Remove Fertilizer Remove Plowing Remove Rural Development
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Living Mulch Cover Cropping for Gardens and Small Farms: Managing an “organic matter” system

ATTRA

He would let the cover crop grow and overwinter and then plow down the following spring for green manure. Whereas at one time she advocated organic approaches and specific practices to deal with singular issues with pests or crop fertility, she now fosters a system based on ecological farm design.

Crop 79
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Can Cover Cropping Heal Abused Soil? A Mad Farm Reflection

ATTRA

Darker soils, better water infiltration, less fertilizer. year after year, usually with a non-cover fallow, intensive moldboard plowing, and the additions of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. To practice what I suggest others do — plant, observe, and adapt. Once again, the unintended consequences of progress. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

Crop 52
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Seeing the Farm with Fresh Eyes

ATTRA

When he dug deeper (literally) he saw that the soils farmers were working with had an impenetrable plow pan layer about 6 inches below the surface, so the cotton plant roots could not access the nutrients they needed, even though the nutrients were present. The soil had lost its structure because of the way it was being managed.

Farming 40
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Natural Senescence

ATTRA

As my tomato plants were more than ready to be set out, I had to get the cover cut, chopped, and plowed into the soil in preparation for transplanting. In 15 minutes, the next garden plot was lightly tilled, plant residue mixed and in reach of the soil microbes I rely on for crop fertility. It’s just a tool, I told myself.

Crop 52