URBANA, Ill. - Organic farming has significantly increased in importance in recent decades. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, disease management in organic farming is largely based on the maintenance of biological diversity and soil health by balanced crop rotations, including nitrogen-fixing and cover crops, intercrops, additions of manure and compost, and reductions in soil tillage.
“Disease management in organic cropping systems is a serious challenge because of the rigorous restrictions that are in force; besides, management methods can vary depending on climate and topography,” explains James Theuri, a University of Illinois Extension local foods systems/small farms educator.
An upcoming webinar will look at some cultural and non-chemical options that organic growers have for foliar and soilborne disease management. Theuri and Laurie George, also an Extension educator will discuss disease management in organic crops.
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The online webinar will be presented on Dec.14 from noon to 1 p.m. CST. There is no cost to attend the program, but pre-registration is required by Dec. 12 for participants to receive webinar access information. Call 815-933-8337 to register at the Extension office, or register using the following link: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=15495 .
To attend the workshop from home, participants need a computer with high-speed internet access and a way to listen to the presentation.
