Themes and discussion
Find out more about organic arable farming and organic livestock husbandry, join the discussions, and exchange ideas and information with colleagues and scientists.
Cropping systems
The yield gap that normally exists between organic and conventional production practices is caused by different crop-specific factors. The main yield-limiting factor in cereals and tubers is nutrient availability; nitrogen deficiency particularly leads to yield reductions. Weeds and diseases can cause major yield losses in legumes, and attacks of insect pests on oil crops may limit yield significantly. Each crop group shows variations in susceptibility to the different yield-limiting factors. Choice of crop variety and crop species, mixing varieties or species, and the design of a crop rotation will all have a major impact on crop yield and quality.
On this page, you can find tools and resources that can help you improve the cultivation of specific crops, and you can discuss various crop-specific topics with others.
Featured tools
Recommended toolSuccessful cultivation of grain legumes mixed with cereals
This leaflet describes the suitability of the most promising grain legume/cereal mixtures that were tested in field trials, and provides in-depth…
Most popular toolCultivation in rows – Weed control in spring cereal grains
By increasing the row spacing from 12.5 cm to 25 cm in your spring cereal grains it will be possible to both carry out weed control and simultaneously…
Latest toolFree-range laying hens: providing species-appropriate and sustainable husbandry
The leaflet provides the most important information on the design, use and care of outdoor runs for laying hens. It includes information on suitable…
Tools
| Title | Issuing organisation | Project | Year of release | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A farmer’s guide to organic fruit and vegetable production | OCW - Organic Centre Wales | OK-Net Arable | 2008 | 3.5 (2) |
| Advanced system in wheat: Combination of agronomical levels: The French... | PURE | OK-Net Arable | - | 5 (1) |
| Catch crop in maize (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4 (1) |
| Cereal Disease Encyclopaedia | AHDB - Agriculture and Horticulture Development... | OK-Net Arable | 2008 | |
| Challenges of Organic Arable Farming 1st module: Strategies to enhance soil... | IAMB - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Challenges of Organic Arable Farming 2nd module: Fertilization strategies to... | IAMB - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Challenges of Organic Arable Farming 4th module: Technical tools, strategies... | IAMB - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Challenges of Organic Arable Farming 5th module: Crops specific problems and... | IAMB - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Choosing cover crops for arable crop rotations | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Controlled traffic farming: A new track for soil and weed control in organic... | Inagro | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Cover crop and living mulch toolbox | Technical University of Munich TUM, School of Life... | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 3.4 (10) |
| Cover crop mulches and no-till soybean | AIAB - Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Crop management of linseed | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | 2 (1) |
| Crop Management of Rapeseed and Pollen Beetle Control | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | 4 (1) |
| Crop rotation and its ability to suppress perennial weeds | SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4.5 (2) |
| Crop rotation and its ability to suppress perennial weeds | SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | 3 (1) |
| Crop Rotation in Organic Systems | OACC - Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada,... | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Crop rotations on diversified farms | Southern Regional Extension Forestry | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | |
| Cultivating a diverse wheat population suitable for low-input and organic... | ORC - Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 5 (1) |
| Cultivation in rows – Catch crops - tolerance and regrowth | AU - Aarhus University , KU - Copenhagen University , AgroIntelli , Økologisk VKST , Barritskov Land- og Skovbrug , SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Cultivation in rows – cereals with catch crops | SEGES , AU - Aarhus University , KU - Copenhagen University , AgroIntelli , Økologisk VKST , Barritskov Land- og Skovbrug | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Cultivation in rows – Nitrogen fixation by catch crops and their effect on yield | SEGES , AU - Aarhus University , KU - Copenhagen University , AgroIntelli , Økologisk VKST , Barritskov Land- og Skovbrug | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Cultivation in rows – Sowing time for catch crops | AU - Aarhus University , KU - Copenhagen University , AgroIntelli , Økologisk VKST , Barritskov Land- og Skovbrug , SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | 5 (2) |
| Cultivation in rows – Weed control between stubble rows | AU - Aarhus University , KU - Copenhagen University , AgroIntelli , Økologisk VKST , Barritskov Land- og Skovbrug , SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Cultivation in rows – Weed control in spring cereal grains | AU - Aarhus University , KU - Copenhagen University , AgroIntelli , Økologisk VKST , Barritskov Land- og Skovbrug , SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | 5 (1) |
| Cultivation of faba beans | LLG - Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und... | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2014 | |
| Cultivation of soybeans | Regierungspräsidium Freiburg | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2018 | |
| Demonstration of Hoeing Machines in Arable Farming | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2011 | |
| Demonstration of Plough Dethatchers | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 4.5 (2) |
| Direct drilling of winter cereals | AIAB - Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Direct Sowing of Maize | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | |
| Direct sowing with green manure | Bioselena - Foundation for organic agriculture , IFOAM EU | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Diverse fertility building leys in arable rotations | ORC - Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 3.5 (2) |
| Dry Forages: Process and techniques (OK-Net EcoFeed Practice Abstract) | AIAB - Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2020 | |
| DSS "Weed Control in Organic Winter Wheat Production" | University of Bonn | OK-Net Arable | 2004 | |
| ECOPHYTOPIC – The portal for integrated crop protection of arable crops | ACTA - Les Instituts Techniques Agricoles | OK-Net Arable | - | 3.3 (3) |
| Feeding pigs silage | Innovative Farmers | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2016 | |
| Feedstuffs for organic pigs | CREA - Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e... | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2012 | |
| Foraging of pigs in outdoor areas (OK-Net Ecofeed Practice Abstract) | AU - Aarhus University | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2020 | |
| Foraging sows on high-protein grassland | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2018 | |
| Free-range laying hens: providing species-appropriate and sustainable husbandry | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture , Bioland Beratung , KÖN - Kompetenzzentrum Ökolandbau Niedersachsen , Bio Austria | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2010 | |
| Fulfilling 100 % organic poultry diets: roughage and foraging from the range | ORC - Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2015 | |
| Fulfilling 100% organic pig diets: Feeding roughage and foraging from the range | ORC - Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2015 | 3 (2) |
| Grain legumes and soil fertility - Strategies for a successful cultivation | BfN - Federal Agency for Nature Conservation | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 3.5 (2) |
| Grass protein - a golden chance to improve organic farming | SEGES | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2018 | |
| Green manure and cover crops in organic agriculture: general introduction | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net Arable | 2012 | |
| Green manure and cover crops in organic agriculture: guide to the choice of the... | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net Arable | 2012 | 4 (3) |
| Growing cover crops in organic arable crop rotations: Best practices from... | SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4 (2) |
| Growing cover crops in organic arable crop rotations: best practices from... | SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Hairy Vetch – an Excellent Green Manure for Dry Conditions | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 4 (2) |
| Highcrop picture tool | SEGES | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | |
| How to successfully convert to organic arable farming | LFI - Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Österreich | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 5 (2) |
| Incorporating Green Manures | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | 4.5 (2) |
| Inter-row cultivation for mechanical weed control in winter oilseed rape | PURE | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Intercropping grain peas with barley | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | |
| Intercropping grain peas with barley (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4.3 (3) |
| Knowledge exchange platform for agroecology | SOLAGRO | OK-Net Arable | - | 3.2 (6) |
| LeNiBa - the KTBL / isip app for nitrogen balancing of legumes | KTBL - Kuratorium für Technik und Bauwesen in der... | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Ley Destruction with Shallow Ploughing or Cultivators | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Mechanical Weed Control in Maize | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | |
| Mechanical weeding in arable crops | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net Arable | 2012 | 4.6 (9) |
| Modification/change of sowing date in winter wheat | PURE | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | |
| Monitoring and comparing cover crop performances | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| NDICEA - Nitrogen Planer – version 6.2 | LBI - Louis Bolk Institute | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 4 (4) |
| Nitrogen budget calculator. A tool to calculate N-budgets in organic forage... | ZALF - Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape... | 2013 | 3.8 (4) | |
| Nitrogen supply for winter oilseed rape (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4 (1) |
| No-till cultivation of maize in rolled forage peas (OK-Net Arable Practice... | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Nutrient supply | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2011 | 2 (1) |
| Oekolandbau.de: portal for organic plant production | BLE - Federal Office for Agriculture and Food | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | 3 (10) |
| Oregon Tilth 2017 WEBINAR SERIES | Oregon Tilth | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Organic Cereals | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2010 | 4 (3) |
| Organic Cover Cropping and Intercropping | Washington State University - Puyallup | OK-Net Arable | 2011 | |
| Organic cultivation in autumn 2016 - Varieties, Seeds and Crop management | LFI - Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Österreich | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Organic Cultivation in Spring 2016 - Varieties, Seeds and Crop management | LFI - Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Österreich | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Organic Cultivation of Green Peas | LFI - Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Österreich | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Organic farming Guidelines for pest and disease control and weed management in... | Uprawy ekologiczne | OK-Net Arable | - | 4 (3) |
| Organic field beans | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2009 | |
| Organic Field Crop Production | OACC - Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada,... | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Organic field peas | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2009 | |
| Organic grain legumes at a glance | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2009 | |
| Organic maize | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2008 | |
| Organic quality wheat production - Results of long-term field trials of... | LFI - Ländliches Fortbildungsinstitut Österreich | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Organic rapeseed | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2011 | |
| Organic Small Grain Production | Southern Regional Extension Forestry | OK-Net Arable | 2011 | |
| Organic soya | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2009 | |
| Organic Soybean made easy | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Organic Soybean production in Europe | ÖMKi - Hungarian Research Institute of Organic... | OK-Net Arable | 2016 | |
| Organic Weed Management: A Practical Guide | Charles Merfield | OK-Net Arable | 2000 | |
| Pest and Disease Control in Grass and Forage Crops | Farming Connect | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | |
| Pest Management in Organic Cropping Systems | OACC - Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada,... | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Plant breeding with farmers. A technical manual | ICARDA - International Center for Agricultural... | OK-Net Arable | 2012 | |
| Plants and planting designs for organic poultry ranges | Økologisk Landsforening (Danish Organic National... | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2015 | |
| Potato Crop Management | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2010 | |
| Poultry feeding in organic farming | ITAB - Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2015 | |
| Practical advice for organic production of lupines | Landesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft und... | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 4 (4) |
| Processing Quality of Organic Wheat | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | |
| Rape pollen beetle | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 4.5 (2) |
| Reduced Tillage Systems - Practical Recommendation | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | 3.7 (3) |
| Regionally adapted humus balance in organic farming | LfULG - Sächsische Landesanstalt für Umwelt,... | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | 3.7 (3) |
| Results an lessons learnt from field vegetables activity - cabbage | PURE | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Results and lessons learnt from wheat-based cropping system activity | PURE | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Rolling of grains to prevent winter kill damage (OK-Net Arable Practice... | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| ROTOR: organic crop rotation planner | ZALF - Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape... | OK-Net Arable | 2007 | 4.6 (11) |
| Satellite based and camera-controlled steering systems | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | 2 (1) |
| SmartSOIL Tool | AU - Aarhus University | OK-Net Arable | 2015 | 2 (3) |
| Soil and Fertility Management in Organic Systems | OACC - Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada,... | OK-Net Arable | - | 5 (1) |
| Soil protection and Crop Rotation | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2007 | |
| SOILapp | School of Advanced Studies Sant'Anna, Institute of... , Scuola Esperienziale Itinerante di Agricoltura... , AEGILOPS - The Greek Network for Biodiversity and... | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Sort Out Your Soil: A practical guide to green manures | Cotswold Seeds Ltd. , Garden Organic | OK-Net Arable | - | 4 (5) |
| Soybean silage | AIAB - Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica | OK-Net Arable | 2018 | |
| Successful cultivation of grain legumes mixed with cereals | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Testing peas for legume fatigue (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 5 (1) |
| The Muencheberg Soil Quality Rating (SQR) | ZALF - Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape... | OK-Net Arable | 2007 | 4 (4) |
| The use of legumes - Nature-compatible cultivation practices | BfN - Federal Agency for Nature Conservation | OK-Net Arable | 2014 | |
| Toasting soybeans for feeding laying hens (OK-Net EcoFeed Video) | Donau Soja , FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2020 | |
| Transition to organic production | OACC - Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada,... | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Use of variety mixtures to reduce disease, increase resource-use efficiency... | PURE | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Using crop rotation to control wireworms (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4 (1) |
| Utilisation of waste heat from biogas plants for drying fine-grained legumes... | Bioland Beratung GmbH | OK-Net EcoFeed | 2020 | |
| Weed Control in Grass and Forage Crops | IBERS Grassland Development Centre | OK-Net Arable | 2013 | |
| Weed control in organic farming through mechanical solutions | University of Kassel | OK-Net Arable | 2011 | 3.5 (4) |
| Weed control in soy with the finger weeder (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Weed harrowing in spring cereals | PURE | OK-Net Arable | - | |
| Weed trimming in soybeans | AIAB - Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | |
| Winter field peas as green manure before maize (OK-Net Arable Practice Abstract) | FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture | OK-Net Arable | 2017 | 4.5 (2) |
Discussion forum
Here you can discuss your problems and solutions for this theme