Midland Probiotics

...The theme of this Third Conference, "Nature Farming For A Sustainable Agriculture," was most appropriate in view of the strong sustainable agriculture movement that is now being advocated in the United States by many farmers, researchers, politicians, consumers and environmentalists. We believe that it is also appropriate, but somewhat ironic, that many of the advanced agricultural tehnologies including mechanization, fertilizers, pesticides, monoculure cropping systems, and high yielding varieties were developed in the USA and were heralded as the ultimate means of feeding an expanding world population. However, they essentially failed to do so because the farming systems comprised of these technologies were neither economically nor environmentally sustainable. In some cases, they were neither socially nor politicaly sustainable.

Table of Contents

Foreward

Preface

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

Session I: Opening Ceremony

Welcome Address...William D. Gillette Kyusei Nature Farming; A Sustainable Farming Method for the 21st Century...Rev. Yasushi Matsumoto Recent initiatives by USDA to Strengthen Research and Education Programs on Sustainable Agriculture...Richard Rominger A Farmer's Perspective on Sustainable Farming...William G. Brammer Consumer Issues in Creating a Sustainable Agriculture..Laurie Mott

Session II: Keynote Addresses

Effective Microorganisms: Their Role in Kyusei Nature Farming and Sustainable Agriculture...Teruo Higa Natural Farming Systems: Meeting the Goals of sustainable Agriculture...R. R. Harwood Natural Farming Systems in the Asia-Pacific Region: Strategies for Sustainability...Y, D, A, Senanayake

Session III: Soil Quality: The Key to a Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

Development of a Soil Health Index...J. Haberen Effects of Soil and Crop Management Practices on Soil Quality...D. L. Karlen Soil Organic Matter Dynamics and Microbiological Ineractions...P. D. Millner and D. D. Kaufman Nutritional Quality of Crops as Affected by Management Practices...S. B. Hornick Effects of Biodynamic and Conventional Farming on Soil Quality in New Zealand...J. P. Reganold Development of a Soil Quality Index...J. L. Smith, R. I . Papendick and J. J. Halvorson

Session IV: Transition from Conventional Agriculture to Sustainable Farming Systems

Research on Transition from Conventional to Sustainable Agriculture: the Rodale Farming Systems Trial...R. R. Janke Transition Experiences Among California Farmers...A. D. Mayse Sustaining Transition: The Role of Public Policy in Helping Farmers Change from Conventional to Sustainable Practices...G. W. Bird Transition to Organic Farming for California Field Crops...E. Sills Transition to Kyusei Nature Farming at the Naturfarm in Lompoc, California...J. M. Phillips Alternative and Regenerative Agricultural Practices for Sustainable Farming...D. R. Lynch

Session V: Nature Farming with Effective Microorganisms: Research Reports

Kyusei Nature Farming in Thailand; Research and Extension Activities...C. Pairintra, P. Pakdee, S. Prachankanchana and S. Khongsai Effect of EM on the Growth and Yield of Crops...A. R. Chowdhury, M. M. Islam, M. M. Hossain and J. Haider Research of the Technology of Effective Microorganisms in Sri Lanka...U. R. Sangakkara Nature Farming Research in Malaysia: Effect of Organic Amendments and EM on Crop Production...H. A. H. Sharifuddin, M. F. Shahbuddin, A. R. Anuar, A. R. Zaharah and J. Samy Nature Farming Research in Myanmar: Effect of Organic Amendments and EM or Rice Production...C. C. Myint The Asia-Pacific Natural Agriculture Network (APNAN): A Case Study for Regional Research...T. Hussain, G. Jilani, M. Yassen and M. A. Abbas Effect of EM and EM-Fermented Compost on the Growth and Yield of Rice and Vegetable Crops in Korea...K. H. Lee and S. D. Cho Nature Farmign and Integrated Pest Managemaent in Indonesia...M. S. Wegenasantana

Session VI: Nature Farming with Effective Microorganisms: Research Reports

Effect of EM on the Growth and Yield of Rice and Beans... A. M. Primavesi Use of Effective Microorganisms in Brazil...S. Kinjo and S. K. Homma Effect of EM and Green Manure on Soil Productivity in Brazil... H. Tokeshi, M. A. T. Lima and M. K. A. Jorge Effect of EM on Soil Properties and Nutrient Cycling in a Citrus Agroecosystem...A. D. Paschoal, S. K. Homma, M. J. A. Jorge and M.C. S. Nogueira Practical Applications of EM Technology: A Farmer's Perspective...D. R. Lynch Kyusei Nature Farming: Historical Perspective, Present Status, and Prospects for Future Development and EM Technology...H. Okubo Effict of EM on Nitrogen and Potassium Levels in the Rhizosphere of Bush Bean...U. R. Sangakkara Effect of EM on Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice...U. R. Sangakkara and A. M. U. Attanayake Application of Effective Microorganisms ofr Swine Waste Treatment...S. Chantsavang, C. Sinrachatanun, K. Ayuwat, and P. Siriote

Session VII: Research of Effective Microorganisms and Sustainable Agriculture: Poster Presentations

Potential Use of EM for Control of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Bacteria...C. M. Castro, S. D. Motta, F, Akiba and R. L. D. Ribeiro Effective Microorganisms for Control of Xanthomonas Campestris pv Vesicatoria in Sweet Pepper...C. M. Castro, S. D. Motta, D. S. Pereira, F. Akiba and R. L. D. Ribeiro Influence of EM of Organic Matter Decomposition in Soil Under Controlled Conditions...S. Z. Filho, R. R. Medeiros and S. Kinjo Influence of Effective Microorganisms on Seed Germination and Plantlet Vigor of Selected Crops...M. F. B. Siqueira, C. P. Sudré, L. H. Almeida, A. P. R. Pegorer and F. Akiba Potential Use of EM for composting Wood and Paper Processing Wastes...P. R. Moeira Tick Control in Cattle with Effective Microorganisms...S. E. C. Venegas and G. Ramos, Jr. Leaf Exudates of Bean Plants Cultivated with EM...R. R. Medeiros, S. Z. Filho and S. Kinjo

Session VIII: Strategies for Achieving a More Sustainable Agriculture: Research, Education, and Public Policy