Final report for LS20-338
Project Information
The purpose of this project is to test and validate soil moisture, weed, and pest management practices within the three and four sisters Native American production system using a Lead Farmer on-farm research method. The “sisters” system includes planting a perimeter barrier crop, corn, a legume, and a cucurbit. This project will also test labor saving devices and the impact on system economic sustainability and soil health impacts. Langston University (LU) and Native American serving institutions will use these stakeholder-based research results to educate and enhance the capacity of tribal and other socially disadvantaged farmers to produce culturally-relevant crops within a systems approach. The project also creates a core of stakeholder producers who will work with Langston University to build a systems research program focused on socially disadvantaged small holder farmers.
The objectives of this project are to assess production characteristics, nutritional profile, and marketability of traditional Native American crops. The results of this work will provide a clearer understanding of the potential crops that have usefulness in traditional polycultures.
The second objective is to research and develop production systems using traditional “3 & 4 sisters” growing system merged with the bio-extensive method of grass control along with mulching comparisons. This will provide useful comparison of methods that make these systems viable.
The third objective is to test and compare Banker plant and Perimeter trap cropping methods that fit with the “4 sisters” growing system. Prevention of insect predation will allow for reduced chemical use for insect control.
The fourth objective is to assess and research labor saving equipment, tools, and methods that maintain or enhance soil properties and fit into the “4 sisters” growing system. This will help inform native producers about the need to conserve labor in order to be profitable.
The final objective is to develop educational materials and conduct educational training events using lead research farmers to create an on-farm research network for Native American, African-American, and other socially disadvantaged farmers.
Objectives
- Assess production characteristics, nutritional profile, and marketability of traditional Native American crops.
- Research and develop production systems using traditional “3 & 4 sisters” growing system merged with the bio-extensive method of grass control along with mulching comparisons.
- Test and compare Banker plant and Perimeter trap cropping methods that fit with the “4 sisters” growing system.
- Assess and research labor saving equipment, tools, and methods that maintain or enhance soil properties and fit into the “4 sisters” growing system.
- Develop educational materials and conduct educational training events using the lead research farmers to create an on-farm research network for Native American, African-American, and other socially disadvantaged farmers.
Cooperators
- - Producer
- - Producer
- - Producer
- - Producer
Research
- Assess production characteristics, nutritional profile, and marketability of traditional Native American crops.
We will identify the main heritage heirloom crops having cultural and economic value among our Native American partners and producers through stakeholder discussions, traditional survey methods, and seed sharing communities. A collaborative process with stakeholders will identify and inventory production constraints of preferred traditional crops, particularly in the areas of water use efficiency and management of diseases, insect pests, and weeds. Clear guidelines will be jointly developed with stakeholders that will protect Native American Intellectual Property rights.
We were able to identify Pawnee Blue Corn and the Pawnee Sunflower as the two main cultural crops with cultural value and economic value for the Pawnee. The PI is still working on developing a factsheet to provide guidelines for producers on these crops.
- Research and develop production systems using traditional “3 & 4 sisters” growing system merged with the bio-extensive method of grass control and mulching comparisons.
We will conduct on-farm research with the network of lead farmers testing the Kerr Center’s Bio-Extensive (Kuepper, 2015) method to control Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon) and Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense). This method has not been studied outside of the Kerr Center. Affordable mulching methods will be integrated into the research testing their ability to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth within the Native American 3 and 4 sisters growing system. This information will be used to inform agricultural systems modeling in order to effectively combine production practices with environmental sustainability, water efficiency, and economic factors.
We were not able to utilize the Bio-extensive approach to control Bermuda and Johnson grass. The PI was able to demonstrate the use of plasticulture and then trialed some market available biodegradable options. This did not progress far enough in the project to collect data.
- Test and compare Banker plant and Perimeter trap cropping methods that fit with the “4 sisters” growing system.
We will conduct research on these two pest management methods and how they can fit within the 4 sisters growing system. Native American producers in Oklahoma prefer to not use chemical pesticides within traditional growing systems. These producers along with African-American producers wish to test and experiment with these methods to minimize chemical pesticide use.
Initial four sisters trials showed some advantages to the boundary of sunflowers as the fourth sister but the project did not get to the point of being able to put in banker plant or perimeter trap cropping methods.
Field trials: Preliminary data regarding the performance of “4 sisters” crops in Oklahoma is needed to devise experiments that can test system efficiency. All experiments will be conducted with farmer/cooperators at a minimum of 3 different sites.
Initial studies will use a modified “4 sisters” approach by planting corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers in a non-traditional, but still diverse, modified row system. These diverse mixed-plots will be compared to monocultures of corn, beans, and squash. Once insect activity and pest pressure measurement approaches are discerned, the symbiotic effects of the diversity of the “4 sisters” crops on managing pests in other crops, using conservation and biological methods of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), can be studied. Insect activity and pest pressure will be compared among treatments by installing yellow sticky traps and observing the pests captured. Further, regular field scouting of pests and natural enemies will be performed to ascertain the benefits of the “4 sisters” planted in this experiment. This initial study is important to establish a baseline for insect activity and benefit/determent of using each method.
Subsequent studies will focus on different perimeter or within-row sunflower plantings arrangements on pest management in the other “4 sisters” crops: corn, squash, and beans. This study incorporates “push-pull” techniques of conservation biological control in insectary plantings and can be a way to effectively manage pests below treatment thresholds, thus increasing profitability of market gardens in underserved Native American communities. Successive experiments will include planting all of the ”4 sisters” crops in various arrangements to determine the optimal method to maximize yield, and thus profit, for Native American tribal markets.
Furthermore, we will study the incorporation of mixtures of the “4 sisters” crops in the presence of other cash crops growing in hoophouses. This is a type of modified banker plant technique that provides habitat for natural enemies to control pest populations without using conventional pesticides. In addition, heirloom corn varieties may be screened for viability as banker plants to provide food for natural enemies.
- Assess and research labor saving equipment, tools, and methods that maintain or enhance soil properties and fit into the “4 sisters” growing system. Saving labor is essential to small farm Native American producers. It is important to identify tools, both hand tools and mechanized equipment, and make comparisons on how these tools save labor and their potential positive or negative impact on soil moisture and soil health factors.
BCS tractors were introduced and were well received. Side by side comparison demonstrations were setup at the Pawnee Nation site. These compared Plasticulture bed making with traditional mound making. Progress was not made beyond demonstration in order to collect data.
- Develop educational materials and conduct educational training events using the lead research farmers to create an on-farm research network for Native American, African-American, and other socially disadvantaged farmers.
We will develop an online extension and outreach curriculum that can be utilized by the College of the Muscogee Nation, Pawnee Nation College, and Langston University. We will disseminate the results of the curriculum with stakeholder groups based around the lead farmers through workshops, meetings, and a conference. The creation of a vibrant on-farm research network will facilitate exchange of ideas, production techniques, and identification of production constraints. An extension publication and scientific research publication will be completed for each of the following four research areas.
- Promising traditional/indigenous crops
- Sustainable traditional “4 sisters” production system
- Value chain mapping recommendations for heritage specialty crop production
- Cultural aspects of Native American production systems
The project was unsuccessful in collecting data. Due to the the pandemic delay and limited staffing the PI could only conduct demonstrations and trainings and preliminary assessments with Pawnee partners.
We were able to identify Pawnee Blue Corn and the Pawnee Sunflower as the two main cultural crops with cultural value and economic value for the Pawnee. The PI is still working on developing a factsheet to provide guidelines for producers on these crops.
Initial four sisters trials showed some advantages to the boundary of sunflowers as the fourth sister but the project did not get to the point of being able to put in banker plant or perimeter trap cropping methods.
BCS tractors were introduced and were well received. Side by side comparison demonstrations were setup at the Pawnee Nation site. These compared Plasticulture bed making with traditional mound making. Progress was not made beyond demonstration in order to collect data.
We were not able to develop an online extension and outreach curriculum that can be utilized by the College of the Muscogee Nation, Pawnee Nation College, and Langston University. Initial results have been disseminated through small workshops at the Pawnee Nation, oral presentations in 2022 at the Oklahoma State University Rural Renewal Institute, and the 2023 Langston University Small Farms Conference.
Education
The educational approach that was utilized focused on a lead farmer approach. This was initially based upon implementing farmer demonstration sites so that on farm trials could be conducted on and training could be conducted. Demonstration sites were initiated at three of the four farm collaborators – Colby Bennet, Ray Penn, and Kim Murie’s. Due to limited Langston staffing the on farm testing at Daniel Wilson’s was not completed. Instead, the PI interacted through phone conversations to discuss innovations to the farmer’s system and that farm collaborator shared experiences gained through the three years of the project. Research sites were also initiated at Pawnee Nation College and at a local non-profit called the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society. Due to ongoing construction at Langston University School of Agriculture the PI did not get access to research land at the newly constructed LU Horticulture Education and Research Center until May 1, 2023 when the project extension was being sought. The research site at College of Muscogee Nation was delayed due to ongoing construction at CMN and insufficient LU extension staff to assist the PI with initiation of field trials in Okmulgee. The greatest educational interaction occurred at Pawnee Nation College and their summer programing with Vista participants as part of the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society efforts. This happened in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The approach that was most impactful was experiential hands on approach that built trust and credibility with tribal members who participated in the project educational opportunities. This hands on experience built confidence among many participants that they could successfully grow traditional three sisters market gardens.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Activities in 2020 were greatly affected by the pandemic. The COVID 19 pandemic significantly delayed implementation of the project. This project began April 1, 2020 and Langston University and State government transitioned to teleworking from April 2020 through July 2020. After this point staff were reluctant to return to community activities and many offices were still not open. The Langston staff member and Project Director who were still engaging in outreach activities outdoors in Fall 2020 both contracted COVID and were on sick leave. Even in 2021 our project partners College of Muscogee Nation, Pawnee Nation College, Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers Association, and our four collaborating farmers were extremely reluctant to begin having joint research trainings. They also had limited internet access which made online activities difficult. We have had high staff turnover and lost our extension educator who was doing field research activities with Pawnee Nation College. Our project partner, Albert Lorentz, who was working in our research activities passed away due to a drowning accident in August 2021. The Project PI had been mentoring Mr. Lorentz for two years so this was a devastating setback for myself and our work with Pawnee Nation College. At the end of 2021 we conducted a series of Pawnee Agribusiness Planning Workshops. The Timeframe: 2 – 4 pm every Friday from Oct. 9 – 30 2021 Friday, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30. The location was the Pawnee Nation College Classroom and was open to any Pawnee Nation member. The purpose was to prepare Pawnee growers and interested gardeners in planning how to use owned, leased, or allotment land to grow for profit. During each workshop session the participants were guided by the P.I. Dr. Joshua Ringer in developing a business and marketing plan and a farm management plan. This is in preparation for applying for grant funding or a USDA Farm Service Agency Microloan. The participants worked on completion of an agribusiness and marketing plan by the end of the workshop series.
2/18 2022 - Transport and provide training review for BCS tractor to Pawnee for Pawnee Seed Preservation Society to put in gardens This helped increase capacity and skillset of Pawnee 501c3 partners to expanding their network of native growers.
2/28 - Assist two staff members of Pawnee Seed Preservation Society to use BCS to put in additional gardens and seed increase locations.
2/28 - Visit Pawnee Nation College to assist PNC agriculture program staff member with transplant supplies and seeds. Increasing capacity of PNC staff to grow their own transplants for their extension programs.
3/12 - Visit Pawnee Nation College and earth lodge construction as part of the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society’s efforts. Maintaining relationship with Pawnee partners.
3/15 - Made telephone calls with Jim Shaw and Deb Echohawk of Pawnee Seed Preservation Society to arrange for additional BCS implement equipment purchase by PSPS. Ensuring effective equipment purchase by project partners for increased community capacity.
3/18 - Transport of Kubota tractor to Pawnee to assist with Native American seed increase demonstration trials. Assisting partners in increasing growing and demonstration capacity.
3/28 - Visit Pawnee and assist ground preparation of seed increase plots and provide field training on ground preparation. Seed increase plots completed and this has helped Increase capacity of the local partners in Pawnee.
4/6 - Facilitated Jim Shaw (BCS Dealer) conduct BCS Training for five staff members of Pawnee Seed Preservation Society. Increases Pawnee Capacity to utilize and maintain their own tractor equipment and implements & increased sales for local Oklahoma agribusiness ($ 4,700 worth of sales).
4/20 - Visit to College of Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee for grant assistance, BCS tractor demonstration, and soil sampling of growing plots. Assisting in partners developing extension programming for Muscogee Creek members.
4/21 - Purchasing transplants and field training for staff member and program intern of Pawnee Seed Preservation Society on transplant selection for joint field demonstration and Pawnee Elder Program. Assisting partners in knowledge base and growing material for community programming.
4/23 - Pawnee Lady Elders Patio Gardening Planting with Pawnee Seed Preservation Society
6/17 - Meet with female leader group attending the CARE Field Day including Intertribal Ag Council, Pawnee Nation Horticulture Department, and Osage Nation. Building a network of partners for expanding the Langston Pawnee work around Native American Agriculture.
7/5 - Phone discussions with Pawnee Seed Preservation Society Staff member about technical aspects of installing plasticulture and fixing irrigation systems. Mentoring community partner to increase local technical capacity.
7/7 - Drip Irrigation training overview with Pawnee Seed Preservation Society staff member and supplying drip irrigation supplies as part of SARE Native American Grant Project. Mentoring community partner to increase local technical capacity.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge of Plasticulture use together with drip irrigation systems.
Use of small-scale mechanization using BCS hand tractors and appropriate attachments.
Alternatives to Plastic film such as biodegradable weed suppression products.
Use of Hybrid vegetable varieties depending upon market demand and use of traditional heritage varieties for ceremonial and for Elder nutrition programs.
Project Outcomes
This project has affected agricultural sustainability by increasing the number of Pawnee Nation Members who are now utilizing drip irrigation and growing their own market gardens for the first time. Many of these participants are those who have returned to the Pawnee Nation and need a new start at life. This project has helped play a part in helping these participants see that they can incorporate technology into growing traditional market gardens. With an understanding of their markets they have been able to contribute to their own personal income and to contribute to cultural tribal activities. The environmental effect has been to help them learn how to make good choices in how they will fertilize, conserve water, and manage pests using sustainable practices. The social benefits have been to strengthen opportunities for tribal youth and young adults in staying in rural communities with farming as a option. They also have learned the value in connecting with their cultural heritage that is tied into traditional corn. Some of the project outcomes have been presentations at local conferences.
Oral Presentation Abstract at the 2022 Oklahoma State University Rural Renewal Institute Annual Conference. Stillwater, Oklahoma
Rebuilding Pawnee Agriculture by Kim Murie, Pawnee Nation College, Deb Echohawk, Pawnee Seed Preservation Society J. Ringer, T. Payton, N. De Silva Langston University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Langston, OK 73063
The Pawnee once roamed the plains and farmed in the bottom lands in northern Kansas and southern Nebraska. Since 1874 the Pawnee were forced to rebuild life in their allotted land in northern Oklahoma. Pawnee Nation College and Pawnee Seed Preservation Society have worked together with Langston University and Oklahoma State University to build agricultural programming that will create employment opportunities for Pawnee Nation members. Pawnee Nation College (PNC) and Pawnee Seed Preservation Society (PSPS) are two organizations that have worked with Pawnee Nation members and leaders to build a vision of preserving important cultural aspects and building a resilient food production system centered around traditional Pawnee foods. Working together with Langston University and Oklahoma State University, PNC and PSPS have been researching and implementing traditional growing systems with technology enhancements and training and mentoring Pawnee and other Native American Tribal members in these growing methods. Some of the practices that have been tried focus on preserving soil moisture, weed management, labor use, and pest management practices within the three and four sisters Native American production system. The “sisters” system includes planting a perimeter barrier crop, corn, a legume, and a cucurbit. The assistance from Langston University researchers includes utilizing labor saving devices and the impact on system economic sustainability and soil health impacts. Langston University (LU) and Native American serving institutions will use these stakeholder-based research results to educate and enhance the capacity of tribal and other socially disadvantaged farmers to produce culturally-relevant crops within a systems approach. This effort is creating a core of stakeholder producers who work with PNC, PSPS, and Pawnee Nation to build a resilient Pawnee Agricultural Food System. Langston University efforts have been funded out of the USDA Southern SARE R&E project titled. “Researching & Networking Native American & Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Traditional Market Gardening Production System Resiliency.”
Oral Presentation - Langston University Conference on Goats, 'Hair Sheep' And Sustainable Small Farming Friday, April 21, 2023. Sustainable Practices Presentation Jimmy Komardley (Pawnee Seed Preservation Society), Kim Murie (Pawnee Nation College), and Deb Echohawk Strengthening Native American Agricultural Systems: The Pawnee Experience.
One of the outcomes of the project has been the increasing capacity of the Pawnee Nation Members and other tribal members who were part of the original training group in 2020. In 2020 the PI focused on the demonstration sites with farmer collaborators and working with the participants to learn how to use new technology and how to incorporate these technologies as appropriate with traditional methods. By 2022 the participants found resources to purchase their own BCS tractors with implements and were now enrolling new participants and installing drip irrigation without the involvement of the PI except technical support. Experimentation with growing Pawnee Eagle Corn and the increase in the production resulted in more milling of Pawnee Blue Corn flour and then incorporating this into different products for Elders. Now the issues are how to increase milling capacity and storage capacity.
The Pawnee Nation continues efforts to build their agriculture programming. This project has spurred further ideas for how to incorporate traditional Pawnee storage methods in underground caches into a modern version in order to improve seed preservation. Additional ideas include Developing an instant corn mush product for the community using traditional blue corn and a corn mush baby food. The issue that needs further work is how to continue to add Producers and developing a new or more accurately updated product and addressing the nutritional needs of some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Another idea is perhaps incorporating traditional bean, squash, and sunflower varieties in to the baby food idea to cover all the crops within the three sisters program. More effort is needed in how to optimize the nutrition and maybe also meals for the elderly. Some of the continued problems are that the small seed saver societies don’t have much land to grow crops and adequate space to store and process things. Sometimes also with change in tribal government this can complicate program sustainability.