12th edition of the annual publication produced by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ESAP). The Greenbook highlights the results of creative and innovative farmers and researchers involved with the Sustainable Agriculture On-Farm Demonstration Grant Program.

The articles highlight results of the projects and provide practical and technical information. Each article includes observations and management tips from the people already trying the practices. Of course, these participants are also willing to talk about their experiences with you directly. Give them a call and visit with them about their projects.

Also included in this edition are two essays on what agriculture provides to the natural environment and our communities, as well as updates on other ESAP projects such as low-interest loans, soil quality research, monitoring at the Big Woods Dairy at the Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, integrated pest management, organic farming, and animal mortality composting.

Download/view the Greenbook 2001: Sustaining Agricultural Landscapes (PDF: 2.32 MB / 178 pages)

Essays

• The Nature and Function of Biodiversity in Agriculture
• The Multiple Functions of Small Farms

Alternative Crops

• Increasing Red Clover Seed Production by Saturation of Pollinators
• Flour Corn as an Alternative Crop — The Benefits of Using Corn Flower
• Development and Continuation of a Community Based Sustainable Organic Grower's Cooperative & Marketing System
• Phosphorus Mobilization and Weed Suppression by Buckwheat
• Managed Production of Woods-grown and Simulated Wild Ginseng
• Establishing Agroforestry Demonstration Sites in Minnesota
• Propagation of Native Grasses and Wildflowers for Seed Production

Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility

• Applying Manure to Corn at Agronomic Rates
• Cereal Rye for Reduced Input Pasture Establishment & Early Grazing
• Techniques for More Efficient Utilization of a Vetch Cover Crop for Corn Production
• Living Snow Fences for Improved Pasture Production
• Land Application of Mortality Compost to Improve Soil & Water Quality
• Soil Conservation of Canning Crop Fields
• Biological Control of Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer
• Turkey Litter: More is Not Always Better
• Using Nutrient Balances to Benefit Farmers and the Environment
• Programmatic Approach to Pasture Renovation for Cell Grazing
• Aerial Seeding Winter Rye into No-till Corn & Soybeans
• Agricultural Use of Rock Fines as a Sustainable Soil Amendment
• Establishing a Rotational Grazing System in a Semi-wooded Ecosystem: Frost Seeding vs. Impaction Seeding on CRP Land and Wooded Hillsides Using Sheep
• Increased Forage Production Through Control of Water Runoff and Nutrient Recycling
• A Low-cost Mechanism for Inter-seeding Cover Crops in Corn
• Managing Dairy Manure Nutrients in a Recycling Compost Program
• Reducing Chemical Usage by Using Soy Oil on Corn & Soybeans

Fruits and Vegetables

• Integrating Livestock Profitably Into a Fruit and Vegetable Operation
• Value Adding to Small Farms Through Processing Excess Production
• Evaluating the Benefits of Compost Teas to the Small Market Grower
• Sustainable Weed Control in a Commercial Vineyard
• Bio-based Weed Control in Strawberries Using Sheep Wool Mulch, Canola Mulch & Canola Green Manure
• Midwest Food Connection: Children Monitor on Farms
• Viability of Wine Quality Grapes as an Alternative Crop for the Family Farm
• Cover Crops and Living Mulch for Strawberry Establishment
• Soil Ecology and Managed Soil Surfaces
• Flame Burning for Weed Control and Renovation with Strawberries

Livestock

• Working Prairie - Roots of the Past Sustaining the Future
• Pasture Aeration and its Effects on Productivity Using a Variety of Inputs
• Viability of Strip Grazing Corn Inter-seeded with a Grass/Legume Mixture
• Increasing Quality and Quantity of Pasture Forage with Management Intensive Grazing as an Alternative to the Grazing of Wooded Land
• Low Input Conversion of CRP Land to a High Profitability Management Intensive Grazing and Haying System
• Supplement Feeding Dairy Cattle on Pasture with Automated Concentrate Feeder
• Whole System Management vs. Enterprise Management
• Reviving and Enhancing Soils for Maximizing Performance of Pastures and Livestock
• Annual Medic as a Protein Source in Grazing Corn
• Grazing Beef Cattle as a Sustainable Agriculture Product in Riparian Areas
• Adding Value for the Small Producer via Natural Production Methods and Direct Marketing
• Farrowing Crates vs. Pens vs. Nest Boxes
• Forage Production to Maintain One Mature Animal Per Acre for 12 Months
• First and Second Year Grazers in a Year Round Pasture Setting Served by a Frost Free Water System
• Improvement of Pastures for Horses Through Management Practices
• New Demonstration Grant Projects