Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems; by NCAR
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For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This document discusses tree crop interactions in agroforestry systems. It defines agroforestry as the deliberate combination of woody perennials and agricultural crops on the same land. Positive interactions include microclimate amelioration and soil improvement, while negative interactions are mainly competition for light, water and nutrients. The balance between positive and negative interactions determines the overall effect. Management techniques to reduce negative interactions and maximize yields include pruning trees, adjusting densities, mulching, and selecting complementary species mixtures.
1. The document discusses the importance and benefits of windbreaks and shelterbelts for protecting cities, highways, and agricultural areas from wind damage in Abu Dhabi.
2. It defines shelterbelts as rows of trees and shrubs planted to reduce wind speed and outlines different designs from permeable to impermeable based on tree spacing.
3. The height and density of windbreaks determine their effectiveness, with semi-permeable designs using 3-5 rows at 3-4 meter spacing being most effective at reducing winds and protecting areas out to 30 times the shelterbelt height.
This document discusses the structure and functions of shelterbelts and windbreaks. Shelterbelts are belts of trees planted at right angles to prevailing winds to deflect air currents and protect areas from wind erosion and desiccating effects. Windbreaks are strips of trees and shrubs that protect fields, homes, and crops from wind and blowing soil. They reduce wind speed and evaporation and provide habitat. Well-established shelterbelts and windbreaks provide ecological benefits like increased crop yields and biodiversity. The choice of tree species depends on growth rate, wind resistance, and economic and environmental factors.
Pastures, wind breaks and shelter belts in soil conservationVishnu Gopan G M
A windbreak (shelterbelt) is a planting usually made up of one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted in such a manner as to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion. Farmers sometimes use windbreaks to keep snow drifts on farm land that will provide water when the snow melts in the spring.
Afforestation on sand dunes manoj ranabhatsahl_2fast
This document is a term paper on afforestation of sand dunes presented by Manoj Ranabhat. It discusses the concept of afforestation and characteristics of sand dunes. Some key points include that afforestation aims to establish forests in areas without vegetation through artificial means. Sand dunes are classified by size and shift due to wind and lack of vegetation. Successful afforestation of sand dunes requires selecting drought-resistant tree species that can stabilize the dunes, conserve moisture, and regenerate naturally. Common species planted include Acacia tortilis and Prosopis chilensis. The paper also discusses techniques for planting, maintenance, and protection of afforested areas.
Afforestation of denuded hill slopes mahesh kumainsahl_2fast
The document discusses afforestation methods for denuded hill slopes. It outlines regeneration methods, including reforestation and afforestation. Afforestation objectives are listed as increasing timber/fuel production, soil conservation, and protecting river catchments. When afforesting denuded slopes, factors like soil preparation, protective fencing, choice of resilient native species, and regular tending must be considered to deal with challenges of erosion, grazing, and ensure plant survival. Proper techniques can successfully restore vegetation cover to denuded slopes.
Afforestation on dry land bechan chaudharysahl_2fast
1. Afforestation of dry lands can help increase commercial timber and fuel production while improving environmental conditions. 2. Successful afforestation of dry areas requires considering local factors like low rainfall, selecting drought-resistant fast-growing species, and improving soil moisture through irrigation or water harvesting structures. 3. Large-scale afforestation can significantly impact global climate by capturing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Trees first appeared on Earth over 400 million years ago and have since diversified into many forms inhabiting various climates and habitats. Trees provide many ecological functions including sheltering plants from wind, moderating temperatures, preventing erosion, and providing wildlife habitat. Various agroforestry systems have been developed that incorporate trees into agricultural landscapes. These systems provide environmental benefits while also yielding useful products.
This document discusses tree crop interactions in agroforestry systems. It defines agroforestry as the deliberate combination of woody perennials and agricultural crops on the same land. Positive interactions include microclimate amelioration and soil improvement, while negative interactions are mainly competition for light, water and nutrients. The balance between positive and negative interactions determines the overall effect. Management techniques to reduce negative interactions and maximize yields include pruning trees, adjusting densities, mulching, and selecting complementary species mixtures.
1. The document discusses the importance and benefits of windbreaks and shelterbelts for protecting cities, highways, and agricultural areas from wind damage in Abu Dhabi.
2. It defines shelterbelts as rows of trees and shrubs planted to reduce wind speed and outlines different designs from permeable to impermeable based on tree spacing.
3. The height and density of windbreaks determine their effectiveness, with semi-permeable designs using 3-5 rows at 3-4 meter spacing being most effective at reducing winds and protecting areas out to 30 times the shelterbelt height.
This document discusses the structure and functions of shelterbelts and windbreaks. Shelterbelts are belts of trees planted at right angles to prevailing winds to deflect air currents and protect areas from wind erosion and desiccating effects. Windbreaks are strips of trees and shrubs that protect fields, homes, and crops from wind and blowing soil. They reduce wind speed and evaporation and provide habitat. Well-established shelterbelts and windbreaks provide ecological benefits like increased crop yields and biodiversity. The choice of tree species depends on growth rate, wind resistance, and economic and environmental factors.
Pastures, wind breaks and shelter belts in soil conservationVishnu Gopan G M
A windbreak (shelterbelt) is a planting usually made up of one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted in such a manner as to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion. Farmers sometimes use windbreaks to keep snow drifts on farm land that will provide water when the snow melts in the spring.
Afforestation on sand dunes manoj ranabhatsahl_2fast
This document is a term paper on afforestation of sand dunes presented by Manoj Ranabhat. It discusses the concept of afforestation and characteristics of sand dunes. Some key points include that afforestation aims to establish forests in areas without vegetation through artificial means. Sand dunes are classified by size and shift due to wind and lack of vegetation. Successful afforestation of sand dunes requires selecting drought-resistant tree species that can stabilize the dunes, conserve moisture, and regenerate naturally. Common species planted include Acacia tortilis and Prosopis chilensis. The paper also discusses techniques for planting, maintenance, and protection of afforested areas.
Afforestation of denuded hill slopes mahesh kumainsahl_2fast
The document discusses afforestation methods for denuded hill slopes. It outlines regeneration methods, including reforestation and afforestation. Afforestation objectives are listed as increasing timber/fuel production, soil conservation, and protecting river catchments. When afforesting denuded slopes, factors like soil preparation, protective fencing, choice of resilient native species, and regular tending must be considered to deal with challenges of erosion, grazing, and ensure plant survival. Proper techniques can successfully restore vegetation cover to denuded slopes.
Afforestation on dry land bechan chaudharysahl_2fast
1. Afforestation of dry lands can help increase commercial timber and fuel production while improving environmental conditions. 2. Successful afforestation of dry areas requires considering local factors like low rainfall, selecting drought-resistant fast-growing species, and improving soil moisture through irrigation or water harvesting structures. 3. Large-scale afforestation can significantly impact global climate by capturing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Trees first appeared on Earth over 400 million years ago and have since diversified into many forms inhabiting various climates and habitats. Trees provide many ecological functions including sheltering plants from wind, moderating temperatures, preventing erosion, and providing wildlife habitat. Various agroforestry systems have been developed that incorporate trees into agricultural landscapes. These systems provide environmental benefits while also yielding useful products.
The document discusses the potential benefits of using bamboo in forest and landscape restoration. It notes that bamboo grows rapidly even in poor soils, helping to rehabilitate degraded land. Bamboo's extensive root systems also help control soil erosion and increase soil fertility. The document provides several examples of projects where bamboo has been successfully used to restore degraded land, including abandoned mining sites in Ghana and areas impacted by coastal erosion in Thailand. It argues that bamboo is a cost-effective approach to restoration and provides valuable ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and economic opportunities for communities.
Alley Cropping in Agro Forestry - University of MissouriAliki85w
Alley cropping involves planting rows of trees or shrubs with wide spacing to create alleyways for crops. This chapter discusses:
1. The benefits of alley cropping include diversifying farm income, reducing erosion, improving water quality and wildlife habitat.
2. Alley cropping can reduce soil erosion through tree roots and leaf litter, intercept rainfall to increase infiltration, and modify microclimates.
3. The design of alley cropping systems must consider the light, root, and allelopathic interactions between the tree and crop components to minimize competition and maximize benefits. Spacing, orientation, pruning and root-severing can help address these interactions.
Afforestation in wetlands raj kumar guptasahl_2fast
Wetlands provide important ecosystem services but afforestation in wetlands can negatively impact them. According to the findings, existing Nepali laws do not clearly define or regulate wetlands. National wetland policy also lacks provisions around afforestation. Studies show afforestation and other upstream land use changes can reduce water inputs to wetlands, deteriorating their condition and reducing benefits to communities. The conclusion is that while afforestation may be positive elsewhere, wetlands should be conserved through wise use and only flood-tolerant species planted.
Presentation about the importance of canopy management & the practices followed in the process of canopy management.
Presentation for academic purposes.
This document discusses techniques for rainwater harvesting, including surface storage and groundwater recharge. There are two main techniques - storing rainwater on the surface for future use through structures like tanks, ponds, check dams and weirs, and recharging groundwater by directing rainwater into the subsurface through methods like recharge pits, trenches, dug wells, and recharge shafts filled with gravel and sand. Rainwater harvesting has several advantages, including providing sustainable and reliable water supplies, recharging groundwater aquifers, and overcoming water scarcity issues.
Agronomical measures to control soil erosionAbhinab Mishra
This document discusses several agronomical measures that can be used to control soil erosion, including:
1) Mulching, which covers soil with crop residues to reduce rain and wind impact;
2) Agroforestry, which incorporates trees into farming systems to reduce erosion; and
3) Conservation tillage, which leaves crop residues on fields before and after planting to decrease erosion, runoff, and pollution.
This document summarizes a study on barriers to seedling regeneration in fire-damaged tropical peatlands in Brunei Darussalam. The study found that [1] competition from ferns and grasses, [2] lack of available seeds due to fire destruction, and [3] limited seed dispersal due to few resources attracting dispersers like birds and mammals were the main factors inhibiting natural regeneration. Controlling ferns and grasses through weeding, planting trees to attract dispersers, and applying assisted natural regeneration techniques can help overcome these barriers and accelerate the recovery of the native plant communities.
This document discusses soil conservation methods. It describes soil conservation as a combination of management practices that protect soil from depletion caused by nature or humans. It outlines agronomic and mechanical measures for soil conservation. Agronomic measures for slopes less than 2% include contour cultivation, conservation tillage, mulching, cropping systems, and strip cropping. Mechanical measures for slopes greater than 2% include bunding, bench terracing, trenching, wind breaks, and shelter belts. The document emphasizes the importance of grasses and pastures in soil conservation through improving soil structure and organic matter.
This document discusses various soil and moisture conservation techniques, which are divided into agronomic and engineering measures. Agronomic measures include conservation tillage, deep tillage, contour farming, strip cropping, mulching, and growing cover crops. These are used where land slopes are less than 2%. Engineering measures include bunding, terracing, trenching, and subsoiling, which are constructed barriers used on slopes greater than 2% to retain runoff. Broad bed furrows are also discussed as a technique using beds and furrows to store moisture and drain excess water.
Research on Vetiver Grass used in Landscape Architecturerinjukurian
this ppt contains the data of vetiver grass which is used in landscape architecture, It's known as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Its a fast-growing perennial plant with extensive, dense, and deep root system and strong stems.It is a versatile non-invasive plant now widely used to address a myriad of environmental and engineering soil and water-related problems.Vetiver Grows Under Extremely Cold Conditions, Fire, Acidic Conditions, Highly Tolerant to Saline Condition, Heavy Metals Pollution.Vetiver System Works Preventing and treating contaminated water. Improving the quality of wastewater and polluted water.Wetlands
Soil moisture conservation role of mulching and hydrophilic polymerssukhjinder mann
Soil moisture conservation role of mulching and hydrophilic polymers; Methods to conserve moisture, mulch types, polymer types, importance, advantages and disadvantages
Soil conservation is the preventing of soil loss from erosion or reduced fertility caused by over usage, acidification, salinization or other chemical soil contamination.
SALT is a diversified farming system which can be considered agroforestry since rows of permanent shrubs like coffee, cacao, citrus and other fruit trees are dispersed throughout the farm plot.
The strips not occupied by permanent crops, however, are planted alternately to cereals (corn, upland rice, sorghum, etc.) or other crops (sweet potato, melon, pineapple, castor bean, etc.) and legumes (soybean, mung bean, peanut, etc.).
Biodiversity and tropical forest plantationsRobert Nasi
This document discusses the environmental impacts and biodiversity risks of forest plantations. It notes that while plantations are often criticized for being "green deserts" that destroy biodiversity, their impacts depend on the management practices employed. The document provides principles and strategies for plantation management at the landscape and stand levels that can help maintain biodiversity by preserving habitat connectivity, protecting sensitive areas, using mixed native species, and implementing practices like irregular harvesting and thinning. It concludes that plantations are not inherently harmful if good management considers both stand-level and landscape-level biodiversity needs.
The document discusses different conservation tillage systems such as ridge tillage and no-till. Ridge tillage uses specialized planters and cultivators to maintain permanent ridges for row crops, while no-till does not use tillage and simply plants crops into previous crop residues. No-till provides soil erosion control and requires fewer field passes but may have issues with weeds, pests, and slower soil warming. The document also describes an innovative no-till system developed by Steve Groff that uses cover crops and a roller to prepare fields with little herbicide.
Research is defined as a method of studying problems to derive solutions from facts in a systematic effort to gain new knowledge. The purpose of research is to gain insights into phenomena, accurately portray characteristics of individuals or groups, and test hypotheses about causal relationships. Implementation research aims to answer questions about specific implementation strategies, consider relevant outcomes and factors, and evaluate in real-world settings. Key implementation outcomes include acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, costs, coverage, and sustainability.
Tillage operations are carried out to prepare soil for planting crops by improving tilth. Good tilth refers to soil that is porous and friable with balanced capillary and non-capillary pores. The objectives of tillage include preparing seed beds, controlling weeds, conserving soil and water, improving soil structure and aeration, increasing permeability, and destroying pests. Tillage influences soil physical properties like pore space, structure, bulk density and water content. Primary tillage includes plowing using various plows, while secondary tillage further breaks up clods and prepares seed beds through harrowing and planking. Minimum tillage aims to reduce tillage operations and their negative impacts.
The document discusses biological practices for soil conservation. It describes agronomic practices like contour farming, crop rotation, and mulching. It also discusses agrostological methods such as cultivating grasses, afforestation, and controlling overgrazing. Dry farming practices that conserve water and reduce erosion are also outlined. In conclusion, biological soil conservation maintains vegetation cover and includes practices like contour farming, crop rotation, and reforestation to effectively reduce erosion at low cost.
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then abandoned while post-disturbance fallow vegetation is allowed to freely grow while the cultivator moves on to another plot.
By: Mahedi Hasan Zahid
IUBAT192
This document discusses soil and water conservation measures for fodder production. It describes soil erosion caused by water and wind, and measures to conserve soil like agronomic practices (contour cultivation, conservation tillage, mulching, cropping systems), mechanical measures (contour bunding, graded bunding, terracing), forestry measures, and agrostological measures (using grasses). It also discusses surface and subsurface drainage methods for agricultural lands.
The PNE in Vancouver is one of 10 ice arenas across British Columbia, selected for a FortisBC pilot program. The PNE quantified the Hydro savings to approx. 87'000 kWH for the 7 months operations period with his compressors running 25% less and his hot water boilers load over 50% down, when the ice is in use at the Agrodome.
This document discusses strategies for conserving native pollinators in organic farming systems. It finds that while organic agriculture reduces pesticide use which benefits pollinators, some common organic practices like tillage can be detrimental to native bees that nest in the ground. The document provides recommendations for organic farmers to support pollinators, such as reducing tillage, using mulches that allow bee access, growing diverse flowering crops and habitat to support native bee populations on which farms rely.
The document discusses the potential benefits of using bamboo in forest and landscape restoration. It notes that bamboo grows rapidly even in poor soils, helping to rehabilitate degraded land. Bamboo's extensive root systems also help control soil erosion and increase soil fertility. The document provides several examples of projects where bamboo has been successfully used to restore degraded land, including abandoned mining sites in Ghana and areas impacted by coastal erosion in Thailand. It argues that bamboo is a cost-effective approach to restoration and provides valuable ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and economic opportunities for communities.
Alley Cropping in Agro Forestry - University of MissouriAliki85w
Alley cropping involves planting rows of trees or shrubs with wide spacing to create alleyways for crops. This chapter discusses:
1. The benefits of alley cropping include diversifying farm income, reducing erosion, improving water quality and wildlife habitat.
2. Alley cropping can reduce soil erosion through tree roots and leaf litter, intercept rainfall to increase infiltration, and modify microclimates.
3. The design of alley cropping systems must consider the light, root, and allelopathic interactions between the tree and crop components to minimize competition and maximize benefits. Spacing, orientation, pruning and root-severing can help address these interactions.
Afforestation in wetlands raj kumar guptasahl_2fast
Wetlands provide important ecosystem services but afforestation in wetlands can negatively impact them. According to the findings, existing Nepali laws do not clearly define or regulate wetlands. National wetland policy also lacks provisions around afforestation. Studies show afforestation and other upstream land use changes can reduce water inputs to wetlands, deteriorating their condition and reducing benefits to communities. The conclusion is that while afforestation may be positive elsewhere, wetlands should be conserved through wise use and only flood-tolerant species planted.
Presentation about the importance of canopy management & the practices followed in the process of canopy management.
Presentation for academic purposes.
This document discusses techniques for rainwater harvesting, including surface storage and groundwater recharge. There are two main techniques - storing rainwater on the surface for future use through structures like tanks, ponds, check dams and weirs, and recharging groundwater by directing rainwater into the subsurface through methods like recharge pits, trenches, dug wells, and recharge shafts filled with gravel and sand. Rainwater harvesting has several advantages, including providing sustainable and reliable water supplies, recharging groundwater aquifers, and overcoming water scarcity issues.
Agronomical measures to control soil erosionAbhinab Mishra
This document discusses several agronomical measures that can be used to control soil erosion, including:
1) Mulching, which covers soil with crop residues to reduce rain and wind impact;
2) Agroforestry, which incorporates trees into farming systems to reduce erosion; and
3) Conservation tillage, which leaves crop residues on fields before and after planting to decrease erosion, runoff, and pollution.
This document summarizes a study on barriers to seedling regeneration in fire-damaged tropical peatlands in Brunei Darussalam. The study found that [1] competition from ferns and grasses, [2] lack of available seeds due to fire destruction, and [3] limited seed dispersal due to few resources attracting dispersers like birds and mammals were the main factors inhibiting natural regeneration. Controlling ferns and grasses through weeding, planting trees to attract dispersers, and applying assisted natural regeneration techniques can help overcome these barriers and accelerate the recovery of the native plant communities.
This document discusses soil conservation methods. It describes soil conservation as a combination of management practices that protect soil from depletion caused by nature or humans. It outlines agronomic and mechanical measures for soil conservation. Agronomic measures for slopes less than 2% include contour cultivation, conservation tillage, mulching, cropping systems, and strip cropping. Mechanical measures for slopes greater than 2% include bunding, bench terracing, trenching, wind breaks, and shelter belts. The document emphasizes the importance of grasses and pastures in soil conservation through improving soil structure and organic matter.
This document discusses various soil and moisture conservation techniques, which are divided into agronomic and engineering measures. Agronomic measures include conservation tillage, deep tillage, contour farming, strip cropping, mulching, and growing cover crops. These are used where land slopes are less than 2%. Engineering measures include bunding, terracing, trenching, and subsoiling, which are constructed barriers used on slopes greater than 2% to retain runoff. Broad bed furrows are also discussed as a technique using beds and furrows to store moisture and drain excess water.
Research on Vetiver Grass used in Landscape Architecturerinjukurian
this ppt contains the data of vetiver grass which is used in landscape architecture, It's known as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Its a fast-growing perennial plant with extensive, dense, and deep root system and strong stems.It is a versatile non-invasive plant now widely used to address a myriad of environmental and engineering soil and water-related problems.Vetiver Grows Under Extremely Cold Conditions, Fire, Acidic Conditions, Highly Tolerant to Saline Condition, Heavy Metals Pollution.Vetiver System Works Preventing and treating contaminated water. Improving the quality of wastewater and polluted water.Wetlands
Soil moisture conservation role of mulching and hydrophilic polymerssukhjinder mann
Soil moisture conservation role of mulching and hydrophilic polymers; Methods to conserve moisture, mulch types, polymer types, importance, advantages and disadvantages
Soil conservation is the preventing of soil loss from erosion or reduced fertility caused by over usage, acidification, salinization or other chemical soil contamination.
SALT is a diversified farming system which can be considered agroforestry since rows of permanent shrubs like coffee, cacao, citrus and other fruit trees are dispersed throughout the farm plot.
The strips not occupied by permanent crops, however, are planted alternately to cereals (corn, upland rice, sorghum, etc.) or other crops (sweet potato, melon, pineapple, castor bean, etc.) and legumes (soybean, mung bean, peanut, etc.).
Biodiversity and tropical forest plantationsRobert Nasi
This document discusses the environmental impacts and biodiversity risks of forest plantations. It notes that while plantations are often criticized for being "green deserts" that destroy biodiversity, their impacts depend on the management practices employed. The document provides principles and strategies for plantation management at the landscape and stand levels that can help maintain biodiversity by preserving habitat connectivity, protecting sensitive areas, using mixed native species, and implementing practices like irregular harvesting and thinning. It concludes that plantations are not inherently harmful if good management considers both stand-level and landscape-level biodiversity needs.
The document discusses different conservation tillage systems such as ridge tillage and no-till. Ridge tillage uses specialized planters and cultivators to maintain permanent ridges for row crops, while no-till does not use tillage and simply plants crops into previous crop residues. No-till provides soil erosion control and requires fewer field passes but may have issues with weeds, pests, and slower soil warming. The document also describes an innovative no-till system developed by Steve Groff that uses cover crops and a roller to prepare fields with little herbicide.
Research is defined as a method of studying problems to derive solutions from facts in a systematic effort to gain new knowledge. The purpose of research is to gain insights into phenomena, accurately portray characteristics of individuals or groups, and test hypotheses about causal relationships. Implementation research aims to answer questions about specific implementation strategies, consider relevant outcomes and factors, and evaluate in real-world settings. Key implementation outcomes include acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, costs, coverage, and sustainability.
Tillage operations are carried out to prepare soil for planting crops by improving tilth. Good tilth refers to soil that is porous and friable with balanced capillary and non-capillary pores. The objectives of tillage include preparing seed beds, controlling weeds, conserving soil and water, improving soil structure and aeration, increasing permeability, and destroying pests. Tillage influences soil physical properties like pore space, structure, bulk density and water content. Primary tillage includes plowing using various plows, while secondary tillage further breaks up clods and prepares seed beds through harrowing and planking. Minimum tillage aims to reduce tillage operations and their negative impacts.
The document discusses biological practices for soil conservation. It describes agronomic practices like contour farming, crop rotation, and mulching. It also discusses agrostological methods such as cultivating grasses, afforestation, and controlling overgrazing. Dry farming practices that conserve water and reduce erosion are also outlined. In conclusion, biological soil conservation maintains vegetation cover and includes practices like contour farming, crop rotation, and reforestation to effectively reduce erosion at low cost.
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then abandoned while post-disturbance fallow vegetation is allowed to freely grow while the cultivator moves on to another plot.
By: Mahedi Hasan Zahid
IUBAT192
This document discusses soil and water conservation measures for fodder production. It describes soil erosion caused by water and wind, and measures to conserve soil like agronomic practices (contour cultivation, conservation tillage, mulching, cropping systems), mechanical measures (contour bunding, graded bunding, terracing), forestry measures, and agrostological measures (using grasses). It also discusses surface and subsurface drainage methods for agricultural lands.
The PNE in Vancouver is one of 10 ice arenas across British Columbia, selected for a FortisBC pilot program. The PNE quantified the Hydro savings to approx. 87'000 kWH for the 7 months operations period with his compressors running 25% less and his hot water boilers load over 50% down, when the ice is in use at the Agrodome.
This document discusses strategies for conserving native pollinators in organic farming systems. It finds that while organic agriculture reduces pesticide use which benefits pollinators, some common organic practices like tillage can be detrimental to native bees that nest in the ground. The document provides recommendations for organic farmers to support pollinators, such as reducing tillage, using mulches that allow bee access, growing diverse flowering crops and habitat to support native bee populations on which farms rely.
The document describes a plant that was purchased at 1 foot tall and doubled in height each month. It provides the plant's height after various months and asks questions about modeling the growth pattern with an exponential equation using exponents to represent months before and after purchase. It also describes a beanstalk that was growing at a rate of multiplying its height by 10 each year and asks similar questions about modeling its growth using negative exponents.
Imploder Powerpoint- from TheImploder.comDan Winter
A customer conducted a study on the effects of using water imploded by a SuperImploder device on plants. They noticed the plants were healthier and more resistant to drought. Specifically, the plants needed less roots to absorb water, had more symmetrical and consistent branching, consistently spaced leaves, and flowered earlier and were more resilient to drought. Images showed a 328% increase in plant growth over approximately 2.5 months. The imploded water increases the natural order of water molecules and decreases molecular entropy.
The document discusses hydraulic fracturing in British Columbia, including its water usage and regulations. It provides details on typical water usage for hydraulic fracturing in different geological formations in BC. It also discusses the sources of water used, total water usage amounts, and challenges with treating and reusing flowback water. The document concludes with 17 recommendations to address water issues, climate change, seismic activity questions, and knowledge sharing related to hydraulic fracturing activities in BC.
Identification and evaluation of antifungal compounds from botanicals for the...researchagriculture
Red rot is a devastating disease in sugarcane caused by fungus, Colletotrichum falcatum. In this study, eighteen different botanicals were screened for identifying effective antifungal compound against C. falcatum. Among the plants screened, 15 per cent aqueous leaf extract of Psoralea corylifolia alone inhibited 100 per cent growth of both mycelium as well as spore germination under in vitro conditions. The extract did not exhibit any inhibitory effect to the beneficial microbes viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus megaterium and Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus which are normally used in sugarcane. The effective plant extracts exhibiting 100 per cent antifungal activity was subjected to TLC, HPLC and GC-MS analysis to identify the bioactive antifungal compound. It revealed the presence of 7H-furo [3,2-G] (1) benzopyran-7-one as main bioactive compound which is thought to be the intermediate of antifungal compound, 8 – methoxypsoralen formed during biosynthesis.
Article Citation:
Rajkumar D and Murugesan R.
Identification and Evaluation of Antifungal Compounds from Botanicals for the Control of Sugarcane Red Rot Pathogen, Colletotrichum falcatum.
Journal of Research in Agriculture (2013) 2(1): 164-172.
Full Text:
http://www.jagri.info/documents/AG0044.pdf
Phase Conjugation. Fractality, Negentropy and Implosion from Dan WinterDan Winter
Slides with missing animations- see
www.goldenmean.info/powerpoint
See update at
Geometric Origins of Biologic Negentropy
http://fractalfield.com/negentropicfields/RestoringBiologicNegentropy.html
This document discusses landscape conservation and ecology. It defines landscaping and conservation landscaping. Conservation landscaping aims to protect air and water quality, support wildlife, and provide a healthy environment for humans. It incorporates native plants, low impact development, and integrated pest management. The document also outlines threats to landscapes from climate change and lists eight elements of effective conservation landscapes. It discusses techniques for conserving soils and water, including terracing, crop rotation, mulching, and watershed management. Finally, it provides a case study on conservation principles applied in an ocean-friendly garden in Manhattan Beach.
This document provides an overview of turf culture and the role of grasses in horticulture. It discusses how turf establishes an essential role through benefits like soil and land stability as well as being a primary producer. It then describes the turf industry and defines turf culture as the management of grass growth atop soil for continuous maintenance. Various grass types and their characteristics are examined. The document also details the benefits of turf, common diseases that can affect turf, and best practices for turf maintenance.
Biological Measures for Rehabilitation of the Mined-Out Area in Dantewada, Ch...IRJET Journal
The document discusses biological measures for rehabilitation of mined-out areas in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, India. It recommends re-vegetation with native plant species suited to the climate and soil conditions, including various grasses, shrubs, and trees. Afforestation efforts should focus on slope stabilization and erosion control through mixed plantings. Indigenous species are preferred over exotic species to fully restore ecosystem functions.
American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development is indexed, refereed and peer-reviewed journal, which is designed to publish research articles.
American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development is indexed, refereed and peer-reviewed journal, which is designed to publish research articles.
This document discusses how organic farming practices can both protect and fail to protect water quality. When implemented using a "systems approach" that considers biological, chemical and climatic processes in each field, organic practices like building soil organic matter, crop rotations, and conservation practices can increase nutrient retention and decrease runoff and erosion, thus protecting water quality. However, problems can occur if manure is mismanaged, green manures are improperly timed, or manure/compost is poorly stored. The key to effective production and water protection is maintaining high soil organic matter and active soil organisms.
This document discusses how organic farming practices can both protect and fail to protect water quality. When implemented using a "systems approach" that considers biological, chemical and climatic processes in each field, organic practices like building soil organic matter, crop rotations, and conservation practices can increase nutrient retention and decrease runoff and erosion, thus protecting water quality. However, problems can occur if manure is mismanaged, green manures are improperly timed, or manure/compost is poorly stored. The key to effective production and water protection is maintaining high soil organic matter and active soil organisms.
The Green Fuse: Using Plants to Provide Ecosystem Services
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
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Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This document discusses agroforestry as a tool for watershed management. It begins by defining agroforestry systems and their objectives in increasing biomass production, soil conservation, and soil improvement. It then discusses the objectives of watershed management in utilizing land based on capability, protecting resources, and improving socioeconomic conditions. Agroforestry is presented as an effective tool for watershed management, providing suitable systems like agri-silviculture, silvi-pastoral, and agri-silvi-pastoral approaches. These systems help achieve the goals of watershed management by improving vegetation cover, soil fertility, and the livelihoods of local communities.
This document discusses various soil conservation management techniques used to minimize soil erosion. It describes vegetative barriers like contour hedgerows and natural vegetative strips that can reduce erosion and improve water quality. Mechanical barriers like contour furrows, contour rock walls, and bench terracing are discussed as highly effective methods for capturing water and preventing erosion. Conservation cropping systems like mulching, intercropping, multiple cropping, and multi-storey cropping are presented as ways to add nutrients, reduce erosion and fertilizer needs, and protect crops. The document provides examples of on-site soil erosion and recommends consulting experts to develop a tailored plan including erosion control practices, retaining walls, and avoiding overgrazing and deforestation
This document discusses the development of green belts for moderating toxic emissions. It describes green belts as areas of undeveloped land surrounding urban areas that are protected from development. The purposes of green belts are listed as protecting natural environments, improving air quality, and providing recreational access for urban residents. The document then discusses the interaction of pollutants with plants and outlines important aspects of designing green belts, including plant-pollutant interactions, models for development, plant selection criteria, and using plants to stabilize fly ash. Calculation methods like APTI (Air Pollution Tolerance Index) are presented to evaluate suitable plant species. Advantages and disadvantages of green belts are also summarized.
The Green Fuse: Using Plants to Provide Ecosystem ServicesElisaMendelsohn
This document provides a literature review of research into using plants to provide ecosystem services. It summarizes research at multiple scales, from landscape-level studies down to plant-scale and gene-scale investigations. At the landscape scale, plants are used for phytoremediation of polluted industrial sites, stormwater treatment in urban watersheds, and mitigation of agricultural runoff. Constructed wetlands and buffer strips effectively filter pollutants. Research also examines using plants for carbon sequestration and in the built environment as green roofs, walls and sound barriers.
This document discusses phytostabilization and its types for bioremediation. Phytostabilization involves establishing plant cover on contaminated sites to reduce contaminant mobility through accumulation and immobilization. There are different types of phytostabilization including rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, phytotransformation, and phytovolatilization. The document also discusses engineered in-situ and ex-situ phytostabilization techniques, their advantages and disadvantages.
This document provides information on stormwater site proposals for Cornell University in 2012. It includes tables of contents, descriptions of bioretention cells and their components, discussions of management practices and suitability. Bioretention cells are shallow landscaped areas that store and infiltrate stormwater runoff for pollution removal through various physical, chemical, and biological processes. They include vegetation, mulch, soil layers, and subsurface drainage and are designed to mimic natural ecosystem functions.
Agroforestry involves intentionally growing trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock. It provides environmental and economic benefits like improved soil and water quality, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. Agroforestry systems have objectives like enhanced nutrient cycling, managing tree-soil interactions, promoting on-farm diversity, and coping with climate change impacts. It aims to increase productivity and sustainability while being adoptable to local farming practices.
This document provides information about farm plans and layouts, including planting arrangements and irrigation design. It begins with a multiple choice pre-test on these topics. It then discusses row planting arrangements, including single and multiple row planting. Spatial arrangements for intercropping are described, including planting within crop rows, between rows, or in replacement series. Direct seeding and transplanting methods are outlined. The document concludes with definitions of key terms like intercropping, monocropping, and irrigation.
The document discusses conservation tillage techniques such as ridge tillage and no-till farming. Ridge tillage uses specialized equipment to maintain permanent ridges for row crops, leaving crop residue until planting. No-till systems plant directly into previous years' crop residue without tilling, using herbicides for weed control. The document provides details on various conservation tillage methods and lists additional resources for information.
Application of Vetiver Grass Technology for Dump slope stabilization and Effl...IRJET Journal
This document summarizes research on the application of Vetiver grass technology for slope stabilization and effluent treatment. It discusses how Vetiver grass, due to its deep root system and tolerance to harsh conditions, has been used worldwide for soil stabilization, erosion control, wastewater treatment, and remediation of heavy metal pollution. The document then reviews two case studies from India on using Vetiver grass for stabilizing mine dump slopes and treating effluent from an oil refinery, finding it helped control erosion and removed oil, chemicals and suspended solids from the effluent. In summary, Vetiver grass is an effective natural method for soil stabilization and wastewater purification.
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a concept for resource-saving agricultural crop production system that strives to achieve acceptable profits together with high and sustained production levels while conserving the environment.
It is based on minimum tillage, crop residue retention, and crop rotations, has been proposed as an alternative system combining benefits for the farmer with advantages for the society.
Conservation Agriculture remains an important technology that improves soil processes, controls soil erosion and reduces production cost.
Similar to Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems (20)
Marthe Cohn was a Jewish French spy who risked her life to gather intelligence for the French resistance during WWII. She infiltrated Nazi Germany using her fluent German and managed to discover key military information. As a result, the French army was able to achieve an important victory. Cohn went on to have a long career as a nurse and nurse anesthetist. She has received numerous honors for her wartime heroism and courageously fights to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive.
This document provides links to resources about organic gardening techniques, urban farming, rainwater harvesting, green roofs, straight vegetable oil vehicles, garden therapy, volunteering on organic farms in Europe, solar energy training, and eco-friendly coffee beans. It discusses how organic gardening technologies can increase plant yields by 400% and provides catalogs and manuals about topics such as city farming, backyard farming, rain gardens, and aquaponics systems. The links provide free information for organic and sustainable living practices.
Ruth Jones, a Christian teacher without a master's degree or administrative experience, was unexpectedly named principal of a struggling inner city elementary school in Grand Rapids, Michigan that was on the verge of closure due to poor academic performance. Through prayer, addressing students' practical needs, and recruiting volunteers, Jones led a dramatic turnaround of the school over 20 years. Test scores and graduation rates increased sharply, and the school now has a waiting list despite originally facing closure. Jones attributes the school's success to aligning herself with God.
- Coconut oil may help slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease in some people by providing an alternative fuel for brain cells in the form of ketones. Dr. Mary Newport put her husband Steve, who had Alzheimer's, on a diet supplemented with coconut oil, which led to improvements in his symptoms and cognitive abilities.
- Researchers have developed a ketone ester that is more potent than coconut oil, but it is very expensive to produce. Coconut oil remains a viable alternative source of ketones. Taking coconut oil may also help with other neurological diseases due to its ability to increase ketone levels and good cholesterol while reducing bad bacteria.
A teacher in Baltimore transformed the lives of students from the slums. In the 1920s, college students evaluated 200 boys from the slums and said they had no chance of success. Twenty-five years later, it was found that 176 of the 180 boys who could be located had achieved success as lawyers, doctors, and businessmen. The professor interviewed each man and they all credited their success to a teacher who had loved and believed in them. When interviewed, the elderly teacher said her simple method was that she loved those boys.
Robert Raikes witnessed the poor conditions of children in Gloucester, England in the late 18th century due to the Industrial Revolution. This inspired him to create the first Sunday school to educate and reform street children. The Sunday school used the Bible as its textbook and proved hugely successful in improving behavior and civic responsibility. Raikes' idea then spread across Britain and to other parts of Europe and America, revolutionizing religious education of children and community outreach efforts of churches. Late in life, Raikes had a profound spiritual experience witnessing a young girl reading the Bible that gave him a new understanding of faith.
The document discusses using Groasis Waterboxx devices to help plant and grow trees in dry environments like the Sahara Desert. It describes how the author and a colleague tried using 10 Waterboxx devices to plant trees in M'hamid, Morocco but their luggage containing the devices was initially lost. They were eventually found and the devices were used to plant tamarisk trees to compare growth with traditional planting methods. The document provides details on how the Waterboxx works, collecting condensation and directing water to tree roots, and hopes the experiment will help increase tree survival rates in the dry climate.
The Groasis Waterboxx is a low-tech device that helps seeds and saplings grow into strong trees in dry environments. It collects and stores rainwater and condensation to slowly water the roots daily. In tests, 88% of trees grown with the Waterboxx survived compared to only 10.5% without it. The inventor believes using this technology could reforest billions of acres and offset humanity's carbon emissions by capturing CO2 in new tree growth.
The document discusses the Groasis Technology, a planting method that uses a Waterboxx and other techniques to plant trees in dry areas with 90% less water. It summarizes that the technology (1) improves soil, maps planting areas, harvests rainfall, and uses the right planting techniques to help trees grow deep roots in the first year to survive independently. It also describes how the technology terraces slopes to harvest and direct rainfall to trees, uses 3D imaging to map ideal planting lines, and a capillary drill to quickly plant thousands of trees per day.
The document describes the Agua, Vida y Naturaleza Project (AVNP) that started in Ecuador in 2012. It is funded by the Dutch COmON Foundation to help small farmers in dry areas by introducing the Groasis Technology, which allows planting in deserts and eroded lands. The technology mimics nature by improving soil, maintaining capillary structures, and using a waterboxx device. The project aims to address issues small farmers face like lack of water, capital, and farming knowledge, in order to help alleviate world hunger and prevent farmers from migrating to cities due to lack of income from farming dry areas.
The document provides planting instructions for using a Waterboxx planting device. It outlines 6 main steps:
1. Preparing the soil by digging holes and adding compost/fertilizer or just watering.
2. Assembling the Waterboxx by placing the wick, mid-plate, lid, and siphons.
3. Preparing plants by pruning roots to encourage deep growth.
4. Planting in holes aligned east-west within the Waterboxx hole.
5. Placing the assembled Waterboxx over the planted area.
6. Watering the plants and filling the Waterboxx for the first time.
This document provides instructions for growing vegetables using the Groasis Waterboxx system. It details recommendations for greenhouse design, soil preparation, planting methods, plant spacing, watering schedules, and pest and disease management. Proper installation and maintenance of the Waterboxx system is emphasized to ensure healthy plant growth and high crop yields. Close monitoring of climate conditions and plant needs is also advised.
The document is a report on the Groasis waterboxx, a device that aims to allow farming without irrigation. It provides an overview of the waterboxx's history and development, describes its components and how it works, reviews testing that has been done, and evaluates its suitability for organic farming. In the conclusion, the report recommends that the cooperative discussed in the document not use the waterboxx yet, as more data is still needed, but could consider conducting their own tests with support from their technical services.
The document summarizes an invention called the Groasis that helps plants survive in arid climates by collecting and storing rainfall to provide steady watering to seedlings. It notes that most rainfall in deserts occurs within one week but is then unavailable, and that the Groasis uses evaporation-proof containers and wicking to deliver water to young plants over longer periods, allowing their roots to develop and access deeper groundwater reserves. Large-scale projects have used the Groasis in countries like Kenya to aid reforestation efforts and combat desertification.
The document summarizes the work of the Sahara Roots Foundation in Morocco and their use of the Groasis Waterboxx to help plant trees and reduce desertification. The Sahara Roots Foundation was established to implement development projects to conserve the Moroccan Sahara through activities like tree planting, irrigation, education, and desert cleaning. They have started using the Groasis Waterboxx, an "intelligent water battery" developed by AquaPro, to improve the survival rate of newly planted trees. The Waterboxx produces and captures water through condensation and rain, allowing trees to be planted in dry areas like rocks and deserts with a 100% success rate.
The document describes the Agua, Vida y Naturaleza Project (AVNP) that started in Ecuador in 2012. It is funded by the Dutch COmON Foundation to help small farmers in dry areas by introducing the Groasis Technology, which allows planting in deserts and eroded lands. The technology mimics nature by improving soil, maintaining capillary structures, and using a waterboxx device. The project aims to address issues small farmers face like lack of water, capital, and farming knowledge, in order to help alleviate world hunger and prevent farmers from migrating to cities.
Groasis Technology is compared to drip irrigation over a 50-year project for a 500-hectare tree plantation. Key financial indicators show that using Groasis Waterboxes results in a higher net present value (NPV) of €26.62 million compared to €21.15 million for drip irrigation, and a slightly higher internal rate of return (IRR) of 22.1% versus 23.4% for drip irrigation. Waterboxx also has a longer payback period of 7 years compared to 5 years for drip irrigation. The document provides assumptions and calculations for costs and revenues for both systems over the 50-year period.
A new technology called the Groasis Waterboxx shows promise for reclaiming desert landscapes and increasing plant survival rates. The simple device regulates temperature and moisture levels around young plants, allowing trees and crops to grow with little watering even in dry conditions. Initial trials in Africa found tree survival rates increased to 88% with the Waterboxx compared to only 10% without it. Researchers in Kenya are optimistic this technology could significantly reduce desertification and help transform the country's deserts into productive, economic areas through increased vegetation.
More from School Vegetable Gardening - Victory Gardens (20)
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
Main Java[All of the Base Concepts}.docxadhitya5119
This is part 1 of my Java Learning Journey. This Contains Custom methods, classes, constructors, packages, multithreading , try- catch block, finally block and more.
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleCeline George
In Odoo, the chatter is like a chat tool that helps you work together on records. You can leave notes and track things, making it easier to talk with your team and partners. Inside chatter, all communication history, activity, and changes will be displayed.
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold MethodCeline George
Odoo provides an option for creating a module by using a single line command. By using this command the user can make a whole structure of a module. It is very easy for a beginner to make a module. There is no need to make each file manually. This slide will show how to create a module using the scaffold method.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
In Odoo, making a field required can be done through both Python code and XML views. When you set the required attribute to True in Python code, it makes the field required across all views where it's used. Conversely, when you set the required attribute in XML views, it makes the field required only in the context of that particular view.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxDenish Jangid
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering
Syllabus
Chapter-1
Introduction to objective, scope and outcome the subject
Chapter 2
Introduction: Scope and Specialization of Civil Engineering, Role of civil Engineer in Society, Impact of infrastructural development on economy of country.
Chapter 3
Surveying: Object Principles & Types of Surveying; Site Plans, Plans & Maps; Scales & Unit of different Measurements.
Linear Measurements: Instruments used. Linear Measurement by Tape, Ranging out Survey Lines and overcoming Obstructions; Measurements on sloping ground; Tape corrections, conventional symbols. Angular Measurements: Instruments used; Introduction to Compass Surveying, Bearings and Longitude & Latitude of a Line, Introduction to total station.
Levelling: Instrument used Object of levelling, Methods of levelling in brief, and Contour maps.
Chapter 4
Buildings: Selection of site for Buildings, Layout of Building Plan, Types of buildings, Plinth area, carpet area, floor space index, Introduction to building byelaws, concept of sun light & ventilation. Components of Buildings & their functions, Basic concept of R.C.C., Introduction to types of foundation
Chapter 5
Transportation: Introduction to Transportation Engineering; Traffic and Road Safety: Types and Characteristics of Various Modes of Transportation; Various Road Traffic Signs, Causes of Accidents and Road Safety Measures.
Chapter 6
Environmental Engineering: Environmental Pollution, Environmental Acts and Regulations, Functional Concepts of Ecology, Basics of Species, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Hydrological Cycle; Chemical Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen & Phosphorus; Energy Flow in Ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Water Quality standards, Introduction to Treatment & Disposal of Waste Water. Reuse and Saving of Water, Rain Water Harvesting. Solid Waste Management: Classification of Solid Waste, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid. Recycling of Solid Waste: Energy Recovery, Sanitary Landfill, On-Site Sanitation. Air & Noise Pollution: Primary and Secondary air pollutants, Harmful effects of Air Pollution, Control of Air Pollution. . Noise Pollution Harmful Effects of noise pollution, control of noise pollution, Global warming & Climate Change, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect
Text Books:
1. Palancharmy, Basic Civil Engineering, McGraw Hill publishers.
2. Satheesh Gopi, Basic Civil Engineering, Pearson Publishers.
3. Ketki Rangwala Dalal, Essentials of Civil Engineering, Charotar Publishing House.
4. BCP, Surveying volume 1
1. Conservation Buffers in
Organic Systems
Western States Implementation Guide
June 2013
National Center for
Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
www.attra.ncat.org
Oregon Tilth
www.tilth.org
Xerces Society
www.xerces.org
3. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance
in installing practices for use as buffers in organic
production systems in order to meet the National
Organic Program (NOP) regulations. Conservation
buffers are generally strips of vegetation placed in the
landscape to influence ecological processes and provide
a variety of services. They are called by many names
including wildlife corridors, greenways, windbreaks,
and filter strips. (Bentrup, G. 2008)
In the context of organically managed systems, buffer
zones are required under NOP rules if there is a risk
of contamination, via drift or flow, of substances not
allowed under organic regulations. Situations in which
buffers will likely be required by the certifier, according
to NOP rules, include:
➣ An organic field bordering a conventional field on
which prohibited substances are being used.
➣ An organic field bordering a roadway to which prohibited substances are applied (usually to control weeds).
➣ An organic field bordering residential housing in
which prohibited substances are being applied.
➣ An organic field that has, or is immediately adjacent
to, fencing made of lumber treated with prohibited
substances.
When buffers are required in organic production systems,
they represent an opportunity to implement conservation
practices that benefit the operation by creating habitat
for beneficial organisms (birds, pollinators, or parasites
and predators of crop pests), as well as providing a barrier
against weed seed migration, preventing wind damage to
crops and protecting water quality. In doing so, buffers
may simultaneously meet other NOP regulations which
require that organic operations “maintain or improve the
natural resources of the operation” (NOP Sec 205.200)
and, in perennial systems, can be used to introduce
biological diversity in lieu of crop rotation.
According to the NOP, buffer zones between organic
crops and non-organic crops must be of sufficient size
and structure to prevent drift or runoff of non-approved
substances. Although there are no specific size requirements, typically a buffer zone is 25- to 30-feet wide. The
organic producer can grow non-organic crops in the
buffer zone, leave it fallow, or plant this area to hedgerows,
windbreaks, meadows, or beetle banks, as appropriate.
If a crop is taken from the buffer zone it will need to
be harvested separately from the organic crop and the
producer must document that it was harvested, stored,
and sold as non-organic.
If the organic certifying agency has determined that a
buffer is needed, they must also approve the design of
the buffer. NRCS staff can work with the landowner to
identify additional conservation objectives for the buffer
(see Table 1), which may include habitat for parasitoids
and predators of crop pests, reducing soil erosion,
protecting water quality, wind or dust breaks, habitat
and cover for other wildlife including pollinators, and
aesthetic considerations.
Hedgerow Planting (422) is a focus of this document
as this practice can readily address NOP requirements.
However, buffers may be created on organic operations
using other NRCS conservation practices, such as
Field Borders (386), Herbaceous Wind Barriers (603),
Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380), Riparian
Forest Buffer (391), Filter Strip (393) or Conservation
Cover (327). All of these practices can be designed to
have multiple benefits for the operation.
Relevant National Organic Program (NOP) Regulations
Section 205.202 Land Requirements
Section 205.2 Definition of Buffer Zone
Any field or farm parcel from which harvested crops
are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as
“organic,” must:
(c) Have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones
such as runoff diversions to prevent the unintended
application of a prohibited substance to the crop or
contact with a prohibited substance applied to adjoining
land that is not under organic management.
An area located between a certified production operation
or portion of a production operation and an adjacent land
area that is not maintained under organic management.
A buffer zone must be sufficient in size or other features
(e.g., windbreaks or a diversion ditch) to prevent the
possibility of unintended contact by prohibited
substances applied to adjacent land areas with an
area that is part of a certified operation.
3
4. Table 1.
Primary and Secondary Benefits of Buffer-Related Practices
NRCS Practice
and Definition
Primary Benefits/Functions of Practice
Secondary Benefits /
Functions of Practice
Field Borders (386)
Strips of permanent
vegetation established at
the edge or around the
perimeter of a field.
➣ Reduce erosion from wind and water.
➣ Protect soil and water quality.
➣ Manage pest populations.
➣ Provide wildlife food and cover.
➣ Provide food, shelter and overwintering
sites for beneficial invertebrates as a
component of integrated pest management.
Hedgerow Planting (422)
Establishment of dense
vegetation in a linear design
to achieve a natural resource
conservation purpose.
➣ Habitat, including food, cover, and corridors for
terrestrial wildlife.
➣ Enhance pollen, nectar, and nesting habitat for
pollinators.
➣ Provide food, shelter and overwintering sites
for predaceous and beneficial invertebrates as
a component of integrated pest management.
➣ Intercept airborne particulate matter.
➣ Reduce chemical drift and odor movement.
➣ Create screens and barriers to noise and dust.
➣ Create food, cover, and shade for aquatic
organisms that live in adjacent streams
or watercourses.
➣ Increase carbon storage in biomass
and soils.
➣ Create living fences.
➣ Delineate boundaries & contour guidelines.
➣ Prevent weed seed migration into the
field.
Herbaceous Wind Barriers
(603)
Herbaceous vegetation
established in rows or narrow
strips in the field across the
prevailing wind direction.
➣ Reduce soil erosion from wind.
➣ Reduce soil particulate emissions to the air.
➣ Protect growing crops from damage by wind
or wind-borne soil particles.
➣ Enhance snow deposition to increase
plant-available moisture.
Windbreak/Shelterbelt
Establishment (380)
Linear plantings of single
or multiple rows of trees
or shrubs or sets of linear
plantings.
➣ Reduce wind erosion.
➣ Protect growing plants.
➣ Provide shelter for structures and livestock.
➣ Provide wildlife habitat.
➣ Improve irrigation efficiency.
➣ Manage snow.
➣ Provide a tree or shrub product.
➣ Provide noise and visual screens.
➣ Enhance aesthetics.
➣ Increase carbon storage.
➣ Delineate property and field boundaries.
➣ Prevent weed seed migration into the
field.
➣ Provide food, shelter and overwintering
sites for beneficial invertebrates such as
insect predators, parasitoids and native
pollinators for IPM and crop pollination.
Riparian Forest Buffer
(391)
An area of predominantly
trees and shrubs located
adjacent to and up-gradient
from watercourses or water
bodies.
➣ Create shade to lower water temperatures to
improve habitat for fish and other aquatic
organisms.
➣ Create wildlife habitat and establish wildlife
corridors.
➣ Reduce excess amounts of sediment, organic
material, nutrients, pesticides and other
pollutants in surface runoff and reduce excess
nutrients and other chemicals in shallow
ground water flow.
➣ Provide protection against scour erosion
within the floodplain.
➣ Restore natural riparian plant communities.
➣ Provide a source of detritus and large
woody debris for fish and other aquatic
organisms and riparian habitat and
corridors for wildlife.
➣ Moderate winter temperatures
to reduce freezing of aquatic
over-wintering habitats.
➣ Increase carbon storage in plant biomass
and soils.
➣ Provide a harvestable crop of timber,
fiber, forage, fruit, or other crops
consistent with other intended purposes.
Conservation Cover (327)
Establishing and maintaining
permanent vegetative cover.
This land is removed from
production permanently for
the life of the contract.
➣ Reduce soil erosion and sedimentation.
➣ Improve water quality.
➣ Enhance habitat for wildlife, predacious insect
invertebrates, and pollinators.
➣ Improve soil quality.
➣ Stabilize slopes.
➣ Improve air quality.
➣ Manage crop pests.
➣ Provide better access to agricultural
equipment when soils are moist.
4
Note: All primary benefits and the majority of secondary benefits are taken directly from NRCS practice standards.
A few secondary benefits were added by reviewers of this document.
5. Buffer Site Design
Site Selection
➣ Location: The overall design of a buffer site must meet
NRCS practice criteria as well as the standards of the
producer’s certifying agency and the National Organic
Program. To address NOP buffer requirements, the site
selected should be adjacent to an area from which there
is a risk of contamination from pesticides or chemical
fertilizers not allowed in organic systems. This is commonly along property lines, but in situations where the
producer has both organic and conventional operations,
the buffer could be in the middle of an operation at the
boundary between the two types of production.
➣ Width and height: The site selected for the buffer
should be wide enough and have space for plants to
grow tall enough to intercept any significant pesticide
drift from the adjacent conventional operation.
➣ Irrigation access: The site should also have access to
irrigation water to establish the plants and, in drier
areas, address long-term water needs. Drip irrigation
works well for plugs or potted plants. For native grasses
and wildflower mixes that are broadcast, planting
should be done during the rainy season, with back-up
sprinkler irrigation.
➣ Soils: Soil type will influence the plants that will
thrive in an area. Amending planting holes with good
quality compost also improves growth rate.
➣ Sunlight: Most native perennial shrubs, forbs, and
grasses do best in locations with full sunlight. Plants,
however, should be selected based on the site conditions
and some varieties thrive in shade.
➣ Accessibility: The site should be accessible to equipment
for site preparation, planting and maintenance.
Plant Selection
The choice of plants for a buffer will vary based on goals
and objectives of the producer. Many potential goals are
listed as benefits in Table 1 and include habitat creation,
erosion reduction and water quality protection.
➣ Pesticide drift mitigation: If the objective is pesticide
drift mitigation to address NOP requirements, buffer
plants should be selected to provide enough height,
leaf area, and structural diversity to intercept anticipated
contamination, especially pesticide drift, from adjacent conventionally managed land. For buffers with
a high risk of frequent exposure to insecticides, the
buffer should have approximately 40-50% porosity
in multiple rows to allow the wind to go through the
trees—not up and over—and ensure droplets are
captured by the leaves. The design of a buffer should
focus on leafy canopy (e.g., evergreen, conifers, and
small needles) rather than nectar and pollen resources
of beneficial insects. For design details, see Windbreaks
Designed with Pollinators in Mind, listed in Appendix
C. The method of pesticide application (e.g., aerial
application via plane or application by back-pack
sprayer) will also be factored in by the certifying
agency when determining the size and structure of a
buffer zone.
➣ Pollinators and beneficials: If the landowner’s goal
is to provide habitat for beneficials, then the design
should focus on providing year-round nectar and pollen
resources as well as nesting and overwintering habitat.
Native plants often provide the greatest benefit.
➣ Planting stock: As crops in the buffer cannot be
sold as certified organic, producers are not required to
use certified organic seeds and planting stock. Seeds,
however, must not be treated with non-approved
synthetic substances to prevent contamination of
the adjacent organic crops. Producers should always
check with their certifier before planting or applying
anything new on their operation.
➣ Runoff filtration: A mixture of perennial grasses and
forbs can be established for this purpose. The more
diverse the vegetation, the more effective the buffer will
be at slowing down the run-off and allowing the soil
and roots to absorb it. For riparian areas, adding trees
and shrubs to a buffer may also provide shade to cool
the water in support of desirable aquatic organisms,
and habitat for birds and other terrestrial organisms.
➣ Seeding wildflowers: Wildflowers can be planted
from seed within or adjacent to hedgerows to provide
plant structure and diversity. Seeding requires excellent
site preparation to reduce weed pressure since weed
control options are limited when the wildflowers start
to germinate. For more information on establishing
wildflowers from seed, see Conservation Cover (327)
5
6. Plant Selection, continued
for Pollinators: Specifications and Implementation
Requirements, listed in Appendix C. Transplanting
may improve chances of establishment, but will be
more expensive than seeds.
➣ Multiple functions: Grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees
have different functions and characteristics within
the ecosystem and understanding these will allow
the landowner to better design a buffer to meet their
objectives. In most situations, buffers designed to
meet a grower’s primary objective(s) can also meet
several secondary objectives by including two or more
of these groups of plants. For example, the dense root
systems of perennial grasses are ideal for filter strips,
but adding forbs creates a more diverse filter strip
which can provide habitat for beneficial insects and is
more resilient to seasonal variations in weather.
Adding shrubs and trees further diversifies buffer
structure. Use of different plant types should be
evaluated based on the landowner’s objectives and
resource concerns, which might include: aesthetic
value; bloom time; flower shape, size, and duration
of bloom (in support of predators, parasites and
pollinators); nesting and perch habitat for birds and
raptors; use as windbreaks and road dust barriers;
ditch stabilization or revegetation; or providing shade
for stream cooling and fish habitat.
➣ Plant growth and development: The buffer zone’s
interaction with adjacent crops is dynamic and will
change with time. Plants in the buffer zone will
increase in size and change the ecology of the area by
providing shade, wind protection, new micro-climates,
new habitat including overwintering habitat, and new
food sources such as nectar, pollen, berries, seeds, fruit,
and alternative prey. Deer may browse on buffer zone
plants, as well as crops; rabbits, ground squirrels and
rodents may take advantage of buffer zone habitat.
Site Preparation
Site preparation is one of the most important
components to successfully establishing a buffer. On
an organic operation this can present a unique set of
challenges since chemical herbicides are generally not
allowed. Competition from weeds can envelop a poorly
prepped site, killing off many of the buffer plants (see
Figure 7). Investing time—in many cases an entire
growing season—and effort in creating a well prepared
buffer planting site will pay off in lower maintenance
and plant replacement costs, and a better growth and
establishment rate for the buffer plants. The focus of site
preparation in the buffer area should be:
In areas with poor drainage or high rainfall, planting on
raised beds or berms could be used to address issues of
wet soils in a buffer. Most native perennials will flourish
in a well-drained environment.
Site preparation weed management options are provided
in Table 2 and largely focus on trees and shrubs used to
meet NOP buffer requirements. Pictures of proper site
preparation and maintenance are provided on the
following pages.
➣ Reduce the weed seed bank in the top soil layers
➣ Eliminate all perennial weeds
➣ Avoid disturbing the soil after the weed seed
bank and weed pressure are reduced.
Resources for Buffer Design
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Pollinator Habitat Installation Guides
www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/agriculture/
pollinator-habitat-installation-guides
6
Conservation Buffers: Design Guidelines for
Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways. Bentrup, G.
2008. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-109. Asheville, NC.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern
Research Station. 110 p.
http://nac.unl.edu/buffers/docs/conservation_buffers.pdf
7. Table 2. Weed Management Options
METHOD: Stale Seedbed
Where to Use:
Timing:
➣ Where weed pressure is low to moderate
➣ Total time: Four to six weeks
➣ Areas with a low risk of erosion
➣ Begin: Any time
➣ Areas accessible to equipment
➣ Plant: Fall or early spring
Basic Instructions:
1. This can be done in various combinations: Tillage-Irrigation-Light Tillage-Mulch, or Tillage-IrrigationFlaming-Mulch, or Tillage-Irrigation-Organic Herbicide-Mulch
2. Where weed pressure is low, till the existing vegetation for the length and width of the hedgerow.
3. Irrigate with sprinklers or natural rainfall.
4. To kill emerging weeds, do very shallow tillage (Lilliston or harrow), or use flame weeders or organic
herbicides. It’s critical to flame or herbicide the weeds when they’re small (2 to 3 inches) to kill them.
Use of an organic herbicide might require multiple applications.
5. Mulch with weed barrier cloth, weed-seed-free straw mulch, wood chips, or other materials.
Organic Herbicides: Herbicides approved for use in organic systems are generally much less effective than
conventional herbicides such as glyphosate. Organic herbicides are most effective when used on small
plants (1 to 3 inches). See Appendix B for more information about types of organic herbicides.
Mulches: Weed barrier cloth is very effective in suppressing weeds, but does not allow for ground-nesting
native bees or other beneficial invertebrates to tunnel in the soil. When it is used in a cropped area, the NOP
stipulates that synthetic mulch must be removed at the end of the season. Buffers are generally considered
non-cropped areas, unless crops are produced in the buffer zone. In some cases burlap is used as a long-term
substitute for synthetic materials. Care should be taken in the selection of mulches in riparian areas as they
can be washed into waterways. Organic mulches of straw, wood chips and other materials can be effective
weed barriers, and once these materials degrade, ground-nesting bees are able to access the soil surface.
A six-inch layer of straw mulch will generally last only one season.
METHOD: Smother Cropping
Where to Use:
➣ Where weed pressure is low to moderate
➣ Areas with a low risk of erosion
➣ Areas accessible to equipment
Timing:
➣ Total time: One to three months
➣ Begin: Summer
➣ Plant: Generally quick-growing summer cover
crops are used and planted once temperatures
have warmed enough in the spring or summer.
➣ Smother crop method may be used prior to
use of stale seedbed in the spring or summer
Basic Instructions:
1. Select quick-growing crops appropriate for the site. Buckwheat, millets, and sorghum-sudan
grasses are usually best. Clovers are too slow to effectively compete with weeds and legumes will
fix unnecessary nitrogen.
2. Seed into prepped bed immediately after finished working the soil; use a seeding rate 1.5 to 3 times the
normal rate to create an effective smother crop more quickly.
3. Once mature, incorporate the cover crop while minimizing soil disturbance.
4. Ideally follow smother crop with appropriate version of Stale Seedbed technique described above.
7
8. METHOD: Solarization
Where to Use:
Timing:
➣ Where weed pressure is moderate to high
➣ Begin: Works best during mid-summer
➣ Areas with a low risk of erosion
➣ Plant: Fall or winter
➣ Areas accessible to tillage equipment
➣ Timing will vary between 4 and 8 weeks
➣ Locations with full sun, warm weather,
depending on sun intensity and temperature
and dry summers
during solarization
Basic Instructions:
1. Mow, rake, harrow, or till and smooth the site in the spring, raking off debris, if necessary.
2. After smoothing the site, irrigate thoroughly and lay clear UV-stabilized plastic, or “regular” clear 1 ml
plastic (Molinar, R. 2013, pers. comm.), burying the edges to prevent airflow between the plastic and
the ground. Check with your local extension service for which plastic they recommend. Weigh down
the center of the plastic if necessary to prevent the wind from lifting it. Use greenhouse repair tape for
any rips that occur during the season.
3. Remove the plastic in early fall (remember that non-UV stabilized plastic, although less expensive than
UV-stabalized plastic, will disintegrate if left too long in the sun) and immediately install transplants. Refer
to the Planting Considerations section of this document for specific bed-preparation recommendations.
4. Once the plastic is removed, avoid disturbing the soil as much as possible because disturbances bring
viable weed seed to the surface.
“Regular” Plastic vs. UV-Stabilized (UVS) Plastic: UVS plastic is much more expensive than “regular”
clear plastic, and is only needed if the farmer intends to keep the plastic on the ground beyond 5 - 6
weeks. In hotter areas (such as California’s Central Valley), 1 ml of clear plastic (non-UV stabilized) can
provide excellent results in four weeks if done during midsummer (mid-June to September). High tunnel
greenhouse plastic can be used as a source of UVS plastic if other sources are not available.
Site Preparation Examples
Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 show preparation at a single location.
Figure 3. The producer started in October with a weed-free planting
bed created by disking the soil to remove weeds.
8
Figure 4. The same site after a January rainstorm, a couple of months
post planting.
9. Figure 5. The site in May, six months after planting. Weed management
was done with a combination of hand weeding and straw mulch. Note
the fruit trees in wire cages for deer protection. This grower includes
fruit trees in hedgerows for himself and the workers on the operation.
Figure 6. The site in June, three years later. Bare spots in the buffer are
still being mulched with straw.
Figure 7. This hedgerow has become overwhelmed with grass weeds.
Many of the plants succumbed to the weedy competition, even though
they had the carton protection, which helps mark the plants for
agricultural workers, and protects the young plants from wind and
sun and, to a lesser extent, from weed competition. The grower might
have been better off using a plastic weed barrier, more aggressive site
preparation, or thick mulch.
Figure 8. A two-year-old hedgerow with a plastic weed barrier mulch
has been very effective in keeping weeds from growing but prevents
perennial forbs, such as yarrow, from expanding beyond the holes
in which they were planted. The plastic weed barrier also prevents
beneficials such as ground-nesting bees, predacious ground beetles,
and spiders from accessing the soil.
9
10. Short-Term Maintenance and Planting Considerations
The more densely the buffer area is planted, the more
quickly a weed-suppressive cover will be established. This
is a cost-benefit decision, as high density plantings also
cost more due to the greater number of plants or seeds
used. Combinations of perennial trees and shrubs with
understories of native grasses and wildflowers can be used
in various ways. If seeds are used to plant the buffer (as
opposed to plugs or transplants) weed control prior to
planting must be very thorough. It is impractical to weed
the seeded area once the buffer plants germinate. It may
be worthwhile to increase the seeding rate by up to 50%
or more in order to achieve a weed-suppressive cover
more quickly. Alternatively, a focus on seeding perennial
wildflowers will allow for mowing annual weeds. Siteappropriate native plants may also aid in successful buffer
establishment because they require less water and nutrients.
Regular shovels are usually adequate for transplanting
most woody nursery stock. However, dibble sticks or
mechanical transplanters are sometimes helpful for plugplanting. Power augers and mechanical tree spades can
be helpful for larger plants. Depending on weed pressure,
hedgerow plants can be installed through planting holes
cut into landscape fabric, after which the fabric is
typically covered with mulch. While this practice may be
highly effective for weed control, it likely reduces nesting
opportunities for ground-nesting pollinators and other
wildlife. Hedgerows should be installed without, or with
minimal, landscape fabric when possible.
➣ Amendments: Most native plants are adapted to
a variety of soil conditions and do not need any
specific amendments. However, in areas where the soil
is compacted, degraded, or depleted, compost should
be used during planting. Compost should be free from
weed seeds, aged properly, and mixed thoroughly with
soil in the holes during planting. Where rodent damage
may occur, underground wire cages around roots are
recommended. Plant guards also may be needed to
protect plants from above ground browsing or antler
damage by deer. Newly planted areas should be clearly
marked to protect them from mowing and herbicides.
➣ Plant size: Consider size at maturity when planting.
Most woody shrubs can be spaced on 4- to 10-foot
centers and most herbaceous plants spaced closer on 2to 3-foot centers. It is helpful to measure the planting
areas prior to purchasing transplants and to stage the
transplants in the planting area prior to installing them
in the ground.
10
➣ Transplanting: Transplanting often occurs in the
spring, but can happen anytime the ground can
be worked. It should be timed to avoid prolonged
periods of hot, dry, or windy weather. In drier regions,
it is important to plant early to allow root growth
before the summer. Regardless of when planting
occurs, however, the transplants should be irrigated
thoroughly immediately after planting. Holes for
plants can be dug and pre-irrigated prior to planting
as well. Some woody native shrub and tree cuttings,
commonly called slips, can be planted directly into
the ground. Specific species readily root and can be
planted in the fall before the rainy season.
➣ Irrigation: In most areas that do not receive abundant
fall and winter rains, native and drought-tolerant woody
plants should be irrigated with at least one inch of water
per week (except during natural rain events), for the first
two years after planting. Long, deep watering is best
to encourage deep root system development. Shallow
irrigation should be avoided. Drip irrigation is useful,
although it may be cost-prohibitive in large buffer areas.
Other methods that allow for deep watering can also be
successful. It is advisable to irrigate at the base of plants
and avoid overhead irrigation that would encourage weed
growth. Plugs are more amenable to drip irrigation, but
drip lines with closely spaced emitter holes can be used
for irrigation of native annuals. Once plants are established, irrigation should be removed or greatly decreased.
In areas with very little precipitation, irrigation may be
needed for the lifespan of the buffer. Non-native plants
may require more frequent irrigation, and may still
require supplemental irrigation once established.
➣ Mulching: To reduce weed competition and retain
moisture during the establishment phase, plantings
should be mulched. Recommended materials include
wood chips, bark dust, weed-free straw, nut shells,
grapeseed pomace, or other regionally appropriate
weed-free mulch materials.
➣ Mowing: Mowing is a good method to control
weeds during buffer establishment and for long-term
maintenance. Mow weeds when they are flowering
to prevent weed seed formation. Set mower height
above the establishing herbaceous buffer plants (8” or
higher) to prevent injury to them. This should be
done during a time when birds and other desirable
wildlife are not nesting. If the buffer/hedgerow has
no understory, mow close to the ground.
11. Long-Term Maintenance of Buffers
Buffer zones require maintenance, and the type of
maintenance depends on what has been planted and
its location. The most important maintenance considerations are irrigation, weeding, and replacing dead plants.
An important component of reducing plant mortality
in the buffer zone is making sure workers know which
plants are “keepers”. Flag or stake the plugs and transplants
so that workers can differentiate buffer zone plants from
weeds and don’t destroy them by hoe, weed-wacker,
mowing, mulching, or flaming.
➣ Burning: Burning can sometimes revitalize grassy
buffers by getting rid of old thatch and providing
more space for some of the native plants. Mowing is
another way that a buffer zone can be revitalized and,
as mentioned above, both should be done in blocks to
minimize disturbance of wildlife.
➣ Irrigation: Long-term irrigation needs will vary greatly
based on geography. In California, for example, native
woody plants and perennials generally require two
to three years of irrigation to insure their long-term
survival. Drip irrigation is usually sufficient, and
longer, deeper watering intervals will support deeper
root penetration. As stated above, in regions with very
little precipitation, irrigation may be needed for the
lifespan of the buffer. Use of overhead irrigation will
likely encourage weed growth and may interfere with
weed management practices.
➣ Food Safety: As mentioned previously, deer, rabbits,
ground squirrels and other animals may use the buffer
zone for food and habitat. In some cases this may result
in food safety concerns as animals may enter crop
production areas and leave scat. However, buffer zones
can help to address other food safety concerns such
as the use of filter strips to prevent irrigation water
contamination. As rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) are finalized and implemented,
producers will need to be aware of these issues.
➣ Replacements: When planting perennials, it’s to be
expected that some small percentage of the plants die.
These skips should be replanted as soon as possible to
prevent weeds from filling the gap.
➣ Weed management: As noted earlier, reducing weeds
on a planting bed is very important. Use of plastic
collars can protect young trees from grazing, weed
competition, and inadvertent mowing. Hand weeding
is more commonly used on buffer zones that have
used mulch. Use of weed barrier cloth reduces the
need for hand weeding in buffer zones. In areas that
do not contain flammable mulch, hand-held flamers
can provide efficient weed control if used when weeds
are young (under three inches). As flaming does not
involve disturbing the soil, it does not bring up
additional weed seeds into the germination zone.
Grasses are more difficult to control with flame
weeding, as their growing tips are protected.
➣ Grazing: Grazing can be used to manage buffers,
but should be done with a good understanding of
the forage preferences of the grazing animal, and a
plan for moving the animals before any damage occurs
to the buffer. Temporary fencing may be needed to
prevent access of grazers to crops or to sensitive riparian
areas. Grazing should not take place when the soil
is wet, when buffer plants are seedlings or setting
seed, when plant cover is sparse, or when plants are
stressed from drought.
Figure 9. This double row of deciduous trees on a small organic
farm in Washington provides a buffer from the neighboring farm,
acts as a windbreak, and provides shade for workers and nesting
habitat for birds.
11
12. Appendix A.
Seed Suppliers and Plant Lists
General and Multi-State
NRCS Electronic Field Office Technical Guide
locator (eFOTG).
http://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/efotg_locator.aspx?map=
Native Plants Database (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center). The Xerces Society has collaborated with
the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to create lists
of plants that are attractive to native bees, bumble bees,
honey bees, and other beneficial insects, as well as plant
lists with value as nesting materials for native bees.
These lists can be narrowed down with additional
criteria such as state, soil moisture, bloom time, and
sunlight requirements.
www.wildflower.org/collections
Native Seed Network. Resource to link buyers and sellers
of native seed by geography. The site includes information
about the use of native plants, seed selection and other
resources.
www.nativeseednetwork.org
Pacific Northwest Plants for Native Bees (Xerces
Society Fact Sheet). A list of native plants attractive to
pollinators based upon extensive observation by Xerces
Society pollination ecologists.
www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/
pacificnw-plants-for-bees-xerces3.pdf
Plant Species for Pollinator Habitat in the Inland
Pacific Northwest (USDA-NRCS Pullman Washington
Plant Materials Center) is a poster that lists recommended
pollinator plants east of the Cascade Mountains, with
detailed information on seeding rates, plant characteristics,
drought tolerance, bloom time, and other attributes.
www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/wapmcpo9185.pdf
12
Plants for Pollinators in the Inland Northwest
(USDA-NRCS Technical Note) provides guidance for
design and implementation of conservation plantings to
enhance habitat for pollinators. Plant species included in
this document are adapted to the Inland Northwest,
encompassing eastern Washington, northeastern Oregon
and northern Idaho.
www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/
nrcstechnote_plantsinlandnw1.pdf
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center website provides information on pollinator plant lists, conservation
guides, pesticide protection, seed venders, nurseries, and
more. Xerces Society.
www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center
Technical References: Plant Fact Sheets, Plant Guides
and Technical Notes (USDA-NRCS)
www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/tech_ref.html
USDA Plants Database
http://plants.usda.gov
California
Native Plant Nurseries and Native Seed Suppliers,
California, Sam Earnshaw, 2004 in Hedgerows for
California Agriculture: A Resource Guide. Community
Alliance with Family Farmers. 70 p. (Appendix A, page
26. Plants Suitable for Various Regions [in CA], and
Appendix E, pages 44-6, Nurseries & Seed Companies)
http://caff.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Hedgerow_
manual.pdf
NRCS Plant Material Center
PO Box 68/ 21001 N. Elliott Rd.
Lockeford, CA 95237
209-727-5319
Margaret.Smither-Kopperl@ca.usda.gov
13. Idaho
NRCS Plant Material Center
P.O. Box 296/ 1691 A South 2700 West
Aberdeen, ID 83210-0296
208-397-4133
Loren.Stjohn@id.usda.gov
Oregon
NRCS Plant Material Center
3415 NE Granger Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97330-9620
541-757-4812
Kathy.Pendergrass@or.usda.gov
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/
plantsanimals/plants/centers/?cid=stelprdb1086114
Farmscaping for Beneficials Program
Integrated Plant Protection Center
Oregon State University
2036 Cordley Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331
gwendolyn@science.oregonstate.edu
www.ipmnet.org/BeetleBank/Farmscaping_for_
Beneficials.html
Plants for Pollinators in Oregon
http://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/Plants_for_
Pollinators_in_Oregon_PM%2013.pdf
Selecting Native Plant Materials for Restoration
http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/
handle/1957/20385/em8885-e.pdf
Nevada
NRCS Plant Material Center
2055 Schurz Highway
Fallon, NV 89406
775-423-7957
eric.eldredge@nv.usda.gov
Washington
NRCS Plant Material Center
PO Box 646211/ 211-A Hulbert Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-6211
509-335-6892
Mark.Stannard@wa.usda.gov
Figure 10. This buffer zone protects the adjacent crop from dust and wind, provides
diverse pollen and nectar for beneficials, and offers shelter (including overwintering
habitat) for pollinators and natural enemies of crop pests in all seasons. It consists
of seven species of native perennials planted in a repeated pattern.
13
14. Appendix B.
Classes of Organic Herbicides
(Webber et al. 2008)
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
maintains lists of generic materials and trade names of
materials, including herbicides, registered for use on
organic operations. For more information, see:
www.omri.org
Corn Gluten Meal (CGM), a byproduct of the
wet-milling process of corn, and Mustard Meal (MM)
are phytotoxic. The non-selective preemergence, or
preplant-incorporated, herbicides CGM and MM inhibit
root development, decrease shoot length, and reduce
plant survival of weed and crop seedlings. Research has
demonstrated that CGM can be effectively used for weed
control with established turf, transplanted vegetables, and,
if precisely applied to provide a CGM-free planting strip,
for direct-seeded vegetables. It is essential to understand
that as non-selective herbicides, CGM and MM can
injure or kill germinating and emerging crop seedlings.
Crop safety is greater when these substances are applied
to established perennial plants. Initial research with MM
has shown similar application and weed control potential
as CGM. Although CGM and MM can provide effective
early preemergence weed control of germinating weed
seeds, supplemental weed control measures will be
required to control escaped weeds, established perennial
weeds, or weeds emerging in the mid-to late-growing
season. CGM and MM must not be derived from
genetically modified organisms (GMO) to be cleared
as potential organic materials. MM can cause extreme
dermal reaction in humans and should be used with
suitable protective equipment.
Vinegar. There are a number of organically approved
products that contain vinegar (i.e., 5%, 10%, and 20%
acetic acid). Vinegar (acetic acid) is a non-selective
contact herbicide. In general, weed control increases as
acetic acid content and application volume increase (i.e.,
20, 40, 80, and 100 gpa). Typically, vinegar is less effective
in controlling grasses than broad leaf weeds and more
effective on annual species than perennials. In addition
to application volumes and concentration, weed control
is also dependent on the weed size and the species.
Carpetweed (Mollugo verticilata l.) is very sensitive to
14
acetic acid at very low concentrations and application
volumes, while yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus l.)
is able to tolerate high acetic acid concentrations and
application volumes. Repeated applications of acetic acid
may be necessary for satisfactory weed control depending
on weed size, weed species, and whether it is an annual
or perennial plant. There is also a difference between
nonsynthetic and synthetic acetic acid and approval for
use in organic production. If the material is intended for
use on certified organic land, check for approval of your
specific product with your organic certifying agency.
Also keep in mind that clearance for organic use does
not mean a product cannot cause personal injury, if
handled in an unsafe manner. Vinegar with greater
than 10% acetic acid can cause severe eye damage or
even blindness.
Clove Oil. Clove oil is the active ingredient in a number
of organically approved postemergent non-selective
herbicides. Clove oil weed control efficacy can be as
good, or better than acetic acid herbicides, and can be
applied at lower application volumes and remain effective.
As with acetic acid and other contact herbicides, broadleaf weed control, in general, is greater than grass weed
control. There is evidence that adding certain organically
approved adjuvants (i.e., garlic and yucca extracts) will
increase weed control with clove oil.
D-Limonene, Orange Oil and Lemongrass Oil.
These are all contact, post-emergent herbicides. As
with acetic acid and other contact herbicides, control
of broadleaf weeds is greater than grass weed control.
Adding an organically acceptable adjuvant may result
in improved control.
Ammonium Nonanoate or Ammonium Pelargonate.
This is another non-selective contact post emergent
herbicide that has shown excellent weed control activity
and has just recently received clearance as an organic
herbicide. Ammonium nonanoate occurs in nature and
is formed from the biodegradation of higher fatty acids.
Ammonium nonanoate is more effective on broad leaf
weeds than grasses and smaller or younger weeds than
larger or more mature weeds. Ammonium nonanoate
can be effective at more application volumes than acetic
acid products.
15. Appendix C.
References
Adamson, N., T. Ward, M. Vaughan. 2011. Windbreaks
Designed with Pollinators in Mind. Inside Agroforestry
Journal, pages 8-10. An overview of multi-purpose
windbreaks designed with pollinator-friendly trees
and shrubs.
http://nac.unl.edu/documents/insideagroforestry/
vol20issue1.pdf
Bentrup, G. 2008. Conservation Buffers: Design
Guidelines for Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways.
Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-109. Asheville, NC. Department
of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research
Station. 110 p.
http://nac.unl.edu/buffers/docs/conservation_buffers.pdf
Earnshaw, S. 2004. Hedgerows for California
Agriculture. A Resource Guide. Community Alliance
with Family Farmers. 70 p.
http://caff.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Hedgerow_
manual.pdf
Elmore, C.L., J.J. Stapleton, C.E. Bell, and J.E. DeVay.
1997. Soil Solarization: A Nonpesticidal Method for
Controlling Diseases, Nematodes, and Weeds.
U.C. Vegetable Research and Information Center. 17 p.
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/soil_solarization.pdf
Molinar, Richard. 2013. Personal communication about
use of 1 ml, non-UV-stabilized plastic for soil solarization.
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Conservation Cover (327) for Pollinators: Specifications
and Implementation Requirements. Draft 2013.
www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/agriculture/
pollinator-habitat-installation-guides
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Hedgerow Planting (422) for Pollinators: Specifications
and Implementation Requirements. Draft 2013.
www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/agriculture/
pollinator-habitat-installation-guides
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center website
provides additional information on pollinator plant lists,
conservation guides, pesticide protection and more.
www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center
Xerces Society Pollinator Program,
Seed Mix Calculator
Develop your own pollinator conservation seed mix
using this seed rate calculator.
www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/XERCESSEED-MIX-CALCULATOR.xls
Yolo County Resource Conservation District,
Bring Farm Edges Back to Life! 2001.
This landowner handbook gives clear instructions for
establishing hedgerows, seeding native grasses, and
applying other conservation practices.
www.yolorcd.org/nodes/resource/publications.htm
Pendergrass, K., M. Vaughan, J. Williams. 2008. Plants
for Pollinators in Oregon. USDA-NRCS Technical
Note, Plant Materials No. 13. This publication describes
the biology and habitat needs of native bees and other
beneficial insects. An extensive and detailed list of plant
species is included on pages 15-20.
http://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/Plants_for_
Pollinators_in_Oregon_PM%2013.pdf
Webber III, C.L., J.W. Schrefler, L.P. Brandenberger,
W.C. Johnson III, A.R. Davis, M.J. Taylor, and R.A.
Boydston. 2008. Current Substances for Organic
Weed Control in Vegetables or What Do We Have in
Our Organic Weed Control Toolbox?
http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/45465/PDF
15