More growers are purchasing predators, parasites and pathogens to manage insects, weeds and diseases. Important things to consider when releasing beneficial organisms are 1) timing, 2) species selection, 3) handling, 4) coverage and 5) habitat. Reprinted in part from Science You Can Use column, CCOF Newsletter Summer 1989

Demonstration trials were conducted using organic amendments (compost and rapeseed meal) on fields of organic and conventional potatoes. Results of demonstration trials showed the uses of organic amendments in organic and conventional production systems. Soil foodweb data demonstrated ecological principles that may be applied in either cropping system. Mineralization data showed one of the benefits of organic amendments-that of providing a controlled release source of N for the crop. This is important in organic systems because it is the main N source for the crop. Research from University of Idaho, Cooperative Extension; funded by SARE; SARE EW99-013.

Companion planting is based on the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted in near proximity. The scientific and traditional basis for these plant associations are discussed in this publication. A companion planting chart for common herbs, vegetables, and flowers is provided. ATTRA Horticulture Technical Note.

Secondary phenolic metabolites play an important role in plant defense mechanisms, and increasing evidence indicates that many are important in human health. To date, few studies have investigated the impact of various agricultural practices on levels of secondary plant metabolites. Research from Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California-Davis

Composted manures offer promise as beneficial soil amendments for vegetable growers. New research results show that composted manures can increase vegetable yield, influence crop diseases, and bring about changes in soil microbial life. These research findings are from an on-farm collaboration between vegetable growers and research scientists at UW-Madison. Published as CIAS Research Brief #45