Organic Soil Fertility (Sept, 2011) - This article provides an overview of key concepts in organic fertility management, a review of essential macro and micronutrients, and a listing of nutrient amendments approved for use in organic farming systems. It summarizes strategies used to build and manage fertility on organic farms and provides tips on soil testing and use of nutrient budgets.
Fertility status of organically managed fields (OACC, March '11) For modern organic farmers, particularly those involved in large scale operations, balancing the nutrients that leave the farm with those that are returned to the soil is an ongoing challenge. Recognizing this, Dr. Diane Knight and a team of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, worked with 39 of Saskatchewan’s organic producers on 60 individual fields to determine which of four pre-determined organic management styles had the least impact on soil nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and sulphur levels.
Keys to Phosphorus Management are Cycling and Recycling (with Joanne Thiessen Martens, July 08) - Effective phosphorus (P) management on organic farms is based on two complementary approaches – recycling exported nutrients back into the system and helping crops access soil P and then cycling it back into the soil.
Where has all the phosphorus gone? (with Joanne Thiessen Martens June 08) - Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Studies from western Canada and around the world tell us that in many cases soil on organic farms is deficient in available P. Is this a serious problem, or are low levels simply a reflection of the way we measure P?
Organic fertility: are green manures enough? (Sept 07) - Every crop carries a package of nutrients that had been removed from the soil. When the crop is sold off farm, these nutrients are lost. To maintain soil fertility and to be sustainable in the long term, these nutrients must be replaced. Finding acceptable methods of replacing lost nutrients is crucial to the long term success of organic farming.
Phosphate deficiency can be overcome (Oct 04) - Recent farm surveys in Saskatchewan show that soil on organic farms is deficient in available phosphorus. Long-term rotation studies like those in Scott, Sask., and Glenlea, Man., also indicate that phosphorus becomes a concern in organically managed plots. Should organic producers be worried?
