Transition strategies for an organic peanut-grain cropping system

Transition strategies for an organic peanut-grain cropping system

Summary

The first full year of the rotation has been completed and soil samples taken from all sites are being evaluated for nutrient status, microbial activity, and weed seed-bank densities. Early spring cultivation has been highly beneficial in reducing the impact of weeds in both pearl millet and cowpea plots. Cowpea did an excellent job of canopy closure, which should help outcompete weeds. At one location where weeds were not aggressively managed early in the spring/summer season, the summer crops were overrun with weed pressure, which will result in more competition from weeds in subsequent years.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Determine effectiveness of organic transition strategies to manage weeds and improve soil quality in three prior land-use types.

Evaluate the impact of transition practices and weed management strategies on organic peanut production, pest management, and returns on investment.

Determine how management characteristics (physical and human) of farms relate to crop yield and economic returns of organic transition strategies across the transition period.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Progress is steady. Cover crops for 2009 were well-established and land has been prepared for 2009 spring/summer plantings. Soil tests for fertilization requirements have been taken for Hort Hill, CASE Farm, and Martin Farm locations and will occur prior to or at planting with Nature Safe OMRI approved fertilizer based on soil test results/UGA recommendations. Seed has been secured for all locations and will be planted in late May – mid-June as weather permits.

The Martin Farm location in Dodge County, GA was a feature stop on the 2008 Georgia Peanut Tour where project coordinator Scott Tubbs gave a presentation on the project, and a poster presentation of the project was displayed at the 2008 SARE Summit at Fort Valley State University in June 2008.

Weed seed-bank populations have been difficult due to heavy densities; and our methods will be reevaluated. Data from first year’s crop has not been analyzed as we await results of soil samples so all data can be more efficiently analyzed at the same time.

No impact on peanut production has yet been determined, as peanuts will not be planted until 201

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Organic peanut production has been centered in less-humid peanut producing areas where disease is less prevalent than in the southeast. New disease resistant cultivars have opened new opportunities for organic markets in peanut production in the southeast. To become certified for organic production, land must go through a 3 year transitional period in which no inorganic inputs can be used, but growers will not receive price premiums since these are not certified crops during the transitional period. Developing cropping systems/rotations that will get growers through the transition period with some economical crops and minimal pest incidence heading into peanut production and land certification will be beneficial in opening up new acreage and market opportunities for peanuts and alternative grain crops such as pearl millet and cowpea.

Collaborators: