Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
amendments is approved for use in organic crop production by the U.S. Na-
tional Organic Program. Similar lists have been developed for Canadian cer-
tified organic growers. Even if you are not interested in organic certification,
the approved lists provide excellent guidance for developing effective and
environmentally friendly orchard management practices.
Some approved materials have certain restrictions regarding their use in
organic crop production, and some organic certifying organizations follow
standards more restrictive than those detailed in the following list. If certi-
fication is important to you, become thoroughly familiar with your certify-
ing organization's rules. Always carefully read labels and any other docu-
mentation. Be sure that the materials you purchase meet organic certifica-
tion standards.
NOP-APPROVED NONSYNTHETIC MATERIALS
▪
Aquatic plant extracts (not hydrolyzed). The extraction process is limited
to the use of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide; the solvent
amount used is limited to that amount necessary for extraction.
▪
Elemental sulfur
▪
Humic acids. Includes only naturally occurring deposits, water, and alkali
extracts.
▪
Lignin sulfonate. Used as a chelating agent, dust suppressant, flotation
agent.
▪
Magnesium sulfate. This is allowed with a documented soil deficiency.
▪
Micronutrients. These cannot be used as a defoliant, herbicide, or desic-
cant. Those made from nitrates or chlorides are not allowed. Soil defi-
ciency must be documented by testing.
▪
Soluble boron products
▪
Sulfates, carbonates, oxides, or silicates of zinc, copper, iron, manganese,
molybdenum, selenium, and cobalt
