Publications

Extension Publications

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  Common Rose Diseases

  Several rose diseases caused by fungus, virus, or bacterium are discussed. Disease-resistant varieties also are mentioned.

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  Community Tree Planting and Care Guide

  Take this booklet, which includes the current recommendations of the Iowa Urban and Community Forest Council and Iowa State University, along as you plan, plant, and care for trees that will become tomorrow's community forest.

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  Composting Yard Waste

  Explains the materials needed for a compost pile and includes construction directions for building a 3-bin composting unit.

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  Conservation Techniques for Vegetable Production: Combining Strip-Tillage and Cover Crops

  Strip-tillage is when a crop is planted into narrow, tilled strips and the non-tilled area between the strips might contain residue from the previous season's main crop or a living or dead cover crop. Combining strip-tillage and cover crops offers various benefits including minimal soil erosion, maintains soil moisture and weed suppression. This publication provides basic information on using a strip-tillage system with rolled cover crops as a conservation best management practice in vegetable production systems such broccoli, peppers, pumpkins, squash and tomatoes.

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  Container Vegetable Gardening

  Includes information regarding: container construction, size, and capacity; crop selection and planting density; summer care (location, watering, fertilization, tomato tips). Lists suggestions for 12 container garden vegetables (more than 40 cultivars) including: carrots, cucumber, pepper, spinach, and tomatoes.

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  Cover Crops in Vegetable Production Systems

  Vegetable production systems require inputs and if not managed properly could have detrimental effects on soil and the environment. Cover crops are gaining importance and growers can used them as a best practice tool in preserving environmental sustainability of vegetable cropping systems without compromising farm productivity and profitability. This publication defines various cover crops and their benefits such as reducing soil erosion, compaction and synthetic nitrogen inputs, suppressing weeds, increasing soil organic matter and water infiltration, enhancing soil biology, and providing habitat for beneficial insects and natural enemies of pests.

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  Crop Rotations, Composting and Cover Crops for Organic Vegetable Production

  Organic production and consumption has increased to a $39.5 billion industry in the United States with over 22,000 organic farmers. Over 5.4 million acres are in organic production in the U.S., including 164,403 acres of organic vegetables, valued at $1.3 billion. The majority of organic vegetable growers incorporate crop rotations, composting, and cover crops in their operations. The following information offers a guide for including these practices to meet certified organic rules and increase the long-term sustainability of an organic farm.