights small changes...





  4. Micro-Scale Biogas Production: A Beginners Guide
    Anaerobic digestion is a simple biochemical process by which waste products can be converted to energy. Using manure, plant waste, crop residue, food scraps, or other waste products, farmers can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while saving money, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and...





  5. Seeding Root Crops
    As a nongenerational farmer, most of my agricultural experiences before entering the field of farming and food systems had huge impacts on my decision to farm, from childhood memories of wild blackberries to college-age harvesting of carrots.





  6. Microgreens: Tiny Crops, Big Profits – A Nutritional Powerhouse for Farmers and Winter Menus
    Tiny but mighty, microgreens are sprouting up on plates everywhere, adding a burst of flavor, vibrant color, and a hefty dose of nutrition to every dish. These miniature greens aren’t just a pretty garnish—they’re nutrient-packed powerhouses that can turn your meals and your income around....





  7. Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures
    Crop rotations, green manures, and cover crops are the foundations of good farming. Crop rotation provides diversity that results in resilience, green manures cycle nutrients by feeding soil microbes, and cover crops protect the soil from erosion and nutrient loss. These practices ultimately...





  8. Tipsheet: Crop Rotation in Organic Farming Systems
    Crop rotation, planting a different crop on a particular piece of land each growing season, is required in organic crop production because it is such a useful tool in preventing soil diseases, insect pests, weed problems, and for building healthy soils. Plants exude a spectrum of photosynthates...





  9. Foliar Fertilization
    Foliar fertilization (or foliar feeding) entails the application via spraying of nutrients to plant leaves and stems and their absorption at those sites. It is a viable (though somewhat controversial) means of enhancing crop nutrition. Foliar fertilization is a tool used in both conventional and...





  10. Sustainable Weed Management for Small and Medium-Scale Farms
    Managing croplands according to nature’s principles will reduce weed problems on horticultural crops, or row crops, in small and medium-sized operations. Creativity is key to devising sustainable cropping systems that prevent weed problems. This publication discusses several strategies, both...





  11. Tipsheet: Transitioning to Organic Management of Orchards
    Organic certification verifies that fruit is produced according to U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) organic standards. In general, the regulations make several requirements of certified organic fruit: Produced without genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge Managed in a...





  12. Tipsheet: Organic Pig Production
    Pig production certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a relatively small part of U.S. agriculture. Although demand for organic meat is strong in the United States, high prices for organic grains and the challenges of raising pigs in compliance with the USDA organic...





  13. Tipsheet: Organic Management of Internal and External Livestock Parasites
    Livestock parasites are present on our farms. They have many attributes that allow them to survive difficult environments and seasons, and it is literally impossible to completely eradicate them. When parasite numbers are too high for the host animals’ immune systems to control, we will observe...





  14. Tipsheet: Treatment of Sick or Injured Organic Livestock
    To comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations, livestock producers must establish and maintain preventive livestock health care practices (seeOrganic Approach to Animal Healthtipsheet). The National Organic Program (NOP) regulations regarding these practices are...



  15. Butterfly Pea: A Cover Crop for Hot and Humid Areas
    Butterfly Pea: A Cover Crop for Hot and Humid Areas – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture Butterfly peas (Clitoria ternatea) are known for their showy flowers, but their twining, delicate-stemmed growth habit also makes them a great cover crop candidate. They have pinnate leaves with five to seven...





  16. Cover Crop Options for Hot and Humid Areas
    Cover Crop Options for Hot and Humid Areas – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture Cover crops can be better adapted to some regions better than others. This publication discusses the characteristics of cover crops that are better suited for areas with hot, humid summers, like the southern portions of...





  17. Biochar and Sustainable Agriculture
    https://attra.ncat.org/publication/biochar-and-sustainable-agriculture/ Biochar is a potentially valuable soil amendment produced from biomass, through pyrolysis. Biochar improves soil aggregation, enhances nutrient- and water-holding capacity, provides habitat for soil organisms, modulates...





  18. Companion Planting and Botanical Pesticides: Concepts and Resources
    2016-01-20 https://attra.ncat.org/publication/companion-planting-resources/ Certain plants can benefit others when planted in close proximity or used as botanical pesticides. This publication discusses the scientific and traditional basis for companion planting associations including trap cropping, weed...