Effect of plant biomass and their incorporation depth on organic wheat produc-tion in Kenya

Intensive agricultural technologies introduced in Africa some six decades ago paved the way for extensive land clearing and destruction of organic materials, development of high yielding crop varieties under monoculture and replacement of landraces. Si-multaneously, pesticides and antibiotics for use in agricultural pest and disease control were being developed and soon the face of agriculture was transformed by what was termed the Green Revolution. However, the apparent success accruing from such heavy investment was short-lived since the system would easily succumb to soil erosion, reduced soil organic matter, environmental pollution and pest and disease outbreaks. The inevitable result is the inability of land to sustain food productivity and worsening poverty. In response to these dangers, organic agriculture is considered a viable approach which meets the critical need for food security, food safety, as well as human and environmental health. The use of naturally occurring and locally available farm inputs such are plant materials, animal manures and mineral nutrient rich rock ores such as rock phosphates as plant nutrient sources are instrumental in refurbish-ing soil fertility in a sustainable and economical way. In this experiment, green ma-nures derived from Tithonia diversifolia, Dolichos lablab and Tephrosia vogelli were evaluated for their effect on the performance of organically grown wheat. These mate-rials were incorporated at different soil depths namely; 0 cm (mulch), 15 cm and 30 cm deep. Rock phosphate was used as a source of phosphorus and wheat was planted 2 weeks after incorporation. Significant yield increase (15% higher than the untreated control) was observed in the Tithonia treatment. This was attributed to the high nutri-ent concentrations and the quick release of these nutrients in the tissues of Tithonia. Shallow applications of the plant materials also gave better responses than deep application. Apparently, shallow applications are appropriate for shallow rotted crops like wheat. It was concluded that locally available plant material of high nutrient con-centrations which decompose easily to release its nutrients can complement other soil management packages for organic crops in Kenya

Die Soziale Innovationskraft des Ökologischen Landbaus – zwischen Main Stream und Gesellschaftlichem Wandel

In this article we present a conceptual framework to describe and assess how conversion towards organic farming can qualify as a social innovation (SI). For that we critically analyze the current concepts on SI and add insights from Practice Theory (PT) to create an instrument to apply the idea of SI within the context of organic agrofood-systems. We introduce an example and conclude with a summary of the added value of an extended concept of SI using insights from PT

Höhere Standards in europäischen Biobetrieben und ihre Kommunikation an die KonsumentInnen

In times of rapid growth of the organic sector, efforts are made to define and strengthen organic values. A prominent example are the IFOAM-principles, which form the basis for ethical commitment in context with organic farming, without being fully integrated into organic regulations. This article addresses the question which ethical and other activities are practised in organic farms and companies that go beyond the regulations and if and how these activities are communicated to consumers. The survey encompasses 100 farms and companies in five European countries (Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Switzerland). After a descriptive analysis of the farms and companies, the background and use of communication arguments is explored. Finally, a proposal for a classification of the arguments is made. Although several organic producers and processors practise activities in the economic, ecologic, social and cultural field that go beyond the organic regulations, the communication to the consumers could be improved in many cases

Merging Ethics and Economics: Modernizing Values in Viennese Farmers' Markets

The values, goals and mission statements described by FM managers and individual vendors have been examined to understand their role within FMs and how they may affect or what they may have to offer CA in Austria and Minnesota. Initially, the strong following of CA, sharing the values of the IFOAM normative principles, in Minnesota offers many possibilities to bolster popularity and support for small farmers through FMs. More specifically, Viennese farmers’ markets may be able to gather support for farmers and communities alike if FMs would be seen as independent entities from the more permanent Viennese markets. This would allow for a separate purpose with different goals and values influencing the markets daily actions. These comparative farmers’ market case studies permit the understanding of the logistics and values of farmers’ markets in two cities independent of each other and across two continents. Preliminarily, a lack of prevalent values and ethics in Viennese markets due to the predominant market governance structure lead to a fragmented identity and purpose. Conversely, disjointed governance structures in Minneapolis markets lead to confusion of regulations, yet a variety of values and ethics clearly influencing the markets. The shared knowledge of this research should help both researchers and farmers’ market managers to exchange information and ideas that may contribute to the success of FMs and ultimately support small farmers

Kommunikation von "bioPlus"-Leistungen

Regionalität, Ressourcenschonung und soziales Engagement sind Zusatzleistungen, die Biobetriebe besonders häufig an ihre Konsumenten kommunizieren. Im wachsenden Ökomarkt gewinnen solche Differenzierungsstrategien an Bedeutung

Green manuring for tropical organic cropping – A comparative analysis

Green manuring is an essential component of tropical organic farming. Field studies evaluated the use of three legumes as in situ or ex situ green manures, along with a nonlegume green manure and a control to ascertain their impacts on soil properties and yields of maize and mung bean grown in major (wet) and minor (dry) seasons. In situ green manuring, especially with legumes, had the most beneficial impact on soil properties, while with ex situ methods, the use of leaves alone improved soil properties. Yields were increased to a greater extent by green manuring in the minor season, and the in situ system proved to be more beneficial. In ex situ green manuring, greater benefits were obtained by the application of leaves alone. The impact of different green manures and their application methods is presented

Flächendeckende Umstellung auf ökologischen Landbau - eine Wirkungsanalyse am Beispiel zweier NUTS III-Regionen in Österreich

In einer Reihe von Studien wurden die Auswirkungen einer flächendeckenden Umstellung untersucht. Die Studien unterscheiden sich sowohl im Ausmaß des Untersuchungsgebietes als auch in der verwendeten Methodik und in den zugrundeliegenden Annahmen (siehe Übersicht in Kratochvil et al. 2001). Seit der Durchführung des Großteils der Studien sind meist einige Jahre vergangen. In der Zwischenzeit ist die praktische Erfahrung mit dem biologischen Landbau gestiegen, wodurch die Konsequenzen einer Umstellung besser abgeschätzt werden können. Darüber hinaus haben sich die wirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen (Agenda 2000) aber auch die rechtlichen Bestimmungen für die Bewirtschaftung, Verarbeitung und Vermarktung geändert. Die Bewertung einer Vollumstellung der Landwirtschaft auf biologischen Landbau in den beiden Nuts III-Regionen Liezen (Steiermark; Grünlandregion) und Weinviertel (Niederösterreich, Ackerbauregion) war das zentrale Ziel der vorliegenden Studie. Ein interdisziplinäres Forscherteam untersuchte zwei Jahre, wie sich eine Vollumstellung auf die landwirtschaftliche Produktion (produktionstechnisch, betriebsökonomisch), die Umwelt (Stoffflüsse, Arten- und Biotopvielfalt), die regionale Lebensmittelwirtschaft, die Ernährungsgewohnheiten und Lebensmittelqualität auswirken würde bzw. wie die Bauern sowie weitere an der landwirtschaftlichen Produktion Beteiligte gegenüber einer Vollumstellung eingestellt sind

Perception of quality in certified organic pineapples by farmers in Kayunga district, Central Uganda: Implications for food security

In East Africa, Uganda is one of the major producers of organic pineapples for export. These pineapples are mainly produced in central Uganda and have to meet stringent quality standards before they can be allowed on international markets. These quality standards may put considerable strain on farmers and may not be wholly representative of their quality interpretation. The aim of this paper is therefore, to determine the Ugandan organic pineapple farmers’ quality perception, the activities they carry out in order to attain that quality and challenges (production, postharvest marketing) faced on the same. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out among 28 organic pineapple farmers in Kayunga district, central Uganda. Findings suggest that quality of organic pineapples is mainly perceived in terms of product attributes particularly appearance followed by food security provision. Certification plays a minor role in what farmers describe as organic quality. High production input costs (labour and coffee husks) coupled with a stagnant premium are some of the major challenges faced by farmers in attaining organic quality. The paper argues that currently there are concealed negative food security effects embroiled in these pineapple schemes. It is recommended that the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) works with all relevant stakeholders to have the farmer premium price raised and an official organic policy enacted

Anbauverfahren „Weite Reihe“ von Winterweizen unter den kontinentalen Anbaubedingungen Ostösterreichs

Problemstellung und Ziele: Winterweizen mit 12% Protein wird in der Regel gesichert nur nach kleinsamigen Leguminosen wie Rotklee oder Luzerne mit einem hohen Stickstoffangebot aus den mineralisierten Ernte-Wurzelrückstanden erreicht. Um dieses Qualitätsziel auch im viehlosen Anbau in niederschlagsarmen Regionen zu erreichen, wurden anhand von Feldversuchen verschiedene Saatstärken und Reihenabstände geprüft