Take a deep dive into strategies for managing soil health and fertility in organic field crops in the Southwestern U.S.
What you will learn
This course provides a holistic understanding of soil health and fertility management strategies in organic field crops commonly grown in the northern tier of the Southwestern region of the United States. This region is comprised of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California. Crops discussed include cotton, peanuts, rice, small grains, forage crops, and forage crops.
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The Southwest agroecosystem and how it shapes every fertility decision
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Soil health fundamentals adapted specifically for arid conditions where every percentage point of organic matter makes a dramatic difference
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Biological fertility management that builds resilient soil systems capable of withstanding drought and extreme weather
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Water-fertility integration strategies that maximize both resources in water-limited environments
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Practical fertility materials and methods with real-world guidance on compost, manure, cover crops, and organic amendments
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Economic realities that help farmers balance soil building goals with cash flow constraints
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Regulatory compliance within the National Organic Program framework
VIDEO LESSONS
QUIZ
CERTIFICATE
Table of Contents
- The Southwest Agroecosystem
- Video: Organic Agriculture in the Southwest - Field Crops
- Soil Organic Matter and the Microbial Community
- Organic Strategies for Building Soil Health
- Water Management - The Critical Component in the Southwest
- Regulatory Foundation for Soil Health and Water Quality Management
- Key Takeaways for Agricultural Advisors
- Resources for Continued Learning
- The Mental Shift from Conventional to Organic Fertility
- The Biological Foundation
- Video: Managing Soil Fertility on Organic Farms in the Southwest
- Southwest-Specific Challenges and Opportunities
- Gypsum - A Buffer for High-Salt Soils
- Compost - The Foundation Material
- Raw Manure - Cost-Effective Nutrition
- Cover Crops - Biological Nitrogen Fixation
- Organic Fertilizer Products - Supplemental Nutrition
- Troubleshooting Common Fertility Issues
- Regulatory Requirements for Organic Fertility Management
- Key Takeaways for Organic Fertility Management
Featured Farmers and Advisors
Throughout this course, you will hear from working organic farmers and subject matter experts who will share their personal experience and knowledge about each of the topics discussed in the lessons.
Rob Warren
TEXAS
David Warren
TEXAS
Matthew Grieshop
CAL POLY, SLO
Yadi Wang
NEW MEXICO
Justin Tuggle
TEXAS
Greg Schilling
TEXAS
Jennifer Reeve
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Bob Whitney
TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE
Tim Vos
New Mexico
Funder Acknowledgement
This work is supported through the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS National Organic Program (NOP).
FAQs
How long will it take me to complete the lessons?
We estimate that each lesson will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. This includes reading the online written materials, viewing the two 13-15 minute instructional videos, and taking the quiz. We estimate that total time investment for the course requires 4.5 hours to complete.
When will my access expire?
Never!
Do I need any qualifications to start the course?
We do not have any formal prerequisites to take this course. We recommend that you have an understanding of general agriculture principles and experience working in agriculture. This course assumes prior knowledge of field crop production practices and offers an extension of that knowledge into organic-specific practices and requirements.
Will this course enable me to find employment as an organic advisor?
This course will help set you apart from other advisors and consultants. It will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to consult organic field crop farmers.
What do graduates do when they have completed this training?
Past OATS trainees put their knowledge to work in many different ways. Some are employees of input companies, some are independent consultants, and yet others are agricultural educators. Our trainees put their new knowledge to work by expanding their client base to include transitioning and certified organic producers.
Will I obtain a certificate or official course credits?
After completing the online materials, achieving a passing score on the course final quiz, you are eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion. Certificates are non-accredited.
What if I have more questions?
Contact [email protected] to learn more.
"Having been in New Mexico for over 15 years now, I'm still surprised when I go to new farms and see what they're like and see the unique conditions and the confluence of all these different factors that make up this specific ecosystem or agroecosystem."
- Tim Vos, organic advisor in New Mexico