2015 ASHS Annual Conference

August 02 - 07, 2015

The organic vegetable industry is familiar with production practices aimed to improve the health and function of the soil. Soil health is defined as continued capacity of the soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustain plants, animals, and humans. The definition implies the management of the soil to provide food, shelter and water for future generations. The most common indicators of soil health include soil physical, chemical and biological properties. However, with the adoption of best management practices (BMPs), improve soil health while optimizing nutrient management in order to minimize the nutrients movement out of the root zone and reduce the environmental impact can be challenging in organic production. BMPs including cover crops, compost and others soil amendments are non-regulatory, incentive-based cultural practices intended to reduce or prevent nutrient loss into the watersheds while maintaining agricultural productivity and profitability. Therefore, objective of the workshop is to present information on the interactions of soil health, nutrient management and BMPs in organic vegetable production.