Participatory Implementation of Sustainable Vegetable Systems for Small and Limited Resource Farmers

Participatory Implementation of Sustainable Vegetable Systems for Small and Limited Resource Farmers

Summary

Cover crops were planted on three field sites: Alabama Agricultural Experiment substations at Cullman and Sand Mountain, Alabama, and the Tuskegee University experimental field station.

The Tuskegee University cover crop trial, planted at the George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station Small Model Farm in fall of 2003, consisted of 2 trial plots with legume and cereal cover crops. As a strategy for an alternative integrated pest and soil management tool, these cover crops are showing promising results.

On the Alabama Agricultural Experiment substations three cover crop regimes were included: 1) crimson clover, hairy vetch, and winter rye mixed together and planted in the fall; 2) black oat and rye mixed together and planted in the fall; and 3) black oat alone planted in early spring. Each of these three cover crop regimes was divided into two blocks. One block used strip-tillage and the other used no-till. For the no-till block, tomato transplants were placed into the field using a no-till mechanical transplanter. Three treatments were used in each block: two biological treatments and a nontreated control. All treatments and cover crop + tillage variables were compared to an agronomic standard of plastic tarping. At Cullman tomato, cantaloupe, and pepper were planted in spring 2003. At Sand Mountain, tomato and pepper were planted. Before harvest, grower participants gathered for a meeting and toured the station sites. The growers were impressed by the overall appearance and quality of tomatoes in the plots that had the three-way cover crop and no-till. They used data collected on plant height and width (growth index) in their decision to use no till and a mix of crimson clover, hairy vetch, and winter rye as winter cover crops to begin on-farm trials in 2003-2004. Microbial treatments will continue to be assessed in the 2004 field trials conducted both by the growers and on the substations. It was further decided jointly by the growers and the researchers that the 2004 trials would exclusively use tomato.

Growers expressed an interest in learning more about organic certification. In response to this burgeoning interest, Auburn University hosted a conference entitled “Edging Towards Organic Vegetable Production: Possibilities and Considerations for Alabama Growers” on November 13, 2003, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. As a result of constituents’ interest in organic vegetable production expressed at the conference, Auburn University has established its first organic research initiative at the Cullman Horticulture Station.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The objectives for this project are as follows. 1) Maintain the viability and profitability of the grower participant farms by implementing an integrated sustainable production system. 2) Improve grower communication by facilitating networks of vegetable growers. 3) Remove marketing barriers by developing strategies to help growers gain the best price for their crop. 4) Secure the continuance of a systems approach in Alabama agriculture by developing classroom modules for increasing student knowledge of implementing sustainable agriculture.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Objective 1. Maintain the viability and profitability of the grower participant farms by implementing an integrated sustainable production system.

Using field observations and data, we concentrated the harvest analysis on plots within the three-way cover crop regime, as plants grown in the other cover crop regimes did not grow as well. Mid-season observations indicated that there were fewer weeds in the no-till plots than in the strip-till plots. Results from experiment station trials on tomatoes showed that individual tomato weight in strip till and no till blocks receiving treatments of microbial solutions was significantly higher than fruits from plants grown under plastic tarp with no biological solutions applied (P=0.05). These cover crops and biological treatments were chosen for on-farm implementation using no-till for the 2004 season.

Economic analysis of the harvest from the experiment station trials are being conducted. Results from the analysis will be presented to growers to aid them in deciding which sustainable practice to implement in their farming systems.

Auburn’s field tests on experiment stations provided an opportunity for discussion among growers. Growers met with Auburn staff in August 2003 and visited the fields on the experiment stations. Growers agreed to on-farm trials and implemented cover crops in fall and winter of 2003-2004. The cover crops chosen were rye, hairy vetch, and crimson clover. Tomatoes will be planted in summer 2004. We have provided funding for expenses and land use.

Tuskegee used crimson clover and black oat; black oat; crimson clover; and control as cover crops within a randomized complete block design with two tillage systems—till and no-till—and four replications. Two fields planted at different times were established. Fields with relatively uniform soil types and in fallow for four years were selected. The soil types were sandy soils with CEC<4.6cmolc kg-1 and pH of 6. The percentage organic matter ranged from 0.75 to 0.81%, and the overall soil test results indicated that no special soil amendments were needed.

The first cover crops planted in fall 2003, a combination of cereal and legumes, established very well and both clover and oats were flowering in March, 2004. The prevalent weed in the cover crops was wild mustard (Barbarea vulgaris). Other dominant weeds found in the plots including control were yellow nutsedge (Cyprus esculentus), Florida pursley (Richardia scabra), morning- glory (Convolvulus arvenis), and carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata). Weed density was least in the oats plot followed by the cereal and legume combination plots. Tomato plants for the 2004 season have been planted to prepare transplants for the field.

Objectives 2 and 3. Facilitate Grower Communication and Develop Marketing Strategies

For Auburn participants, grower communication was accomplished by grower meetings in August 2003 in which results of on-farm trials were discussed and on-farm trials were visited. Follow-up discussions were held by phone and during the conference “Edging Towards Organic Vegetable Production”. Presentations were made concerning the process of organic certification, marketing sustainable produce, and experiences of growers who have been successful in sustainable or organic agriculture. During these meetings we have presented information on CSA’s in Alabama as well as marketing efforts promoting Alabama’s fresh produce.

Auburn University established an organic research program on the Cullman substation with the input of our project leaders and participants. Land was set aside to become certified for organic production. This organic research facility will employ methods suggested by growers and will be used in outreach activities. The organic initiative is a spin-off of the main SARE project, and work on the SARE project will continue as planned.

Tuskegee University has established contact with participating farmers. Limited resource farmers expressed the need to reduce pest problems (weeds, disease, and insects) on their tomatoes. The farmers will visit Tuskegee University Small Model Farm to view and evaluate the performance of commercial tomato varieties in live mulch plots.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Growers throughout the state are becoming familiar with this project. Local newspapers and extension publications are reporting on this project and on related developments in the area of organic production. The growers in this study are actively communicating their interests and questions with us and with each other. As result of the organic conference, growers not associated with this project have expressed interests in sustainable agriculture. We have planned a meeting for November 2004 concerning organic and sustainable vegetable research.

Auburn grower participants are becoming involved in on-farm research as evidenced by their decision to use cover crops that they have not used before and by their willingness to use microbial solutions to elicit growth promotion. Other growers have expressed interest in reducing input costs by using more sustainable practices. These growers attended the organic vegetable conference and posed questions to project leaders and participants. We are using our relationship with the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN) to communicate with growers through small meetings and an e-mail list serve.

Results from experiment station and on-farm trials will be available in the fall. Economic analysis of harvest will be provided to aid growers in the decision-making process of implementing sustainable practices into their farming system.

Collaborators: