IOTA Research into Practice: A review of organic research and what it means for practical organic farming

   
(for Research Reviews click here >>)
 

The series of IOTA Technical Leaflets provides a summary of the key practical farming recommendations arising from organic research. 

The Leaflets draw on the extensive organic research programme in the UK and elsewhere, the results of which are collated and analysed in the topic-focused IOTA Research Reviews (see here) and which provide further information if required.

The leaflets are intended to be used by farmers, advisers and others involved in organic and more sustainable agriculture systems. Hard copies can be printed from the PDF files provided; please circulate widely to anyone who may be interested.

We are grateful to Defra for funding the development of the Research Reviews, Technical Leaflets and associated Workshops under the PACA Res project OF0 347 and OF0 387.

The Leaflets will shortly be available as printed leaflets and will be distributed free of charge to IOTA Members.
     
 

Technical Leaflet 1
Organic dairy cow nutrition
Summarises the key recommendations arising from research, in particular focusing on the absolute priority of improving production from forage and the importance of rumen and cow health as well as addressing issues of forage quality, the effect of season on forage protein, the role of mixed forages and self sufficient dairy systems.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file)

   
 

Technical Leaflet 2
Financial performance, benchmarking and management of livestock and mixed organic farming
Provides an overview of the financial performance of a range of organic farm types and an analysis of the key factors that affect profitability, including variable costs, particularly focusing on feed and forage, and fixed costs. It provides an introduction to benchmarking and improvement of farm profitability by comparing performance with other similar farms and focusing on underperforming areas to make improvements.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file)

   

Technical Leaflet 3
Organic beef and sheep nutrition
Reviews relevant research on beef and sheep nutrition, takes account of the experience of producers and provides practical recommendations on making better use of forage and guidance on ration formulation.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file)

Technical Leaflet 4
Soil analysis and management
Provides a summary of how soil analysis can be useful in the management of individual nutrients, provides information on sampling and different analytical techniques and considers the role of soil analysis in the context of other soil monitoring tools.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file)
   
  Technical Leaflet 5
Compost: the effect on nutrients, soil health and crop quantity and quality
Provides a short practical guide to different composting techniques and the role and use of compost and fresh manure for different purposes and conditions.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file)
   
  Technical Leaflet 6
A guide to nutrient budgeting on organic farms
Provides an introduction to Nutrient Budgeting to aid nutrient and crop planning on organic farms.  It includes information on the principles of nutrient management and details of nutrient contents of crops, stock, manure and fertilizer for use in calculating nutrient budgets.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file) (leaflet updated July 2010)
   
  Technical Leaflet 7
Composting with rock phosphate
Published as part of the Defra funded P-Link project led by the Scottish Agricultural College.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file) (published July 2010)
   
  Technical Leaflet 8
Managing phosphorus dynamics in organic rotations
Published as part of the Defra funded P-Link project led by the Scottish Agricultural College.
To download the Leaflet, click here (Pdf file) (published July 2010)
   
    Technical leaflets from other organisations
 

Organic poultry production for meat
  Soil Fertility Building Crops in Organic Farming
  Soil and nutrient management on organic farms
  Green Manures booklet (2MB file)
  Soil Nitrogen Building Crops in Organic Farming (draft)
  A review of leguminous fertility-building crops (1.5MB file)
 
   
31.iii.2009, updated 3.viii.2010