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Row covers are gaining interest in crop production for their potential to protect crops from insect pests, frost, increase soil as well as air temperature, and extend growing season, thus producing higher crop yield. However, research on the performance of green leafy vegetables grown under row cover in organic management system is scarce. This paper reports result of field trials conducted on the growth and yield responses of leafy greens in row covers grown in organic production system at the Tennessee State University organic farm. Performance of three row covers, including insect net, Agribon cloth, and plastic, was evaluated relative to control (without row cover) in four leafy greens; lettuce, kale, swiss chard, and collard in spring 2018 and 2019 seasons and data were collected on soil temperature, insect damage, plant height, leaf number, and fresh weight. Results showed that fresh weight per plant significantly (P

Organic farming is increasingly popular among the farmers of Kathmandu valley. However, the organic growers have been facing issues in production, organic certification, and product marketing. To date, little is known about the challenges faced by the organic growers in Kathmandu valley. This study aimed to explore the status of organic farming, attitudes of farmers towards organic farming, their suggestions for improvement, and strengthening the value chain of organic products. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Lalitpur, Nepal during December 2019 with 37 organic growers directly or indirectly involved in organic farming. The results showed that organic growers face challenges in marketing and institutional recognition. Challenges in product certification and marketing were reported by 45.95% of the total interviewed organic growers while they are following organic practices (transitional organic). Our study suggested that reducing the cost of production through easy access to organic inputs like organic seeds, fertilizers, and biopesticides are highly desired by the growers. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) or group certification along with collective marketing could be the policy implications to address the issues. Organic farming in Kathmandu valley is limited to a niche market, however, due to increasing consumer demand for safe, fresh, and local food the popularity of organic products is increasing to other regions within the country.

The increased demand for food and the challenge for space for agriculture production in urban centers have made the vertical growth system an interesting trend. Agriculture is no longer only the horizontal, traditional, and soil grown method. Urban agriculture has created ways for inner city growers to be able to farm in a restricted space. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops, especially leafy vegetables such as lettuce, in vertically stacked layers, as this results in significantly higher plant population per unit area. Two research trials were conducted in the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019 to determine the effect of substrate properties and fertilizers on lettuce yield to optimize the urban production of lettuce. Three substrates (P3 + CF7 = Perlite 30%: Coco fiber 70%, PB7 + C3 = Pine Bark 70%: Compost 30%, and PB9 + C1 = Pine Bark 90%: Compost 10%) along with full and half rates of a fertilizer blend (VertiGro Organics fermented molasses, Ohrstrom&rsquo, s Maxicrop liquid seaweed, and organic mineral blend) were evaluated on fresh and dried weight yield of lettuce. Substrate physical properties (air space, water holding capacity, total porosity, and bulk density) and substrate volumetric water content were also determined. &lsquo, Nevada&rsquo, and &lsquo, Optima&rsquo, lettuce varieties showed similar yield responses (fresh and dried weight) to substrate and fertilizer rates in both trials. In the fall 2018 trial, the highest fresh weight was observed in substrate PB7 + C3 with half fertilizer rate, with a mean plant weight of 41.13 g and 49.75 g for &lsquo, respectively. The least mean fresh weight was observed in half fertilizer rate of substrate P3 + CF7. For the spring 2019 trial, PB7 + C3 in half fertilizer strength gave the highest fresh weight for &lsquo, (45.64 g and 41.13 g, respectively). These values were statistically comparable to all other treatments except for substrate P3 + CF7 in full and half fertilizer which gave the least mean fresh weight. Volumetric water content in substrates P3 + CF7 recorded the highest average, while PB7 + C3 gave the least. Higher water holding capacity, total porosity, and lower airspace were observed in substrate P3 + CF7. Higher airspace was observed in PB9 + C1 but was comparable to PB7 + C3. PB7 + C3 gave the highest bulk density in both trials.

As the world's population continues to increase, other methods of production are being sought after that can help conserve water and save land especially in urban communities. Vertical gardening is a technique by which plants can be grown in a vertical structure without soil, to obtain a maximum possible yield within a particular space indoors or outdoors. Organic vertical gardening is carried out without the application of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, following the standards and approved inputs of the National Organic Program (NOP). Currently, there is a conflict on the relationship between organic vertical gardens and organic farming practices between urban growers due to the cultivation of plants without soil in the latter. Little to know studies have been done on organic vertical farms as of date. Several cultivars of lettuce, chard, kale, mustard-green, basil and coriander grown in the verti-grow system and were harvested successfully. Automated system called 'Drip Organics' provided organic nutrients to the plants. Perlite and coco fiber media was used in the stacked pots. Although modern organic farming would remain a widely food production method as evidenced by its global acceptance and steady growth, organic vertical farming has a potential to provide food security, year-round produce and ease transportation of food within urban and semi urban areas. This article discussed cultivar trials in organic vertical system on the certified organic farm of the Tennessee State University, Nashville.

This article contributes to efforts to validate a common set of parameters and principles of sustainable agriculture. Comparisons between alternative forms of sustainable agriculture and rural-to-urban community resilience are investigated. Conclusions are drawn between multiple sustainable/alternative agriculture systems and evaluated. A set of common baseline parameters and principles is proposed as a method of evolving a common structural framework for strengthening sustainability of agriculture and rural contexts. Concepts of rural-to-urban community sustainability are proposed, supporting sustainable agriculture contexts as rural and urban. In the twenty-first century, agriculture is becoming more diversified and less typified as a rural occupation. Urban agriculture is expanding as the need for fresh, affordable, accessible agriculture produce increases in urban areas. Evidence supports symbiotic relationships between sustainable agriculture and rural/urban communities, although some claim t...

Organic agriculture is a production system that maintains the health of an agro-ecosystem by enhancing biodiversity and producing healthy soils by eliminating the use of chemicals. Other practices are used to enhance properties of the soil and increase long term soil fertility and prevent pest and diseases. Globally, organic agriculture has grown approximately by 20% yearly as consumers and growers make healthier food choices and show more concern about the impacts of our actions on the environment. Organic agriculture attempts to increase the level of food security and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. Organic certification has continuously increased as the benefits steady arise for farmers looking to produce healthier food. This article will observe the history, present day, challenges, certifications, impacts and benefits of the intriguing organic agricultural world.

The growing populations in urban areas and the decrease in available land are major constraints to sustainable crop production in and around cities. All over the world, many people do not get enough food and proper nourishment. Urban horticulture which is the production of vegetables, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants around cities may serve as a solution. Worldwide, temperatures vary in different seasons and urban growers face challenges in sustaining production due to poor yield and crop losses. Therefore, urban horticultural growers may need to employ new techniques and tools to improve their practices. However, many of these recent developments require capital, access to specific information, knowledge, and resources to improve their skills on production, processing, and marketing of their produce. This paper reviews the recent developments in urbanization and urban horticulture, the types of urban horticulture as well as tools and techniques in urban horticulture. The focus of this paper is on recent developments in vertical farming systems (hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics) including organic vertical farming research. Also listed in this study are solutions that urban horticulture provides such as provision of food security and, poverty alleviation. Some of the concerns, challenges, and benefits in urban vertical farming systems would also be explored.

The impact of chemical farming and the negative consequences on the environment and human health in Bangladesh are on the rise. Organic farming is gaining attention and increasing globally because it is eco-friendly, safe and has benefits for human health. A field study was conducted at the horticulture farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, to evaluate the growth and yield performance of cabbage cv. Atlas—70 using organic and inorganic fertilizers in various plant spacing arrangements. Two factor experiments were conducted on plant spacings of 60 cm × 40 cm (S1), 60 cm × 50 cm (S2) and 60 cm × 60 cm (S3) and fertilizers vermicompost (T1), biogen (T2), integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) Organic (⅔) + inorganic (⅓) (T3) and inorganic (T4). IPNS (T3) application increased the marketable yield (54.77 t·ha−1) of cabbage. The highest marketable yield (48.75 t·ha−1) was obtained with a plant spacing of 60 cm × 40 cm (S1). No significant variation was found in plant spacings S1 and S2. The treatment combination of S2T3 recorded the highest plant height (37.81 cm), plant spread (47.75 cm), cabbage head (21.80 cm), stem length (12.31 cm), thickness of the cabbage head (12.53 cm) and marketable yield (65.0 t·ha−1). The results suggest that IPNS (T3) combining organic and inorganic fertilizer applications with a 60 cm × 50 cm spacing (S2T3) increases the yield performance of cabbage.

Field trials were conducted on tomato for yield and quality of fruits using different types of organic and inorganic fertilizers at the horticulture farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Fertilizer treatments were tested on two varieties of tomato ca. Roma VF and BARI 15. The fertilization treatments were T1, vermicompost (12 t/ha); T2, compost (10 t/ha); T3, integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) or mixed fertilizers (organic 2/3 part and inorganic 1/3 part); T4, inorganic fertilizers; and a control (T5). Results showed growth and yield (20.8 t/ha) in tomato were higher in the IPNS treatment. A higher number of fruits per plant (73.7) and plant height (73.5 cm) were obtained from mixed fertilizers (organic 2/3 + inorganic 1/3) or IPNS (integrated plant nutrient system) in Roma VF than other treatments. Fruit yield and diameter were found statistically significant. No significant difference was observed in the quality (total soluble solids) of tomato fruits in both varieties’ response to the treatments. The electrical conductivity and pH of the soil were improved by the application of organic manure.

The objective of the present study is to investigate nutritional and antioxidant activity of four types of organic tomato cultivars. The differences in tomato quality are also tested between groups with or without treatment using an organic biostimulator, Stimplex. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), lycopene,β-carotene, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and color parameters were investigated in the current study. The results showed that there was no significant difference in TPC among cultivars regardless of Stimplex treatment. Higher lycopene andβ-carotene were obtained in Stimplex treated tomatoes. Lycopene andβ-carotene contents were significantly different among cultivars (P<0.05). DPPH scavenging activity in controlled group was significantly higher than that in the Stimplex treated tomatoes (P<0.05). No significant difference in reducing power was detected among cultivars treatment groups. The study showed that the darker the tomato color, the higher the lycopene andβ-carotene contents and the stronger the reducing power.

Weeds are a challenge, particularly in organic agriculture, due to restrictions on the application of synthetic herbicides and chemicals. A preliminary cultivar evaluation trial of organic sweetpotato was conducted in 2015 at Tennessee State University certified organic farm. Three mulches: wheat straw, pine needle, and black plastic mulch, along with a control (no mulch), were evaluated for their weed management abilities in a sweetpotato field. Four cultivars of sweetpotato were planted in 0.91 m wide mulch beds with 0.3 m row spacing anddrip irrigated with four replications. Data was collected during the growing season on the dry weight of weeds that emerged in a quadrat and yield components at harvest. Results of two-way ANOVA revealed that mulch treatments affected the weed biomass, weed density, and cull yields. Though the use of mulches had no significant effect on other yield components of sweetpotato in this study, it was beneficial for weed management.

Urban Agriculture is here to stay and is defined as the growing, processing, and distribution of food and other products through intensive plant cultivation and animal husbandry in and around cities. Growing food and non-food crops in and near cities contributes to healthy communities by engaging residents in work and recreation that improves individual and public well-being. Urban agriculture integrates multiple functions in densely populated areas offering an alternative land use. In addition to food production, urban agriculture also offers a wide range of other functions such as energy conservation, waste management, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, microclimate control, urban greening, economic revitalization, community socialization, human health, preservation of cultural heritage, and education.

Agriculture is the principal economic activity of Nepal contributing about 35 % to the national GDP and engaging about 66 % of the population. Existing low productivity of agriculture has resulted in food insecure and food deficit nation. Degradation of resources, mainly land, water, agrobiodiversity, and forest, is believed to be the immediate cause for the low productivity. Therefore, agricultural practices those conserve and promote productivity level while regenerating the degraded natural resource are of paramount importance in Nepal. Organic farming has been proven as one of such practices as it promotes and maintains soil and human health, manages and enhances biodiversity, and offers better nutrient cycling and mineralization with favorable microclimatic regimes, and thereby less risk to farmers. Till the recent past, agriculture in Nepal was organic with self-sustained method of production relying on integration of local biodiversity using traditional knowledge and wisdom. However, for the last three decades, use of high yielding exotic crops/varieties and agrochemicals, introduced under the banner of Green Revolution Agriculture (GRA), has become pervasive. Although, GRA served its short-term propose to some extent to increase the production of major food crops, over the time, the indiscriminate use of external non-organic inputs resulted in soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, food poisoning, environmental pollution, and threat to sustainability and food security. This devastating scenario compelled the stakeholders to think of alternative resilient practices as a long-term solution to conserving the resource base and salvaging the environment. Organic agriculture, as advocated and promoted by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) based on worldwide research results, can be instrumental to address the current as well as long-term problems of agriculture in Nepal. The practice of organic agriculture is not new for Nepalese farmers because it is a traditional mainstream food production system from the time immemorial. However, as a movement, organic agriculture has emerged as a new intervention in farming in recent years. Development of addictive sense toward chemical-based farming made difficult to convince farmers about immediate and long-term advantage of organic agriculture. Therefore, non-government organizations are involved to advocate, promote, and popularize organic farming with policy support from the government. Growing health and environmental consciousness against chemical farming among consumers has helped the movement advance faster. At present, many conscious farmers, entrepreneurs, and academic and development institutions are focusing their efforts to promote organic farming in the country. Government has also formulated some policies favoring the shift from chemical-based farming to organic farming. This chapter focuses on general features on the past and present of Nepalese agriculture; its resource base; declining productivity and sustainability; and the role of organic farming as a viable option for food security and livelihood sustainability in Nepal.

Interest in organic sweetpotato production in the United States has been growing as consumers and producers are becoming increasingly concerned about how their food is cultivated. Thus, there is a growing need for information on sweetpotato production and variety selection under an organic management production system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various mulches on yields—total and marketable—of fourteen sweetpotato varieties grown under organic management. Three types of mulch, wheat straw, pine needle, and black plastic, and a control (no mulch) were evaluated during the 2016 growing season. The wheat straw mulch yielded significantly higher yields than the black plastic and pine needle mulch treatments, though it was not significantly different from the control. The total and marketable yields of sweetpotato roots also varied significantly among the varieties, ranging from 39,719 kg·ha−1 for Beauregard to 4925 kg·ha−1 for O’Henry. There was a significant interaction between variety and mulch treatment on total but not marketable yield. More research is needed to ascertain the stability of the effects of varieties, mulch treatment, and their interactions on total and marketable yields and to elucidate other treatments and varieties with better potential to improve sweetpotato yields in organically managed production systems.