Evaluating Solar-Powered Irrigation and No-Till Practices for CSA Production in a Northern Idaho Regenerative Farm System

Project Overview

FW26-016
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2026: $34,400.00
Projected End Date: 05/31/2029
Grant Recipient: Forged Fields, Mearpond LLC
Region: Western
State: Idaho
Principal Investigator:
Julie Dehner
Email
Forged Fields, Mearpond LLC

Commodities

  • Vegetables: greens (leafy), peppers, other
  • Additional Plants: cut flowers, herbs

Practices

  • Crop Production: irrigation
  • Production Systems: organic agriculture
  • Soil Management: soil quality/health

    Proposal summary:

    Small-scale organic farmers in Northern Idaho face increasing challenges related to water scarcity, labor efficiency, and sustainable soil management. This project addresses the research question: Can solar-powered overhead irrigation combined with no-till compost bed systems improve soil health, reduce water use, and maintain crop productivity in a diversified CSA farm model?

    The research will evaluate soil moisture retention, organic matter levels, yield outcomes, and input costs associated with no-till and solar-integrated systems compared to conventional practices. Data will be collected across multiple growing seasons using standardized soil tests, yield tracking, and labor logs.

    Expected outcomes include quantifiable improvements in soil quality and water efficiency, reduced labor hours, and economic viability of the integrated system. These results will demonstrate a replicable model for regenerative CSA production suited to similar climates and small-scale operations.

    Findings will be shared through on-farm field days, a downloadable fact sheet and photo guide, a video case study, and outreach via university Extension and local farm networks, ensuring practical knowledge transfer to other producers.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Research Objectives

    1. Evaluate the impact of no-till compost bed systems on soil moisture retention, organic matter levels, and crop yields in Northern Idaho.

    2. Measure water use efficiency and energy savings from implementing solar-powered overhead irrigation in a diversified organic CSA production system.

    3. Compare input costs and labor hours between traditional tillage methods and the no-till/solar-integrated system.

    Education Objectives

    1. Host two on-farm field days to demonstrate no-till practices, irrigation setup, and CSA workflow to other producers.

    2. Publish a practical fact sheet and photo guide outlining system design, costs, and results for distribution through local Extension channels.

    3. Create a short video case study to share project outcomes and lessons learned online and at regional agricultural workshops or conferences.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.