Scientific Publishers | fundamentals-organic-farming-gardening-instructors-guide

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Blurb

Sustainable and organic agriculture is at the heart of all these issues and can serve as a viable and productive solution for a more sustainable ﬁiture. As consumer demand for better food outpaces supply, increasing numbers of small-scale sustainable farmers -young and old - are coming onto the scene to meet the need.

As younger generations search for greener jobs, sustainable and organic farming offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and make a comfortable living. Sustainable farming operates with the understanding that the health of the soil is directly related to the health of the crops and future yields. Inspiring younger generations to have a role in agriculture becomes more and more important as the average age of a farmer, currently 55, rises and questions abound over who will grow our food in the future. Young people are not the only ones interested in advancing organic agriculture, however. With the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimating that agriculture is responsible for an estimated one-third of global warming and climate change, conventional farmers and second-career individuals are entering sustainable agriculture motivated by a longing to leave a lasting and positive impact on the world.

The increase in demand for organic food is fueling a resurgence of small-scale farms around the World. Concems over obesity, pesticides, hormone use, and protecting the environment are reshaping the way many consumers think about food. Potential dangers in food from overseas sources, as well as the local economic beneﬁts are key issues in the shift in outlook. Stemming from that attitude shift is a market demand that is far outpacing supply. Organic food sales are the fastest growing sector in the food industry,

The growing market demand, creative options to get crops into the marketplace, the critical lack of supply catalyzing a resurgence of small-scale sustainable farms - all these are shifting the paradigm and yielding exciting opportunities. Farmers now sell at local farmers’ markets; run Community-Supported Agriculture programs to support their operations; conduct direct sales to restaurants and institutions seeking local, sustainable food; form cooperative purchasing and sales ventures; and take part in agri-tourism as a form of eco-tourism. These options provide farmers with diverse and creative income sources that help support their farming enterprise as well as the local economy. In tandem with the financial beneﬁts to the local economy, the local community is strengthened because of all the direct connections to the fanners and good food.

PREFACE: Why Organics?

INTRODUCTION: How to use the curriculum

UNIT l - Soil is described in terms of physical and biological components. Both of these are important in establishing a foundation of knowledge about soil, in order to manage in a sustainable manner.

I. Introduction

II. Physical Properties of Soil

III. Soil Biology and Ecosystems

IV. Soil Nutrient Cycles

V. Unit Summary

UNIT 2 - SOIL APPLICATIONS Soil is managed to enhance the soil life. Factors which can be managed

are soil air, soil Water, soil organic matter, and soil minerals. Proper use of tillage is the most important factor in managing soil.

I. Introduction

II. Soil Air Management

III. Soil Water Management

IV. Organic Matter Management

V. Soil Mineral Management

VI. Tillage and Cultivation

VII. Unit Summary

UNIT 3 - PLANTS A basic knowledge of plant anatomy and physiology is essential for crop management.Knowing more about plants allows management decisions that enhance their growth and development, meaning better quality and larger harvests.

I. Introduction

II. Basics of Plant Anatomy

III. Basics of Plant Physiology

IV. Plant Nutrient Uptake

V. Plant/Soil Relationships j

VI. Unit Summary

UNIT 4 - PLANT APPLICATIONS

Plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Most organic crops are grown from sexually produced seed, though fruit and nursery crop reproduction often involve asexual methods of propagation.

I. Introduction

II. Seeds and Seed Starting Techniques

III. Propagation

IV. Plant Varieties and Selection

V. Unit Summary

UNIT 5 - CROP MANAGEMENT

Preventing crop loss from any factor is the goal of crop management. The basis of a good crop management system is good soil that produces healthy plants. Once that is established, controls for insects, disease and Weeds can be used on an as-needed basis as they interfere with production of the crop.

I. Introduction

II. Pest Control

III. Disease Control

IV. Weed control

V. Companion Planting

VI. Unit Summary

UNIT 6 - COMPOSTING

Composting is a result of managing soil organisms to more rapidly break down residual materials to produce humus. Addition of compost to the planting bed enhances soil life andmakes more nutrients available to the plant.

I. Introduction

II. Biological Processes of Composting

III. Materials

IV. Composting Management

V. Using Compost

VI. Unit Summary

UNIT 7- ORGANIC MARKETS

Marketing is a very important, but often overlooked aspect of establishing a successful farm. A market needs to be identiﬁed before the crop is put in the ground, to increase the likelihood of a proﬁtable season.

I. Introduction

II. Introduction to marketing

III. Marketing strategies

IV. Certiﬁcation

VI. Unit summary

UNIT 8 - PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This unit presents a plan for a demonstration organic bed to be prepared by a class and used as an adjunct to the instruction of this curriculum. These activities should be done in conjunction with the other units.

I. Introduction

II. Garden Site Selection and Design

III. Soil Preparation

IV. Planting and Maintenance

V. Detailed Crop Guides for Recommended crops

VI. Unit Summary

APPENDIX

I. Store Wars video

II. Meatrix video

III. Georgia Organics Marketing video

IV. Georgia Organics public service announcement

V. Soils - short power point presentation