Dear colleagues,
I've been asked by the local organic producers association to
fill out a grant application for some organic gardening research.
Specifically, the group is interested in looking at the effect of
cultural methods (mulching, double-digging, roto-tilling) and site
characteristics (weedy border vs. clean border) on the level of pests
and beneficials in some major crops (probably things like beans,
tomatoes, squash, etc.). This research will primarily be aimed at
the pest problems of small organic farms, rather than large
operations.
Unfortunately, I've been given little time to prepare this
research proposal, since it is due in a week. I was wondering if
anyone out there could point me toward any references that would be
relevant as background for this kind of research. I'm sure a lot has
been said about mulches - I already have some info. on allelopathic
mulch effects and their impacts on plant disease, but we obviously
need more than that. Any help at all, even good review articles,
would be greatly appreciated.
Richard S. Winder