Summer 1995 (v7n3)
Organic Cost Studies
Organic Walnut Production and Processing, a new organic cost-of-production study is available from UC Cooperative Extension. The study includes both a narrative and an economic analysis. Topics include production and processing practices, risk and marketing, state and federal regulations for organic agriculture. It includes a sample cost and returns estimate, and enterprise budgets are generated in several formats: cost per acre by operation or by inputs, monthly cash costs, investment and business overhead, and a profitability ranging analysis. The study was funded by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, the USDA National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program, and UC SAREP. Other organic cost-of-production studies are available for apples, coastal vegetables, almonds, wine grapes and rice. Contact Laura Tourte, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616; Tel: (916) 752-9376; Fax: (916) 752-5614 or e-mail: tourte@primal.ucdavis.edu. The publications are also available in selected Cooperative Extension offices.
Sustainable Videos
Two new compost videos and a series on environmental design and architecture have been released by San Luis Video Publishing. Integrated Compost Systems demonstrates design, implementation and operation of compost systems and includes on-site interviews with professionals involved in agricultural and city compost systems, recreation landscapes, landfills, and mushroom and worm farms. The Science of Biological Decomposition: Effective Composting Methods explains the basics of composting and demonstrates sheet, pit and worm composting. The compost videos are $95 each. The video series on designing for sustainability (Sustainable Environments, Sustainable Architecture and The Sustainable Landscape) is aimed at environmental design/architecture, horticulture and agriculture teachers and professionals. Series videos are $95 each or $255 for the set of three. For ordering information or for a free catalog on other sustainable agriculture titles contact: San Luis Video Publishing, PO Box 6715, Los Osos, CA 93412; Tel: (805) 528-8322; Fax: (805) 528-7227.
Groundwater Contamination
Pesticide Contamination of Groundwater in California, published by the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, assesses the role pesticide use plays in degrading California's groundwater and evaluates efforts to protect it. Groundwater supplies 60 percent of large public drinking water systems and 80 percent of small water systems in the state. Some Central Valley communities obtain 100 percent of their water supply from groundwater, while Los Angeles receives only 17 percent of its supply from groundwater. Using data from California's pesticide monitoring programs, this report examines the extent of pesticide-related contamination and resulting environmental health risks. The report outlines the challenge for policy analysts regarding groundwater pollution: Why hasn't information on pesticides with the highest leaching potential and geographic areas that are vulnerable to groundwater contamination been incorporated into more effective, prevention-oriented strategies? It includes tables of the top ten pesticides detected in well water, an evaluation of management strategies, and suggestions about tax liability incentives to prevent groundwater contamination. Copies of the report are $20 with checks payable to "UC Regents," from the California Policy Seminar, 2020 Milvia St., Suite 412, Berkeley, CA 94704; Tel: (510) 642-9103.
Ecological Soil Management
The Soul of Soil: A Guide to Ecological Soil Management, by Grace Gershuny and Joe Smillie, third edition, 200 pages, 1995. This is an introduction to managing soil for long-term productivity. The latest edition of the handbook offers guidelines on making management decisions based on ecological principles, with minimal reliance on off-farm fertilizers. Topics include green manures, crop rotations, on-farm composting and mineral fertilizers. Tables, a glossary, lists of resource groups and organizations, and a bibliography are included. To order send a check for $16.95, plus $4.00 shipping and handling (CA residents add 7.25% sales tax) to agAccess, PO Box 2008, Davis, CA 95616; Mastercard/VISA orders available by phone at Tel: (916)756-7177; Fax:(916)756-7188.
Methyl Bromide
Two free USDA publications
are available on methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting substance that will
be withdrawn from use in more than 100 countries. Methyl Bromide Substitutes
and Alternatives: A Research Agenda for the 1990s, January 1993, and Alternatives
to Methyl Bromide: Assessment of Research Needs and Priorities; Proceedings
from the USDA Workshop on Alternatives to Methyl Bromide, July 1993
are available in limited quantities from Carol A. Singer at the
National Agricultural Library, Rm. 1052-S/USDA, 14th & Independence
Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-7201;
e-mail: csinger@nalusda.gov.
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