Market Farming

[Steve Diver <steved AT ncat.org>]

A few additional notes regarding the
resource pointer from Nan Johnson
on organic fertilizers.

ATTRA is no longer spelled out. 

It is referred to as "ATTRA - National Sustainable
Agriculture Information Service."

The item is a resource list.  It is primarily
a list of bulk suppliers of organic fertilizers.

It also includes specialty brands that are exclusive
to certain manufacturers and distributors.  These
may or may not be available in bulk, wholesale quantities.

Fyi, the ATTRA resource list does not provide
economic comparisons.

Fyi, the ATTRA does not specify USDA-NOP approval
or OMRI approval for every item. 

The concept is to get farmers connected to regional
suppliers of bulk organic fertilizers, and to identify
specialty organic fertilizers such as "Azomite."

Sources of Organic Fertilizers and Amendments
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/orgfert.html

I noticed that is says September 2002.  We have a
revised version that will soon be online as an update.

Courtney at Herb Thyme, to amend potting mixes with
organic fertilizers, also see:

Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/potmix.html

It has a selection of recipes for potting mixes
and organic fertilizers.  

When you already have a a commercial potting mix such as
ProMix, you can sprinkle a quantity of bulk organic fertilizer
(containing minerals and organics) into the mix, or you can
amend the commercial mix with compost or vermicompost or
a processed manure fertilizer.  

Some commercial mixes contain a starter fertilizer and others
just have the media components and lack additional fertility.  

Adding a fertility booster to the plain mixes can make a big
difference once the transplants are set out into the field for
growing on.

Farmers commonly call and speak to ATTRA
specialists by phone to find out supplemental
resources we have that are not formally published
or located on our web page.  

Regards,

Steve Diver
http://www.attra.ncat.org

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Nan Johnson wrote:

Re: organic fertilizers.  

ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas)
has a terrific materials on organic fertilizers - both short
term boosters like the fish emulsion, and long term soil
additives (minerals, etc.) to feed the soil food web. 

What I like is their appraisal of which ones are NOT
economical for market farmers, and which ones are. 
Their stuff is always detailed yet easy to understand
if not a soil scientist (hah!).

Check them out at www.attra.org or call 1-800-346-9140.

They have TONS more info than appears on the website
so you can call them and talk to a real human who has
done farming and market gardening, etc.....