Managing a Living Mulch System in an Intensive Organic Vegetable Cropping Operation to Enhance Weed, Nutrient, and Pest Management

1995 Annual Report for FW95-078

Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1995: $5,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1997
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $3,221.50
Region: Western
State: Montana
Principal Investigator:
Helen Atthowe
Biodesign Farm

Managing a Living Mulch System in an Intensive Organic Vegetable Cropping Operation to Enhance Weed, Nutrient, and Pest Management

Summary

This study will investigate the effects of shallow cultivation and mowing as well as the timing of living mulch manipulations on nutrient availability, soil organic matter content, and weed population size. Soil microbe and beneficial insect population levels will be monitored to assess the effects of living mulch manipulation techniques on long-term soil quality and biological pest management enhancement.