Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project, relevant to the current reporting period, are the following: 1. Producers and growers interested in non-chemical weed management in specialty crops such as broccoli and blueberry, or other horticultural crops. 2. Extension educators who work with the above growers. 3. The scientific communities interested in non-chemical weed management in horticultural production systems. Changes/Problems:Because we planned additional field trials outside the scope of the original project, and to provide more time for analyzing and disseminating data (especially econonic and soil health data) we applied for and received a no-cost extension for this project to continue until 8/31/2026. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided training opportunities for graduate students and a postdoctoral associate to engage in multidisciplinary, cross institutional research and communicate their findings across a broad range of audiences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A peer-reviewed research article reporting results relative to sub-objective 1 was published (see 'products' section in this report, doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119349). A peer-reviewed research article reporting the project results relative to sub-objective 3 was published (see 'products' section in this report, doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2024.1375505). A peer-reviewed review article about alternative and emerging mulch technologies, including hydromulch, was published (see 'products' section in this report, doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18029-24). This paper will educate the broader scientific community regarding the importance of mulch and new mulch technologies that have the potential to be biodegradable and compatible with organic production. Multiple presentation to report and share results were delivered by project investigators and/or their graduate students (see 'products' section in this report). These included, field days, grower conferences, and scientific conferences. Information about the project was shared by project investigators via three podcasts and one YouTube video (see 'other products' section in this report). Multiple presentations were made at field days as well as grower and academic conferences. News about the project was also shared via eOrganic website and associated updates (see 'products' section in this report). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For the onion field trial, we will prepare a report discussing the net benefits of hydromulch application for each treatment, and the conditions under which the use of hydromulch is economically viable for growers. A similar analysis will be done for the blueberry field trial. For the blueberry field trial, we will analyze fruit quality data and share pertinent data to our economist for cost-benefit analysis. Final soil health data will be collected spring 2025, analyzed, and shared via presentations at academic and grower events as well as a peer-reviewed publication. At Fargo, we plan to conduct a final set of field trials to directly document crop impacts of incorporating hydromulch material into the soil for two years. We will plant onions under plastic mulch in every plot to directly measure any crop impacts from hydromulch.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Sub-Objective 1: Additional greenhouse trials were conducted in Washington to determine if adjusting hydromulch thickness and material properties could suppress nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). The results of the trial indicate none of the evaluated thicknesses and hydromulch formulations are superior in the suppression of nutsedge. Sub-Objective 2: Established applications methods were used to conduct new hydromulch field trials. We continued to refine established approaches. Sub-Objective 3: These studies have been completed. Results and project insights have been presented at several scientific conferences and field days. Results have also been synthesized into two peer-reviewed publications, one of which has been published and one of which is under review. Results showed that hydromulches with a guar gum tackifier performed best among hydromulches in terms of weed suppression, but polyethylene (PE) film mulch provided superior weed suppression. However, hydromulches with guar gun tackifiers often protected fruit yield as well as PE film mulch in spite of allowing some weed emergence. This result is likely due to other factors besides weed control related to soil microclimatic control. Sub-Objective 4: The blueberry trial initiated in spring 2023 was continued for a second year in 2024 in a commercial field of 'Valor' blueberry in Prosser, WA.In ND, hydromulches were applied and assessed within a broccoli production system. During 2023, GG and CM (3% and 6%) HMs were evaluated in onion (Highlander) crop against white-on-black PE film and weedy/weed-free checks (WC/WFC) at Absaraka and Fargo, ND. HMs were applied at rate of 5765 kg total dry matter hectare-1. PE mulch had zero weeds at peak weed emergence (PWE) and peak weed vegetative growth (PWVG) at both sites. Hydromulch with 6% GG controlled weeds best among HMs at PWE (10 weeds m-2) and PWVG (12 weeds m-2). Weed biomass was reduced the most in 6% GG (118 g m-2) compared to WC (748 g m-2). PE and GG showed similar mulch deterioration (both 0%) at Fargo, ND. Onion yield was greatest for PE (58,808 kg hectare-1) but was statistically similar to 6% GG (38,113 kg hectare-1). Overall, HM with 6% GG can be an effective alternative to PE for organic onion production. At WA during 2023, HMs were compared to woven PE mulch ('weedmat') in northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinum corymbosum 'Valor'). HM treatments at WA included recycled paper with or without 4% GG and a pre-mixed paper slurry with 4%GG. In blueberry, weed suppression varied by treatment, with weedmat providing nearly full suppression of all weeds. Tackifier added to recycled paper improved dicot suppression. None of the hydromulch treatments effectively suppressed monocots (mostly nutsedge). Yield and fruit quality the same across all treatments. Soil health measurements were made for all field trials.Soil nitrogen mineralization was measuredthroughout the field season inboth blueberry and broccoli. Soil health processing is up to date for nutrients, and microbial activity. Chemical analyses of stored microbial biomass extractions from the prior year are now up to date following needed maintenance and calibration of analytical equipment. Similarly processing of community profiling has started for current and stored samples after appropriate modifications to protocols were made and applied. We were able to present the microbial activity and a portion of the nitrogen mineralization data at a summer meeting (see presentation/abstract list. To date the microbial activity data does not indicate that use of paper-based hyromulches has negative impacts on either blueberry or onion production systems. Rather, the activity suggests that the mulch in some cases may contribute to activity and in others correlates with a decrease in weed pressure and thus decrease in root exudates that often cause increased turnover of nutrients. Data and results from these trials were presented at various conferences and field days. Sub-Objective 5: For each hydromulch treatment in the onion field, we have completed the following: (1) Compiled cost estimates associated with producing the hydromulch material; (2) Used the prevailing wage rate in North Dakota as of 2024 to estimate the labor costs for applying the hydromulch; and (3) Estimated the market price of onions that is required for the gross revenue from the hydromulch treatment to be equal to that of control treatment (PE mulch). Sub-Objective 6: A peer-reviewed research article reporting results relative to sub-objective 1 was published (see 'products' section in this report, doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119349). A peer-reviewed research article reporting the project results relative to sub-objective 3 was published (see 'products' section in this report, doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2024.1375505). A peer-reviewed review article about alternative and emerging mulch technologies, including hydromulch, was published (see 'products' section in this report, doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18029-24). This paper will educate the broader scientific community regarding the importance of mulch and new mulch technologies that have the potential to be biodegradable and compatible with organic production. Multiple presentation to report and share results were delivered by project investigators and/or their graduate students (see 'products' section in this report). These included, field days, grower conferences, and scientific conferences. Information about the project was shared by project investigators via three podcasts and one YouTube video (see 'other products' section in this report). Multiple presentations were made at field days as well as grower and academic conferences. News about the project was also shared via eOrganic website and associated updates (see 'products' section in this report).

Publications

• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ahmad W, DeVetter LW, McFadden D, Maupin B, Bajwa DS, Durado A, Weyers S, Galinato SP, Weiss B and Gramig G (2024) Hydromulches suppress weeds and maintain fruit production in organically managed strawberry systems. Front. Agron. 6:1375505. doi: 10.3389/fagro.2024.1375505 ORCID ID Lisa Devetter = 0000-0002-4412-385X ORCID ID Greta Gramig = 0000-0003-2791-282X
• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Shcherbatyuk, N., Wortman, S. E., McFadden, D., Weiss, B., Weyers, S., Ahmad, W., Bajwa, D. S., Galinato, S. P., Formiga, A., Gramig, G., & DeVetter, L. W. (2024). Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review. HortScience, 59(10), 1524-1533. Retrieved Nov 5, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18029-24 ORCID ID Lisa Devetter = 0000-0002-4412-385X ORCID ID Greta Gramig = 0000-0003-2791-282X
• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Andrew Durado, Dilpreet S. Bajwa, Greta Gramig, Sharon Weyers, Lisa Wasko DeVetter, Alice Formiga, Suzette Galinato, Biodegradable composite hydromulches for sustainable organic horticulture,Industrial Crops and Products,Volume 221,2024,119349,ISSN 0926-6690,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119349. ORCID ID Lisa Devetter = 0000-0002-4412-385X ORCID ID Greta Gramig = 0000-0003-2791-282X
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Durado, Andrew. 2023. Thesis: Biodegradable composite hydromulches for sustainable organic horticulture. https://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/17858
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bajwa, D. 2024. Moisture characteristics of biodegradable composite hydromulches for sustainable organic horticulture. The 35th Annual Meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops. Lisbon, Portugal.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Formiga, A. 2023. Learn more about mulch! eOrganic Updates. November 2023. Available at https://eorganic.org/node/35751
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Formiga, A. 2024. Hydromulch research updates. eOrganic Updates. April 2024. Available at https://eorganic.org/node/35968
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Formiga, A. 2024. New Hydromulch video. eOrganic Updates. June 2024. Available at https://eorganic.org/node/36029
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Weiss, B. 2023. All About Mulch. Comox Valley Horticultural Society. Zoom talk (Courtenay, BC, CA.)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Weiss, B. 2023. MulcH2O: A biodegradable, certifiably organic mulch technology. Washington Small Fruit Conference. Lynden, WA.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Weiss, B. 2024. MulcH2O: A biodegradable, certifiably organic mulch technology. Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA). Zoom talk (Lincoln, NE.)
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Formiga, A. 2024.Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review. eOrganic Updates. September 2024. Available at https://eorganic.org/node/36132
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hydromulches Enhance Weed Management and Crop Yield in Organic Onion Production. Waqas Ahmad,Sharon Weyers, Benjamin Weiss, Lisa Wasko DeVetter, Andrew Durado, Dilpreet Bajwa, Suzette P. Galinato, Alice Formiga, Greta Gramig; Western Society of Weed Science 2024 Annual Meeting, Denver CO, March 4-7 (77)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Weiss, B. 2024. All about mulch. Western Cascade Fruit Society. Bremerton, WA. Weiss, B. 2024. MulcH2O: A biodegradable, certifiably organic mulch technology. Cloud Mountain Farm Center field day. Everson, WA.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Weiss, B. 2024. MulcH2O: A biodegradable, certifiably organic mulch technology. Rodale Institute field day. Rockport, WA.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Devetter, Lisa W. 2024. MulcH2O: A biodegradable, certifiably organic mulch technology. Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center mulch field day. Mount Vernon, WA.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ahmad, W. and Gramig, G. 2024. Hydromulches for weed suppression in broccoli. Plants, Local Foods & Outdoor Spaces Conference. NDSU Horticulture Research and Demonstration Gardens. July 30, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ahmad, W. and Gramig, G. 2024. Hydromulches for weed suppression in broccoli. NDSU Fruit, Hemp, Vegetable and Woody Plant Field Day. NDSU Horticulture Research Farm and Arboretum. September 5, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gramig, G. 2024. Nonchemical Weed Management Research Updates: MulcH2O: Biodegradable Composite Hydromulches . NDSU Wild World of Weeds Workshop. Fargodome, Fargo, ND. January 16, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ahmad, W. 2024. Hydromulches as a weed control alternative to plastic mulches for organic agriculture. Roots and Rhizomes: Growing Together Marbleseed Annual Conference. Organic Research Forum. LaCrosse, WI. February 29 - March 2, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Weyers, S. L., Gramig, G. G., DeVetter, L. W., Morales, E., Ahmad, W., Weiss, B., Maupin, B., Bajwa, D., Galinato, S., & Formiga, A. (2024) Soil Health Under Hydromulches Applied for Weed Control [Abstract]. SSSA 2024 Summer Conference, San Juan, PR. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2024sssa/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/156520

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project, relevant to the current reporting period, are the following: 1. Producers and growers interested in non-chemical weed management in specialty crops such as onions and blueberry, or other horticultural crops. 2. Extension educators who work with the above growers. 3. The scientific communities interested in non-chemical weed management in horticultural production systems. Changes/Problems:Due to different soil structural parameters following the rotary tillage and bed shaping of vegetable beds at the North Dakota research sites, including the potential for flooding of fields, the open-chamber resin N mineralization method was replaced for the winter assessment period by the buried bag method - whereby intact soil cores were placed in sealed ziplock bags and buried under the soil surface until retrieval in the spring. Ziplock bags allow for gas exchange but prevent leaching of nutrients from the incubating cores. Our literature review publication submission to peer review was delayed as the student originally working on the paper departed, but the manuscript is still in preparation and will be submitted during the next reporting period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided training and professional development opportunities for graduate students Ben Weiss (MS student), Waqas Ahmad (PhD student), and Andrew Durado (MS student). These students were trained in responsible conduct of field and laboratory research, organic regulations and farming as pertaining to mulching and various mulch materials, and oral and written scientific communication to diverse audiences including farmers, crop consultants, and scientists. Under Sub-Objective 4, opportunities were presented to two graduate students and other field technicians to learn techniques of field soil mineralization measurements, and soil sampling and processing procedures. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project results have been disseminated to relevant stakeholders and communities of interest via numerous presentations given via scientific conferences, field days, grower conferences, newsletters, trade journals, extension publications, and one webinar as detailed in the 'other products' section of this report. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objectives 1 and 2 are complete, except for associated peer-reviewed publications, which will be completed during the next reporting period. Objective 3: We plan to publish two papers summarizing the results of the strawberry field experiment as well as a literature review. Objective 4: We will complete the blueberry and vegetable field studies, along with associated soil health analyses. During the next reporting period a second year of soil health analyses and in-field nitrogen mineralization measurements will be undertaken. Graduate students and technicians will have to opportunity to learn the laboratory-based methods to soil health analyses. Objective 5: During the next reporting period, we will conduct a preliminary assessment of costs associated with the application of hydromulch (including materials and labor). We will also collect data to develop baseline production costs of organic onion and broccoli in North Dakota. Objective 6: We will continue to disseminate project information including impacts of hydromulch on horticultural, weed management, soil health, and economic variables. Several peer-reviewed publications to disseminate project results will be submitted and accepted during 2024. A webinar to share major project results and concepts will be presented during 2024.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Sub-Objective 1: Design and develop biodegradable composite hydromulch formulations; evaluate hydromulch formulation impact on weed suppressive ability in a controlled environment. The majority of the work for this objective was completed during the last reporting period. However, two new materials, hemp hurd and camelina meal, were evaluated for use in organic hydromulch formulatuons. Soil adhesion and moisture tests (% moisture and water angle) were performed on hydromulch samples. The physical and mechanical properties data was statistically analyzed. The results of these additional assessments informed the choice of mulch formulation treatments for Objective 4. One graduate student completed an MS thesis based on Sub-Objective 1 experiments. Sub-Objective 3: Evaluate hydromulch efficacy and impact on crop quality and yield in annual day-neutral strawberry production systems. The experiment associated with Sub-Objective 3 was completed in Washington and North Dakota and two scientific papers are in preparation. Results were presented during Sub-Objective 4: Evaluate hydromulch efficacy and impact on crop quality and yield and soil health indicators (in perennial blueberry production and in annual market vegetable production. An experiment was established at a commercial blueberry operation in Prosser, Washington. Three hydromulch formulations were evaluated alongside a non-biodegradable plastic mulch control. Plant growth, yield, berry quality, mulch performance, weed suppression, and soil health data were collected and the experiment will be repeated in 2024. Another experiment was established at operation at research sites located in Fargo and Absaraka ND. Four hydromulch formulations were evaluated alongside a non-biodegradable plastic mulch control as well as weedy and weed-free checks. Plant growth, yield, berry quality, mulch performance, weed suppression, and soil health data were collected and the experiment will be repeated in 2024. Substantial progress was made towards achieving goals of Sub-Objective 4: Evaluate hydromulch efficacy and impact on crop quality and yield and soil health indicators in perennial blueberry production and in annual market vegetable production. Sequential in-field mineralization incubations were performed during both onion (North Dakota) and blueberry production seasons. Mineralization incubations were placed this fall to determine activity during the winter until sequential tests resume the next growing season. Soils have been processed to measure microbial biomass and activity, soil moisture content, and selected biochemical properties. Field methods addressed water infiltration, continuous soil moisture content and temperature, and precipitation. Sub-Objective 5: Assess the economic impacts of hydromulch applications in the organic production of blueberry, onion, and broccoli via cost-benefit analyses. Organic blueberry enterprise budgets in WA have been updated and submitted for publication as WSU Extension Technical Bulletins. These production cost studies will be used as baseline for the cost-benefit analysis of hydromulch use. Sub-Objective 6: Conduct outreach and extension activities to disseminate results to stakeholders, including organic farmers and the scientific community. Information was shared at local- and statewide training events as well as at regional and national conferences. Trade journal and newsletter articles were also published.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Ahmad W, Bajwa D, Wasko DeVetter L, Durado A, Formiga A, Galinato S, Maupin B, McFadden D, Weiss B, Weyers S, and Gramig G. 2023. Cellulosic biodegradable mulches suppress weeds and maintain strawberry yield in diverse environments. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Gramig G, Ahmad W, Bajwa D, DeVetter L, Durado A, Formiga A, Galinato S, Weyers S. 2023. Liquid-applied cellulosic mulches for weed suppression in day-neutral strawberry. Western Society of Weed Science Annual Meeting, Boise ID. (116)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Durado AD, Bajwa DS, Gramig G, DeVetter LW, Weyers S, Formiga A, Galinato A, W. Ahmad W, and Weiss BD. 2023. Biodegradable composite mulches for sustainable organic horticulture. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops 34th Annual Meeting, Corvallis OR.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Weiss, B., L.W. DeVetter, W. Ahmad, and G. Gramig. 2023. MulcH20: An emerging soil-biodegradable mulch technology for organic strawberry production. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Oral presentation.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Andrew Durado. 2023. Biodegradable Composite Hydromulches for Sustainable Organic Horticulture. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Montana State University.
• Type: Websites Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: https://eorganic.info/node/35506

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Our main target audience is organic farmers who produce horticultural crops, specifically those crops that are typically grown using plastic mulch for weed management and environmental modification. Another target audience is agricultural scientists and extension personnel who would be interested in biodegradable alternatives to plastic mulches. Changes/Problems:Exceptionally wet spring and early summer field conditions during 2022 at ND and WA sites delayed establishment of the field trials associated with subobjective 3. Nevetheless, these field trials were eventually successfully established and the late start had minimal impacts on the experimental objectives, aside from possibly reduced strawberry yield associated with late planting at the ND site. Originally, the NDSU team had planned to conduct research associated with subobjective 4 on-farm, at a certified organic site managedby project collaborator and producer, Bjorn Solberg. The team visited the site during summer 2022 to conduct preliminary soil tests to inform future fertilization. These soil tests revealed extremely high levels of soil nitrate that would negatively impact the research. Subsequently, PI Gramig was informed by Mr. Solberg that 100K pounds of potato culls had been dumped on the field, something which had not been mentioned during the planning stages of the project. Consequently, will be unable to use this site for upcoming planned research. Instead we will use certified organic plots on the NDSU campus. Thischange has been approved by the NIFA program leader. The majority of the funds origninally allocated to Mr. Solberg's contribution will be re-budgeted to recoup some budget cuts made to our intitial request by NIFA. The PhD student working under Dr. DeVetter at WSU discontinued his program of study in August 2023. A new student will be hired soon, and impacts to the project will be minimal. We expect only minor delays analyzing data from subobjective and writing a literature review, an effortthat the former PhDstudent was spearheading. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided opportunities to train and professionally develop two PhD graduate students and one M.S. student. These students gained experience conducting research and presenting research results to extension and professional audiences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?OSU co-PI Alice Formiga created a public website for the project on the eOrganic platform at https://eorganic.info/hydromulch. The website describes the project objectives, lists the collaborators, and provides photos, videos, research updates, and links to more information and publications about hydromulch.A summary of the research in 2021-2022, with photos, which is available on the website at https://eorganic.info/node/35506, was also sent in the June 2022 eOrganic newsletter. Results were presented at the following professional and extension events: McFadden, D., and L.W. DeVetter. 2022. Introduction to Hydromulches. Dort University Eco-Ag Field Trip. July 19, 2022. Mount Vernon, WA. (n=15 people) McFadden, D., and L.W. DeVetter. 2022. What is a Hydromulch? Washington State Commission of Pesticide Registration Tour. July 26, 2022. (n=50 people) Ahmad, W., and G. Gramig. 2022. Hydromulches for Weed Suppression in Day Neutral Strawberry. North Dakota State University Absaraka Horticultural Research Field Day. September 15, 2022. (n=35 people) Durado, A., Bajwa, D., and G. Gramig. 2022. Biodegradable Composite Hydromulches for Sustainable Organic Horticulture.33rd Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Meeting, Oct 9-12, 2023, Bozeman, MT. (n=45 participants) WSU co-PI Lisa DeVetter released tweets to publicize the project viaher Twitter account, Lisa DeVetter@Mulch_Matters.One tweet made May 23, 2022 about the hydromulchapplication system received4,836 impressions. A newletter was published by WSU personnel to disseminate information about the project: McFadden, D. and L.W. DeVetter. 2022. Introduction to Hydromulch. Sustainable Mulch Management. May 2022.https://smallfruits.wsu.edu/plastic-mulches/newsletter/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Subobjective 1: Although we made substantial progress developing hydromulch formulations, the team at MSU is still finishing assessment of formulations. Once this phase is complete, we anticipate a manuscript to be submitted for peer review in early 2023, and results will be presented at a professional conference. Also, we will be conducting additional greenhouse trials during winter 2023 to assess hydromulch formulations and rates to inform conducting subobjective 4. Subobjective 2: Application technology progressed enough to allow sucessful field application of hydromulch, but the system needs to be refined to minimize soil mixing with mulch during application, and to integrate the hydromulch application with crop planting. The NDSU team and farmer Ross Lockhart will continue work on application methods during spring/early summer of 2023. The WSU team will work on adapting application methods for commerical organic blueberry production. Subobjective 3: Data from this experiment will be analyzed, and results will be presented a field days and professional conferences during 2023. We anticipate preparing one manuscript for peer review from these results, to submitted during 2023. Subobjective 4: Field experiments to address this subobjective will be initiated during 2023 at WA and ND sites. Preliminary results will be reported at field days and professional conferences. Subobjective 5: All project team members will continue to collect data needed to complete economic analyses. Subobjective 6: Project progress will be described on the project's eOrganic webpage, and we will produce a webinar through eOrganic to share results with stakeholders during 2023.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Overall Objective: We have completed all planned objectives for this year,which will lead to accomplishing our overall objective. Subobjective 1: Several different composite hydromulch formulations were developed by co-PI Bajwa and his graduate student at MSU. They have conducted numerous tests to assess the physical properties of these hydromulches. During winter 2022, PI Gramig and her graduate student conducted greenhouse trials using these formulations to determine the best formulations and rates of application for initial field trials. Subobjective 2: Three separate groups (NDSU, ND producerRoss Lockhart, and WSU) evaluated different systems for preparing and applying hydromulches. These trials resulted in enough progress to allow successful application of hydromulches in field experiments. Subobjective 3: NDSU and WSU conducted field trials wherein five different hydromulch formulations (at a standard rate) were tested against standard black plastic mulch in a day neutral strawberry production system. Samples are currently being processed, and data prepared for analyses. Subobjective 4: This objective is planned for 2023 to 2025. In preparation, the team at NDSU tilled sites, sampled soil for nutrients, and built raised beds. Subobjective 5: A template that describes the data needed for the economic analysis has been developed and shared with project team members. These data will be used to estimate the costs of hydromulch formulation, and to compare the net benefits of using hydromulch relative to standard mulching practice. Data related to economic analyses were collected in the process of conducting activities related to subobjectives 1, 2, and 3. Subobjective 6: A website was created to share results of the project (https://eorganic.info/hydromulch). A summary of the research in 2021-2022, with photos, which is available on the website at https://eorganic.info/node/35506, was also sent in the June 2022 eOrganic newsletter.

Publications