Organic Cereal and Pulse Production

Book excerpt: "Organic Cereal and Pulse Production" provides a comprehensive guide to the production of organic pulses and cereals across a range of organic farming systems in northern temperate and maritime regions. It examines the subject of organic farming in general, and considers market demands and the issues that need to be considered when determining management strategies. Topics covered: All aspects of production including: Soil management and fertilityrotations. The selection of cereal and pulse varieties for organic production. Crop establishment including cultivation systems, seed rates and drilling options. Weed management before, during and after, the growing season. Pest and disease management. Harvesting and appropriate crop storage. The importance of biodiversity management within organic systems. Differnt strategies available to those who wish to convert to organic cereal and pulse production. Guidelines on crop and soil agronomy, sowing dates and yield expectations. Discusses management options when things do not go according to plan. AUTHOR: Stephen Briggs is one of Britain's leading exo=perts on organic farm management and arable crop production. In addition to running his own small organic farm business, he is the director of Abacus Organic Associates, the UK's leading group of independent organic specialists, who support the organic food and farming industry from plough to plate. 89 colour photographs & 44 line drawings