New Products

The University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources has recently published two guides designed to provide vegetable growers with information about sustainable practices.

The 86-page Organic Vegetable Production Manual includes details about organic production methods, certification processes and markets, according to a news release.

The book is useful for both veteran organic growers and those considering transitioning their operation.

Chapters include business plans, economic performance, soil fertility management, pest management, post-harvest handling, and organic certification and registration in California.

The book was written by University of California farm advisers and specialists.

With more than 90 pages, the Cover Cropping for Vegetable Protection handbook provides comprehensive, science-based information, according to the release.

In addition to helping growers select the right cover crops, the handbook covers their effects on water management, pest management and farm economics.

The handbook also discusses the differences in cover crops in the Central Valley, desert and coastal regions of the state.

Each book is $25 and is available at UC farm adviser offices or online at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/