Source: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
COVER CROPS, BIO-FUMIGANTS, AND FORAGES USED IN ROTATION WITH ORGANIC VEGETABLES AND BIO-FUEL CROPS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
SPECIAL GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0214003
Grant No.
2008-34146-19019
Project No.
OKL02676
Proposal No.
2008-03178
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
AK
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2008
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2011
Grant Year
2008
Project Director
Taylor, M. J.
Recipient Organization
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
STILLWATER,OK 74078
Performing Department
Agri Economics
Non Technical Summary
Consumer demand for organic vegetables is growing rapidly. Research is needed to identify organic materials and procedures that are available to Oklahoma producers, will produce satisfactory vegetable yields, are cost-effective, and will improve soil quality. There is little information concerning the use of cover crops that reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, protect the soil from erosion, contribute to pest management, and provide profitable organic vegetable, forage, and bio-fuel cropping systems. Surveys in Oklahoma have shown that farmers wish to produce crops organically. A sustainable agriculture research and education committee has indicated the need for training in organic production. We have already begun to explore the potential for organic production in the southern plains. Eight acres at the WWAREC have been certified as organic. Proposed research plots on these acres will include studies of soils, weeds, diseases, insects, and economics. Surveys of local farmers have indicated that better weed control is a high priority. Although weeds can be readily controlled in conventional production with herbicides, these herbicides cannot be used in organic systems. Cultivation techniques and management of cover crop systems to reduce the impact of weeds need to be developed. Soil management guidelines require that organic production systems use crop rotations and cover crops. Cover crop and nutrient management practices may impact weed management. Thus, soil management practices need to be considered in the development of organic weed management systems. One factor closely associated with good soil health is soil organic matter. By increasing soil organic matter, we anticipate that soil nutrients, soil water retention, and soil tilth will improve, soil erosion will decrease, and we will have fewer insect and disease pests. Detailed information about production and management of cover crops in relation to vegetable, forage, and bio-fuel crops in Oklahoma has not been developed. Cover crops, crop residue management, mulches, crop rotations, and natural pesticides are important components of the disease and insect management systems. The crop history for cover crops leading to the growth of the cash crops will affect the prevalence and severity of pest outbreaks. This project will examine the potential of these methods to alter the host environment and the corresponding shifts in plant disease and insect populations. Production of organic vegetables requires cultural practices that vary significantly from standard production budgets. Costs of the cover crops will be accumulated into total costs of production estimates for organically produced vegetables. Vegetables that are produced organically can often be sold for a premium price; however, the industry is competitive and returns to organic growers are also dictated by supply and demand. Research and outreach efforts from this project will be designed to develop efficient and profitable techniques for organic production of vegetables, forages, and bio-fuels, and to extend this information to growers and consumers.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
75%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2051411107010%
2051413107010%
2051420107010%
2051429107010%
2051460107010%
2051480107010%
2051644107010%
2051649107010%
2052300107010%
2052410107010%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1411 - Beans (fresh, fresh-processed); 1429 - Cucurbits, other; 1644 - Winter annual legumes; 1480 - Sweetcorn; 1649 - Forage legumes, general/other; 1420 - Melons; 1460 - Tomato; 1413 - Peas (fresh, fresh-processed); 2300 - Weeds; 2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this project is to provide information for organic vegetable producers and American consumers by evaluating particular aspects of the use of cover crops, bio-fuels, forages, and bio-fumigants in rotation with organic vegetable crops. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to evaluate the use, timing, and sequence of cover crops, bio-fuel crops, bio-fumigant crops, and forage crops in certifiable organic vegetable production systems that provide highly marketable produce, control or manage pests such as weeds, diseases, and insects, enhance soil quality, and protect the environment. These vegetable crops are to be grown in rotation with crops that will fix nitrogen, protect the soil from erosion, control pests, or be used for bio-fuel, bio-fumigant, or forage production. Specific sub-objectives are 1-Weeds - Evaluate management systems that integrate cover crop management, mechanical weed control methods, and organic herbicides for the control of annual weeds in vegetable crops. 2-Soils - Evaluate the use of cover crops and organic soil management techniques to enhance soil quality and promote crop development. 3-Diseases & Insects - Evaluate the use of cover crops, cultural practices, soil amendments, and bio-control organisms relative to their effect on crop diseases and insects. 4-Economics - Evaluate the costs and benefits for organic vegetable crops grown in rotation with crops whose primary emphasis is as a cover crop to fix nitrogen and/or prevent soil erosion with secondary benefits of being harvested for bio-fumigation, bio-fuel, or forage crops. 5-Extension - Develop extension and outreach programs that address current needs of organic vegetable, bio-fuel, and forage producers in the U.S.
Project Methods
1.Weeds: Evaluate management systems that integrate cover crop management, mechanical weed control methods, and organic herbicides for the control of annual weeds in vegetable crops. Weed control aspects will emphasize squash, watermelon, and onion cash crops. Studies will address the development of weed management systems that combined the use of cover crops, cultural practices and organic favorable herbicide products. Weed establishment will be measured periodically by determining the abundance of individual species in each treatment. Weed control efficacy will be assessed using visual ratings and untreated plots for reference. 2.Soils: Evaluate the utilization of cover crops and organic soil management techniques to enhance soil quality and promote crop development. Cover crops are the basis for development and maintenance of soil organic matter. Cover crops protect soil from erosion, recycle nutrients within the soil profile, immobilize labile nutrients, and provide habitat for bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and soil arthropods. Cover crops will include warm season and cool season crops and will include legumes and non-legumes. Cover crops may include, but will not be limited to, arrow leaf clover, crimson clover, hairy vetch, soybeans, wheat, crabgrass, and rye grass. Organic fertilizers (including but not limited to poultry litter) will be used to supplement the nutrients supplied by the cover crops. Various combinations of cover crops and organic fertilizers will be tested and documented. Soil will be tested regularly in each plot to determine the availability of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). These two nutrients are normally the nutrients most limiting to cash crop production in Oklahoma and the southern plains. 3.Diseases & Insects: Beneficial insects and arthropods as well as parasitic and predatory organisms will be monitored throughout the plots used in sections 1 and 2. Prevalence and severity of insect and disease pests will be monitored with each vegetable crop, and correlations will be drawn between the prevalence of pests and the sequence of cover crops leading up to the vegetable crop. The impact of cover crops on diseases, insects, weeds, and crop yields will be determined. 4.Economics: Evaluate the costs and benefits for organic vegetable crops grown in rotation with crops whose main emphasis is as a cover crop to fix nitrogen and prevent soil erosion with the secondary benefits of being for bio-fumigation of diseases or as a bio-fuel source. Economic evaluations will be made to compare the costs and benefits of the various production systems to provide data to farmers on alternative income opportunities. 5.Extension: Results from the organic vegetable research projects in the greenhouses and field plots at the WWAREC, as well as commercial production fields of cooperating farmers, will be used to conduct extension outreach meetings and demonstration activities with producers and youth interested in organic vegetable production, training extension educators, and for extension publications.

Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research involving micronutrients, cover crops, biological control plants, organic approved foliar disease control products and organic compatible weed control products was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these products and practices. Organic workshop and field tours for farmers and field days for the general public included hand-outs describing research efforts and visits to the actual research plots. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator was Merritt Taylor who collected information on cultural practices tested and the technologies considered for the research for future economic evaluation. Project directors included Warren Roberts who collected data on variety and nutrient variability on soil resources, James Shrefler who collected data on organic and conventional weed control methods and together with George Driever, conducted trials on disease control, and Kefyalew Desta began a series of organic and sustainable agricultural workshops training participants in acceptable practices under the National Organic Program. TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic workshops targeted extension agents and others who train farmers, small farmers and under-served farmers that had limited experience and limited resources. PARTICIPANTS: Merritt Taylor, Agricultural Economist - co-investigator with focus on production budgets and economics, Jim Shrefler, Area Horticulturist - co-investigator with focus on weeds and outreach Warren Roberts, Vegetable Specialist - co-investigator with focus on soils and vegetable production. Other Participants: George Driever, Area IPM Specialist - co-investigator with focus on diseases, Kefyalew Desta, Asst. Professor of sustainable agriculture - coordinated organic training events. Tony Goodson, Agricultural Technician with focus on weeds and organic land management. Wyatt O'Hern, Agricultural Technician with focus on vegetable production and soil management. Harold Stephens, Atoka County Extension Educator - assisted with coordinating outreach events. Tom Smith, Pushmataha County Extension Educator - assisted with coordinating outreach events. Partner Organizations: USDA-ARS, South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory (Name changed to Wes Watkins Agricultural Research Laboratory) Lane , OK.; Charles Webber III, Agronomist (Weed Science) - cooperating scientist, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture; David Redhage, Agriculture Economist - assisted with outreach event coordination, George Kuepper, Organic Agriculture Consultant - assisted with organic treatments and outreach coordination, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; Chris Kirby - assisted with farm to school programs and outreach, Noble Foundation; Steve Upson - assisted with hoop house design and management. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences were: Existing and potential organic and non-organic food crop producers in Oklahoma and surrounding areas. This included commercial farms, market garden, and farm market producers as well as farmers growing for the Oklahoma Farm to School program. Others interested in the project activities included Master Gardeners and home gardeners, as well as consumers who were interested in a safe and sustainable food production system. Opportunities were provided for training and professional development as an in-service training for Oklahoma Agricultural Extension Educators, USDA field personnel (NRCS and FSA) and other agricultural outreach professionals (e.g. Langston University). Specific training events included the annual Oklahoma Cucurbit Production and Marketing Educational Meetings, annual training on Enhancing the Adoption of Organic Agriculture Training, Oklahoma Annual Small Farm Conference. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Cover crops meeting the requirements of the National Organic Program included legumes and those that have potential as a bio-fuel source including plants in the Brassica family such as white mustard were included in tests to determine residual organic material, soil nutrient content, and their allelopathic effect on subsequent vegetable crops planted in a rotation of alternating broad leaf and grass type plants. Growers have shown considerable interest in knowing more about the biological control of weeds and diseases of these cover crops particularly under plastic mulch. Effective weed control for organic vegetable production is greatly needed. Work conducted has shown the value and limitations of several naturally derived weed control products. Growers were interested in the results obtained to date. Similarly, organic approved fungicide products were found to be somewhat effective but were not found to be useful as general replacement technologies for synthetic fungicides commonly used. Based on this information growers will know not to expect the broad spectrum foliar disease prevention from organic products that is obtained from synthetic products.

Publications

  • W. Roberts, J. Shrefler and M. Taylor. 2010. Soil Changes after Four Years of Organic Vegetable Production. HortSci. 45(4) p.486.
  • Shrefler, J., L. Brandenberger, M. Taylor and W. Roberts. 2010. Yield Response of Okra to Transplanting. HortSci. 45(4) p.486.
  • Shrefler, J., W. Roberts and M. Taylor. 2010. The Pepper,Colorful, Frightening and Savored the World Over. Proc. 29th Ann. Hort. Industry Show. Tulsa, OK.
  • Shrefler, J., M. Taylor and W. Roberts. 2010. What it Takes to Grow for Market. A program prepared and presented in Tulsa, Carter, Woods and Kiowa counties at the request of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
  • Shrefler, J., A. Davis, C. Webber, M. Taylor and W. Roberts. 2010. Herb Growing: Local Experience & Enterprise considerations. Invited presentation at: 12th Annual Small Farm Conference and Workshop. The Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc. Wewoka, Oklahoma.
  • Shrefler, J., M. Taylor, W. Roberts and B. Bruton. 2010. Fungicides for organic melon production in Oklahoma: an initial assessment. Cucurbitaceae 2010. pp 252-258. (Reviewed Proceedings).
  • Webber, C.L. III, Brandenberger, L.P., Shrefler, J.W., Taylor, M.J., Carrier, L.K., and Shannon, D.K. 2011. Weed Control Efficacy with Ammonium Nonanoate for Organic Vegetable Production. International Journal of Vegetable Science. 17(1) 37-44
  • Webber, C.L. III, J.W. Shrefler and M.J. Taylor. 2010. Influence of Corn Gluten Meal on Squash Plant Survival and Yields. Hort. Tech. 20(4) 696-699.
  • Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor, Soil Aspects of Organic Farming, Oklahoma State-wide Organic Field Day, Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Lane, OK July 22, 2010.
  • Shrefler, Jim, Chuck Webber, and Merritt Taylor, Potential Herbicides and Weed Management Practices for Organic Crop Production, Oklahoma State-wide Organic Field Day, Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Lane, OK July 22, 2010.
  • Bruton, B.D., W.W. Fish, and M.J. Taylor, Soil Amendments for Control of Fusariam Wilt, State-wide In-Service for Public Sector Educators, Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Lane, OK July 22, 2010.
  • Russo, Vincent M., Merritt Taylor, Frequency of Manure Application in Organic versus Annual Application of Synthetic in Conventional Vegetable Production, HortScience Vol. 45(11): 1673-1680, November, 2010.
  • Taylor, Merritt J., Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Legal and Regulatory Issues Facing Producers and Marketers, 2010 Oklahoma Cucurbit and Marketing Educational Meeting, Chickasha, OK, December 16, 2010.
  • Shrefler, J. M. J. Taylor, B. W. Roberts and C. L.. Webber III. 2011. Weed Control Options for Organically-Grown Vine Crops. HortSci. 46() p. (in press).
  • Bruton, Benny D. Wayne W. Fish, Merritt J. Taylor, Carl E. Sams, Control of Fusarium Wilt Using Mustard Bio-Fumigation, Annual Texas Watermelon Association Meeting, McAllen, Texas January 21, 2011. Bruton, Benny D., Wayne W. Fish, Merritt J. Taylor, Carl E. Sams, Soil-Bourne Disease Management, Unlocking the Secrets of Soils and Foliars Sustainable Approach Conference, Edinburg, TX, February 2-3, 2011.
  • Shrefler, J., Webber II, C.L., Taylor, M.J., and Roberts, B.W. 2011. Weed Management Options for Organic Cantaloupe Production. WSSA. Feb. 7-10, 2011. Portland, OR. Poster # 51. http://wssaabstracts.com/public/4/proceedings.html
  • Merritt Taylor, James Shrefler, Warren Roberts, Economic Realities of Organic Production in Oklahoma, 2011 Oklahoma Organic Workshop and Field Tour, Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, July 26, 2011.


Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Weed trials using cover crop management done over 2 years were completed. Data is being analyzed for manuscript preparation. Cover crop treatments tested varied in their effects on weeds. However, results varied greatly across years differing greatly in rainfall abundance. A trial was completed that evaluated fungicides approved for organic production when used to control foliar diseases in cantaloupe. Products tested were not better than an approved synthetic (not for organic use) product. One product with potential for organic approval provided some benefit. An organic workshop and field day was held in 2009 with documented participation of 100 attendees. Topics presented at the workshop included manure handling and management, soil property response to manure application over 4 years, food safety issues and concerns for organic farming. A field tour included discussions on soil fertility management, foliar disease prevention strategies, weed control, mulching effects on herb and vegetable growth, microbial soil amendments for soil borne disease control. PARTICIPANTS: Jim Shrefler, Area Horticulturist - co-investigator with focus on weeds and outreach Warren Roberts, Vegetable Specialist - co-investigator with focus on soils and vegetable production Merritt Taylor, Agricultural Economist - co-investigator with focus on production budgets and economics Participants George Driever, Area IPM Specialist - co-investigator with focus on diseases Kefy Desta, Asst. Professor of sustainable agriculture - coordinates organic training events Tony Goodson, Agricultural Technician with focus on weeds and organic land management Wyatt O'Hern, Agricultural Technicial with focus on vegetable production and soil management Harold Stephens, Atoka County Extension Educator - assists with coordinating outreach events. Tom Smith, Pushmataha County Extension Educator - assists with coordinating outreach events. Partner Organizations: USDA-ARS, South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory, Lane , OK Charles Webber III, Agronomist (Weed Science) - cooperating scientist Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture David Redhage, Agriculture Economist - assists with outreach event coordination George Kuepper, Organic Agriculture Consultant - assists with organic treatments and outreach coordination Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, Chris Kirby - assists with farm to school programs and outreach Noble Foundation, Steve Upson - assists with hoop house design and management Opportunities provided for training and professional development: Results of this work are presented as in-service training for Oklahoma Agricultural Extension Educators, USDA field personnel (NRCS and FSA) and other agricultural outreach professionals (e.g. Langston University). Specific training events include the annual Oklahoma Cucurbit Production and Marketing Educational Meetings, annual training on Enhancing the Adoption of Organic Agriculture Training, Oklahoma Annual Small Farm Conference. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences Existing and potential organic and non-organic food crop producers in Oklahoma and surrounding areas. This includes commercial farms, market garden, and farm market producers as well as farmers growing for the Oklahoma Farm to School program. Others interested in the project activities include Master Gardeners and home gardeners, as well as consumers who are interested in a safe and sustainable food production system. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Cover crop management practices were evaluated over 2 years. Results showed that rye cover crop residue management practices differentially affect the recruitment of annual grass and broadleaf weeds in squash crops. Magnitude of squash yields differed across treatments and planting dates of 1 May to 1 June with certain treatment and date combinations being consistently advantageous. This information was presented to extension educators and growers at county and state training meetings so they can incorporate it into their production planning. Disease trials documented the susceptibility of this crop to fungal attack in that watermelon was injured by Downy Mildew and Anthracnose in 2008 and by Anthracnose in 2009. Organic growers do not have an effective means of protecting this crop from foliar disease. Results of these trials contribute to a database that enables determining the risk to crop loss to foliar diseases for organic watermelon producers. This information is used to explain to growers the risks and benefits involved with growing organic watermelons. Organic fertilizer trials were completed which showed comparisons between numerous types of organic fertilizers. Corn was produced in the different fertilizer plots, and results were shown to farmers at field days. This information will enable farmers to choose the most appropriate organic fertilizer materials for their own operations. An organic workshop and field day was held in 2009 with documented participation of 100 attendees indicating that growers are becoming aware of locally based information resources organic production. Topics presented at the workshop included manure handling and management, soil property response to manure application over 4 years, food safety issues and concerns for organic farming. Growers met the involved scientific personnel and became aware of specific research initiatives through a field tour that included discussions on soil fertility management, foliar disease prevention strategies, weed control, mulching effects on herb and vegetable growth, and microbial soil amendments for soil borne disease control.

Publications

  • Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Goal Setting, Resource Inventory, and Economics, Oklahoma Market Garden School, Ardmore, Oklahoma, September 22, 2009.
  • Shrefler, J., M. Taylor, and Warren Roberts, Minimizing your Risk in Vegetable Production, Eleventh Annual Small Farm Conference, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc., Wewoka, OK, December, 2009.
  • Davis, Angela R., Charles L. Webber III, James Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor, Low and High Input Organic Mulching Trial, Oklahoma and Arkansas Horticulture Industries Show Proceedings, Tulsa, OK January 8-9, 2010.
  • Webber, Charles L. III, Angela R. Davis, James W. Shrefler, Merritt J. Taylor, Joseph L. Townsend, and Victoria M. Townsend, Certified Organic Herb Mulching Demonstration, Oklahoma and Arkansas Horticulture Industries Show Proceedings, Tulsa, OK January 8-9, 2010.
  • Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, and Chuck Webber, Cover Crops and Vegetable Rotations, Oklahoma and Arkansas Horticulture Industries Show Proceedings, Tulsa, OK January 8-9, 2010.


Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research plots involving micronutrients, cover crops, potential bio-fuel crops, biological control plants, and organic weed control products were initiated to evaluate the efficacy of these products compared to standard synthetic chemicals. Organic field days and public field days included hand-outs of research efforts and actual site visits to the individual plots. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator was Merritt Taylor who collected information on cultural practices tested and the technologies considered for the research for future economic evaluation. Project directors included Warren Roberts who collected data on variety and nutrient variability on soil resources, James Shrefler who collected data on organic and conventional weed control methods, George Driever who provided expertise on diseases, and Kefyalew Desta who began a series of organic and sustainable agricultural workshops training participants in acceptable practices under the National Organic Program. TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic workshops targeted small farm and under served farmers that had limited experience and limited resources. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Cover crops meeting the requirements of the National Organic Program included legumes and those that have potential as a bio-fuel source including plants in the Brassica family such as white mustard were included in tests to determine residual organic material, soil nutrient content, and their allelopathic effect on subsequent vegetable crops planted in a rotation of alternating broad leaf and grass type plants. Growers have shown considerable interest in observing the biological control of weeds and diseases of these cover crops particularly under plastic mulch.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period