ORGANIC FARMING RESEARCH FOR THE NORTHWEST

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: TERMINATED
• Funding Source: SPECIAL GRANT
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0222555
• Grant No.: 2010-34618-21239
• Project No.: WNP00767
• Proposal No.: 2010-02051
• Program Code: EE-V
• Project Start Date: Aug 1, 2010
• Project End Date: Jul 31, 2013
• Grant Year: 2010

Project Director
Kruger, C.

Recipient Organization
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
240 FRENCH ADMINISTRATION BLDG
PULLMAN,WA 99164-0001

Performing Department
Ctr for Sustaining Agric & Natural Resources (CSANR)

Non Technical Summary
The organic food industry has been growing at a rate of 20-30% per year for the past decade (Organic Trade Association, unpublished data) in the U.S., with a commensurate increase in land farmed under certified organic management, and an increased need for research and education on organic farming practices and systems. Organic farmgate sales for 2008 were estimated at $280 million in Washington State, with forage, processed vegetables, and tree fruit the main crops. The state is the leading national producer of organic apples, pears, cherries, sweet corn, green peas, snap beans, and onions. Acres of organic apples have nearly doubled since 2005 and represent 10% of all apple acres in the state. Continued growth of the sector occurred in 2009, but at a slower rate due to the recession. Organic farming offers growers a form of production and market diversification and the potential for increased returns, all of which are needed in light of current economic conditions. In addition, organic systems generally lead to improved environmental performance (Reganold et al., 2001) and farm worker safety, thus lessening the need for the public sector to bear these costs. Conventional growers also benefit from the development of organic practices because they are increasingly adopting these practices to deal with pesticide resistance and regulatory constraints and because adoption of these methods may lead to reduced costs, improved biological performance, and enhanced environmental protection (A. McErlich, pers. comm.). This special grant project will enable Washington State University to continue to address the priorities listed above and assist organic growers to improve their profitability, agronomic performance, and environmental stewardship. This will provide economic benefits to growers and their rural communities, fulfill consumer demand for organic products that bring environmental benefits to the farm and watershed, and develop techniques that conventional farmers can use to meet the regulatory challenges of the federal Food Quality Protection Act and other public environmental initiatives. The region‟s climatic diversity provides biophysical characteristics that favor organic production, especially in the semi-arid zones where there is high quality irrigation water. Additionally, the region has a high level of consumer awareness and demand for organic products as well as support for organic and sustainable production systems, especially in the urbanized maritime region. This special grant will help the agricultural sector to capitalize on these advantages.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

32%

Applied

33%

Developmental

35%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	1419	1060	10%
202	1549	1060	35%
212	1499	1040	30%
213	1131	1140	15%
601	2410	3010	10%

Knowledge Area
202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 213 - Weeds Affecting Plants; 601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management;

Subject Of Investigation
1419 - Leguminous vegetables, general/other; 1549 - Wheat, general/other; 1131 - Wine grapes; 1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 3010 - Economics; 1040 - Molecular biology; 1140 - Weed science;

Keywords

organic

farming

Goals / Objectives
Organic farming is a fast-growing segment of agriculture in Washington State and the Northwest. Washington State is a leading national producer of a number of organic fruits and vegetables. As the organic food supply grows, there is downward pressure on organic price premiums that have been critical to expanding the production base. Organic growers in the state need a research investment into important challenges they face in order to both be successful in producing organic products on the farm and to remain profitable. Other pressures include foreign competition, carbon footprint and sustainability questions, and the need to deliver high quality products to the market.The special research grant proposed here will continue six on-going research activities that address the following priority objectives identified by the organic industry in the region: 1. Research nutrient and soil management: affordable nitrogen sources, soil phosphorus balance, managing biological N, maintaining soil quality, perennial crop understory management. (growing nitrogen in the orchard) 2. Research pest management: agroecosystem design, biological and mechanical control methods, efficacy of new products and tools. (weed control in organic wine grapes; control of vegetable seedling diseases) 3. Research organic seed production, seed protection, and variety development specific for organic systems (organic wheat breeding; organic wheat variety selection; control of vegetable seedling diseases) 4. Study the effects of farming practices and crop varieties on food quality; tests for nutritive and health properties. (organic wheat projects will measure nutrient content) 5. Research economic aspects: industry structure and trends, market assessment, enterprise budgeting, input and risk evaluation. (annual profile of organic agriculture in the state; national and international data on organic tree fruits) Key outcomes being pursued include an organic compliant seed treatment for control of Pythium damping off in vegetables; a legume intercrop practice that provides a portion of an orchard's nitrogen needs; release of a dryland wheat variety specifically bred for organic systems; recommendations of existing wheat varieties suited to organic production in western Washington; and an annual profile of the organic sector in the state. A team of scientists and extension specialists will work with an advisory committee of growers and industry representatives to conduct the project activities. The proposed projects fit with the land grant mission of Washington State University to provide science-based research results and marketing potentials to organic agricultural producers and their affiliated businesses.

Project Methods
This special grant proposal is organized by a collaborative team of scientists. Project procedures are contained in the subproject descriptions below. CLOSING THE GAP: ORGANIC WHEAT VARIETY RELEASE IN EASTERN WASHINGTON 1. Conduct organic "variety testing" trials on certified organic farm ground (2 to 3 sites) in the Palouse. 2. The lines slated for germplasm release will be identified based on one or two superior characteristics (i.e., very high zinc and iron concentration or excellent baking quality). GROWING NITROGEN IN THE ORGANIC ORCHARD 1. Four different perennial legumes (alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, ladino clover, kura clover) were direct seeded in a four-foot wide strip in the middle of the drive alleys. The 2010 study will repeat the 2009 study. 2. Pre-plant burndown effect. MANAGEMENT OF SEEDLING BLIGHTS IN ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION a)The 37 sampled fields from 2009 will be planted to pea crops again in spring 2010 will be monitored for damping-off. b) Electrolyte leakage will be quantified for multiple seed lots of pea and sweet corn cultivars typically planted in early spring in central Washington to assess the potential for growers to use quantitative measurements of seed exudation for identifying risks of damping-off. c) Microbial and non-microbial seed/drench treatments that meet organic standards will be evaluated in growth chambers for controlling Pythium spp. in pea and sweet corn crops in cold, wet soils. WEED MANAGEMENT IN ESTABLISHING AN ORGANIC WINE GRAPE VINEYARD This study is being conducted on transition to organic land. Two wine grape cultivars commercially significant in the area are included: Pinot Noir Precoce (PNP) a red wine cultivar; and Madeleine Angevine (MA) a white wine cultivar, both grafted on Couderc 3309 rootstock. The experiment is arranged in a split-plot randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. EVALUATING AND DEVELOPING VARIETIES FOR ORGANIC SYSTEMS IN WESTERN WA 1. Identify cultivars adapted to Western Washington with good agronomic characteristics. Historical cultivars, advanced breeding lines and modern varieties will be evaluated in multiple locations for yield, test weight, and disease resistance. 2. Identify cultivars with high nutritional value. 3. Develop participatory wheat breeding partnerships. 4. Test the baking quality of the most promising wheat varieties for organic bread and pastries. RESEARCH COORDINATION AND ORGANIC INDUSTRY TRENDS. 1. Data from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Organic Food Program and other certifiers active in the state will be used to create a profile of organic production in Washington State for crop year 2010. 2. Data from the annual world organic survey conducted by FiBL/IFOAM will be segregated for tree fruit crops and combined with state and available national data to update the organic tree fruit report.

Progress 08/01/10 to 07/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Organic and conventional commercial farmers are the primary target audiences of the information that will be produced from research studies and Extension publications that will result from this research program. University colleagues and other agricultural professionals are the primary target audience for journal publications and conference presentations/abstracts that will result from this research program. Target audiences were reached through field tours, presentations at industry and professional meetings, popular publications, and resources added to web sites. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of the project were presented at annual grower meetings and the 2012 International Organic Fruit Symposium held in Leavenworth, Washington in June 2012. A variety of publications were completed, submitted, accepted and published from multiple sub-projects. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Outcomes and Impacts for the final annual project period focused on the Growing Nitrogen in the Organic Orchard sub-project (all other sub-projects were completed). Outcomes and impacts for the other sub-projects were reported in prior years. Outcomes: Growing Nitrogen in the Organic Orchard. The four legume species planted in the orchard alley were monitored for percentage cover and biomass in 2011 and 2012 to develop five years of data from establishment. Ladino white clover was virtually absent in both years, alfalfa showed a decline, while trefoil was stable, and kura clover improved each year. Thus, the potential for kura clover to be a long-lived cover crop in an orchard has been validated. Impacts: Use of cover crops in organic orchards is expanding, with over 300 acres planted in the past two years. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is launching a new screening study to examine more potential candidates for this practice, and they offer cost share funding for growers.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Granatstein, D., M. Wiman, E. Kirby, K. Mullinix. 2010. Sustainability trade-offs in organic orchard floor management. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 873:115-122. http://www.actahort.org/books/873/873_11.htm
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: E.T. Lammerts van Bueren, S.S. Jones, L. Tamm, K.M. Murphy, J.R. Myers, C. Leifert, M. Messmer. 2011. The need to breed crop varieties suitable for organic farming, using wheat, tomato and broccoli as examples: A review. Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences. Vol. 58, Issues 3-4, Pages 193-205
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Dawson, J., K. Murphy, D. Huggins, S. Jones. 2011. Evaluation of winter wheat breeding lines for traits related to nitrogen use under organic management. Organic Agriculture. 1:65-80. doi: 10.1007/s13165-011-0006-3

Progress 08/01/11 to 07/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs for the final annual project period focused on the Growing Nitrogen in the Organic Orchard sub-project (all other sub-projects were completed). Results of the project were presented at annual grower meetings and the 2012 International Organic Fruit Symposium held in Leavenworth, Washington in June 2012. A variety of publications were completed, submitted, accepted and published from multiple sub-projects. PARTICIPANTS: The seven principle investigators for the sub-projects were Dr. Carol Miles (grapes), Dr. Joan Davenport (orchard cover crops), Dr. Steven Jones (western WA grains), Dr. Kevin Murphy (eastern WA grains), Dr. Lindsey duToit (seed pathology), Dr. Lynne Carpenter-Boggs (organic livestock-grain), Dr. Vince Jones (alfalfa cover crop biocontrol). Elizabeth Kirby and David Granatstein conducted the organic statistics work. Chad Kruger and David Granatstein were project PIs who solicited proposals from faculty, developed the proposal for USDA, and conducted the reporting. Work was conducted at 3 off campus research and extension centers as well as on the main campus and co-operating farms. Graduate students involved in the projects included Avi Acala (seed pathology), Lukas Patzek (wheat varieties), Karen Hills (wheat fertility), Jackie Pitts (orchard cover crops) and Stephen Bramwell (organic grain-livestock). Rachel Miller, a WSU student intern, spent the summer as a field assistant on the orchard cover crops project. Partners included co-operating farms (Warren Morgan Orchards, Acapella Vineyards, Lopez Island Vineyards, Mr. Todd Crosby, Mercer Canyon Farms, Mr. Brian Anderson, Mr. Brad Baillie, Mr. Dave Hedlin, Mr. Gilbert Hintz, Mr. Nash Huber, Mr. Chris Hyer, Erik Zakarison, Camas Creek Ranch, Gregg Beckley, Joel Huesby) and other researchers / technicians (Dr. Kevin Murphy, WSU, Dr. Lynden Porter, USDA-ARS, Mr. Gary Moulton, WSU, Dr. Tim Miller, WSU, Dr. Xianming Chen, USDA-ARS, Dr. Tim Paulitz, USDA ARS, David Horton, USDA ARS, Tom Unruh, USDA ARS, David Huggins, USDA ARS, John Reganold, WSU, Triven Pillai, WSU, Grant Morton, WSU, Heather Ireton, WSU, Dave Uberuaga, WSU). TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic and conventional commercial farmers are the primary target audiences of the information that will be produced from research studies and Extension publications that will result from this research program. University colleagues and other agricultural professionals are the primary target audience for journal publications and conference presentations/abstracts that will result from this research program. Target audiences were reached through field tours, presentations at industry and professional meetings, popular publications, and resources added to web sites. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Outcomes and Impacts for the final annual project period focused on the Growing Nitrogen in the Organic Orchard sub-project (all other sub-projects were completed). Outcomes and impacts for the other sub-projects were reported in prior years. Outcomes: Growing Nitrogen in the Organic Orchard. The four legume species planted in the orchard alley were monitored for percent cover and biomass in 2011 and 2012 to develop five years of data from establishment. Ladino white clover was virtually absent in both years, alfalfa showed a decline, while trefoil was stable and kura clover improved each year. Thus the potential for kura clover to be a long-lived cover crop in an orchard has been validated. Impacts: Use of cover crops in organic orchards is expanding, with over 300 acres planted in the past two years. The USDA-NRCS is launching a new screening study to examine more potential candidates for this practice, and they offer cost share funding for growers.

Publications

• 1. Mullinx, K. and D. Granatstein. 2011. Potential nitrogen contributions from legumes in Pacific Northwest apple orchards. Intl. J. Fruit Sci. 11:74-87. 2. TerAvest, D., J.L. Smith, L. Carpenter-Boggs, D. Granatstein, L. Hoagland, and J.P. Reganold. 2011. Soil carbon pools, N supply, and tree performance under several ground cover management systems and compost rates in a young apple orchard. HortScience 46:1687-1694. 3. Willer, H., D. Granatstein, and E. Kirby. 2012. The global extent and expansion of organic horiculture production. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 933:23-34. 4. Granatstein, D., E. Kirby, and H. Willer. 2012. The extent and composition of global organic fruit area. Acta Hort (accepted). 5. Granatstein, D., E. Kirby, and J. Davenport. 2012. Direct-seeding legumes into orchard alleys for nitrogen production. Acta Hort (accepted). 6. Granatstein, D. 2011. Tending the orchard floor in organic systems. Proc. Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Dec. 6-8, 2011, Grand Rapids, MI. 6 pp. 7. Kirby, E. and D. Granatstein. 2012. Status of organic tree fruit in Washington State. EM046E, Washington State University Extension, Pullman, WA. 32 pp.

Progress 08/01/10 to 07/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Organic grain variety release in eastern Washington. Soft White Winter: 20 advanced soft white winter wheat breeding lines (F7-F8) were planted in fall 2010 two locations in eastern Washington with three replicates per line/per location. Five control cultivars were also planted in these nurseries. Emergence was excellent for all lines planted. These will be evaluated for stripe rust resistance, plant height, lodging resistance, grain yield, end-use quality and nutritional value in the form of mineral concentration. Hard Red Winter: 40 advanced hard red lines (F7-F8) were planted out at one location in eastern Washington. Again, emergence was excellent in all these lines. These lines are being evaluated primarily for plant height and stripe rust resistance, though mineral nutrient concentration will be evaluated as well. Once seed has been increased, the 10-15 most promising lines will be tested further in 2011 in multiple locations in replicate yield trials. Winter Spelt: Spelt was planted in Fall 2009 in eastern Washington to regenerate seed of these advanced lines for further trials. This included 45 advanced breeding lines (F7). It was harvested and then replanted in early October 2010. Small samples were sent out for mineral concentration analysis. Growing Nitrogen in the Organic Orchard. Field plots were sampled 4 times during the season for stand composition and cover crop biomass. Soil nitrate was measured bi-weekly with anion exchange probes. Tree leaf nitrogen was measured. A cover crops workshop for perennial crops was held in Quincy, WA. Management of seedling blights in organic vegetable production. In summer and fall 2010, soil samples from 37 certified organic fields across the Columbia Basin were assessed with molecular methods (ITS sequencing) to identify the Pythium species. Up to 9 isolates per species (3 from fields in each of the north, central, and south Basin) were evaluated for pathogenicity to pea under cool, moist conditions, using soil from a grower-cooperator's field in the Basin. The pathogenicity tests identify the species causing damping-off in early spring. In spring 2011organic seed/drench treatments (microbial and non-microbial) were evaluated against the known pathogenic species, and in two grower-cooperator pea fields in the Basin and pea and sweet corn field trials. Organic grapes. Biomass of cover crop, weed, and vines were measured in an organic vineyard trial comparing different weed control methods. Organic certifier data for Washington State were collected and compiled for the 2010 calendar year. Reports were developed on the tree fruit sector, and on the entire sector, and put on line at the organic statistics web site. Presentations were made at various grower and industry meetings in Washington, Montana, Oregon, and California. A poster was presented at the USDA organic research meeting in March 2011. PARTICIPANTS: The five principle investigators for the sub-projects were Dr. Carol Miles (grapes), Dr. Joan Davenport (orchard cover crops), Dr. Steven Jones (western WA grains), Dr. Kevin Murphy (eastern WA grains), Dr. Lindsey duToit (seed pathology). Elizabeth Kirby and David Granatstein conducted the organic statistics work. Chad Kruger and David Granatstein were project PIs who solicited proposals from faculty, developed the proposal for USDA, and conducted the reporting. Work was conducted at 3 off campus research and extension centers as well as on the main campus and co-operating farms. Graduate students involved in the projects included Avi Acala (seed pathology), Lukas Patzek (wheat varieties), Karen Hills (wheat fertility), and Jackie Pitts (orchard cover crops). Rachel Miller, a WSU student intern, spent the summer as a field assistant on the orchard cover crops project. Partners included co-operating farms (Warren Morgan Orchards, Acapella Vineyards, Lopez Island Vineyards, Mr. Todd Crosby, Mercer Canyon Farms, Mr. Brian Anderson, Mr. Brad Baillie, Mr. Dave Hedlin, Mr. Gilbert Hintz, Mr. Nash Huber, Mr. Chris Hyer) and other researchers (Dr. Lynden Porter, USDA-ARS, Mr. Gary Moulton, WSU, Dr. Tim Miller, WSU, Dr. Xianming Chen, USDA-ARS, Dr. Tim Paulitz, USDA ARS). TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic and conventional commercial farmers are the primary target audiences of the information that will be produced from research studies and Extension publications that will result from this research program. University colleagues and other agricultural professionals are the primary target audience for journal publications and conference presentations/abstracts that will result from this research program. Target audiences were reached through field tours, presentations at industry and professional meetings, popular publications, and resources added to web sites. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The organic variety testing is intended to lead to an actual release by 2014 of one or more varieties bred under organic management in dryland eastern Washington with superior qualities for organic producers. Production of organic wheat for human consumption in western Washington has expanded several fold due to the research and outreach funded by this special grant. Local artisan bakers are testing the locally grown grains in their product and purchasing them where feasible. The re-introduction of small grains in this area will help diversify crop rotations and open new markets for organic products. Use of cover crops in organic orchards is expanding, with over 200 acres planted in the past two years. NRCS can provide cost share through EQIP and technical guidance is in part based on these trials. The preliminary results from the seedling disease research were presented at grower meetings to help them improve management. The standard method of cultivating alleys and hand hoeing under the vines performed the best in the western Washington organic vineyard trial. It is the most expensive system but led to the best grapevine growth. The organic statistics were requested by industry representatives, businesses, organic advocates, and policy makers. They were used during the NOSB deliberations on the phase out of antibiotics for fire blight control on organic apples and pear. Over half of growers surveyed use the statistics and find them helpful in their business decisions regarding organic production.

Publications

• Kirby, E. and D. Granatstein. 2011. Status of organic tree fruit in Washington State and other regions: 2010. Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources report, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA.
• Granatstein, D., E. Kirby, and H. Willer. 2010. Organic horticulture expands globally. Chronica Hort. December 2010. 50(4):31-38.
• Granatstein, D. and E. Kirby. 2011. Has the organic bubble burst Current trends in organic tree fruit production. Proceedings 106th Annual Meeting 2010, Washington St. Horticultural Assoc., Wenatchee, WA. p. 123-126.