Module 1: Soil and Field Management

Module 1 introduces students to general principles of soil and field management in organic systems. Understand the soil system in terms of the nature and function of soil organic matter, the role of soil organisms, and the cycling of nutrients. Learn the concepts of soil health as defined by soil biological, physical and chemical properties. Gain an appreciation of the management practices essential to maintaining soil health including use of green manures, cover crops, animal manures, and compost. Learn the effects of crop rotation and tillage on soil structure and fertility.

An excerpt from Module 1:
Successful organic farming systems internalize inputs. Recycling nutrients is essential for profitable crop productivity. All components of the farming system are linked through the action of soil microorganisms. Plant and animal wastes are returned to the soil for the benefit of the soil organisms, which in turn, make the nutrients available for plants. Therefore, in organic systems, soil fertility is addressed not only in terms of crop requirements, but also in terms of the requirements of the soil organisms and the soil.

In a discussion about the impact of farming on soil ecology, students were asked to consider the statement, "synthetic pesticides and fertilizers disrupt the soil food web allowing weed and insect pests to proliferate." What "natural" pesticides and fertilizers do organic producers use and how do these materials affect the soil food web? The following is part of a student's posting:

"There is a common belief that biological fertilizers and pesticides are not as efficient and effective as commercial products. Although this may be true, I think it is important to remember that a soil under organic practices has a higher microbial species diversity. The occurrence of species which are able to inhibit detrimental fungi, nematodes, bacteria, etc. in an organic soil is much higher than in a conventionally worked soil." Marcus Schroeder, Truro, NS