Brassicaceae Food Crops
Organic Production
Organic production of brassica crops, or any commodity, relies on management techniques that replenish and maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing the soil’s biological activity. This is achieved through crop rotation, In 2002, the USDA implemented the National Organic Standards regulating organic production be certified. An exception to this requirement is made for farmers who sell less than $5,000 annually. For more information on organic crop production and organic farm certification, see ATTRA’s Organic Crop Production tion and the National Organic Program.
Soil and Fertility
The brassicas are heavy feeders that can grow on a variety of soils as long as the soils provide adequate Soil components—minerals, air, water, and organic matter—vary widely depending on geography and climate. The challenge on farmland is to maintain healthy soils with adequate levels of organic matter. Healthy soils will demonstrate the following charac- teristics: good tilth, good habitat for numerous microorganisms, absorptio
