Occultation Tarping for Farms, Fields, and Streams

Commodities

Practices

• Crop Production: no-till
• Education and Training: demonstration
• Soil Management: soil quality/health

Occultation, known as "weeding with tarps," is revolutionizing small farm management in Oregon by enabling no-till practices that reduce labor (and tractor costs) while enhancing soil health. Verdant Phoenix Farm has conducted research, supported by WSARE Farmer/ Rancher funding, and  the Organic Farming Research Foundation to legitimize the practice and explore the benefits of this method for terminating unwanted plants and maintaining soil tilth.

Verdant Phoenix Farm (Oregon Tilth Certified Organic), which features Anderson Creek, is also participating in conservation programs aimed at managing invasive species along creek banks with both the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) and the NRCS EQUIP program. By applying occultation tarps on the farm, in the field, and near the creek, Verdant Phoenix is effectively suppressing weeds and preventing regrowth. This technique is gaining traction as a sustainable, herbicide-free approach to managing invasive weeds on farms and in riparian restoration efforts.

This project will bring together farms and riparian restoration projects that are currently utilizing occultation tarping, and will provide an opportunity to share this technique. The Understory Initiative (TUI) and Vesper Meadow uses tarps to prepare areas for meadow restoration, and in the cultivation of native plants. Through partnerships with TUI, OSU Small Farms, JSWCD, the Family Nurturing Center Farm and local farmers, Verdant Phoenix Farm aims to demonstrate the advantages of occultation tarping, which not only aids in weed control but also supports soil health and moisture conservation.

Our innovative project encourages collaboration between agricultural and ecological restoration professionals, farmers, and landowners in the Rogue Valley through education and demonstrations. Our goal is to showcase the impacts of tarping, demonstrate the technique, and provide informative fact sheets to support the integration of occultation tarping into more sustainable, land management practices on farms, in fields and near streams. 

This project aims to promote the adoption of occultation tarping among agricultural and riparian restoration professionals, land managers, and farmers through in-field demonstrations. 

The objectives include, to:

 Increase the Technical Capacity of Agricultural and Riparian Professionals so they can recommend occultation tarping. We will provide in-field demonstrations, share insights from occultation research, and develop fact sheets to facilitate increased understanding about tarping. 

 Increase the Skills of OSU and JSWCD Faculty to be able to share about the benefits of tarping, how to prepare the area, tips for success, timing, seasonal, and slope considerations. Cooperating faculty will be able to address the challenges with tarping including uneven ground, the need for stakes and weights, and fluctuating water levels.

Reduce Tarping Expense through JSWCD’s plan to include vinyl tarps in their equipment rental program for reduced cost to interested landowners, and land managers. Income from our demonstrations will go to supporting the purchase of tarps for the rental program.

Raise Awareness and Grow Confidence in Tarping among professionals, farmers, land managers, and restoration practitioners by creating educational fact sheets tailored to grow their confidence in the technique and to facilitate broader adoption. OSU Extension Communications will publish and distribute over 200 fact sheets to increase awareness and understanding of occultation tarping practices.

Demonstrate Impacts on the Ground, Over Time across multiple years: or multi-year projects, demonstrating year 1-3 impacts in the soil and on weed populations. Also track the extent to which participants used new knowledge and skills in subsequent educational activities.