Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: "Objective 1: The fourth year of my organic farm conversion project was successfully carried out. Sweet corn was planted in all plots and evaluated for leaf chlorophyll, yield, total biomass and weed pressure. Soil quality was determined in all plots. An equipment grant of $1,703 was obtained from the AES towards the purchase of improved mechanical weed control equipment for small plot research. Two papers resulting from this objective were published. I am the Utah State official representative to the Southern Coordinating Committee 083 and attended their annual meeting in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Objective 2: A fourth year of soil quality and soil and tree nutritional data was collected from the organic and integrated peach orchards. Plantings of novel cover crops at the Kaysville experiment station and Tintic Farm were evaluated for biomass production, weed suppression and water use. A further $10,000 was obtained from the Utah Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support data collection in the integrated orchard in 2012. I introduced this project in an invited poster to the Organic Farming Systems Research Symposium in Washington DC and also at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Masters student Marc Rowley graduated on this project in April. Two papers from his thesis work, on which I am co-author, are published. One won the Hedrick Award for best student paper submitted to The Journal of the American Pomological Society. Marc presented his work in a poster to the Weed Science Conference in Portland Oregon. Our paper on root distribution patterns as affected by orchard cover crops won best paper published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society in 2010. Data analysis of the 30 field onion survey conducted in 2008 and 2009 is completed. Kristine Buckland successfully graduated with her MS degree in Plant Science. One paper from her thesis is accepted for publication in the American Journal of Plant Science and a second paper is in review with the journal of Crop Protection. I also gave a presentation to approximately 45 local onion growers on this project in February. Objective 3: My student Davey Olsen collected yield and soil data from the irrigated compost carryover trial at the Greenville Experiment Station. He also gave a presentation on compost carryover in irrigated organic corn and squash at the Soil Science Society of America annual meeting in San Antonio. Davey defended is MS thesis in soil science in June 2012 and is in the process of completing the final paperwork with the graduate school. Objective 4: Soil nitrogen and soil quality data was collected from the alfalfa and sanfoin plots at the Lewiston animal facility. I co-advise PhD student Andrea Clemensen on this project. The data collected to date on strawberry N use has revealed that some of it will probably need to be repeated before it can be published. The technician I had trained in this work left the University and I do not have the resources to hire and train a new person at this time." PARTICIPANTS: "Dr Drost provided access to his High Tunnels for soil quality analysis and is a Co-PI on the onion thrips work; Drs. Alston, Evans and Ward are also Co-PIs on the onion thrips project. Drs. Black, Alston and Ransom are Co-PIs in the organic and integrated peach research. Drs. Bugbee, Black and Drost are collaborators on the variety trial investigations. Alicia Campbell were supported off the project to assist with sampling and data collection in the laboratory. Undergraduate students Kirstin Lindstrom, William Porter, Sara Hunt, and Andrew Noorlander were all paid to participate in data collection. The majority of their funding was supplied through additional funds obtained from outside sources. Kristine Buckland and Marc Rowley are completing their MS projects on objective 2. Mae Culumber started her PhD on objective 2. Davey Olsen started his MS on objective 3." TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is both organic and conventional growers in the Intermountain West. In particular those looking for ways to improve soil quality on their farms. Other audiences include extension and NRCS personnel as well as researchers and industry leaders in the area of organic and sustainable agriculture. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
"Objective 1: There was no difference in yield or soil quality between crops fertilized with fresh or composted cattle manure applied at the same total nitrogen rate. Both amendments performed significantly better than the unfertilized control plot. Weed pressure was greatest in manure treated plots, followed by compost and control. The fact compost was as effective as manure as a fertilizer in addition to providing benefits in weed control is important as compost is often considered to have insufficient N to act as an effective fertilizer. Buckwheat controlled weeds best although there were no corresponding effects on yield. Beans performed significantly better after a cover crop then in an annual rotation and corn performed best (comparable to conventional yields) in rotation with alfalfa. These results are important for assisting farmers interested in transitioning to organic methods plan their rotations strategies. As organic farming is not yet widely practiced in Utah, this data also serves as important benchmarks by which to assess future improvements. Legumes sown in the alleyways of establishing organic peach trees significantly improve tree growth and soil quality despite considerable weed pressure in the tree rows. Incorporating legumes into orchards in Utah would save farmers significant expense in terms of weed control and fertility inputs. Objective 2: Establishing peach trees grew best with compost as fertility source relative to NPK fertilizer. This indicates that compost can supply adequate fertility for establishing young trees and that often reported reductions in growth under organic conditions is due to competition from weeds not lack of fertility. Compost significantly improved soil quality and improved nutrient uptake by trees, however, it is more expensive to purchase and apply than NPK fertilizer. There is considerable interest by growers in the use of biostimulants to improve soil quality as a cheaper alternative to composts and manures. Applications of biostimulant to onion had little effect on nutrient cycling, soil microbial activity or yield, however. Objective 3: A single application of compost applied at 50 MG per hectare dry matter to arid wheat fallow system in 1994 resulted in significantly improved soil quality and double the yield of winter wheat fourteen and sixteen years later. The field had been certified organic since 1991 and was tilled but otherwise unfertilized. This finding holds huge potential impact for organic winter wheat growers in arid climates. For example the state of Utah currently has 54,543 hectares of dryland winter wheat of which 23% is certified organic. Yields are so constrained by lack of moisture that the majority of organic growers do not apply fertilizers of any kind because the cost of hauling and applying bulky organic composts is too great. These findings have resulted in new funding from the NRCS to continue and expand on this work. Long term benefits on yield and soils lasting sixteen years or more significantly improves the economic outlook for applying compost to organic wheat fallow systems making applications cost effective given a local source. Objective 4: None as yet."
Publications
- Reeve, J., Black, B. L., Ransom, C., & Alston, D. G. 2012. Developing organic stone-fruit production options for Utah and the Intermountain West: Acta Horticulturae. (Accepted).
- Buckland, K., Alston, D. G., Reeve, J., Nischwitz, C., & Drost, D. T. 2012. Trap crops in onion to reduce onion thrips and Iris yellow spot virus: Crop Protection (Elsevier). (Revising to Resubmit).
- Reeve, J., Endelman, J. B., Miller, B., & Hole, D. J., (2012). Residual Effects of Compost on Soil Quality and Dryland Wheat Yield Sixteen Years after Compost Application: Soil Science Society of America Journal (SSSAJ), 76(1). (Accepted).
- Reeve, J., & Drost, D. T., (2012). Yield and Soil Quality under Transition Organic High Tunnel Tomatoes: American Soc. Horticultural Sci, 47: 38-44. (Published).
|
Progress 11/01/07 to 06/30/12
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project is both organic and conventional growers in the Intermountain West. In particular those looking for ways to improve soil quality on their farms. Other audiences include extension and NRCS personnel as well as researchers and industry leaders in the area of organic and sustainable agriculture. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Dr Drost provided access to his High Tunnels for soil quality analysis and is a Co-PI on the onion thrips work; Drs. Alston, Evans and Ward are also Co-PIs on the onion thrips project. Drs. Black, Alston and Ransom are Co-PIs in the organic and integrated peach research. Drs. Bugbee, Black and Drost are collaborators on the variety trial investigations. Alicia Campbell were supported off the project to assist with sampling and data collection in the laboratory. Undergraduate students Kirstin Lindstrom, William Porter, Sara Hunt, and Andrew Noorlander were all paid to participate in data collection. The majority of their funding was supplied through additional funds obtained from outside sources. Kristine Buckland and Marc Rowley are completing their MS projects on objective 2. Mae Culumber started her PhD on objective 2. Davey Olsen started his MS on objective 3. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Objective 1: There was no difference in yield or soil quality between crops fertilized with fresh or composted cattle manure applied at the same total nitrogen rate. Both amendments performed significantly better than the unfertilized control plot. Weed pressure was greatest in manure treated plots, followed by compost and control. The fact compost was as effective as manure as a fertilizer in addition to providing benefits in weed control is important as compost is often considered to have insufficient N to act as an effective fertilizer. Buckwheat controlled weeds best although there were no corresponding effects on yield. Beans performed significantly better after a cover crop then in an annual rotation and corn performed best (comparable to conventional yields) in rotation with alfalfa. These results are important for assisting farmers interested in transitioning to organic methods plan their rotations strategies. As organic farming is not yet widely practiced in Utah, this data also serves as important benchmarks by which to assess future improvements. Legumes sown in the alleyways of establishing organic peach trees significantly improve tree growth and soil quality despite considerable weed pressure in the tree rows. Incorporating legumes into orchards in Utah would save farmers significant expense in terms of weed control and fertility inputs. Objective 2: Establishing peach trees grew best with compost as fertility source relative to NPK fertilizer. This indicates that compost can supply adequate fertility for establishing young trees and that often reported reductions in growth under organic conditions is due to competition from weeds not lack of fertility. Compost significantly improved soil quality and improved nutrient uptake by trees, however, it is more expensive to purchase and apply than NPK fertilizer. There is considerable interest by growers in the use of biostimulants to improve soil quality as a cheaper alternative to composts and manures. Applications of biostimulant to onion had little effect on nutrient cycling, soil microbial activity or yield, however. Objective 3: A single application of compost applied at 50 MG per hectare dry matter to arid wheat fallow system in 1994 resulted in significantly improved soil quality and double the yield of winter wheat fourteen and sixteen years later. The field had been certified organic since 1991 and was tilled but otherwise unfertilized. This finding holds huge potential impact for organic winter wheat growers in arid climates. For example the state of Utah currently has 54,543 hectares of dryland winter wheat of which 23% is certified organic. Yields are so constrained by lack of moisture that the majority of organic growers do not apply fertilizers of any kind because the cost of hauling and applying bulky organic composts is too great. These findings have resulted in new funding from the NRCS to continue and expand on this work. Long term benefits on yield and soils lasting sixteen years or more significantly improves the economic outlook for applying compost to organic wheat fallow systems making applications cost effective given a local source. Objective 4: None as yet. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: The fourth year of my organic farm conversion project was successfully carried out. Sweet corn was planted in all plots and evaluated for leaf chlorophyll, yield, total biomass and weed pressure. Soil quality was determined in all plots. An equipment grant of $1,703 was obtained from the AES towards the purchase of improved mechanical weed control equipment for small plot research. Two papers resulting from this objective were published. I am the Utah State official representative to the Southern Coordinating Committee 083 and attended their annual meeting in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Objective 2: A fourth year of soil quality and soil and tree nutritional data was collected from the organic and integrated peach orchards. Plantings of novel cover crops at the Kaysville experiment station and Tintic Farm were evaluated for biomass production, weed suppression and water use. A further $10,000 was obtained from the Utah Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support data collection in the integrated orchard in 2012. I introduced this project in an invited poster to the Organic Farming Systems Research Symposium in Washington DC and also at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Masters student Marc Rowley graduated on this project in April. Two papers from his thesis work, on which I am co-author, are published. One won the Hedrick Award for best student paper submitted to The Journal of the American Pomological Society. Marc presented his work in a poster to the Weed Science Conference in Portland Oregon. Our paper on root distribution patterns as affected by orchard cover crops won best paper published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society in 2010. Data analysis of the 30 field onion survey conducted in 2008 and 2009 is completed. Kristine Buckland successfully graduated with her MS degree in Plant Science. One paper from her thesis is accepted for publication in the American Journal of Plant Science and a second paper is in review with the journal of Crop Protection. I also gave a presentation to approximately 45 local onion growers on this project in February. Objective 3: My student Davey Olsen collected yield and soil data from the irrigated compost carryover trial at the Greenville Experiment Station. He also gave a presentation on compost carryover in irrigated organic corn and squash at the Soil Science Society of America annual meeting in San Antonio. Davey defended is MS thesis in soil science in June 2012 and is in the process of completing the final paperwork with the graduate school. Objective 4: Soil nitrogen and soil quality data was collected from the alfalfa and sanfoin plots at the Lewiston animal facility. I co-advise PhD student Andrea Clemensen on this project. The data collected to date on strawberry N use has revealed that some of it will probably need to be repeated before it can be published. The technician I had trained in this work left the University and I do not have the resources to hire and train a new person at this time.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J., Drost, D. T. (2012). Yield and Soil Quality under Transition Organic High Tunnel Tomatoes. American Soc. Horticultural Sci, 47, 38-44.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J., Endelman, J. B., Miller, B., Hole, D. J. (2012). Residual Effects of Compost on Soil Quality and Dryland Wheat Yield Sixteen Years after Compost Application. To appear in Soil Science Society of America Journal (SSSAJ), 76(1).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Culumber, C. M. (Presenter & Author), Reeve, J. (Author Only), Black, B. L. (Author Only), Ransom, C. (Author Only), Alston, D. G. (Author Only), Tebeau, A. (Author Only), Lindstrom, T., "Organic orchard floor management impacts soil nitrogen cycling and tree nitrogen uptake," Soil Science Society of America, Cincinnati, OH. (October 21, 2012 - October 24, 2012)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J. (Presenter & Author), Black, B. L. (Author Only), Ransom, C. (Author Only), Alston, D. G. (Author Only), Culumber, C. M. (Author Only), Tebeau, A. (Author Only), Lindstrom, T., "Approaches for establishing organic stone-fruit orchards in Utah and the Intermountain West.," American Society for Horticultural Sciences, Miami. FL. (July 31, 2012 - August 3, 2012)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J. (Presenter & Author), Black, B. L. (Author Only), Ransom, C. (Author Only), Alston, D. G. (Author Only), Culumber, C. M. (Author Only), Tebeau, A. (Author Only), Lindstrom, T. (Author Only), Ward, R. A. (Author Only), Martini, S. (Author Only), "Developing organic stone-fruit production options for Utah and the Intermountain west.," International Society of Horticultural Sciences., Leavenworth, WA. (June 18, 2012 - June 21, 2012)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J. (Presenter & Author), Biodynamic winter intensive training, "Years of Research with the Biodynamic Preparations," Biodynamic Association, Hawthorne Valley, NY. (February 20, 2012 - February 21, 2012)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J. (Presenter & Author), "Organic and Integrated Orchard Floor Management," Utah State Horticultural Association winter meeting. (January 31, 2012 - February 1, 2012)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J. (Presenter & Author), Colorado Horticultural Association winter meeting, "Cover Crops for Orchards.," Grand Junction, CO. (January 17, 2012 - January 19, 2012)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reeve, J. (Presenter & Author), "Organic and Integrated Orchard Floor Management," Colorado Horticultural Association winter meeting, Grand Junction, CO. (January 17, 2012 - January 19, 2012)
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: The fourth year of my organic farm conversion project was successfully carried out. Sweet corn was planted in all plots and evaluated for leaf chlorophyll, yield, total biomass and weed pressure. Soil quality was determined in all plots. An equipment grant of $1,703 was obtained from the AES towards the purchase of improved mechanical weed control equipment for small plot research. Two papers resulting from this objective are currently in press. I am the Utah State official representative to the Southern Coordinating Committee 083 and attended their annual meeting in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Objective 2: A fourth year of soil quality and soil and tree nutritional data was collected from the organic and integrated peach orchards. Plantings of novel cover crops at the Kaysville experiment station and Tintic Farm were evaluated for biomass production, weed suppression and water use. A further $10,000 was obtained from the Utah Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support data collection in the integrated orchard in 2012. I introduced this project in an invited poster to the Organic Farming Systems Research Symposium in Washington DC and also at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Masters student Marc Rowley graduated on this project in April. Two papers from his thesis work, on which I am co-author, are published. One won the Hedrick Award for best student paper submitted to The Journal of the American Pomological Society. Marc presented his work in a poster to the Weed Science Conference in Portland Oregon. Our paper on root distribution patterns as affected by orchard cover crops won best paper published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society in 2010. Data analysis of the 30 field onion survey conducted in 2008 and 2009 is nearing completion. Kristine Buckland successfully completed the requirements for her MS degree in June. One paper from her thesis is currently in review and a second paper will be submitted within the coming month. I also gave a presentation to approximately 45 local onion growers on this project in February. Objective 3: My student Davey Olsen collected yield and soil data from the irrigated compost carryover trial at the Greenville Experiment Station. He also gave a presentation on compost carryover in irrigated organic corn and squash at the Soil Science Society of America annual meeting in San Antonio. Objective 4: I am a collaborator on two projects to evaluate the role of plant secondary compounds on soil quality and nutrient cycling, forage quality, animal health and milk and meat quality. My role is the evaluation of soil quality and nutrient cycling in Birdfoot trefoil, alfalfa, sanfoin and grass pastures. Soil nitrogen and soil quality data was collected from the alfalfa and sanfoin plots at the Lewiston animal facility. I co-advise PhD student Andrea Clemensen on this project. The data collected to date on strawberry N use has revealed that some of it will probably need to be repeated before it can be published. The technician I had trained in this work left the University and I do not have the resources to hire and train a new person at this time. PARTICIPANTS: Dr Drost provided access to his High Tunnels for soil quality analysis and is a Co-PI on the onion thrips work; Drs. Alston, Evans and Ward are also Co-PIs on the onion thrips project. Drs. Black, Alston and Ransom are Co-PIs in the organic and integrated peach research. Drs. Bugbee, Black and Drost are collaborators on the variety trial investigations. Alicia Campbell were supported off the project to assist with sampling and data collection in the laboratory. Undergraduate students Kirstin Lindstrom, William Porter, Sara Hunt, and Andrew Noorlander were all paid to participate in data collection. The majority of their funding was supplied through additional funds obtained from outside sources. Kristine Buckland and Marc Rowley are completing their MS projects on objective 2. Mae Culumber started her PhD on objective 2. Davey Olsen started his MS on objective 3. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is both organic and conventional growers in the Intermountain West. In particular those looking for ways to improve soil quality on their farms. Other audiences include extension and NRCS personnel as well as researchers and industry leaders in the area of organic and sustainable agriculture. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Objective 1: Legumes sown in the alleyways of establishing organic peach trees significantly improve tree growth and soil quality. After four years trees were larger when grown with legumes in the alleyway than tillage and fabric mulch controls despite considerable weed pressure. Objective 2: Establishing peach trees grew best with compost as fertility source relative to NPK fertilizer. This indicates that compost can supply adequate fertility for establishing young trees and that reduction in growth under organic conditions is due to competition from weeds not lack of fertility. Compost significantly improved soil quality and improved nutrient uptake by trees, however it is more expensive to purchase and apply than NPK fertilizer. There is considerable interest by growers in the use of biostimulants to improve soil quality as a cheaper alternative to composts and manures. Applications of biostimulant (a proprietry blend of simple carbon compounds, humic acids and trace elements) to onion had no effect on nutrient cycling, soil microbial activity or yield, however. Objective 3: A key outcome of this objective was the discovery that a single application of compost applied at a rate of 50 MG per hectare dry matter to arid wheat fallow system in 1994 resulted in significantly improved soil quality and yield of winter wheat fourteen and sixteen years later. The field had been certified organic since 1991 and was tilled but otherwise unfertilized. This finding holds a huge potential impact for organic winter wheat growers in arid climates. For example the state of Utah currently has 54,543 hectares of dryland winter wheat of which 23% is certified organic. Yields are so constrained by lack of moisture that the majority of organic growers do not apply fertilizers of any kind because the cost of hauling and applying bulky organic composts is too great. After essentially mining the soil for 10 plus years Utah's organic wheat growers are in trouble as a result of declining soil fertility and increasing weed pressure. Long term benefits on yield and soils lasting sixteen years or more significantly improve the economic outlook for applying compost to organic wheat fallow systems. Preliminary findings for irrigated systems indicate that compost carries over up to four years, significantly longer than reported for many humid environments. Significant carryover effects need to be included in nutrient budgets for composts in arid soils. Objective 4: None as yet.
Publications
- UTAO+308 Reeve, J. (2011). Imagining Sustainable Food Systems: theory and practice. Choice Magazine 48-5040 S949. (Published).
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: The Greenville organic conversion project was implemented. Cover crops were planted and first year yields of corn with and without additions of manure and compost evaluated. Weed pressure and baseline soil quality were also determined. Soil quality was evaluated in response to organic and conventional high tunnels and soil quality was measured on organic wheat plots in response to previous compost applications. Objective 2: The new organic and integrated peach orchards were established at the Kaysville Experiment Station. Ten different combinations of organic and integrated orchard floor management systems were established. Each plot was equipped with micro sprinklers on individually controlled irrigation systems. Baseline soil nutrient and soil quality data were taken from each plot and the labor involved in weed control of each treatment recorded. The effectiveness of organic or "soft" herbicide products in combination with several mulches was tested. Acetic acid (20%), Matran (clove oil), Greenmatch EX (lemongrass oil), a citric acid based experimental product, and glyphosate were tested in combination with straw, wood chips, paper or no mulch. Additional funding of $22,000 was obtained to support this work. Surveys of 15 onion fields in northern Utah were instigated in order to determine the impact of cultural practices on onion thrips and iris yellow spot virus. Soils and onions were sampled on a monthly basis from April until September and soil and tissue N tested. Complete soil and onion nutrients were evaluated in May only. Onions were collected from all seeded onion fields for storage trials. Crop rotations and N treatment applications were established at Kaysville in order to determine effects of N rate on thrips populations. Additional funding of $133,441 was obtained to support this work. Objective 3: Effects of compost rate on yield of corn and summer squash was evaluated at the Greenville Experiment Station. A model was developed to evaluate carryover effects of compost on yields in order to calculate economically optimal compost rates. Objective 4: Nine varieties of strawberry were tested for N use efficiency in the greenhouse and five selected for further evaluation in the field. Method development and testing for organic N uptake is also underway. Eight varieties of high methionine corn were also evaluated at the Kaysville Experiment Station. PARTICIPANTS: Dr Drost provided access to his High Tunnels for soil quality analysis and is a Co-PI on the onion thrips work; Drs. Alston, Evans and Ward are also Co-PIs on the onion thrips project. Drs. Black, Alston and Ransom are Co-PIs in the organic and integrated peach research. Drs. Bugbee, Black and Drost are collaborators on the variety trial investigations. Graduate student Jeff Endelman was supported on this project to carry out Objective 3 and assist with other objectives where needed. Alicia Campbell and Julie Chard were supported off the project to assist with sampling and data collection in the laboratory. Undergraduate students Davey Olsen, Kirstin Lindstrom, Liz Walker and William Porter were all paid to participate in data collection. The majority of their funding was supplied through additional funds obtained from outside sources. Kristine Buckland and Marc Rowley commenced their MS projects on objective 2. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is both organic and conventional growers in the Intermountain West. In particular those looking for ways to improve soil quality on their farms. Other audiences include extension and NRCS personnel as well as researchers and industry leaders in the area of organic and sustainable agriculture. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Work in progress. No outcomes/impacts to report.
Publications
- Black, B. L., Drost, D. T., Lindstrom, T., Reeve, J., Gunnell, J., & Reighard, G. L., (2010). A comparison of root distribution patterns among Prunus rootstocks: Journal of the American Pomological Society, 64(1): 52-62.
- Endleman, J., Reeve, J., & Hole, D. J., (2010). Economically optimal compost rates for organic crop production.: Agronomy Journal, 102: 1283-1289.
- Endelman, J., Reeve, J., & Drost, D. T., (2010). A new decay series for organic crop production: Agronomy Journal, 102: 457-463.
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: As planned, the second year of my organic farm conversion project was successfully carried out. Second year plantings of cover crops and potatoes were evaluated for yield and weed pressures. Soil quality was determined in all plots. Data analysis of the hoop house studies is in process. On advice from colleagues I decided to postpone publication of the Snowville project and instead focus on collecting and analyzing a second year of data. A proposal was submitted to the Organic Farming and Research Foundation help fund this second year of data collection in 2010. Objective 2: A second year of soil quality and soil and tree nutritional data was collected from the organic and integrated peach orchards. Plantings of novel cover crops for evaluation in Utah orchards were established at the Kaysville experiment station and also at the farm of a grower cooperator. The second year of the organic herbicide, mulch evaluation trial was implemented at Kaysville and Greenville research farms. Competitive funding of $630,000 was obtained to expand the certified organic portion of this research project over the next five years and $9,000 was obtained to help support data collection in the integrated orchard in 2010. Surveys of 15 onion fields for soil and tissue N were completed. Nitrogen rate, MoreLife, rotation and trap crops were assessed for impacts on N leaching, soil quality and yield and quality of onion. Kristine Buckland started her MS with me on this project. I collaborated on a proposal to evaluate the role of plant secondary compounds on soil quality and nutrient cycling, forage quality, animal foraging behavior and health on meat quality. This proposal was funded for $374,133. My role will be the evaluation of soil quality and nutrient cycling. Baseline soils data were collected from the research site. Objective 3: Jeff Endelman completed his work on modeling compost carryover effects and graduated with an MS in Plant Science. Davey Olsen was hired to continue this project. He will start his MS program in January 2010. Objective 4: Method testing for testing for N use efficiency and organic N uptake was completed and data from two variety screening experiments were collected and analyzed. Discussions with potential collaborators are under way to obtain further funding for this project. PARTICIPANTS: Dr Drost provided access to his High Tunnels for soil quality analysis and is a Co-PI on the onion thrips work; Drs. Alston, Evans and Ward are also Co-PIs on the onion thrips project. Drs. Black, Alston and Ransom are Co-PIs in the organic and integrated peach research. Drs. Bugbee, Black and Drost are collaborators on the variety trial investigations. Graduate student Jeff Endelman was supported on this project to carry out Objective 3 and assist with other objectives where needed. Alicia Campbell and Julie Chard were supported off the project to assist with sampling and data collection in the laboratory. Undergraduate students Davey Olsen, Kirstin Lindstrom, Liz Walker and William Porter were all paid to participate in data collection. The majority of their funding was supplied through additional funds obtained from outside sources. Kristine Buckland and Marc Rowley commenced their MS projects on objective 2. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is both organic and conventional growers in the Intermountain West. In particular those looking for ways to improve soil quality on their farms. Other audiences include extension and NRCS personnel as well as researchers and industry leaders in the area of organic and sustainable agriculture. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
No impacts as yet.
Publications
- Endelman, J., J. Reeve, and D. Drost 2010. A new decay series for organic crop production. Agronomy Journal 102:457-463.
- Reeve, J.R., J.L. Smith, L. Carpenter-Boggs, J.P. Reganold 2009. Glycine, nitrate and ammonium uptake by classic and modern wheat varieties in a short-term microcosm study. Biology and Fertility of Soils 45:723-732.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: The Greenville organic conversion project was implemented. Cover crops were planted and first year yields of corn with and without additions of manure and compost evaluated. Weed pressure and baseline soil quality were also determined. Soil quality was evaluated in response to organic and conventional high tunnels and soil quality was measured on organic wheat plots in response to previous compost applications. Objective 2: The new organic and integrated peach orchards were established at the Kaysville Experiment Station. Ten different combinations of organic and integrated orchard floor management systems were established. Each plot was equipped with micro sprinklers on individually controlled irrigation systems. Baseline soil nutrient and soil quality data were taken from each plot and the labor involved in weed control of each treatment recorded. The effectiveness of organic or "soft" herbicide products in combination with several mulches was tested. Acetic acid (20%), Matran (clove oil), Greenmatch EX (lemongrass oil), a citric acid based experimental product, and glyphosate were tested in combination with straw, wood chips, paper or no mulch. Additional funding of $22,000 was obtained to support this work. Surveys of 15 onion fields in northern Utah were instigated in order to determine the impact of cultural practices on onion thrips and iris yellow spot virus. Soils and onions were sampled on a monthly basis from April until September and soil and tissue N tested. Complete soil and onion nutrients were evaluated in May only. Onions were collected from all seeded onion fields for storage trials. Crop rotations and N treatment applications were established at Kaysville in order to determine effects of N rate on thrips populations. Additional funding of $133,441 was obtained to support this work. Objective 3: Effects of compost rate on yield of corn and summer squash was evaluated at the Greenville Experiment Station. A model was developed to evaluate carryover effects of compost on yields in order to calculate economically optimal compost rates. Objective 4: Nine varieties of strawberry were tested for N use efficiency in the greenhouse and five selected for further evaluation in the field. Method development and testing for organic N uptake is also underway. Eight varieties of high methionine corn were also evaluated at the Kaysville Experiment Station. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Drost provided access to his High Tunnels for soil quality analysis and is a Co-PI on the onion thrips work; Drs. Alston, Evans and Ward are also Co-PIs on the onion thrips project. Drs. Black, Alston and Ransom are Co-PIs in the organic and integrated peach research. Dr Hole assisted with the revisit to the Snowville wheat trial and Drs. Bugbee, Black and Drost are collaborators on the variety trial investigations. Dr. Goldstein from the Michael Fields Institute in Wisconsin provided high methionine corn to evaluate. Graduate student Jeff Endelman was supported on this project to carry out Objective 3 and assist with other objectives where needed. Alicia Campbell was supported off the project to assist with sampling and data collection in the laboratory. Undergraduate students Kirstin Lindstrom, Liz Walker and Ben Watkins were all paid to participate in data collection. The majority of their funding was supplied through additional funds obtained from outside sources. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is both organic and conventional growers in the Intermountain West. In particular those looking for ways to improve soil quality on their farms. Other audiences include extension and NRCS personnel as well as researchers and industry leaders in the area of organic and sustainable agriculture. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Changes have been made to Objective 3 based on the interests of the student conducting the research. The objective has been modified from modeling organic matter dynamics in general to the more specific impacts of looking at carryover effects of compost and manure applications in order to model economically based application rates for composts and manures. The list of participants has been altered to reflect these changes.
Impacts
Objective 1: A meeting with local organic growers was held to discuss research plans and objectives for organic transition and N management and gather their input on research goals and emphases. Objective 2: A field day was held at the Kaysville experiment station in June and the experiment showcased. Approximately 90 people attended, 15 of which completed evaluation forms. Average responses were positive with specific comments saying information from the organic peach trials will benefit the industry. A summer onion field day was conducted on August 12th at which we introduced the onion project and presented the idea of a whole farm approach to onion thrips and IYSV management. IYSV field identification and thrips sampling techniques were also demonstrated. Approximately 50 onion growers and extension personnel attended including out of state guests. The event was very well received. A total of five graduate and undergraduate students received training and mentoring in various aspects of data collection.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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