Low input farming

Fig. 2.1 Logical framework for organic production systems (redrawn with permission from Leifert et al., 2007). Shaded area represents agronomic practices prescribed or recommended under organic and other low input farming standards.

Peters RD, Sturz AV, Carter MA, Sanderson JB (2003) Developing disease-suppressive soils through crop rotation and tillage management practices. Soil Till Res 72 181-192 Pfiffner L, Luka H (2003) Effects of low-input farming systems on carabids and epigeal spiders - a paired farm approach. Basic Appl Ecol 4 117-127 Pimentel D, Harvey C, Resosudarmo P, Sinclair K, Kurz D, McNair M, Crist S, Shpritz L, Fitton L, Saffouri R, Blair R (1995) Environmental and economic costs of soil erosion and conservation benefits. Science 267 1117-1123... 

The transition from conventional to organic and low-input farming is accompanied by changes in an array of soil chemical properties and processes that affect soil fertility. Fundamental differences, both qualities and quantitative, in the flow and processing of nutrient result from the use of cover crops, manure and compost applications, and reduction or elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. These changes affect nutrient availability to crops either directly by contributing to nutrient pools or indirectly by influencing the soil chemical and physical environment. 

Clarke, M.S., Horwarth, W.R., Shennan, C. and Scow, K.M. 1998. Changes in soil chemical properties resulting from organic and low-input farming practices. Agronomy Journal 90 662-671. 

Murphy, K. Lammer, D. Lyon, S. Carter B. and S.S. Jones (2005) Breeding for organic and low-input farming systems an evolutionary-participatory breeding method for inbred cereal grains.- Renewable agriculture and Food Systems 20(1), 48-55. 

Peters. S.E. (1994) Conversion to low-input farming systems in Pennsylvania, USA An evaluation of the rodale farming system trial and related economic studies. In Lampkin, N.H. and Padel, S. (eds) The Economics of Organic Farming an international perspective. CAB International. Oxon, UK, pp. 265-284. 

Quality of Low Input Farming (QLIF). 2004-2008. b" EU Research Framework Integrated Project www.qlif.org... 

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