Page 24 RAIN April1977 AGRICULTURE' IFOAM Bulletin (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements), $4 lyear quarterlY fromt Dr. Hardy Vogtmann Research Institute of Biological Husbandry Postfach CH-4104 Oberwil, Switzerlafid The IFOAM Bulletin is now being orinted and distributed in the U.S. by hodale Press, making their useful information more accessible to Americans interested in organic agricultural developments. The most recent issue contains information on the Center for Rural Studies' Low Energy Agriculture Research Project, MOFGA's "extension" program, nitrogen fixation research, inte-rcropping, use of live mulches, and success of the legal battie of Pat and Dorothy Langan in ToPPenish, WA' against pesticide sPraYing. (TB) Tbe llse of Ground Rock Powders in Apricultuie, Eliot Coleman, 50C from: " Small Farm Research Association Harborside, ME 04642 A survey of the literature on granites, feldsoars. micas and basalts. Coleman conciudes that rock powders can be of considerable use as agricultural fertilizers providing, A) the proper minerai composition of the rock is taken into account, B) the rock Powder is ground as finely as possible, C) it is appiied under soil and weather conditions conducive to its decomPosition, and D) crops and green manures are used which can convert the rock nutrients into organic forms accessible to subsequent crops. (TB) Food Production in tbe Canadian Enztironment, Barbara and Larry Geno' Dec' 1976, $2.80 from' Science Council of Canada 150 Kent Street Ottawa, Ontario KlP 5PH The final version of Geno's earlier draft report on patterns of Canadian agriculrure and suggestions for changed practices and consumption patterns which would make it less energy intensive, less ecologically destructive and more resilient to the economic, energetic and environmental problems facing farmers today. (TB) European Biological Agriculture I 97 6, Eliot Coleman Small Farm Research Association Harborside, ME 04642 Interesting rePorts from a wide variety of farms and agriculture research organizations in Europe involved in bioiogical agriculture that were visited on the 197 6 EuroPean Farm Tour. Most beneficial techniques noted were careful mix of green manure croPs for more compleie soil improvement, extensive use of leguminous cover crops, meticuIous manure management, imProved forage mix in pastures, integrated operations for nutrient recycling, greenhouse use to extcnd cropping season and on-farm production of cheese, butter, wine and juices to extend the income season. Two 1977 tours are being arranged, Oct. l-23 and Oct. 1 3Nov- 4, which will overlap at the International Research Conference on Biological Agriculture. in Switzerla nd. The tours are non-proftt and as lnexpenslve as possible. Contact Eliot Coleman for details. (TB) Tbe BiologS' of Agricultural Systems C.R.W. Sfleaaing, 1975, $19.50 from' Academic Press 111 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10003 This book considers the biological processes involved in agro-ecosystems. Various kinds of systems are described from an ecological perspective. Limiting factors, energetic efficiencies, wastes, and stability factors are anzlyzed. Models are proposed for better understanding the dynamics of agricultural systems. This book would be of definite interest to anyone into a systems approach to agriculture. Up to date references of European literature on a very wide range of subjects might expand the awareness of the American student. Lots of tables, charts and diagrams. I have used it a lot' . . . You Coasters have sent us another high, howling Chinook. A warm cloud tosser, singing in the tree tops tonight. Thank you. It brought some rain too (small "r") and that is much needed. Take care, Yer Pal, WoodY DerYckx RAIN 2270 N.W. lrving Portland, OR 97210 Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed Non-Profit Org. U.S. Posrage PAID Permit No. 1890 Portland, OR
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