Roots Farm PNW Dry Farmed Bush/Semi Bush Squash Variety Trials

Commodities

• Vegetables: cucurbits
• Miscellaneous: mushrooms

Practices

• Crop Production: drought tolerance, no-till, varieties and cultivars

As Earth’s climate warms, the Pacific Northwest faces increasingly erratic weather, resulting in reduced rainfall and heightened drought conditions. This creates significant challenges for farmers, particularly those on small acreage, who struggle to maintain crop yields. This project aims to address the critical need for resilient farming practices by trialing bush and semi-bush squash varieties suitable for dry farming techniques.

The primary research questions guiding this project are: What bush squash varieties yield the most fruit under dry farming conditions? How does the inoculation of plots with wine cap mushroom spawn influence moisture retention and overall yield? To answer these questions, the project will compare the performance of different squash varieties in terms of yield, flavor, seed yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to dry conditions. We will utilize a systematic process for planting, maintaining, and harvesting each variety, along with rigorous soil testing to monitor moisture levels, pH, and nutrient profiles.

The significance of this project lies in its potential to enhance resource efficiency, leading to increased profitability for farmers facing land and water constraints. By identifying high-yielding squash varieties and promoting sustainable practices, this initiative will help improve agricultural resilience in the region.

Results will be disseminated through social media outreach, educational videos on platforms like YouTube, field days, and workshops aimed at local farmers and agricultural professionals. Additionally, findings will be shared at the 2025 or 2026 Tilth Conference and through collaboration with, Oregon Washington State University and Oregon State University to maximize regional impact.

1. Identify Optimal Varieties: To identify bush squash varieties that yield the highest output under dry farming conditions, focusing on factors such as flavor, seed yield, and disease resistance.

2. Evaluate Water Efficiency: To evaluate the effectiveness of wood chip mulch in enhancing water-holding capacity and reducing moisture loss for bush squash cultivation.

3. Soil Health Assessment: To assess the impact of heavy mulch and mycelial inoculation on soil health by conducting soil tests at the beginning and end of each season, measuring parameters such as pH, nutrient profiles, and biological activity.

4. Community Engagement: To engage local farmers through field days and workshops, providing practical training on dry farming techniques and the benefits of bush squash cultivation.

5. Monitor and Analyze Outputs: To track and analyze yield data—including fruit yield and quality—throughout the growing season, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's implications for sustainable farming practices.

6. Disseminate Findings: To share project outcomes with the agricultural community through reports, social media, and presentations at agricultural conferences and workshops.