Title: Alternative agriculture /
Authors: National Research Council (U.S.).
Date: 1989
Publisher: National Academy Press,
Physical description: xiv, 448 p., [8] p. of plates : ill. ; 26 cm.
Language: English
LC classification: S
Abstract: Case studies of eleven farming operations across the United States test the economic impacts of alternative agricultural practices such as integrated pest management, crop rotation, manure management, low-density animal production systems, and crop diversification. Impact of U.S. federal regulations and policies on alternative farming is also considered.
Contents: Part 1. -- 1. Agriculture and the economy: -- Trade ; Agricultural industries ; The structure of agriculture ; Regional distinctions ; The power of policy ; Summary -- 2. Problems in U.S. agriculture: The farm economy ; Trade ; Natural resources -- 3. Research and science: -- Crop rotation ; Plant nutrients ; Livestock ; Pest control in crops -- Economic evaluation of alternative farming systems: -- Economic assessments of alternative methods ; Alternative pest management strategies ; Alternative animal disease prevention strategies ; Studies of diversification strategies ; Impact of government policy. Part 2. The case studies: -- 1. Crop and livestock farming in Ohio: the Spray Brothers -- 2. A mixed crop and livestock farm in Southwest Iowa: the BreDahl Farm -- 3. A diversified crop and livestock farm in Virginia: the Sabot Hill Farm -- 4. A mixed crop and livestock farm in Pennsylvania: the Kutztown Farm -- 5. Crop-livestock farming in Iowa: the Thompson Farm -- 6. Tree fruits, walnuts, and vegetables in California: the Ferrari Farm -- 7. Florida fresh-market vegetable production: integrated pest management -- 8. Fresh grapes in California and Arizona: Stephen Pavich & Sons -- 9. Integrated pest management in processing tomatoes in California: the Kitamura Farm -- 10. Livestock farming in Colorado: Coleman Natural Beef -- 11. Rice production in California: the Lundberg Family Farms.
Subject headings (LCSH): Agricultural ecology--United States.; Agricultural systems--United States--Case studies.; Agricultural systems--United States.; Agriculture and state--United States.; Agriculture--Economic aspects--United States.; Alternative agriculture--United States.