Designing Sustainable Small Farms

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Mycorrhizal Plants: A relationship between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi has been recorded in many higher plants, especially the forest species. This association is symbiotic: The fungi supply phosphorus and other nutrients to the plant in exchange for carbohydrates. Plants inoculated with selected strains of mycorrhizae typically produce high yields in low phosphorus soils. Often the fungi can be introduced to new plantings by adding soil taken from a vigorous stand of the same species.

A Reader's Guide to Sustainable Agriculture

The following list was carefully selected from a large bibliography and contains titles that are most relevant to the issues raised in this article. Your local library probably has some of the volumes ... or, if you prefer, you can order them from the sources given. A full bibliography that contains 250 titles-as well as magazine and journal listings and suppliers of equipment, beneficial insects, and plants-is available from the New Alchemy Institute (at the address given at the end of the article) for $8. 00 postpaid. (Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.)

Permaculture One by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren (Corgi Books, 1978) and Permaculture Two by Bill Mollison (Tagari Books, 1979). These volumes are the best introduction to commonsense design inspired by ecology. Both are available from the International Tree Crops Institute, U.S.A., Inc., P.O. Box 666, Winters, CA 95694. You can obtain Permaculture One-while the supply lasts-for $12.50 postpaid ... and Permaculture Two for $10.95 postpaid.

Agroecology: The Scientific Basis of Alternative Agriculture by Miguel A. Altieri (self-published, 1983). This is the best text to date that describes the science behind ecological agriculture. It's available from the author (1050 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA 94706) for $11. 00 postpaid.

The Future Is Abundant edited by Lany Korn, Barbara Snyder, and Mark Musick (Tilth, 1982). Although this resource guide to the tools and information needed for farm design is geared toward the Pacific Northwest, it's worth buying just for its plant species matrix. Order it from Tilth, 4649 Sunnyside North, Seattle, WA 98103 for $12.95 postpaid.

Nature's Design by Carol Smyser (Rodale Press, 1982). This is a good text for teaching the design process for home landscaping. You can buy it for $22.95 (shipping is included with prepayment) from Rodale Press, 33 E. Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18049.

The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka (Rodale Press, 1978). This well-known text is valuable for its philosophical approach to agriculture. It's available from Rodale Press at the preceding address for $9.95 postpaid if payment accompanies order.

Principles of Environmental Science by K E. F. Watt (McGrawHill, 1972). This text is aimed at the college-level student. It'll cost you $44.50 postpaid from McGraw-Hill, Princeton Rd, Hightstown, NJ 08520.

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