Source: UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA submitted to
IMPROVING ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEMS ACROSS NEBRASKA AGROECOREGIONS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0204958
Grant No.
2005-51300-02374
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2005-04497
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 15, 2005
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2010
Grant Year
2005
Program Code
[113]- Integrated Organic Program
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
(N/A)
LINCOLN,NE 68583
Performing Department
NORTHEAST RES & EXTENSION CNTR
Non Technical Summary
The organic farming community needs research based solutions to their production problems and the educational efforts by the University of Nebraska need to include organic farming concepts in its curriculum. This project seeks to establish a land base to conduct research to solve the agronomic and pest problems found on organic farms. The project also seeks to establish an index to evaluate the impact of farming methods on wildlife. Specific technical solutions will be developed to improve variety selection and weed control in organic production systems. The outcome of this project should include organic farming education in resident instruction and extension offerings.
Animal Health Component
90%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
90%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020199106010%
1252410107010%
1350199106010%
1356030107010%
2052410113010%
2052410114010%
2162410113010%
2162410114010%
6016030106010%
9036030106010%
Knowledge Area
135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife; 601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 125 - Agroforestry; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
0199 - Soil and land, general; 2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops; 6030 - The farm as an enterprise;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1070 - Ecology; 1140 - Weed science;
Goals / Objectives
1. Create a network of organically, certified areas at four research farms: We will certify land at four major research stations, and work with cooperating farmers to identify key issues that must be addressed to increase productivity. We will also develop methods to quickly assess environmental concerns using indicators of wildlife diversity. 2. Improve organic production through focused research: Three sub-objectives will address the most pressing production problems in the four agroecozones where University of Nebraska currently conducts field research. a. Evaluate crop cultivars for adaptation to organic production systems, through the use of selection criteria, screening techniques, and final testing procedures for cultivars in organic systems. b. Develop enhanced organic methods for weed management, especially during the conversion from conventional to organic crop production, to address one of the most critical concerns voiced by organic farmers. c. Test alternative crops, management options, and soil fertility strategies for organic production systems across the state, including the evaluation of available organic products such as bio-stimulants, and disease and insect control treatments. 3. Extend results to farmers, stakeholders, life-long learners and institutionalize organic farming principles in resident instruction. These activities will improve research procedures, integrate results from organic farming research into classroom teaching, and move results quickly to field demonstrations and publications that are available to farmers. a. Integrate results from on-station and on-farm organic research into classroom teaching programs, and enhance classroom education programs to extend principles and practical knowledge to students and help them envision future systems that are different from current, conventional agriculture. b. Summarize and demonstrate results in the field through producer participation and guidance to Cooperative Extension and their statewide offices, programs, and publications.
Project Methods
Four certified organic areas of about 25 acres each will be established at four Research Centers. A committee of faculty, organic farmers, and representatives from the certifying agency (OCIA) will plan the transition practices. A farmer advisory group will help develop research that addresses the most pressing production challenges facing organic producers in Nebraska. The transition and certification process will be documented for use in future educational programs. Each research center will address specific transitional issues that take into consideration their resource base. At the Centers and on cooperating farms, we will collect and analyze data on target biota, using field, farm, and landscape scales and including measures of soil, vegetation, invertebrate, and vertebrate (birds initially) life forms in order to develop indexes of non-crop impacts on organic farms. Data will be analyzed using an information-theoretic approach suited to comparisons of habitat variables to bird field data. These analyses are expected to identify the more important habitat components at field, farm, and landscape scales for sustaining bird populations on the study farms, and will allow us to provide management options to benefit desirable bird populations in relation to other farm goals. Development of selection criteria, screening techniques and improved germplasm for organic systems will use variety testing to determine traits critical to plant competitive success under organic production. Cultivars will be solicited that meet organic standards. End users of organic products will advise on their needs so that the trials are relevant to an evolving market. Development of enhanced organic methods for weed management will be achieved by rotations of cover crops with economic crops, summer and winter crop sequences, innovative technologies such as flame weeding, controlled fallow, and planting alternative crops. Visual rating of weed species composition and overall density will be reported at each site. Results from on-station and on-farm organic research will be integrated into classroom teaching programs, and enhance classroom education programs to extend principles and practical knowledge to students and help them envision future systems that are different from current, conventional agriculture. The important aspect for students is to challenge their beliefs about how to raise present crops, prepare them to try new crops and practices. Demonstration of results in the field and incorporation of information into extension programs will be achieved by integration of results and recommendations into the presentations and publications offered by the University of Nebraska. A 4-H project on healthy land and food will be developed to reach both youth and adults through the present Extension educator network. The economic evaluation of organic crop productions will be evaluated in two parts. First, costs of production will be evaluated using standard enterprise budget methodology. Second, the market opportunities for these organic crops will be explored.

Progress 09/15/05 to 08/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Crop research land was transitioned to organic and certified at four UNL sites: Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead-45 acres; Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord-25 acres; South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center-17 acres; and High Plains Agricultural Laboratory near Sidney-76 acres. Farmer advisory groups were formed for each site to identify key research issues to help establish organic cropping systems and increase productivity. Their recommendations were not uniform because of the unique nature of each site, as intended in order to fit the existing environment and agroecoregion. Research included: soil fertility strategies and fertility amendments; weed management, including flaming weed control; crop establishment and management options and cover crops; crop cultivar evaluation and crop breeding trials for corn, soybeans and wheat in organic systems; alternative crop testing; and identify future organic farming research needs. A Healthy Farm Index (HFI) was developed based on data collected on cooperating organic farms through research, feedback from farmer advisory groups, evidence of beneficial organic farming practices, and satisfactory farm productivity and income. The HFI provides a mechanism for integrating and communicating interdisciplinary data toward farm practices and policy that optimize food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, and can be used to guide the decision making process in such a way that the multiple goals of the farmer and society are included. Organic research results were extended to farmers, stakeholders, life-long learners and students in resident instruction courses. Field days were held at the research sites and on cooperating organic farms (2008-30 attendees, 2009-57 attendees) involving researchers, extension personnel, organic and conventional farmers, consumers and students, and organizations such as Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and OCIA Nebraska Chapters 1 & 2. Presentations at conferences/meetings& number of attendees: UNL/NSAS "Healthy Farm-Rural Advantage Conference 2008-15, 2009-20; 2007 Natural Livestock Marketing-36; 2008 Grow Your Own Nitrogen-53, Biological Control of Insects-20, Sustainable Crops & Livestock Systems-45; 2009 Organic Wheat Conference-53, Western Sustainable Ag Crops & Livestock-82. The project coordinator created a video presentation on transitioning to organic, and conducted workshops, presentations and gave information packets on organic production practices, cover crops, biological insect control, and the Healthy Farm Index to NRCS staff, farmers, students and others, and presented at state, regional and national conferences. Extension personnel gave presentations to high school vocational agriculture teachers. Researchers conducted outreach programs on flaming for weed control to conventional and organic farmers and on organic soil fertility at crop production clinics. The UNL Organic Work Group developed a web site, and created electronic service accounts on Facebook and Twitter to disseminate organic research news. An internal listserv goes to 38 grant decision-makers. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: PIs: Project Director-Charles Shapiro; Co-Project Directors-James Brandle, David Baltensperger, Charles Francis, Ron Johnson, Stevan Knezevic, Drew Lyon, Robert Wright; Project Coordinator/Ext. Educator-Elizabeth Sarno; Technical Staff: Mike Cieslik, Logan Dana, Vernon Florke, Ryan Gerloff, Mike Mainz, Tom Nightingale, J. E. Scott, Richard Zbasnik. Partner Organizations: Center for Rural Affairs-Lyons, The Grain Place-Marquette, Nebr. Indian Community College-Macy, Nebr. NRCS-Lincoln, Nebr. Sustainable Agriculture Society-Hartington, OCIA Nebr. Chapter 1-Lincoln, OCIA Nebr. Chapter 2-Dalton, OCIA Research and Education-Lincoln. Collaborators: UNL: Bruce Anderson-Forage Specialist, Timothy Arkebauer-Crop Physiology, Stephen Baenziger-Small Grains Breeding, Aaron Berger-Ext. Educator, Erin Blankenship-Statistics, Paul Burgener-Ext. Ag Economics, Karen DeBoer, Ext. Educator, Terry Devries-Rsch. Analyst, Richard Ferguson-Soil Fertility, Loren Giesler-Plant Pathology, George Gogos-Mechanical Engineering, Robert Harveson-Plant Pathology, DeLynn Hay-Coop Ext., Gary Hein-Entomology, Gary Hergert-Soil Science, Thomas Hunt-Ext. Entomology, Georgia Jones-Nutrition & Food Literacy, James Kalisch-Ext. Entomology, Robert Klein-Ext. Cropping Systems, James Krall-Crops Specialist, Gary Lesoing-Ext. Educator, SARE Coordinator, NE,Richard Little-Small Grains Breeding, Lenis Nelson-Crop Variety Testing, Alexander Pavlista-Plant Physiology, Jim Peterson-Nebr. SARE, Paul Read-Specialty Crops, Teshome Regassa-Biological Systems Engineering, Ivan Rush- Animal Science, Dipak Santra-Alternative Crops Breeding, Ken Russell-Nebr. Tech Ag College, Vicki Schlegel-Food Science & Technology, Jerry Volesky-Forage Specialist, Stephen Wegulo-Plant Pathology, Roger Wilson-Ag Economics, Charles Wortmann-Soil Science; U.S.: James Krall-Crops Specialist-U.WY, Erin Taylor-Weed Flaming, MI State U.; International: Sidnel Cavalieri-Sao Paulo State U., Brazil, Mario Lesnik-U. Maribor, Slovenia, Goran Malidza, Inst. Field & Vegetable Crops, Serbia; Organic Farmers: Ken Brauer, Dennis Demmel, Ken Disney, Rick Gubbels, Todd Halle, Mike Heimes, Mike Herman, Marva Holt-OCIA#2, Paul Huenfeld, Mark Jones, Martin Kleinschmit, Tom Larson, Doug Lockwood, Rich Mazour, Terry Mosel, Tim Nissen, Joe Roberts, Paul Rohrbaugh, Larry Stanislav, Joel Starr, Paul Swanson, Mike Tiensvold; Others: Steve Chick-NRCS, Tami Highstreet-OCIA#1, Henry Hank Miller-NICC, Angie Tunink-OCIA R&E, David Vetter-The Grain Place. Professional Development: Post-Docs: Avishek Datta-Weed Flaming, Peter Skelton-Resident Instruction; Ph.D. Candidates: Christopher Bruening-Weed Flaming, John Quinn-Healthy Farm Index, Santiago Ulloa-Weed Flaming; UNL Grad & Undergrad Students: Danielle Ahrens, Ashley Colglazier, Jared Miller, Brian Neilson, Justin Van Wart; International Students: Claudio Costa-Brazil, Andre Domingues-Brazil, Robert Leskovsek-Slovenia, Jaime Neto-Brazil, Heverton Teixeira-Brazil. TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic, transitioning and conventional farmers, organic and conventional production researchers, college agricultural faculty, extension personnel and crop advisors, agriculture research technician staff, university, community college and high school students, community college faculty, high school vocational agriculture teachers, Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, Natural Resources Districts, Nebraska Game and Parks, county weed control personnel, consumers and consumer groups, agriculture product suppliers, grain buyers and processors, non-profit groups such as OCIA International, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and the Center for Rural Affairs, news media and the general public. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Establishing the four organic research sites allowed the Principal Investigators to collaborate with researchers to write, conduct and collaborate on related organic research grants: 1.Avian Ecology-involving School of Natural Resources to study bird populations, breeding and habitat conservation on 27 cooperating organic farms in Nebraska and Kansas. Rather than compare organic and conventional agroecosystems, this project investigated how avian communities respond to land use and land cover patterns associated with organic production. The research suggests that a heterogeneous mosaic of habitat is needed to maintain current Great Plains farmland bird communities; 2.Weed Flaming-involving College of Engineering, Propane Research and Education Council/Nebraska Propane Association, to develop response curves for propane [based on usage rate (gal/acre)] needed for safe and economical weed control in wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower red clover, alfalfa and several weed species; 3.Small Grains Breeding Trials-expansion of wheat breeding research program to evaluation of varieties for organic production and cover crops. Based on discussions with organic small grains producers, an initial list of ideal winter wheat cultivar traits was used as the basis for screening: competitive grain yield, excellent end use quality, excellent disease and insect resistance, ability to extract soil nutrients, and ability to provide early season ground cover to suppress or tolerate weeds; 4.Wheat Antioxidant Properties-involving Food Science and Technology to evaluate organic wheat nutrient properties to enhance human health. This work is significant in that information will be forthcoming on the impact on the health promoting components present in organic crops grown in different regions and under different farming practices. As an outcome, farming practices can be developed that not only enhance productivity but also the heath promoting properties in organic foods; and 5.Regional Extension Workshops-multi-state, cooperative organic production education sessions in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Kansas, involving Extension Specialists, NRCS leaders and multiple cooperating groups for more than 350 participants, including farmers, educators, students and commercial reps. Response surveys following other Extension organic workshops and information meetings were generally favorable: 1.Natural Livestock Marketing-43% responses said their previous knowledge of organic and natural livestock marketing was Intermediate, 87% responses rated the marketing panel 4 or 5 (5=useful and informative), 10% responses said the information is very likely to influence their farming operation; 2.Grow Your Own Nitrogen- 26% responses indicated they were likely to adopt green manure/cover crop practices as a result of the presentation; 3.Organic Farming Basics-Organic Crop Farming Basics 93% of people presented information stated they had a moderate to significant improvement in knowledge afterward, 78% indicated they were already using organic farming practices, would modify current organic farming practices or planned to start farming organically in the future.

Publications

  • Bruening C. A., G. Gogos, S.M. Ulloa, S. Z. Knezevic. 2009. Performance advantages of a flaming hood. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, 64:30.
  • Francis, C. A. et al Science-Based Organic Farming. 2006-2010 (updated annually). Available online at http://cari.unl.edu/SustainableAg/pdf/OrganicFarming2010.pdf
  • Johnson, R.J., J.E. Quinn, J.R. Brandle, and R.F. Baldwin. 2008. An index of farm health reflecting food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Poster presented at National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment, Washington D. C. (Abstract). http://ncseonline.org/Conference/Biodiversity/cms.cfmid=2714
  • Knezevic, S.Z., C.M. Costa, S.M. Ulloa and A. Datta. 2009. Response of corn (Zea mays L.) types to broadcast flaming. Proceedings of the 8th European Weed Research Society Workshop on Physical and Cultural Weed Control. Zaragoza, Spain, pp. 92-97.
  • Knezevic, S. Z. and S. M. Ulloa. 2007. Flaming: potential new tool for weed control in organically grown agronomic crops. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 52:95-104.
  • Knezevic, S. Z., L. Dana, J.E. Scott, S. M. Ulloa. 2007. Building a research flamer. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, St Louis, Missouri, 62:32.
  • Knezevic, S. Z., S. M. Ulloa. 2007. Weed tolerance to flaming. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, St Louis, Missouri, 62:9.
  • Knezevic, S. Z., Ulloa, S. M. 2007. Crop tolerance to flaming. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, St Louis, Missouri, 62:138.
  • Leskovsek, R. 2008. Weed flaming: an engineering approach. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana, 63:175.
  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, E. Sarno, and R.J. Johnson. 2009. The Healthy Farm Index. Poster presented at ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Quinn, J.E. 2008. Bird conservation on Nebraska Farmland. Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society Newsletter 116:4-5.
  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, and R.J. Johnson. 2008. Development of a healthy farm index to measure ecological, economic, and social function on organic and sustainable farms in Nebraska. Invited speaker at SWCS Farming with Grass conference. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, and R.J. Johnson. 2008. Development of the Healthy Farm Index. Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, Organic Research Symposium. La Crosse, Wisconsin. February 21-23 2008. (Abstract).
  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, and R.J. Johnson. 2007. Avian Abundance and Diversity in Organic Agricultural Landscapes: An Ecological Indicator for a Healthy Farm Index. Poster presented at the University of Nebraska School of Natural Resources Research Colloquium. Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Regassa, T. H., R.N. Klein, B. Anderson, P.S. Baenziger, and J. Krall. 2009. University of Nebraska XLS, PDF and HTML Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results. (Wheat Book in PDF format). http://varietytest.unl.edu/winterwheat/2009.html
  • Shapiro, C. A.; J.R. Brandle, R. J. Wright, D.J. Lyon, S. Z. Knezevic, C.A. Francis, and E. A. Sarno. 2008. Organic farming in Nebraska: establishing organic research for the organic farming Community. In Proceedings of the 38th NC Ext-Industry Soil Fertility Conf. Vol 24. Nov. 12-13, 2008. Des Moines, IA pp. 35-38.
  • Taylor E., S. Z. Knezevic, S. M. Ulloa. 2008. Flaming for weed management. In: Integrated weed management: fine tuning the system (Eds. E. Taylor, K. Renner, and C. Sprague), pp. 65-74. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
  • Teixeira, H. Z., S. M. Ulloa, A. Datta, S. Z. Knezevic. 2008. Corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) tolerance to broadcast flaming. Review of Undergraduate Research in Agricultural and Life Sciences. Available online at http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/rurals/vol3/iss1/1
  • Ulloa S. M., A. Datta, S. Z. Knezevic, C. A. Bruening, G. Gogos, T. J. Arkebauer. 2009. Response of selected crop and weed species to propane flaming as influenced by leaf water content. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, 64:31.
  • Ulloa, S. M., A. Datta, S. Z. Knezevic, G. Malidza, R. Leskovsek. 2009. Tolerance of sweet corn to broadcast flaming at different growth stages. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, 64:51.
  • Ulloa, S. M., A. Datta, S. Z. Knezevic, C. A. Bruening, G. Gogos, G. Malidza, R. Leskovsek. 2009. Field corn tolerance to broadcast flaming. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, USA, 64:112.
  • Ulloa, S. M., A. Datta, S. Z. Knezevic. 2008. Winter wheat tolerance to broadcast flaming. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 63:109.
  • Ulloa, S. M., C. Costa,, A. Datta, C. Bruening, G. Gogos, and S. Z. Knezevic. 2008. Response of corn types to broadcast flaming. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana, 63:20.
  • Knezevic, S.Z., A. Datta and S.M. Ulloa. 2009. Growth state impacts tolerance to broadcast flaming in agronomic crops. Proceedings of the 8th European Weed Research Society Workshop on Physical and Cultural Weed Control. Zaragoza, Spain, pp. 86-91.
  • Bruening C. A., G. Gogos, R. Leskovsek, S.M. Ulloa, S. Z. Knezevic. 2009. Field performance of flaming hood vs. open torch. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, 64:105.
  • Domingues, A.C., S.M. Ulloa, A. Datta and S. Knezevic. 2008. Weed response to broadcast flaming. Review of Undergraduate Research in Agricultural and Life Sciences. Available online at http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/rurals/vol3/iss1/2
  • Knezevic, S.Z., A. Datta and S.M. Ulloa. 2009. Tolerance of selected weed species to broadcast flaming at difference growth stages. Proceedings of the 8th European Weed Research Society Workshop on Physical and Cultural Weed Control. Zaragoza, Spain, pp. 98-103.
  • Knezevic, S.Z., J.F. Neto, S.M. Ulloa and A. Datta. 2009. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tolerance to broadcast flaming. Proceedings of the 8th European Weed Research Society Workshop on Physical and Cultural Weed Control. Pages 104-109. Zaragoza, Spain, pp. 104-110.
  • Knezevic, S.Z., A. Datta and S.M. Ulloa. 2008. Response of pigweed and foxtail species to broadcast flaming. In Proceedings of the North Central Weed Science Society Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana, 63:39.


Progress 09/15/08 to 09/14/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Final year of avian and vegetation sampling completed on the 27 participating organic farms. Discussions on the Healthy Farm Index held with local NRCS office. A mail survey was distributed to the organic farmers in the state as part of the Healthy Farm Index and the larger organic effort. Organic website is now better linked with the University Cropwatch page allowing results to reach a broader audience. Improved website that includes a section for farmer feedback and research suggestions. Establishment of Facebook and Twitter accounts, broadening our outreach efforts. Studies at the South Central Ag Laboratory focused on the performance of a corn-soybeans-winter wheat-corn-alfalfa-corn rotation on certified organic land. A hairy vetch cover crop/green manure was added after wheat harvest in 2008, and in 2009 corn after hairy vetch had significantly fewer weeds. An additional 7 acre strip to the north of the certified organic plots uses the same rotation and is in the second year of transition. At the HPAL, the third year of certified organic winter wheat and proso millet were harvested. Dry peas were grown and disked under in July prior to winter wheat seeding in September. Winter wheat and proso millet variety trials continued to be conducted in 2009. Three organic wheat nurseries (F6, F7, and F8 generations) were also tested at the HPAL as part of a USDA-funded project on winter wheat variety development for organic systems and promising materials are being advanced for further evaluation. Also as part of the wheat variety development project, the first year of an organic fertility trial was completed in 2009 and the second year of the study was initiated. Beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2012, sunflowers will replace proso millet in the rotation and composted cattle manure applied in fallow will replace the dry pea green manure at the HPAL. At the Haskell Ag Lab two trials that featured winter wheat were partially completed. One focused on determining the effect of manure rate and timing, previous crop of alfalfa or corn and top dressing nitrogen on wheat late in the season. Manure increased winter wheat yields, but alfalfa as a previous crop did not increase yields. This was due to incomplete kill of the alfalfa, and the competitive effect of alfalfa for moisture and other nutrients with the winter wheat. Top dressing nitrogen late in the season had a slight effect on grain protein, less than 0.5 %. In a cover crop trial, several cover crops were grown before corn and soybeans. The cover crops were killed by winter cold, flaming, crimping or disking. For both soybeans and corn, following cover crops that winter killed produced the highest yields, followed by cover crops killed by spring disking. Cover crops killed by winter cold weather were berseem clover, soybean, sudangrass, buckwheat, and oats. The other cover crops were rye, hairy vetch, triticale, red-yellow clover mix and a control. The roller crimper corn yields were 36% of the winter kill corn, and 70% of the winter kill soybeans. These yield losses were due to later planting, incomplete cover crop kill, and subsequent competition for moisture. PARTICIPANTS: Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society Organic Crop Improvement Association TARGET AUDIENCES: Emphasis has been on providing educational experiences for organic producers, and for agronomists and crop advisors who work with this clientele. Field days at research sites and at farmer fields are used to show the varied skills needed to farm organically. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Talks given: Restoring Biodiversity to Agricultural Landscapes. Wachiska Audubon Society, Lincoln NE. The Healthy Farm Index. Nebraska NRCS The Healthy Farm Index. UNL Extension & Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society Rural Advantage Conference, Grand Island, NE. Biodiversity in Organic Farm Systems and the Healthy Farm Index. Izaak Walton League Annual Meeting. Lincoln, NE. Media Coverage of HFI: "Healthy Farm Index Will Help Farmers See the Big Picture" (Lincoln Journal Star, Grand Island Independent, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, Forbes.com, Presszoom.com, eXtension, Charleston Daily Mail, Farms.com, Agweek,com, Organic Food news today, ATTRA, KMEG, Gothenburg Times, Greeley Citizen, UNL School of Natural Resources, NE State Paper, Omaha World Tribune, Organic Home UK, MSN Money, CNBC) The Organic Project has influenced Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and the Organic Crop Improvement Association to take a more research based examination of production issues. Flaming for weed control has been highlighted in many extension outlets with conventional and organic farmers. Nutrient in-out balances have been emphasized with particular emphasis on phosphorus.

Publications

  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, and R.J. Johnson. 2009. Development of a Healthy Farm Index to assess ecological, economic, and social function on organic and sustainable farms in Nebraskas four agroecoregions. Pages 156-170 In: Franzluebbers, A.J., ed. 2009. Farming with Grass: Achieving Sustainable Mixed Agricultural Landscapes. Ankeny, IA: Soil and Water Conservation Society.
  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, R.J. Johnson. 2009. Application of the Healthy Farm Index. Paper presented at the international meeting for Farming Systems Design 2009. Monterey CA.
  • Quinn, J.E., R.J. Johnson, J.R. Brandle. 2009. Biotic interactions in organic farm systems. Proceedings of the 11th North American Agroforestry Conference of the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. Columbia, MO.
  • Brandle, J.R., R.J. Johnson, J.E. Quinn. 2009. The Role of Agroforestry Practices in a Healthy Farm. Proceedings of the 11th North American Agroforestry Conference of the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. Columbia, MO.
  • Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, R.J. Johnson. 2009. Monitoring long-term patterns of farmland bird communities in Nebraska. Poster presented at the Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference. Lincoln, NE.
  • Shapiro, C. A.; J.R. Brandle, R. J. Wright, D.J. Lyon, S. Z. Knezevic, C.A. Francis, and E. A. Sarno. 2008. Organic Farming in Nebraska. Establishing Organic Research for the Organic Farming Community. In The Proceedings of the 38th NC Ext-Industry Soil Fertility Conf. Vol 24. Nov. 12-13, 2008. Des Moines, IA pp. 35-38.
  • Wright, R., T. DeVries, & J. Kalisch. 2009. Beneficial Insects I, Extension Circular 1578 , University of Nebraska Extension, available online at http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/ec1578.pdf
  • Wright, R., T. DeVries, & J. Kalisch. 2009. Beneficial Insects II, Extension Circular 1579, University of Nebraska Extension, available online at http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/ec1579.pdf


Progress 09/15/07 to 09/14/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: At ARDC, a 4-year study of corn hybrids and soybean varieties from the Blue River Seed Company to assess the genotype by system interaction and determine if specific cultivars are needed for organic systems was completed. Results show similar rankings in organic and conventional dryland systems. This suggests that cultivars developed in conventional systems are likely to do well when tested in organic systems. Organic regulations require that seed be produced under certified organic conditions. Also at ARDC, 32 acres were certified and winter wheat (16 ac) was harvested and sold. Certified soybeans were harvested (16 ac). Corn on ground in the final year of transition was harvested and sold. These acres will be certified in the spring. Cover crops were planted (soybean and berseem clover); dairy manure was used as the control. A preliminary study on additional cover crops (cow peas, winter peas, vetch, soybean, and berseem clover) was planted. At the HPAL, the second year of certified organic winter wheat and proso millet was harvested. Both will be marketed for the first time as organic grain. Winter wheat and proso millet variety trials continue to be conducted. The first organic fertility trial using dry pea as a green manure, composted manure, and Crystal Springs 10-0-0 was initiated in 2008. A 17 acre irrigated block at SCAL is in the third year of organic transition. The rotational system includes corn, soybeans, winter wheat and alfalfa. In 2008, small-plot replicated variety trials for wheat and soybeans were conducted. At HAL, in addition to organic certification to be completed in 2008,a propane flaming experiment was conducted to determine the responses of corn and soybean to broadcast flaming at6 propane rates. Five-leaf corn (V5, plant height 25 cm) and V3 soybean (plant height 8 cm) were flamed with 0, 12, 31, 48, 69 and 87 kg propane/ha. Crop response was described by logistic models. Soybean was more susceptible to propane flaming than corn; 20% injury was achieved with 21 kg/ha in soybean compared with 46 kg/ha in corn. Dose response curves of propane for soybean were similar among evaluation dates. Propane dose(ED) causing injury levels of 5% (ED5), 10% (ED10) and 20% (ED20)3 hours after treatment were 11, 13, and 17 kg propane/ha, respectively. These rates did not change over time. Dose response curves were different over time for corn. The ED20 values for 3 hours, 7, and 14 days after treatment were 14, 22, and 46 kg/ha, respectively, suggesting that the corn crop was able to recover after flaming. This is likely because the growing point at time of flaming was below the ground level and thus remained unaffected. Broadcast flaming for weed control has more potential for use in corn than soybean. Progress on the Healthy Farm Index continued with collection of avian, insect, and vegetation data on 17 more farms across Nebraska's four agroecoregions. During 2008, 102 bird species were observed. Twelve indicators have been selected for the index and development of other indicators. Funding was obtained to survey participating farmers and other organic farmers in the state. PARTICIPANTS: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Weed Control Authority, Organic Crop Improvement Association, Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society, NC-SARE, Several Water Workshops for k-12 students, All PIs remain the same. TARGET AUDIENCES: Covered in previous sections PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The established experiments were used for outreach activities at the four district stations, providing credibility to organics and UNL. Extension organic workshops were held in four states and the results from the program have been used in planning and presentations in a four-state SARE professional development program in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas in 2008. These workshops included more than 350 participants, who heard about organic farming systems and certification as well as touring field areas where organic systems are well established. Audiences included farmers, extension specialists, NRCS personnel, commercial representatives, and academics. Presentations to high school voc-ag teachers: in 2008 there were presentations and literature provided to most of the ag teachers in Nebraska (Kearney, NE, 85 teachers) and in South Dakota (Pierre, SD, 79 teachers). The reference materials included data and web sites for more details, including reference to the UNL Organic Web Site [http://cari.unl.edu/Presentations/organic-farming-2008.doc and http://organic.unl.edu]. During 2008 more than 300 packets of information were handed out to people interested in organic farming. Extension Educator and Organic Project Coordinator 1)provided information about UNL organic research projects: Healthy Farm Index, Weed Flaming Project, Winter Wheat Variety Study and general resource and marketing information to consumers groups and farmers (including several organic workshops in transitioning and production), 2) conducted several workshops for NRCS staff about organic production practices so they can help farmers apply for EQIP organic transition program fund, 3)developed and planned 2nd Sustainable Crops and Livestock Systems for High Plains Agriculture, 4)organized with Organic Crop Improvement Association "Grow Your Own Nitrogen" Utilizing Cover Crops workshop, 5)presented the principles of organic farming at University of Nebraska's class "Overview of Organic Farming," 6)organized workshop at Clay Center organic site for farmers on "Promoting Biological Control of Insects in Organic Systems", "Organic Winter Wheat Variety Study," and an update of "The Healthy Farm Index", 7) presented program on "Organic Farming" to the Nebraska County Weed Control superintendents at their annual state meeting. Informed weed superintendents how to work with organic farmers in their area, 8)organized inspections for organic certification for all four UNL research sites: ARDC, HAL, HPAL and SCAL, 9) organized the annual state advisory meeting, facilitated farmer and researcher interaction and discussion of results, 10)attended "All Things Organic" trade show in Chicago participated in a research panel discuss: "Emerging Issues for Consumers: Certifications, Locavores and Competing Claims Procurement and Market Positioning in the Supply Chain", 11, attended COSA: http://www.cosagroup.org/ meeting in Houston, Texas and presented paper on Healthy Farm Index and lead a roundtable discussion on 'Developing Science Based Metrics that Measure;How to make science more useful/What about benefit to farmers

Publications

  • Heverton T.Z., S. Ulloa, A.Datta and S. Knezevic. 2008. Corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) tolerance to broadcast flaming. RURAL. Vol 3,Issue 1, Article 1. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/rurals/vol3/iss1/1


Progress 09/15/06 to 09/14/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research: At South Central Agricultural Laboratory, Clay Center, 2nd year of conversion, replicated cropping systems trials were begun at this irrigated 17 acre site. The site will compare a three year and four year rotation with four replications. Agricultural Research and Development Center - Mead, 2nd year of conversion. Forty-five acres will be available when the conversion is complete, all of which are protected by mature shelterbelts. Farm rotation: corn, soybeans and winter wheat rotation, with clovers and dairy manure as plow-down. Haskell Agricultural Laboratory - Concord, 2nd year of conversion. Twenty-five acres of farm ground in oats/alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and oats/clovers were planted and harvested. Cattle were fall grazed for approximately four weeks to clean up residue and to utilize forage in terraces. Weed flaming study to develop response curves for propane [based on usage rate (gal/acre)] needed for safe and economical weed control. High Plains Agricultural Laboratory - Sidney, 76 acres of land is NOP certified by OCIA International. The 1st certified organic crops were harvested: winter wheat and proso millet. A green manure crop of dry pea was plowed down at flowering in the summer fallow field and the field seeded to winter wheat in early September. Healthy Farm Index Project. Initial sampling in May, for the Healthy Farm Index commenced. Measures of avian, vegetation, and insect diversity were collected at nineteen organic farms within the state's four agroecozones. Landcover classes are being delineated to facilitate analysis of potential relationships between land use and avian abundance and diversity. Field level vegetation patterns are being analyzed for a finer scale analysis of relationship between vegetation and avian diversity. A microscope has been purchased with funds from a companion grant to aid in the identification of collected insects. At each farm we talked with farmers, discussed the overall project, development of the index, and birds seen on their farm. The response from farmers was very positive. Teaching: Resident Instruction: Natural Resources 211, Introduction to Conservation Biology with information on organic and sustainable farming. Field Days: ARDC, HAL and HPAL, organic farms near Lodgepole, Sidney, and Marquette. Workshops: Integrated Weed Management Workshop, Dr. Knezevic, "Organic and Natural Livestock Marketing" Information Meeting. Organic Farmer Advisory groups were formed at each research site to discuss issues. Priority research areas were identified. Liz Sarno, extension educator consulted individual farmers considering organic production, trained farm technicians working on the project. Collaborations: Propane Research and Education Council -Nebraska Propane Association Grant, Dr. Knezevic research on flaming to control weeds in an organic system. Outreach: Several talks to general public and HS students about organic farming, marketing, livestock production and gardening and careers in organic agriculture. Website: UNL organic website: http://organic.unl.edu/ PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Student- Santiago Ulloa under Dr. Knezevic Graduate Student- John Quinn under Jim Brandle/Ron Johnson Dr. Drew Lyon replaced Dr. David Baltensperger (who left the University) Dr. Ron Johnson left the University, but maintains contact from his new position. TARGET AUDIENCES: Transitional farmers interested in organic farming. Dorm residents at UNL. Consumers interested in buying locally grown food. General public. Conventional farmers.

Impacts
At the Organic and Natural Livestock Marketing Meeting when asked "How would you rate the information presented by the marketing panel?" On a scale of 1 (Not useful or Informative) to 5 (Useful and Informative) 87% rated the panel 4 or 5. Farmers were given information to encourage them to integrate livestock in their farming operations and also where they could find organic and natural livestock markets. Video products: Breeze presentation "Organic Transitioning" for acreage owners. Presented information in four workshops at Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont and Sidney. Good discussion followed on how to transition to organic farming or gardening. Participants felt they had better knowledge on getting information about organics.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 09/15/05 to 09/15/06

Outputs
Four certified organic sites are in varied stages of establishment across four agroecozones that cover Nebraska. A project coordinator was hired and technical support identified at all locations. A graduate student was hired for the Healthy Farm Index component of the project. Initial baseline soil sampling and on-the-go soil electrical conductivity measurements have been taken from each site. At High Plains Agricultural Laboratory (Sidney, NE) 76 acres of land completed their 3rd year of conversion into organic production. This site received organic certification and now qualifies for organic research studies. The site is set up with three fields with each having a rotation of two three-year rotations. A field day was held at a cooperator's farm near Lodgepole, NE. At South Central Agricultural Laboratory (Clay Center, NE). potential cropping systems were identified for this irrigated 17 acre site. The site will compare a three year and four year rotation with four replications. At Agricultural Research and Development Center (Mead, NE) 45 acres will be available when the conversion is complete, all of which are protected by mature shelterbelts. Land was planted to alfalfa, corn and wheat. At the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory (Concord, NE) 25 acres of land was identified for the organic project. The target area is in terraces. Oats/alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and oats/clovers were planted and harvested. Cattle were fall grazed for approximately four weeks to clean up residue and to utilize forage in terraces that would otherwise be unused. Resident Instruction: Natural Resources 211, Introduction to Conservation Biology was taught with the inclusion of information on organic and sustainable farming. A second course, Science-based Organic Farming AGRO496/896 included three modules: Introduction to Organic Farming, Organic Farming Practices, and Contemporary Issues in Organic Farming. Project Coordination: Organic Farmer Advisory groups have formed at each research site. Priority research areas were identified for each location. A professional development workshop called- Field to Table- was organized for the PIs and field technicians associated with the project. The workshop was held at the Grain Place (a project collaborator). During the workshop, various organic methods to control weeds were discussed; there was a tour of the processing plant which emphasized the importance of the audit trail and paperwork needed in the certification process. Extension: The project coordinator has established an Internet home page with relevant contact information about the grant and organic production for clients to use (http://nerec.unl.edu/faculty/sarno.html). The intent and purpose of the grant has been highlighted in statewide media including public radio, farm magazines, and University publications. One organic farmer initiated a replicated on-farm organic corn variety test plot trial. A SARE Prof. Dev. grant has been received to implement organic farming workshops in four states in 2007. Charles Francis and colleagues maintain the web site Science-Based Organic Farming 2006: Toward Local and Secure Food Systems.

Impacts
Excellent relationship with the organic farming community is being pursued. The Project Coordinator is meeting with established organic groups and helping them implement their plans. The four sites are in process of being certified. The major accomplishment is that the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory has been certified. Two additional sites implemented new rotations and successfully harvested respectable yields. Based on farmer input, cattle grazed one site. The Healthy Index concept has been well received by producers and many farmers have stepped forward to volunteer their land. Through public meetings, the need for more organic horticultural emphasis has been identified. Resident instruction has now has two courses that study organic agriculture.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period