Victoria, how about addressing the major pollution problem of
nitrogen runoff? Much of this *is* from commercial fertilizers, but
there is a lot that also comes from livestock operations. Why is it
that "waste disposal" of N-rich manures is such a big problem for
many dairies and other livestock operations at the same time that
people are paying big bucks for synthetic nitrogen? I think that
Avery's assumptions only make sense assuming that we continue this
assinine custom of leaving major breaks in the nutrient cycle.
>most of the organic farmers I talk to *do* tend to import N in the
>form of off-farm compost, off-farm manure, etc. Their goal is
>always not to have to do so, but this goal seems difficult to
>achieve.
Certainly cover cropping in a crop rotation is critical, but if this
isn't sufficient, maybe organic ag needs to take a clue from the
biodynamics people and give some consideration to making their
operations into "farm organisms." The first part of this having
livestock on the land -- the natural source of high quality
nutrients, including the precious nitrogen. One last comment,
manures need to be properly handled (composted) for ultimate nutrient
value and food safety. Anita
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