Measures of Soil Biology and Biological Activity (Dr. Michelle M. Wander, Oct 2011) - Organic management focuses on soil management with the intent to maintain and enhance soil biological activity. There are a variety of ways that biological activity is measured in soils. The various methods of assessing soil biology and biological activity differ in their accuracy, difficulty, and suitability for use.
Bacteria, fungi more numerous in organic soil systems (Sept 10) - Organic systems have more bacteria and fungi and more different types of soil organisms than conventional systems, according to a recent study. As part of her PhD program, Alison Nelson found that diverse soil communities “cycle nutrients, impart resistance and resilience to stress, and carry out other ecosystem functions.”
As Above, So below: Building Community in the soil and in Agriculture (with Janine Gibson, May 09) - Our soils are constantly changing, just as our rural communities change. How we maintain and build the resources in these communities depends on how we define and manage them.
Microbes show benefits of green manure (Nov 06) - Green manures increase the biochemical activity of the soil. According to soil scientist Bix Biederbeck of the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre in Swift Current, Sask., more nitrogen and carbon is found in the soil in the bodies of microbes following the planting of a legume green manure crop. Such a crop increases bacteria, filamentous fungi, yeast and nitrifying bacteria in the soil.
Organic Matters conference grounded in soil biology (Oct 05) - Life above the ground depends on life within the soil. Soil organisms are responsible for the decomposition, recycling and nutrient exchange that builds soil fertility. Healthy farming systems must foster the well-being of the soil community. This is a focus of the Organic Matters conference in Brandon Nov. 12.
Reducing erosion potential on organic farms (Feb 04) - Soil conservation is crucial to the sustainability of agriculture.Organic producers, in particular, take this responsibility seriously. According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, "soil and soil management is the foundation of organic production. "Organic growing systems are soil based, care for the soil and surrounding ecosystems and provide support for a diversity of species while encouraging nutrient cycling and mitigating soil and nutrient losses."
Mycorrhizae can unlock plants' potential (July 04) - Mycorrhizae are fungi that live only in union with plants. Fungus and plant benefit from these relationships, with the plant providing sugar to the fungus and the fungus providing a variety of services to the plant. One of these services is to help plants supplement their nutrient needs, which is an exciting prospect for organic and low-input farmers, considering that lack of nutrients often limit plant growth in natural systems.
