Module 3: Forages in Organic Systems

Module 3 explores the importance of forages in organic agriculture. Understand the diverse roles of forages and identify selection criteria to determine forage species options suitable for organic cropping systems. Understand how grasses and legumes grow. Learn specific practices for establishing, maintaining and harvesting annual and perennial forages. Learn the criteria for selecting an appropriate grazing system.

An excerpt from Module 3:
Arable crop production usually translates to annual cultivation. In contrast, perennial forages withhold land from cultivation, mimicking nature in the short-term. The brief interlude that perennial forage stands offer organic rotations is extremely important with respect to soil health. Withholding land from cultivation reduces the aerobic decomposition of existing soil organic matter, and the perennial forages also contribute fresh organic matter. Increased soil organic matter enhances soil structure, water holding capacity, and biological activity.

Students were asked to research a topic related to forage in organic systems. The following papers are examples of this work:

• The Contribution of Forages in Rotations to a Beneficial Rhizosphere
  By Sonya Shaw
  
  
• The Impact of Roundup Ready Alfalfa on Organic Systems
  By Jacqueline Pridham
  
  
• The Importance of Allelopathy in Organic Alfalfa Production
  By Marcus Schroeder