A farmer-researcher collaborative effort to design no-till systems appropriate for small-scale organic producers in Alabama and the Deep South

A farmer-researcher collaborative effort to design no-till systems appropriate for small-scale organic producers in Alabama and the Deep South

Summary

The project was started in the fall with a visit by Andrew Price (weed ecologist) and Jan Garrett (grant coordinator) to each farm to view the project site and discuss project plans with the farmer. The farmers planted fall cover crops and decided what type of summer crop would be planted on the site. One of the original farmers had gone out of business so we got another farmer to take his place. Another farmer moved her farm so she did not get a fall cover crop planted but will begin with a summer cover crop in 2010.

A variety of fall cover crops were planted on two Auburn University Agricultural Research stations for evaluation in organic no-till systems.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Establish a collaborative effort between farmers and researchers to identify NT production methods that are appropriate for a variety of crops, soil types, and farming scales suitable for organic vegetable production in the Deep South.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of various high residue cover crops and mixtures for ease of growth, maintenance of soil fertility, and weed control.
3. Evaluate tillage treatments across various soil types, cash crops, and cover crops, with respect to soil fertility, weed control, crop yield, and farmer acceptance.
4. Evaluate the effects of different pre-plant fertilizer rates on crop yield, weed populations, and cover crop growth.
5. Expand NT production practices in AL by assisting small-scale farmers in the state with the implementation of organic NT practices.

Accomplishments/Milestones

1. Farm visit to each participating farm
2. Site evaluation on each farm
3. Recorded field history, weed history, and made general observations
4. Discussed plans with farmer
5. Made recommendations on fall cover crops based on farmers’ plans
6. Assisted with the planting of cover crops where needed.
7. Discussed plans for summer crops with farmer.
8. Farmers planted fall cover crops on project sites.
9. Cover crop trials were implemented on E.V. Smith Agricultural Research station and North AL Horticultural Research station.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Farmers planted fall cover crops on project site and discussed weed problems with project investigators. One farmer obtained assistance planting his cover crop. Fall cover crops were planted on 2 AU Agricultural Research Stations for evaluation in organic no-till systems. The project got off to a good start.

Collaborators: