Effect of Wood Chip Mulch, Leguminous - Non-Leguminous Cover Crops on Productivity - Weed Suppression in Organically Managed Asparagus Beds

Project Overview

FNE01-382
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2001: $3,583.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $5,990.00
Region: Northeast
State: Maryland
Project Leader:
Michael Klein
Email

Commodities

  • Vegetables: asparagus

Practices

  • Crop Production: conservation tillage
  • Production Systems: general crop production
  • Soil Management: organic matter

    Proposal summary:

    Asparagus is profitable, but weeds are hard to control in organic gardens. The farmer will explore cover crops and cover materials—wood chips, Dutch white clover, crimson clover, buckwheat, and a mix of cruciferous annuals like mustard, rape, and kale. A control plot will be cultivated mechanically and test plants will be monitored for vitality. As the beds mature, the number and weight of the spears will be recorded as they are harvested to determine the effect of the different weed control strategies.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.