2001 Annual Report for LS00-115
Establishing Sustainable Production and Information Exchange Systems for Limited Resource Farmers in Louisiana
Summary
Solarization of soil was tested as an alternative for chemical sterilization and weed control. Broadleaf weeds were controlled more effectively than grasses and nutsedge. Little additional cultivation was needed for fall plantings, but more cultivation was necessary for spring crops due to grass and sedge. In another component, winter cover crops were to be followed by spring watermelon and summer pumpkin. Extreme summer rains prevented maturation of pumpkin and melon crops. In summer cover crops, cowpeas serve as mulch before incorporation at varying stages of maturity. Lettuce and broccoli are being evaluated for weed pressure, soil fertility, and yield.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Southern University Research Associate and LSU Ag Center Graduate Assistant come on board.
Attend Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group annual conference.
Establish spring crop at on campus and on farm plots.
Hold farmer workshop and demonstration.
Plan and establish on campus and on farm research and demonstration plots.
Establish fall crop at on campus and on farm research plots.
Establish winter cover at on campus research plots.
Hold farmer workshop and demonstration.
Accomplishments/Milestones
LSU Ag Center has hired a graduate assistant to work on this project. A research associate at Southern has not yet been added to the staff, but this will be a priority for the coming year. Research plots were established at on campus plots according to the timetable, but the challenge of securing on farm participation remains. Much of this challenge relates to poor weather conditions. Two demonstration workshops were held, but attendance was low. Project coordinators are considering other, more effective methods of outreach. Last year several farmers attended the SSAWG annual conference. In the coming year, emphasis will be placed on establishing on farm plots with increased farmer participation, along with farmer led demonstrations.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
This research will help reduce the reliance of farmers in the Southern Region on chemical forms of pest and weed control. Sustainable methods of soil fertility management will be encouraged. Farmers who participate in the coming year will determine practical applications of previous on campus research and tailor the practices to on farm uses. The community of farmers in south Louisiana will be strengthened by the sharing of farmer generated information through farm visits, demonstrations, and workshops.