Biological Agriculture & Horticulture aims to act as the central focus for a wide range of studies into alternative systems of husbandry, and particularly the biological or organic approach to food production. The Journal publishes work of a sound scientific or economic nature related to any aspect of biological husbandry in agriculture, horticulture and forestry in both temperate and tropical conditions, including energy and water utilization, and environmental impact.

Biological husbandry avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, livestock feed additives and genetically modified organisms. Papers on these topics will not be published, although the Journal does report comparative studies between conventional and biological husbandry.

Instead, biological husbandry focuses on crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil productivity, to supply plant nutrients, and to control insects, weeds and other pests.

Biological Agriculture & Horticulture is a well-established, significant, international focus for the publication of research and information in this important field of sustainable agriculture. As well as scientific papers, each issue contains a News and Reviews section, including many reviews of recently-published books.

Peer Review Statement

Biological Agriculture & Horticulture is an international, peer-reviewed journal which publishes high quality, original research contributions to scientific knowledge. All manuscript submissions are subject to initial appraisal by the Editor, and, if found suitable for further consideration, to peer review by independent, anonymous expert referees. All peer review is double anonymized and submission is online via ScholarOne Manuscripts.

There have been two recent trends in agriculture, our most essential industry. Firstly, in the developed countries, the evolution of modern, intensive agriculture, reliant upon large amounts of non-renewable energy and raw materials, has frequently resulted in soil degradation, environmental pollution and damage to wildlife. Secondly, in the developing countries, pressures such as population growth coupled with unsuitable agricultural methods have often severely damages the resource-base essential to food production. Because of global environmental limitations, in neither case can such trends be considered sustainable beyond the short to medium term - he next few decades; and it is essential that more appropriate and sustainable agricultural systems be developed.

Biological/organic production systems, based upon traditional farming practices but incorporating appropriate scientific and technical advances, are now under widespread development. They are seen by many to provide a realistic, long-term alternative to present agricultural systems. The truly sustainable agriculture of the future will need to be largely based upon natural, biological processes and cycles in the soil and wider ecosystems; utilizing non-renewable resources minimally and relying maximally upon the processes of resource cycling and renewal inherent within the earth's natural systems. Biological/organic husbandry, as it is presently developing, is the forerunner of this future, biologically-based, sustainable agriculture.