Heller Guidebooks Archives - Organic Farming Research Foundation

Plant Genetics: Plant Breeding and Variety Selection

Plant breeding and cultivar development conducted for and within the context of organic farming systems can lead to improved organic crop yields, and thereby facilitate adoption of organic practices that protect and build soil health.

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OFRF’s Mark Schonbeck covers plant breeding and variety selection for performance in sustainable organic systems, including nutrient and moisture use efficiency, weed competitiveness, and enhanced interactions with beneficial soil biota, in the webinar linked below. Heritable traits that could directly benefit soil biology and soil health are also discussed.

By office|2025-12-08T11:20:20-05:00January 1st, 2017|News, Plant Breeding & Variety Selection, Soil Health and Organic Farming Reports|

Water Management and Water Quality

Efficient utilization of irrigation water is essential for production, economic, and environmental reasons, especially in regions with limited annual rainfall. Managing water resources effectively during both water scarcity and periods of water excess is critical for successful farming.

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By office|2025-12-08T11:22:30-05:00January 1st, 2017|News, Reports, Soil Health and Organic Farming Reports, Water Management & Irrigation, Weeds|

Nutrient Management for Crops, Soil and the Environment

Soil organic matter and soil organisms are the primary source of fertilizer on organic farms. In this context, the grower’s job is to protect and nourish soil life and replenish organic matter and nutrients removed in harvest.

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By office|2025-12-08T11:25:02-05:00January 1st, 2017|Cover Crops & Crop Rotation, News, Reports, Soil Health, Soil Health and Organic Farming Reports|

Practical Conservation Tillage

Organic farmers recognize healthy, living soil as the foundation of successful farming, and many seek practical means to reduce tillage in order to protect the soil organic matter, soil life, and improved tilth build up through green manures, compost applications, and other organic practices.

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Presenter Mark Schonbeck discusses the impacts of tillage on soil health, including practical, soil-friendly tillage practices for organic systems. The webinar also covers several newer tillage tools and approaches that reduce adverse impacts on soil life and soil structure.

By office|2025-12-08T11:09:12-05:00January 1st, 2017|News, Soil Health, Soil Health and Organic Farming Reports, Weeds|

Cover Crops: Selection and Management

Over the past 30 years, cover cropping has emerged as a key soil health and resource conservation practice for annual crop production. Truly sustainable agriculture must maintain effective vegetative cover of the soil, even when the field is not in production.

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By office|2025-12-08T11:14:34-05:00January 1st, 2017|Cover Crops & Crop Rotation, News, Reports, Soil Health, Soil Health and Organic Farming Reports|

Weed Management: An Ecological Approach

Organic farmers recognize healthy, living soils as essential for successful production. Perhaps the greatest soil health challenge relates to weed management, especially in annual crops. Without conventional herbicides, organic producers often use the practices of tillage and cultivation.

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By office|2025-12-08T11:03:52-05:00January 1st, 2017|Soil Health, Soil Health and Organic Farming Reports, Weeds|