Resources

Research Summaries

Cereal variety and population selection

Cereal breeding over the last half century has resulted in significant improvements in overall production. This review describes variety characteristics suitable for organic conditions, approaches to cereal breeding for organic systems, and finally the scope for the future.

Combinable protein crop production

This research topic review summarises research knowledge and observational experience of combinable protein crop production in organic farming systems for the UK. European research on peas, faba beans and lupins is included; considering their role in the rotation, nitrogen fixation, varieties, establishment, weed control, yields, problems experienced and intercropping with cereals.

Management and sustainability of stockless organic arable and horticultural systems

Stockless organic farming involves the use of green manures and green waste compost to replace clover leys, livestock and animal manures. This review draws on the research into stockless systems and addresses the challenges of conversion planning, rotation design, maintaining soil nutrient status, weed control, pest control and economic return.

Wildlife and biodiversity: integration and management of farming and wildlife for their mutual benefit

This review looks at a wide range of research, much of it focused on the wildlife impact of organic farming and draws out key practices which can benefit both the wildlife and farm productivity.

Monitoring and management of energy and emissions in agriculture

This review collates the results of research into energy use and emissions in organic farming, and provides advisers with an analysis of the results, access to the data used and a review of the benchmarking methodologies available. The review will inform those working in the development of benchmarking tools and advising farmers on practices to improve their performance.

Strategies for enhancing organic food quality

Production methods affect the quality of food and it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that, in order to meet market expectations, organic food achieves high standards of quality in all aspects. This review identifies food quality parameters and draws on research to identify how quality may be influenced in organic farming.

Advisory tools for use in organic farming

Advisory tools are an invaluable aid for advisers in providing farmers with the necessary information for analysis and planning of all aspects of the farm. The review of Advisory Tools provides access to and a comprehensive list of all the templates, calculators and analytical tools available to organic advisers, covering the environment, business, soils and animal husbandry.

The role of management of herbal pastures for animal health, productivity and production quality

This review seeks to address the role and management of herbal pastures for animal health, productivity and product quality. It involves a review of research and focuses on the use of herbal ley mixtures and varieties and their role in animal health and growth, meat quality, production and yield and climate change issues.

The role and management of whole-crop forage for organic ruminants

Whole-crop forage plays an invaluable role in supporting the productivity and health of ruminants. This comprehensive review of over 60 references and research projects provides a thorough yet succinct analysis of the key issues concerning cereal and pulse species and variety selection, mixtures, management, quality and use in organic farming systems.

Organic plant raising

This review identifies the research on propagation composts and plant raising and suggests ways in which organic propagation can move towards less reliance on peat, addresses the problems of nutrient supply and considers alternative methods of plant raising.