Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Grants And Education To Advance Innovations In Sustainable Agriculture

Project Overview

FNE02-424
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $864.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: Maryland
Project Leader:
Michael Klein

Effect of Straw, Leguminous and Non-Leguminous Cover Crops on Productivity and Weed Suppression in Organically Managed Asparagus Beds

Commodities

  • Vegetables: asparagus

Practices

  • Crop Production: conservation tillage
  • Education and Training: farmer to farmer
  • Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture
  • Production Systems: general crop production
  • Soil Management: organic matter

Proposal summary:

Asparagus is profitable and is ready for market early in the season, but is also high maintenance because of the need for frequent weeding. The farmer has noticed that volunteer red clover tends to reduce weed growth and enhance quality, and he will compare Dutch white clover, crimson clover, buckwheat, rape, straw mulch, and no cover to see what results emerge. The treatments will continue for three years; weed growth and crop productivity will be monitored and compared, and the results will be offered for publication in newsletters and at grower gatherings. This continues a previous SARE project, FNE01-382.

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.