|
RESEARCH / ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
|
Information:
Investigations in organic agriculture were started in Stende in 2001. The field 3.4
ha in size outside crop rotation system was devoted for this purpose.
The field was divided into 8-field crop rotations, and certification of this field has been initiated.
Crop rotation was established considering the following:
**high proportion of cereals (half of field number) in crop rotation;
** half of crop rotation fields occupied by green manure crops (biologically produced organic fertilizer is not available and preserving soil fertility is necessary).
In 2004, certification of additional field 14.9 ha in size had been started to establish crop rotation for organic seed breeding needs. |
|
In organic agriculture development program for the period 2003-2006 the State Stende Plant Breeding station has received the following tasks to be fulfilled:
 conduct research on possibilities of soil fertility improvement (provision) under organic management conditions;
offer farmers the seed of organic cereals of the highest grade
Review on the work done in organic agriculture research
Research planned in 2005:
Research on the influence of breeding technology elements on seed output quality and soil fertility status (collaborating with the Latvian Agricultural Advisory and Training centre (LAATC))
Research on the influence of organic means of plant protection and elements of crop cultivation on yield and quality of crops, and preservation of growing medium (collaborating with joint stock companies BIOLAT, BIOEFFECT and other companies)
Evaluation of rye, potatoes, winter rape, pea and grass varieties for organic agriculture needs (order made by the State Plant Protection Service).
Responsible for project fulfilment:
Vija Strazdi๒a, M.S.agr., head of plant breeding dept.,
Mโra Grunti๒a, head of oat breeding dept.
|
