A method to rapidly assess the soiul quality and crop health of vineyard systems.

The contribution of biodynamics to organic agriculture is significant and warrants more attention. This publication provides an overview of biodynamic farming and includes additional details and resources on the specialized practice of biodynamic composting. ATTRA Alternative Farming Systems Guide.

Green manures like alfalfa, clovers, and new legumes like chickling vetch are particularly important to organic farmers, because organic practices prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizer. This research on use of chickling vetch in rotations focuses on biomass, crop residue, root nodules (which indicate activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria), and observations about wind and rain erosion. From MN Dept. of Agriculture's Greenbook 2004.

Three page overview from USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Quality Institute.

Slide show (67 slides) from SAREP, University of California.