Organic Cereal and Pulse Production : A Complete Guide

Organic Cereal and Pulse Production provides a comprehensive guide to the production of organic pulses and cereals across a range of organic farming systems in northern temperate and maritime regions. It examines the subject of organic farming in general, and considers market demands and the issues that need to be considered when determining management strategies.All aspects of production including:Soil management and fertility, rotations, The selection of cereal and pulse varieties for organic production, Crop establishment including cultivation systems, seed rates and drilling options, Weed management before, during and after, the growing season, Pest and disease management, Harvesting and appropriate crop storage, The importance of biodiversity management within organic systems, Different strategies available to those who wish to convert to organic cereal and pulse production, Guidelines on crop and soil agronomy, sowing dates and yield expectations, Discusses management options when things do not go according to plan. Contains a wealth of information and advice for agricultural students and researchers, advisers and consultants providing services to the agricultural sector.Essential reading for existing organic farmers. those considering converting to organic production, and those interested in all aspects of commercial organic cereal and pulse production.Superbly illustrated with 89 colour photographs plus 44 drawings and diagrams. Stephen Briggs is one of Britain's leading experts on organic farm management and arable crop production.