Researching & Networking Native American & Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Traditional Market Gardening Production System Resiliency

View the project final report

Commodities

• Agronomic: corn, legumes (broad category)
• Vegetables: cucurbits

Practices

• Crop Production: cropping systems
• Pest Management: integrated pest management, trap crops, weed ecology
• Soil Management: soil quality/health

The purpose of this project is to test and validate soil moisture, weed, and pest management practices within the three and four sisters Native American production system using a Lead Farmer on-farm research method. The “sisters” system includes planting a perimeter barrier crop, corn, a legume, and a cucurbit. This project will also test labor saving devices and the impact on system economic sustainability and soil health impacts. Langston University (LU) and Native American serving institutions will use these stakeholder-based research results to educate and enhance the capacity of tribal and other socially disadvantaged farmers to produce culturally-relevant crops within a systems approach. The project also creates a core of stakeholder producers who will work with Langston University to build a systems research program focused on socially disadvantaged small holder farmers.

The objectives of this project are to assess production characteristics, nutritional profile, and marketability of traditional Native American crops. The results of this work will provide a clearer understanding of the potential crops that have usefulness of in traditional polycultures. The second objective is to research and develop production systems using traditional “3 & 4 sisters” growing system merged with the bio-extensive method of grass control along with mulching comparisons. This will provide useful comparison of methods that make these systems viable. The third objective is to test and compare Banker plant and Perimeter trap cropping methods that fit with the “4 sisters” growing system. Prevention of insect predation will allow for reduces chemical use for insect control. The fourth objective is to assess and research labor saving equipment, tools, and methods that maintain or enhance soil properties and fit into the “4 sisters” growing system. This will help inform native producers about the need to conserve labor in order to be profitable. The final objective is to develop educational materials and conduct educational training events using lead research farmers to create an on-farm research network for Native American, African-American, and other socially disadvantaged farmers.

Objectives

1. Assess production characteristics, nutritional profile, and marketability of traditional Native American crops.

1. Research and develop production systems using traditional “3 & 4 sisters” growing system merged with the bio-extensive method of grass control along with mulching comparisons.
2. Test and compare Banker plant and Perimeter trap cropping methods that fit with the “4 sisters” growing system.
3. Assess and research labor saving equipment, tools, and methods that maintain or enhance soil properties and fit into the “4 sisters” growing system.
4. Develop educational materials and conduct educational training events using the lead research farmers to create an on-farm research network for Native American, African-American, and other socially disadvantaged farmers.