The Current State and Future Directions of Organic No-Till Farming with Cover Crops in Canada, with Case Study Support

Heather M. Beach, Ken W. Laing, Morris Van De Walle and Ralph C. Martin
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Heather M. Beach: Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Ken W. Laing: Orchard Hill Farm, 45415 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S9, Canada
Morris Van De Walle: Vandeholm Farms Ltd., 560 Emily St. R.R.#1, St. Marys, ON N4X 1C4, Canada
Ralph C. Martin: Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Eliminating regular tillage practices in agriculture has numerous ecological benefits that correspond to the intentions of organic agriculture; yet, more tillage is conducted in organic agriculture than in conventional agriculture. Organic systems face more management challenges to avoid tillage. This paper identifies factors to consider when implementing no-till practices particularly in organic agronomic and vegetable crop agriculture and describes techniques to address these factors. In some cases, future research is recommended to effectively address the current limitations. The format includes a literature review of organic no-till (OrgNT) research and two case studies of Ontario organic farmers that highlight no-till challenges and practices to overcome these challenges. Cover crops require significant consideration because they are the alternative to herbicides and fertilizers to manage weeds and provide nutrients in the OrgNT system. Equipment requirements have also proven to be unique in OrgNT systems. In the future, it is recommended that researchers involve organic farmers closely in studies on no-till implementation, so that the farmers’ concerns are effectively addressed, and research is guided by possibilities recognized by the practitioners.

Keywords: cover crop; mulch; no-till; organic agriculture; roller-crimper; rye; tillage; vetch (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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