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 THE MOSES ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE (OFC) OFC Home | Registration | Maps | Lodging | Media Kit 2012 ORGANIC RESEARCH FORUM The last five years have produced an amazing growth of organic research projects at both public land-grant universities and private institutions. Now in its third year, the Organic Research Forum at the 2012 MOSES Organic Farming Conference helps bring that research directly to the organic farmers. The Organic Research Forum is a unique opportunity for farmers, students and researchers to connect and discuss current issues in organic agricultural research.
For more information or questions regarding the Organic Research Forum contact Joe Pedretti, MOSES Organic Education Specialist at joe@mosesorganic.org or 608-629-5010 Research Forum Workshops Impact of Organic Management on Dairy Animal Health and Well-Being Veggie Compass: Which Way Will You Grow? Determining Profitability on Your Diversified Farm Organic Raspberry and Sweet Cherry Production under High Tunnels Systems Strategies for Weed Control on Organic Grain Farms Vegetable Variety Selection on Your Farm: Participatory Research and Variety Development Advances in Flame Weeding in Agronomic Crops Soil Microbes in Organic Vegetable Production Nitrogen Mineralization and Available Nitrogen Patterns in Organic Cropping Systems with Varying Nutrient Inputs Poster Display Cover Crops Shape the Ground Beetle Community and Facilitate Weed Seed Developing a Biodegradable Alternative to Plastic Mulch Film Comparison of Growth of Organically Raised and Conventionally Raised Dairy-Beef Communicating Growing Practices to Retail Customers: Not Just “Organic” Developing Natural Solutions to Reducing Food Safety Pathogens in Organically Do Consumers Care about Cosmetic Damage on Organic Apples? Rural Local Foods Shoppers - Results from a Consumer Survey in One Minnesota A Comparative Assessment of Human, Animal and Machine Power for Organic Determining the Efficacy of Compost Tea on Powdery Mildew of Cucurbits Performance of Freedom Ranger Broilers in a Day-Range Pasture System Metagenomic Profiling of Microbial Communities in Organic and Conventional Soils Mastitis Perceptions, Treatments, and Outcomes on Organic and Conventional Effect of Weed Management Strategies on Canada thistle in Organically Managed Weed Suppression in Organic Tomato Production with Cover Crops Using Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Manage Codling Moth in Michigan Organic Strip Cultivation in Michigan Orchards Selection of Potato Varieties for Organic Production Systems – an On-Farm Summary Statistics of Project C.O.W. Protecting the Good Guys from the Good Guys: Optimizing Multiple Predator Biology-Based Management of the Apple Flea Weevil Weeds and Organic Weed Management: Investigating Farmer Decisions with a Utilizing a Flowering Intercrop for Soybean Aphid Management
Increasing demand for produce raised without chemical inputs have created a strong imperative for agroecologists to develop better ecologically based, cultural tools for farmers to control weeds efficiently and improve crop. An ecological approach to weed management means employing ‘many little hammers’ -- a combination of several tactics including crop diversification, rotation, intercropping, cover cropping and conservation biological control as an alternative to a simplified herbicide program. To address the need for stronger weed control strategies in organic systems in Indiana, we have initiated an interdisciplinary, comprehensive project at Purdue University, examining cultural practices on weed recruitment in organic tomato production at a market scale. Ground beetles are beneficial insects that are very common in agroecosystems. Many ground beetle species are primarily granivorous, and have the capacity to reduce the weed seed bank. Cover crops are frequently found to facilitate weed seed consumption by ground beetles, although consistent patterns are not established. I will present preliminary data on the ground beetle community in an organic cover crop system, where we performed an experiment comparing tillage regimes and two different cover crop strategies.
The past 30 years have experienced an unprecedented global growth of plastic mulch in agriculture due to its low capital investment and favorable economic returns. However, the production and disposal of plastic mulch poses significant near and long term dangers to the environment and human health, and the market lacks an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative to plastic mulch. For these reasons, we promote the goal of decreasing our agricultural dependency on petroleum based plastic agricultural products through the development of an economically viable, biodegradable alternative to plastic mulch. Our biodegradable mulch alternative would have three immediate benefits: 1) eliminate the many adverse environmental and health effects created by plastic manufacturing and disposal 2) eliminating labor required to collect plastic from the field, and 3) add valuable organic material to the soil through the biodegradation of a new mulch made from naturally available fibers. We propose to present preliminary results from pilot testing of the heat retention, soil water retention, and biodegradability of currently available plastic mulch and biodegradable alternatives on the market, along with a prototype biodegradable alternative developed at Oregon State University using natural fibers, largely considered agricultural waste. We hope to use this presentation to spring board a discussion with conference attendees regarding their perspective and concerns regarding the use of plastic mulch and biodegradable alternatives.
Bull calves (n=51) were used to compare growth measurements of conventional dairy steers and organic dairy steers. Calves were assigned to one of three groups (conventional, organic, and grass-only organic) of 17 and were born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris from March to May 2011. The conventional dairy steers (CONV) were fed a diet that contained 80% concentrate and 20% roughage. The organically (ORG) raised dairy steers were fed a diet of organic corn, organic corn silage, and organic protein supplement. Additionally, at least 30% and closer to 50%, of their diet consisted of high-quality organic pasture during the grazing season. The organic grass-only (GRASS) dairy steers were fed 100% forage from pasture during the grazing season and high quality hay or hay silage during the non-grazing season. Body weight and hip height were recorded at birth, weaning, and monthly. Diets fed were recorded daily. For the first 250 days of the study, performance was total gain (lbs), CONV (580), ORG (372), GRASS (257); average daily gain (lbs), CONV (2.32), ORG (1.49), GRASS (1.03). In summary, CONV steers had greater average daily gains than organic steers; however, the GRASS steers had lower feed costs than CONV and ORG steers. Ultimately, this project will examine the growth, meat quality, consumer acceptability, and profitability of raising organic dairy-beef steers. There is an increase in global demand for organic products and organic dairy-beef, especially grass-fed and finished, and they have the potential to address some of the consumer concerns associated with conventional dairy-beef. Furthermore, bull calves may represent an additional source of revenue for organic dairy producers. Currently, with the high price of organic grains in the United States, the male offspring of organic dairy cattle represent a potential resource for pasture-raised beef in the Midwest.
The central concern of this project is to understand how farmers communicate their growing methods to retail customers, the purpose of which is to develop strategies that growers can use in their marketing communication. The reason this project is important is because growers may be able to gain a competitive advantage by distinguishing themselves from other growers with similar characteristics, but they need to understand how to do so through their marketing materials. To develop those strategies, I’ve collected descriptions of farmers’ growing practices and products from the Minnesota Grown directory and from farms’ Web sites, through a random sample of 10% of the vegetable and fruit growers listed in the Minnesota Grown directory (840 growers were listed in the 2010 directory). I subsequently analyzed those descriptions and sites to understand how farmers currently describe their growing practices and products. From those texts, I found that farmers do little to distinguish themselves from other farmers in their marketing communication. For example, growers tend to describe themselves as “environmental” or “ecological” rather than providing a specific example or a more precise explanation of an environmental or ecological practice. Overall, product and process differentiation is occurring, but at relatively low levels. While the use of certain key words like “heirloom” and “sustainable” can capture consumers’ attention, growers may want to consider differentiating themselves from their peers in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage. Growers can take better advantage of marketing opportunities to distinguish themselves by, for example, listing specific varieties they grow or providing a more precise description of a philosophy of sustainability or a particularly sustainable practice.
Organic poultry production is one of the fastest growing segments of organic agriculture with a 20% increase/yr since the establishment of the National Organic Program (NOP). Restrictions on prophylactic antibiotics used for conventional poultry production raise unique challenges for organic producers, yet there is minimal research focusing on their needs. In addition, the outdoor access requirement for organic production increases exposure to potential disease vectors, such as rodents and wild birds. Our overall goal is to study the effectiveness of natural strategies in the control of food borne pathogens in poultry raised under organic conditions, while assisting organic producers to comply with the requirements of the NOP. Research from our laboratories indicates that natural compounds such as fatty acids and essential plant oils have antimicrobial efficacy against poultry enteric pathogens and could provide solutions to address food safety concerns in organic production systems. These compounds are all natural, have been listed as “Generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA. Caprylic acid is a food grade medium-chain fatty acid that is naturally found in milk and coconut oil. We evaluated the efficacy of caprylic acid administration in market-age birds already colonized with Campylobacter (therapeutic efficacy). Birds were challenged with Campylobacter at three weeks of age. Caprylic acid was given the last 7 days of the trial. On day 42, ceca were collected and Campylobacter counts determined. Caprylic acid consistently reduced Campylobacter compared to positive control. We also evaluated the efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon,thymol from thyme or oregano and eugenol from clove. In studies similar to those with caprylic acid, these compounds demonstrated efficacy against Campylobacter and Salmonella. The results suggest that supplementation of caprylic acid and natural plant extracts in the feed can reduce food born pathogens in poultry and show promise as a tool for organic producers. Funded by USDA OREI Program 2011-01955.
The sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) disease complex cause cosmetic damage but do not affect the safety or eating quality of apples. Treatment for the disease is more difficult and costly for organic producers, and consumers’ willingness to pay for organic apples needs to be considered in growers’ choice of production technologies. Consumer survey data was used to evaluate consumers’ willingness to buy apples. The results show consumers will pay a premium for organic production methods and for apples with low amounts of SBFS damage. Behavioral variables such as experience growing fruit significantly affect the willingness to buy apples of different damage levels. Consumers have limited tolerance of very blemished apples and trade off production technology attributes for cosmetic appearance. Better understanding of this tradeoff can improve organic producers’ decisions about disease control.
Rodale Institute (RI) has implemented a three-year research trial to assess the ability of rolled and mowed cover crops to suppress weeds and provide fertility in vegetable production systems, compared with standard black plastic systems. Research goals are to measure the impacts of cover crop mulches and black plastic on: 1) soil quality and fertility; 2) weed control; 3) yields and waste production; and 4) profitability for small- to mid-size vegetable operations. In 2010 and 2011, RI produced tomatoes in a randomized replicated blocked field that included nine cover crop/termination treatments (mowed, rolled, and plowed cereal rye; mowed, rolled, and plowed hairy vetch; and mowed, rolled, and plowed rye/vetch mixture) replicated four times across a half acre, generating 36 10’x50’ plots that supported approximately 850 tomato plants. Rodale also worked with four collaborating Pennsylvania and New Jersey farmers in 2011 to compare rolled cover crops with black plastic management for production of acorn squash, summer squash, tomatoes, melons, and cabbages. This work is being repeated in 2012. Results from RI’s 2010 and 2011 trials varied, likely due to differences in seasonal weather patterns. Weed suppression in cover crop plots was much better in 2010 than 2011, and in both years, the rye/vetch cover crop provided the best weed suppression (using the black plastic as a control). In 2010, yields in the rolled and mowed rye and rye/vetch treatments equaled the black plastic, whereas in 2011, the black plastic out-yielded all the other treatments by 30-70%. The collaborating farmers also had mixed results – some had equal yields in the cover crop and plastic plots, while others had much better yields in the plastic. Data for 2012 should clarify yield, weed, soil quality, and economic impacts of the varied systems, emphasizing the value of multi-year research to accurately define real-world system results.
This survey was completed to profile the food shopping habits and marketing channel preferences of households in Renville County. The purpose of the project was to gather reliable data which will inform local growers about market opportunities as well as inform local farmers’ market managers about their promotion and marketing efforts. Since consumer studies are often national or urban in scope, information about the food shopping habits and preferences of rural shoppers is needed as the local foods movement turns its attention to often overlooked markets in rural areas. The findings about how many local residents grow or raise food for their own consumption and the degree to which local foods are valued and purchased can guide the marketing of growers. Food budget figures also allow us to extrapolate the size of the local food market in the county.
As reduced fossil fuel supplies and the impacts of carbon loading become limiting factors in our economy, there is growing pressure on farmers to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Appropriate animal-powered and human-powered technologies can enable farmers to produce vegetables with reduced fossil fuel inputs but at a cost of increased labor and land inputs. Here we present the results from the first year of our Long Term Ecological Assessment of Farming Systems (LEAFS) research project at Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT. LEAFS compares the land, labor and energy requirements of three different vegetable production systems. The 0.25 acre human-powered treatment features permanent beds that are intensively planted, have minimal tillage, and rely solely on cover crops and leaves from the surrounding landscape for fertility maintenance. The 0.5 acre animal-powered treatment is managed with the use of a team of Guernsey oxen for primary and secondary tillage, cultivation, and some harvesting. It is part of a 3-year rotation with every third year in soil-building cover crops. Energy in the form of forage and soil nutrients from manure are derived from associated pasture and hay fields. The 0.25 acre “conventional” organic treatment is powered with an 11 HP walking tractor and utilizes purchased compost for fertility maintenance as well as other purchased inputs. Inputs in the form of land, labor, and energy are measured or estimated as well as yields of each crop. Our results show that human power is both land and energy efficient at only a modest cost in terms of increased labor while draft animal production can be efficient but requires two to four times the land base. Our results help understand the tradeoffs between land, labor and energy in agriculture.
Abstract: Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) is a serious pathogen of cucurbits, including muskmelons (Cucumis melo), causing loss of yield. Solutions of compost soaked in water, called compost teas, have been used as organic treatments for plant diseases such as powdery mildew but have not been tested adequately. Minnesota Midget muskmelons were planted with twenty inches between plants and four feet between rows. Each treatment group consisted of eight plants, and was replicated five times in a complete randomized block design. Compost tea was made by placing four premade compost tea bags into a five gallon compost tea maker, and allowed to sit with the aeration mechanism on for at least one day prior to use. Compost tea treatments were compared against water and sulfur (Kumulus DF, United Phosphorous Inc.). Treatments were applied when the first sign of powdery mildew was found, weekly afterwards using hand sprayers. Leaf infection data was taken on the upper and lower surfaces of eight randomly chosen leaves per treatment block. Infection data was taken once a week. Weight and number of melons were also recorded. Yield was nearly identical between compost tea and control treatments both averaging 60 pounds per treatment, and with the sulfur treatment being least productive at 52 pounds per repetition on average. Leaf infection was least in the sulfur treated plants ending at 19.7 percent infection average, second least infected were the compost tea treated plants averaging at 77.4 percent infected, and the control treatment was most infected at 82.9 percent infected. The yield results were unexpected, since the treatment with the lowest infection rate had the lowest yield as well. The compost tea showed minimal improvement over the control in terms of infection rate.
Demand for pasture raised chicken is increasing as the attributes (welfare, food safety, meat quality) of pastured poultry become more widely recognized. Farmers would benefit from performance benchmarks for broiler production as an aid to enterprise development. This poster will provide performance and cost of production data from broilers grown in a day-range pasture system in central Illinois. Three thousand fourteen chicks were started on feed; 2886 chickens were processed. The group mortality varied from 1.16 - 11.33% (mean 4.25+3.31%). The average weight of processed chickens was 3.85 (+0.58) lbs, and varied significantly among groups. Population feed:gain was 3.06. Heat stress was the predominant cause of mortality and variation in growth rate. Cost of production variables will be presented in the complete poster.
This project investigates the functional differences between microbial communities found in soils with a history of organic management and diverse crop rotations and those of conventionally-managed soils. We sampled soil from five sites, three long-term research areas and two working farms, where organic and conventional practices are used side by side on the same base soils. At several of the sites, we took samples from multiple phases of the crop rotation, to allow us to distinguish between effects of management system and effects specific to particular crops. DNA was extracted from these soils and sequenced to provide a detailed inventory of bacterial strains present under each management regime. From these inventories, we are calculating and comparing several measures of the diversity of bacterial populations in organic and conventional soils. We are also using hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of these inventories to compare the strength of management effects to the strength of site effects, and to assess the overall similarity of bacterial populations among the different samples. We will compare both the overall diversity and structure of the bacterial populations and those of subgroups of bacteria known to be active in plant nutrition, including nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilizers. We hope that our research will be a contribution to the building of a detailed knowledge base about the impact of farming systems on essential soil biological functions such as nutrient cycling and disease suppression. This will allow researchers to work with farmers to develop recommendations for rotation, nutrient management, and other practices to maximize fertility- and health-enhancing soil functions and foresee and avoid unwanted side effects of inputs or practices.
The purpose of this study was to characterize mastitis perceptions, treatments, and outcomes on organic and similarly-sized conventional dairy farms. Between 2009 and 2011, 192 organic and 100 conventional herds were visited in NY, OR, and WI. During a single herd visit, a questionnaire regarding management practices was administered, information was collected on mastitis cases during the 60 days preceding the visit, and paperwork was left for farmers to record mastitis cases for 60 days following the visit. Farm type was divided into organic, conventional grazing, and conventional non-grazing. There were few differences in symptoms used for diagnosis of mastitis. Proportion of mastitis cases that received treatment was associated with farm type, and organic farmers more frequently treated either few or all cases of mastitis as compared to conventional grazing and non-grazing farmers. A greater variety of products and procedures were reported to be used for treatment of mastitis on organic as compared to conventional grazing and non-grazing farms. Definition of cure of mastitis varied among farm types, with organic farmers less likely to define a cure based on appearance of milk or udder, and more likely to use a CMT as compared to conventional grazing and non-grazing farms. Satisfaction with outcome of mastitis cases did not vary among farm types.
Cover crops serve a wide variety of purposes in organic agriculture, including improving soil tilth, increasing soil organic matter, adding nitrogen to the soil and reducing erosion. Rotations of vegetables often include high traffic and mechanical weed control, which can be destructive to soil quality and structure. Cover crops could reduce the damage to the soil and provide a method to add the nitrogen needed for vegetable plant growth. The purpose of this experiment was to measure the effects of red clover and compost on soil tilth and nitrogen availability during transition to organic production on a silt loam soil in Indiana. The four experimental treatments were red clover with compost, red clover without compost, bare soil with compost and bare soil without compost. Lettuce was grown in raised beds covered in plastic. Soil aggregation, or the measure of soil resistance to water erosion, was the main measure of soil tilth. Soil nitrate and ammonium samples were taken weekly for five weeks during the growing season to observe nitrogen mineralization, and total nitrogen uptake by the lettuce was measured. Soil temperatures were also taken within the bed three times per week. Soil aggregation was higher in the cover crop treatments than in the bare soil treatments in the fall (3.3 mm as compared to 2.7 mm average aggregate diameter) and the spring before planting (2.0 mm as compared to 1.3 mm). After lettuce harvest, the red clover with compost had the highest average aggregate diameter of all treatments (1.5 mm), followed by red clover without compost (1.4 mm). The bare soil treatments with and without compost resulted in an average aggregate diameter of 1.4 mm and 1.1 mm respectively. For farmers, this means that the addition of cover crops and compost improves soil health relative to bare soil and no soil amendments, even in intense vegetable rotations.
Canada thistle is a relatively common perennial weed that is difficult to control in organically managed cropping systems. A split plot experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of Canada thistle to different crops and weed management practices. Main plots were soybean, fresh market tomato, and a spring vegetable (radish) followed by buckwheat. Subplots were cultivated three times during the critical period in soybeans and tomatoes and then weeds were (1) controlled all season (no –seed threshold), (2) allowed to emerge and produce seed, or (3) mowed periodically. Canada thistle densities were recorded every two weeks and biomass collected at the end of the growing season. In general, Canada thistle densities and biomass were lower in treatments where multiple tillage passes were possible. Thus Canada thistle was greatest in the radish-buckwheat treatment and lowest in the tomato treatment. No differences in Canada thistle biomass were found between the mowing and critical period treatments in soybean or in the radish-buckwheat treatment. Canada thistle biomass was greater in mowed plots than in the critical period plots in tomato. Weed densities differed among treatments in soybean and tomato, but yields were affected by the subplot treatments on tomato only. The results from the first year of this two year project suggest the importance of maintaining tillage options throughout the growing season to minimize Canada thistle growth.
The unique and complementary traits of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) and the legume hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) make winter annual cover crop mixtures of the two species promising for organic vegetable cropping systems. Informed management of the relative species proportions in the mixture could provide an important means of optimizing performance to serve various farmer goals. A variation of the replacement series experimental design was used to investigate 1) how relative species proportions (seeding rates) influence biomass production and total residue quality, and 2) the interactive effects of mixture residues and black plastic mulch (PM) on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) performance and soil nitrate dynamics. Cover crop main plot treatments consisted of a gradient of 7 rye:vetch mixture proportions from 100% rye (94 kg/ha) to 100% vetch (42 kg/ha), in addition to a no cover crop control. Subplots consisted of bell pepper grown either with or without PM. Soil nitrate levels were monitored through biweekly soil sampling during the growing season. Rye and vetch density and biomass in mixtures were generally proportional to the seeding rates used. Cover crop mixtures with higher proportions of vetch generally resulted in higher soil nitrate concentrations during the growing season, but both the magnitude and duration of the increases in soil nitrate following cover crop incorporation were greater under PM than without. In general, total bell pepper yields were higher following cover crop mixtures with greater proportions of vetch. However, total yields were uniformly higher for peppers grown on PM. Our results suggest that PM may be an important tool for maximizing N fertility benefits from incorporated cover crop residues, but evaluations of overall mixture performance must ultimately be based on a systems-level consideration of the numerous services that cover crops can provide, as well as their relative costs.
In fresh market systems, tomatoes are typically transplanted into wide rows and weeds are controlled during a critical period to protect yields. Weeds that emerge after this period produce seed which can increase the soil seed bank and lead to increased weed problems in subsequent years. Four treatments were examined under field conditions in 2010 and 2011: 1) tomatoes transplanted into plastic beds (ORG); 2) tomatoes transplanted into plastic beds plus clover sown between crop rows after the critical period (CLOVER); 3) tomatoes transplanted in no-till roller-crimped rye beds (RYE); 4) tomatoes transplanted in no-till roller-crimped rye beds plus clover sown between crop rows (MIX). At the end of the season, weeds in the ORG treatment produced more than twice as much seed as weeds in the CLOVER treatment. However, tomato yields were approximately 16% lower for the CLOVER treatment than for the ORG treatment. Intercropping clover between crop rows may therefore reduce tomato yields. The RYE and MIX treatments provided very poor weed control and tomato yields. Replacing plastic mulch with roller-crimped rye resulted in substantially higher weed biomass and lower tomato yields. Although the use of a living mulch grown between tomato rows has potential for reducing weed seed banks, additional research is needed to better understand how a living mulch like clover affects tomato yields.
Entomopathogenic nematodes are tiny parasites of insects that can be applied in a water mixture and can kill their hosts within only a few hours after infection. The codling moth (Cydia Pomonella [L.]) is a serious pest of apples worldwide and is of critical concern in organic apple production. Codling moth larvae pupate and overwinter in silk cocoons in soil surface litter and under the bark on tree trunks or branches. Entomopathogenic nematodes have potential for management targeting codling moth larvae since they actively search out hosts in protected locations. We have been evaluating the entomopathogenic nematodes species, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev), at three Michigan organic apple orchards to test its effectiveness for codling moth management. Our research to date indicates that nematode applications are more effective in orchards planted with smooth-barked tree varieties, presumably because the codling moth larvae in these orchards are forced to overwinter on the ground where they may be more susceptible to infection by entomopathogenic nematodes. This poster presents research testing the hypothesis that codling moth larvae in cocoons on the ground are more susceptible to nematode sprays than those in other locations in the orchard. We found that nematodes applied with a backpack sprayer were able to successfully infect codling moth larvae in a variety of locations in the orchard. However, larvae that were in cocoons under wooden shelters on the soil surface did not exhibit increased infection in nematode treated plots compared to those in untreated plots. This result implies that entomopathogenic nematodes may need to be applied at a higher rate in organic orchards in order to reach larvae in protected locations on the orchard floor.
Floor cover management is one of the many challenges faced by organic tree fruit growers. Strip cultivation within the tree dripline is one of the many options being tried by Midwestern and Eastern growers. Tree fruit growers in Michigan have met with success using this method, finding it effective for weed management. However there are concerns about the potential of repeated cultivation to harm soil structure and cause organic matter loss. We are investigating the use of shallow, front-mounted, ground-driven cultivation at frequencies low enough to maintain weed cover through most of the growing season. The idea is to keep a cover crop of weeds in place that can be repeatedly incorporated into the soil. In 2010 we tested this method in single row replicates at three MI apple orchards, in 2011 we focused our efforts at one of the orchards and expanded our study area. Cultivation was typically as effective at weed management as herbicide application and greatly reduced weed cover compared to control plots. Higher ammonium and nitrate levels were observed in cultivated sites, indicating some nutrient release after cultivation. No significant change was observed in soil organic matter content between cultivated and uncultivated plots. In 2010 we observed an increase in the density of beneficial mites in cultivated rows and in 2011 a slight decrease in late-season plum curculio damage. This suggests that carefully-timed cultivation may provide benefits in managing both beneficial and pest insects. Our pilot study indicates that strip cultivation has the potential to be an effective, economical ground management method for growers in the Midwest, Especially when coupled with a rear-mounted task such as mowing or spraying.
Vegetable varieties specifically developed for organic production systems are rare, and most vegetable varieties are selected under conventional high input growth conditions. The purpose of our research is to compare currently available potato varieties under organic management, and to provide disease-free seed potatoes for rare heirloom varieties in order to evaluate them in organic conditions. We collaborate with organic farmers to conduct on-farm variety trials which involve farmers in variety evaluation, in order to provide the most relevant information on variety potential. In 2011 we conducted trials of 34 potato varieties, including heirloom and specialty varieties, on seven organic farms and one organic research station. We found significant yield, size profile and tuber quality differences between varieties and locations, and variety-by-location differences were also seen (see poster for specific results). Taste and nutrient evaluation is underway. Since potatoes are vegetatively propagated, many diseases can persist in seed potatoes and affect the subsequent crop. We partnered with Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) to eradicate pathogens from a selected subset of their collection of heirloom potato varieties. Ninety varieties were selected based on unavailability from other sources as well as desirable qualities including disease and insect resistance, early maturity, and attractive tuber characteristics. Tissue culture plants for these varieties were tested for three common potato viruses (Potato Virus Y, Potato Virus S and Potato Leaf Roll Virus). Varieties that tested positive were put through a pathogen eradication procedure involving treatment with heat and antiviral compounds. Of 82 varieties that were positive for one or more virus, 18 varieties have been confirmed to be free from all pathogens after treatment. The remaining varieties are undergoing pathogen eradication. Pathogen-free varieties will be grown to produce disease free seed potatoes, providing the first opportunity for evaluation of these heirloom potatoes on organic farms. Since organic potato production requires small volumes of a diverse array of varieties, our research aims to develop economically viable small scale systems for producing high quality seed potatoes under organic management. In 2010, trials of small scale production of potatoes from minitubers were set up at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS) and Farm E. Red La Soda minitubers were planted into raised beds covered with reflective silver mulch. Yields were as much as 4-fold higher at Farm E compared to HARS, with the highest yields at Farm E approaching 40 lb/10 ft row. We will continue to trial similar production methods to optimize the system for maximum yield and seedpiece number.
The purpose of this poster is to summarize management practices on organic and similarly sized conventional dairy farms. Data was collected on 192 organic and 100 conventional herds in New York, Oregon, and Wisconsin. All herds were required to have more than 20 cows. Organic herds were required to have been shipping certified organic milk for at least two years. Conventional herds were matched to organic based on size and geographic location. During a single farm visit, a questionnaire was administered regarding management practices used on the farm. Conventional farms were divided into grazers and non-grazers. The median herd size differed among the farm types and was 60, 69, and 85 for organic, conventional grazers and conventional non-grazers. The rolling herd average was lower on organic farms when compared to both conventional grazers and conventional non-grazers, with an average of 13752, 18497, and 21976 lb/cow/year for organic, conventional grazers and conventional non-grazers, respectively. Most conventional grazing and non-grazing farms had Holstein as the primary breed, whereas organic farms were more likely to have Jersey or other breeds/crossbreds as the primary breed. In the summer, conventional non-grazers were more likely to house cows in freestalls, while organic and conventional grazers were more likely to house cows on pasture. Organic farms were most likely to house cows outdoors during the winter. Organic and conventional grazing herds were more likely to use some type of pain control during dehorning as compared to conventional non-grazers. The median number of years shipping organic milk was 5.25. The mean number of lactations were similar between organic and conventional grazing at 2.7 and 2.6 compared to conventional non-grazing at 2.3.
The release of natural enemies is an important approach towards organic insect pest management in greenhouses but can be expensive. Companion plants can provide food and habitat to maintain natural enemies and also serve as pest monitoring and or trapping tools. Our objective was to determine which species of commonly available plants may serve as trap plants for pests or as habitat for natural enemies in organic greenhouses. We assessed thirteen plant species for their potential as companion plants in greenhouses. Potted plants of each species were placed in plant plots on benches adjacent to lettuce crop in a certified organic commercial greenhouse. Plants were monitored for pests (e.g. thrips, aphids, fungus gnats) and natural enemies (e.g. parasitoids, minute pirate bugs, lady beetles, etc.). Our results show that eggplant and fiddleneck could serve as potential trap or indicator plants for aphids and thrips, respectively. Eggplants infested with aphids may support open rearing of parasitoid wasps. Natural enemies were also observed on alyssum, dill, and fiddleneck indicating that these plants may be beneficial for natural enemies in greenhouses.
Amblyseius cucumeris and Atheta coriaria are important thrips biological control agents used in organic greenhouses. A. cucumeris is a foliar predator of immature thrips. A. coriaria is a predatory beetle that attacks thrips pupae, fungus gnat larvae, and other soil dwelling insects. A. cucumeris is often applied on the soil in small breeder piles at the base of plants. These piles are a mixture of bran flakes, prey mites, and predatory mites. Populations of both mites increase before dispersing from breeder pile; however, mite populations often collapse when A. coriaria invade. A. cucumeris can also be applied in hanging sachets. The objectives of the study were 1) to determine if hanging sachets prevent the invasion of A. coriaria, and 2) to compare mite migration out of breeder piles versus hanging sachets. Four treatments: breeder piles, hanging sachets, bran piles without mites, and sawdust were randomly placed into barley beds, and beetles were released. Samples of each treatment were collected weekly to determine the number of mites and beetles. Beetles immediately invaded the breeder and bran piles but were delayed by two weeks by sachets and were rarely observed in sawdust. To determine the rate of mite migration in the absence of A. coriaria, breeder piles and sachets were placed onto soil within a petri dish positioned on a sticky card in the center of barley plantings. The sticky cards were changed on a weekly basis. The average number of mites migrating from the sachets was greater than from the breeder piles. This suggests that sachets could be used as a slow release method of A. cucumeris at the same time delaying the invasion of A. coriaria. Delaying the release of A. cucumeris and protecting them from predation will improve long term thrips biological control in greenhouses.
Abstract: Reintegrating livestock into tree fruit systems poses many challenges to growers, but offers worthwhile benefits. In this CERES Trust funded project, we evaluated the effectiveness of hogs in removing fruit from the orchard floor and the impact on insect damage to fruit the following season. Young hogs were purchased in the spring and raised on pasture until used for post-harvest grazing in cherry, pear, and apple orchards. The cost of feed for the hogs in the first year exceeded conventional cost. IN the second year, young hogs were rotated through different pasture types offering more forage, which brought feed cost back down to the conventional level. The hogs consistently removed 100% of fruit from the orchard floors post-harvest, significantly reduced plum curculio damage in cherry and apple plots after the first year, and significantly reduced codling moth/Oriental fruit moth damage in pear plots after the first year. The impact the hogs had from the second year of grazing will be determined in the 2012 season. These results indicate hogs provide orchard floor sanitation and some pest control. The hogs also diversify farm output when sold as a high quality pork product.
The Iowa State University Neely-Kinyon Farm Long-Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) experiment was established in Greenfield, Iowa, in 1998 to study the long-term effects of organic production in terms of soil health and plant performance. In the first 13 years of the LTAR, yields of organic corn, soybean and oats have been equivalent to or slightly greater than their conventional counterparts. The12-year average for alfalfa and 8-year average for winter wheat showed no significant difference between organic yields and the Adair County average. The use of organic practices and premium organic prices resulted in returns to land and management of $449 per acre for the organic corn-soybean-oat-alafalfa rotation compared to $262 per acre for the conventional corn-soybean rotation in 2010. Results from the LTAR experiment demonstrated that overall soil quality, and especially soil N mineralization potential, is highest in the 4-year organic crop rotation that includes two years of grass/legume hay. Soils in all organic plots receiving only local, manure-based amendments increased their supply of total nitrogen by 33%, along with higher concentrations of carbon, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium. Results from the LTAR experiment demonstrate that carbon budgets developed from organic rotations show that the 4-yr organic cropping system can potentially sequester as much soil organic carbon (SOC) (0.53 Mg C ha-1 y-1) in the top 15 cm as converting from plowing to no-tillage production. Increases in SOC also enhance soil C and N cycling processes and potentially reduce N loss from the rooting zone, thus mitigating groundwater pollution. Based on our analysis of organic operations across the U.S., it was determined that organic production could sequester 28% more tons CO2 eq. acre-1 yr-1 than conventional no-tillage production. Thus, environmental benefits from greenhouse gas reduction could incentivize increased conversion from conventional to organic production across the U.S.
Apple flea weevil (Orchestes pallicornis) (AFW) is a native species of leaf-mining weevil that is reemerging as a serious pest of MI apples, with some growers experiencing >90% fruit loss. AFW causes serious damage by foraging on developing flower buds which can lead to fruit abortion. Because this insect has only recently emerged as a serious pest, information about its basic biology and potential management tactics are lacking. In order to provide growers with an effective tool for immediate management of AFW outbreaks, lab-based trials were undertaken to explore the efficacy of various OMRI insecticides. Wet and dry forms of compounds were tested by assessing the mortality of AFW adults confined in insecticide-treated petri dishes. The only OMRI compound that provided significant control was Entrust (spinosad), which was shown to cause >90% mortality after 48h of exposure. Non-chemical control methods were also explored to provide a more sustainable solution to AFW pressure. AFW adults overwinter in topsoil, therefore cultural practices have great control potential. Cultivation, flaming and Mycotrol (Beauvaria bassiana, a soil insect pathogen) treatments were applied in early Fall and emergence of adult AFW was assessed the following Spring. Preliminary results indicate that flaming provides the best suppression of overwintering AFW but may harm beneficial spiders. Additionally, AFW parasitoids were explored by collecting AFW infested leaves and assessing the insects that emerged. Although significantly more AFW emerged from leaves, parasitism rate at a no-spray research farm was as high at 60% and showed time-dependency. This information is relevant to any organic apple grower and provides vital information about management tactics for those experiencing AFW pressure. Knowledge of non-chemical management options may also provide growers with the ability to control AFW as part of a holistic and sustainable orchard management plan.
Flaming is an often misunderstood weed control method; no plant material ignites. Through research at the University of Nebraska and working with local organic farmers, flaming has been found to be an excellent complement to mechanical cultivation. It can also reduce or eliminate hand-weeding costs. Agricultural Flaming Innovations (AFI) is a start-up company that has been established to commercialize the flaming technology developed at the University of Nebraska. The current equipment is a banded/full flamer which utilizes torch/hood technology and an electronic ignition and flame detection system. These major features provide energy efficiency, consistent treatment results, ease of use, and safety. Many 4-row units have been tested in corn and soybean, and an 8-row prototype is currently being built. Proven treatment recipes have been developed along with the equipment. A commercialization team, made up of AFI, Behlen Manufacturing and a few other companies, will get 4-row flamers and the 8-row prototype in fields this summer and will be releasing them to the market in the fall of 2012.
One of the biggest risks to successful management of organic agroecosystems is weeds. Scientists believe Ecological Weed Management (EWM) can save organic farmers time, labor, reduce their weed seed bank, and improve cultivation practices that may pose risks to soil and water quality. However, they perceive the adoption of EWM among organic farmers to be poor. Our research, collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with weed scientists, USDA researchers, extension personnel, and farmers in 29 Ohio and Indiana suggests that successful organic weed management must include a deeper understanding of the interface between human decision making systems and agroecosystems. Results show that organic farmers have a high level of EWM knowledge, but of even greater importance is how farmers use knowledge, experience, risk perception, and emotion to process information and make weed management decisions. Besides having strong emotional reactions to weeds, results show that experience plays a major role in weed management decisions, especially in terms of soil health. Farmers were much more concerned about the cost of time and labor than the experts and thought of weed management as just one part of an overall farm system rather than an end in itself. Outreach materials will be more successful if they help a farmer optimize their experiential/intuitive judgments alongside more analytical processing for efficient and successful long-term weed management strategies. Such decisions will help to reduce the immense emotional, ecological, economic, and physical impacts of weeds.
Organic soybean producers in the midwestern United States generally lack effective management options for controlling the economically damaging soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Biological control via natural enemies can be an important soybean aphid management option in an organic agricultural system, and finding ways to enhance biological control in soybean could improve soybean aphid management. For example, flowering crops such as buckwheat can enhance biological control by attracting natural enemies. The purpose of this project was to investigate whether intercropping organic soybeans with buckwheat can be an effective management option for suppressing soybean aphid populations. In 2010 and 2011, a study was conducted to investigate whether a soybean/buckwheat intercrop could effectively manage soybean aphid populations via increased natural enemy recruitment. Natural enemies were sampled using a combination of sweeps and visual plant inspections. Overall there was low aphid pressure in 2010 and 2011, and aphid populations barely ever exceeded the economic threshold of 250 aphids/plant. In 2010, comparisons between intercropped plots and soybean-only plots showed no significant differences between aphid and natural enemy numbers. In 2011, aphid populations were lower in the buckwheat/soybean plots, but natural enemy numbers did not differ between the intercropped and soybean only plots. In conclusion, natural enemies of the soybean aphid were present, but they did not appear to be significantly attracted by the presence of buckwheat. This study implies that while biological control can still be important in organic soybean aphid management, it does not appear to be enhanced by the presence of a buckwheat intercrop.
The Organic Research Forum is provided through the generous support of The Ceres Foundation.
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