Project Number: WVA00143
CRIS Number: 0182651
Transition Methods to Convert from Conventional to Organic Agricultural Systems
Investigators: Kotcon, J. B., Bryan, W. B., McDonald, L.
Performing Department: Plant & Soil Sciences -- 1825
Start Date: 09/01/1999
Termination Date: 08/31/2002
Reporting period: 01/01/2001 to 12/31/2001
Progress Report:
This study compares farming systems likely to be considered during the transition phase from conventional to organic farming methods. During this three-year period, growers are not allowed to use synthetic chemical inputs and must produce crops using organic methods. Whole farm systems are being compared to evaluate interactions of specific farming system components such as crop rotation, compost amendments, green manure crops, and livestock grazing in replicated experiments using factorial designs. Farming system inputs, including labor, production costs, and establishment costs, are being recorded, as are yield and expected returns from a high and a low input system. In addition, soil quality is being assessed using physical (bulk density), chemical (pH, nutrient levels, etc.) and biological (earthworm densities, pest and biocontrol agent populations) characteristics. Insect and disease levels are monitored, and pest management practices are applied as needed. In addition, detailed experiments evaluating individual component practices of these farming systems are being conducted to more thoroughly characterize specific practices. A compost rate trial is evaluating six compost application rates and monitoring organic matter degradation and nutrient mineralization on a weekly basis. Six weed management practices using straw and plastic mulches are being compared in plots with or without a green manure cover crop. Another experiment compares intercropping of vegetables with monocultures in small plots typical of organic vegetable production. Yields are being evaluated on a whole-plot basis to evaluate increases in production efficiency and resource partitioning. Pest population dynamics and disease incidence are being evaluated and populations of beneficial biocontrol agents are being compared in intercropped versus monoculture plots. The effect of a kaolin-based particle film (Surround WP) was compared to a pepper extract and a plant fatty acid extract for insect and nematode control in potatoes. Only Surround WP had any effect on yields or foliar insect populations, and none of the treatments influenced nematode population densities. A tomato cultivar trial evaluated 16 heirloom varieties for resistance to early blight and found high levels of resistance in six (Juliet, Red Current, Matts Wild Cherry, 99203, 99197, and 99199) with two (Prudens Purple and Celebrity) showing intermediate levels of disease. Another tomato experiment compared rates of disease increase in plots with monoculture versus varietal mixtures. Intercropping with resistant cultivars slowed rates of early blight disease development in susceptible cultivars.
Publications: (No publications.)
Impact:
This project compares transition methods to convert from conventional to organic farming systems. The evaluation of high and low input systems will help growers evaluate the costs and benefits of farming inputs and identify practices that most efficiently and economically achieved desired outcomes of soil quality, profitability, and build-up of pest-suppressive agroecosystems.