Progress 07/01/16 to 06/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Primary target group includes vegetable growers (conventional and organic) in the Intermountain region of the western US who are interested in crop rotations and cover crop usage. Other groups that can benefit and share findings include Cooperative Extension specialists, county Extension staff, state (Dept. of Agriculture), and Federal (NRCS, Risk Management) agencies interested in conventional or organic vegetable production information. Individuals that peripherally benefit from information on sustainable crop rotations, cover crops and supplemental nutrient additions include local communities, patrons of farm stand or farmers markets, wholesale and retail operations who purchase local foods, home gardeners, and those having interest in sustainable production practices. Changes/Problems:N/A What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Aspects of the project were discussed at the 2017-2020 Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference, Salt Lake City, UT held in late February or early March (see https://diverseag.org for programming). Average total attendance at the conference is about 200-225 persons per year. I presented the USU organic research finding in the Advance Vegetable Sessions (70-90 attendees), in the Season Extension or Beginning Farm Sessions (50-70 attendees), and in the Refugee Farming tracks (20 attendees). Presentation titles included Organic Crop Production Options; Winter and Summer Cover Cropping Options; Nutrient Management Strategies for Organic Farms; and Using Cover Crops to Improve Soil Health. In 2018, I was a keynote speaker at the LandWISE Conference (125 attendees; May 23-24), Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (see http://www.landwise.org.nz). Presentation discussed "Sustainable Crop Production: Field and Farmscape Management Strategies". Also participated in individual meetings with vegetable leaders, marketers, producers, and researchers from around New Zealand. In 2019, I was the keynote speaker at the Ontario Asparagus growers Conferences (March 7-8) in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada (100 growers, industry leaders, and Agriculture Agency employees attended). Topics covered include 1) Asparagus Agronomy (water and nutrition) and 2) Creating Sustainable Production Practices. Topic relied heavily on Utah-generated research. Participated in individual meetings with asparagus producers and researchers during my stay. In 2020, I was the invited keynote speaker at the Michigan Asparagus Growers Conferences (March 12-13) in New Era, Michigan (100 growers, industry leaders, and Agriculture Agency employees attended). Topics presented included: (1) Asparagus Nutrition, and (2) Creating Sustainable Soil Management Practices. Topic relied heavily on Utah-generated research. Participated in individual meetings with asparagus producers and researchers during my stay. In alternate years (2016, 2018 and 2020), USU hosts a half-day Kaysville Farm Field day in late June. In those three years, about 120 growers, researchers, extension educators got research updates vegetable-related activities. During the 1-hour vegetable section, research related to ongoing onion and organic vegetable production practices was featured. Participants were able to assess the different cover crops, discuss crop rotations and evaluate the impacts of CC's in weed management; appraise plant growth, and prior cropping history and how these influence vegetable crop productivity. During the five years of this project, I served as committee member and mentor to six MS students. Kareem Adeleke (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; graduated 2018), Reagan Wytsalucy (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; graduated 2019); Austin Bartos (MS - WATS; graduated 2020), Maegan Lewis (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; graduated 2020), Alyssa Palmer (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; on-going research), and Shannon Rauter (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; on-going research). In addition, summer extension interns (undergraduate students in Agriculture or Horticulture) gained valuable experience and contributed to trial management and extension outreach in the winter-summer CC trials. From 2017-2021, I mentored five students (Julie Swenson (2017), Andrew Bohannon (2018), Michael Greenland (2019), Cary Martin (2020), and Savanah Malan (2021) who participated in the Summer Extension Intern program and assisted me with extension outreach in vegetables. These students assisted with ongoing research helped with summer extension activities, participated in data interpretation and evaluation, and edited project findings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Discussed cover crops and vegetable crop rotation strategies individually (via phone or farm visits) with 13 conventional and 23 organic vegetable growers. All growers were more interested in cover crop integration into their farm operations due to regular exposure at Utah conferences and field days. Growers reported they are finding our information through our website. Talked about research and production issues related to irrigation, weed management, crop nutrition, and CC combinations that drew on Utah experiences and related research findings. Used local research to develop three (3) extension outreach publications for commercial vegetable growers. Resources written with students and faculty from USU. Titles include 1) Nutrient Management Strategies for Organic Vegetable Production (231 downloads since Sept. 2020), 2) Beginning and Small Acreage Farms: Non-motorized Tool Selection (149 downloads since Nov. 2020), and 3) Snapdragon Cut Flower Production in Utah (133 downloads since May 2021). Four (4) enterprise budgets on cut flowers in field and high tunnels were also developed (448 total downloads since Oct. 2020). During the project period, three research papers (Genetic Analysis of Peaches grown by Native Americans in the North American Southwest; Improving Navajo spinach (Cleome serrulata Pursh) seed germination with cold stratification and hormone additions, and Improving Snapdragon Cut Flower Production through High Tunnel Season Extension, Transplant Timing, and Cultivar Selection) were published. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?End of project
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 & 2 (Cover crops for long-term sustainability): Winter cover crops (WCC's; kale, wheat, and hairy vetch) were established in early to late September from 2016-2020 at the USU Kaysville Horticulture Research Farm, Kaysville, Utah. Environmental conditions (temperature and precipitation) varied greatly each year and fall irrigations were commonly needed to improve plant stand establishment of WCC's. Summer cover crops (SCC's; buckwheat, proso millet and black bean) were planted in early June of 2016-2020. The major objective of this project was to: evaluate WCC and SCCs combinations along with supplemental organic fertilizer (organic N source) and their combined influences on soil properties, weed pressure, and vegetable (broccoli, green bean, sweet corn) crop performance in a certified organic production system. Winter CC's fresh weights were measured in early April prior to planting broccoli transplants in late April and again in mid-May prior to seeding snap beans and sweet corn in late May of each year. The kale WCC's generated 2-6,000 lbs. of fresh biomass and 4-8,000 lbs. of fresh biomass/acre on the April and May samplings respectively; Wheat produced 5-8,000 and 8-11,000 lbs. fresh biomass/acre, and Hairy Vetch averaged 6-9,000 and 12-14,000 lbs. fresh biomass/acre for the early and later samplings. Weed growth (biomass generated) in May was lowest in the Kale CC's, intermediate in the Wheat, and highest in the Vetch CC's. After sampling, the WCC's were mowed, then rototilled to remove weeds and incorporate CC's 10 days prior to planting. In plots growing broccoli or sweet corn, feathermeal (13% N) was added to broccoli (50 lbs. N/acre) or corn (100 lbs. N/A) production areas one month after planting to improve nitrogen nutrition. Broccoli was transplanted between April 25 and 30 and sweet corn and snap beans seeded between May 25 and 30 of each year. Plots were irrigated two times per week to provide sufficient moisture based on long-term ET requirements and crop growth stage. The SCC's were sampled for biomass in early to mid-August when plants were in full bloom. Black beans produced 8,000-12,000 lbs.; millet produced 8,000-11,000 lbs.; and buckwheat biomass averaged 5,000-9,000 lbs. of fresh weight/acre. After sampling, the SCC's were mowed, then rototilled to remove weeds and incorporate CC's. Soil samples were collected prior to the start of the study (Fall 2016) and the site had an average organic matter content of 1.45%. Extensive soil sampling was conducted in the summer of 2021 to assess longer-term changes in organic matter (OM) after 5 years of CC and crop residue additions. Utilization of hairy vetch as a Winter CC increased the soil OM content to 2.13% while wheat and kale increased OM levels to 1.81 and 1.85%, respectively. Summer CC's did not change OM levels greatly and there was no difference between the crops grown. Application of an additional 50 lbs. N/acre plus incorporated hairy vetch WCC significantly increased broccoli yield and percent of harvested heads compared to wheat or kale CC's. The 5-year average broccoli head yield for plants grown in vetch was 4,083 lbs./A compared to broccoli head yields in wheat at 1,732 lbs./A and kale at 1,084 lbs./A. Broccoli grown in hairy vetch had larger head size (more weight/larger diameter) and improved head quality (more marketable heads) compared to those grown in wheat or kale WCC's. Neither WCC or SCC's had a significant effect on bean pod number or pod weight in any year, but year-to-year yields varied significantly. Yearly differences ranged from 1,380-2,830 lbs./acre. Both winter and summer CC's significantly influenced sweet corn ear yields in all years. For the WCC's tested, corn plant stands were not influenced by prior WCC but ear number, ear weight and marketability were significantly greater in the hairy vetch CC when compare to plants grown in either kale or wheat. For the SCC's tested, plant stands were not influenced by prior SCC but ear number, ear weight and marketability were significantly greater in the buckwheat and millet CC's when compare to plants grown in black bean CC. After harvest, the vegetables were flail chopped, the site rototilled, and fall CCs re-planted in preparation for the next production season.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Drost, D. T., & Pedersen, K. (2018, November). Nitrogen Management Improves Organic Asparagus Growth and Productivity. Acta Horticulturae, 1223, 95-100.
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Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Groups who may show interest include vegetable growers (conventional and organic) in the Intermountain region of the western US. Other groups targeted: Cooperative Extension specialists, county Extension staff, state (Dept. of Agriculture) and Federal (NRCS, Risk Management) agencies interested in conventional or organic vegetable production information. Individuals benefitting from more information on sustainable crop rotations include local communities, patrons of farm stand or farmers markets, wholesale and retail operations who purchase local foods and have interest in sustainable production practices. Changes/Problems:None - no problems experienced. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?2020 Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference (225 attendees), Salt Lake City, UT on March 4-5. (https://diverseag.org/upcoming-events). In 2020, I presented USU research in the Advance Vegetable, Season Extension and Refugee Farming tracks. Presentation titles included: Nutrient Management Strategies for Organic Farms; Squash and Pumpkins 101; Low Tunnel, Mulch, and Shade Technology; Crop Spotlight: Cool & Warm Season Veggies in High Tunnels; and Season Extension Approaches. Was the invited keynote speaker at the 2020 Michigan Asparagus Growers Conferences (March 12-13) in New Era, Michigan (100 growers, industry leaders, and Agriculture Agency employees attended). Topics presented included 1) Asparagus Nutrition and 2) Creating Sustainable Soil Management Practices. Presentations were based on Utah research. Participated in individual meetings with asparagus producers and researchers during my stay. In alternate years, USU hosts a Kaysville Farm Field day in late June. Due to COVID, in 2020, I helped organize a ZOOM tour of the research farm. On June 30, forty growers, researchers, extension educators got research updates on fruit and vegetable activities. During the 1-hour vegetable section, I covered research findings related to ongoing onion and organic vegetable production practices. Traditionally in the summer, I also organize, present, and participate in a half-day onion farm tour (scheduled for Aug 11). In 2020, due to COVID, the Onion Association decided to cancel these meetings to limit potential spread. Growers noted that gathering could be risky and conducting this virtually was not in their interest. We intended to discussed onion leaf miner, shared findings water use and irrigation approaches, introduce Utah's participation in "Stop the Rot", and illustrated how plant population and variable seed emergence impacts plant uniformity. Served as committee member to MS students: Austin Bartos (MS - WATS; Thesis defense (passed - Apr 15), Maegan Lewis (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; on-going; data analysis and proposal in place), Alyssa Palmer (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; on-going; data collection and proposal development) and mentored Cary Martin (2020 Summer Extension Intern - Plants, Soils and Climate; extension outreach in vegetables). Continued work with Crystal Fowler (Honors Student) as she re-submitted an URCO grant proposal. Helped graduate students with their on-going research, helped initiated grower contacts to facilitate studies, participated in data interpretation and evaluation, and edited their project findings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Discussed cover crops and vegetable crop rotation strategies with 2 traditional and 7 organic vegetable growers in 2020. Growers are more interested in CCs due to regular exposure at Utah conferences and field days and looking for how to slot them into their vegetable farms. Shared USU onion and vegetable related research with specialty crop (asparagus, onions, leafy greens) growers in California, Great Britain, New Zealand, Denmark and Germany. Growers are finding our information through our web site and we corresponded via email. Talked about research and production issues related to irrigation, weed management, crop nutrition and CC combinations that drew on Utah experiences and related research findings. Used local research to develop seven (7) extension outreach publications for commercial growers with students and faculty in Plants, Soils and Climate (Nutrient Management Strategies for Organic Vegetable Production (100 downloads since Sept 1); Snapdragon Cut Flower Production in Utah; Beginning and Small Acreage Farms: Non-motorized Tool Selection; and four (4) enterprise budgets on cut flowers in field and high tunnels) and published two research papers (Genetic Analysis of Peaches grown by Native Americans in the North American Southwest; Improving Navajo spinach (Cleome serrulata Pursh) seed germination with cold stratification and hormone additions). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Obj. 1 & 2: Biomass from fall 2020 planted cover crops (hairy vetch, kale, wheat) will be determined in Apr-May 2021 and used to determine nutrient cycling. Broccoli will be seeded in March, transplanted in late April while sweet corn and beans will be direct seeded in late May. Broccoli and Sweet Corn will be fertilized with organic feathermeal fertilizer (50/100 lbs. N/acre; respectively) to enhance plant performance. CCs and vegetables will be monitored for plant growth and productivity (F2020 and Sp2021). Summer CCs (black bean, buckwheat, millet) will be seeded in June 2021. The influence of organic fertilizer and winter-summer cover crop combinations on vegetable productivity, weeds and weed biomass production will be evaluated through the year. Residue of summer cover crops and vegetables will be incorporated in early August and fall cover crops re-seeded in early-mid September 2021. Data will be used develop planting schedules and CC combinations that enhance soil fertility and quality, optimize vegetable crop productivity, minimize weed pressure, and that have long-term sustainability for conventional and organic growers. Progress reports will be developed in November-December 2021 and data analyzed. Highlights of progress for will be prepared and will be discussed with small farm growers in January-February 2021 at Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference - Salt Lake City.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 & 2 (Cover crops for long-term sustainability): Winter cover crops (CCs) plantings were re-established in September 2019 at the USU Kaysville Horticulture Research Farm, Kaysville, Utah. Conditions in early and late September 2019 were very dry thus warranting irrigation to improve plant stand establishment of fall seeded kale, wheat and vetch CC's. The major objective of this study is to: evaluate fall seeded winter (hairy vetch, kale and winter wheat) and summer seeded (black bean, buckwheat and proso millet) CCs in combination with supplemental organic fertilizer (organic N source) and their combined influences on soil properties, weed pressure, and vegetable (broccoli, green bean, sweet corn) crop performance in a certified organic production system. Cover crop fresh weight were measured in April prior to planting broccoli and in May 2020 prior to planting beans and sweet corn. Kale CC's generated 10,340 and 15,910 lbs. of fresh biomass/acre on the April and May samplings respectively; Wheat produced 6,300 and 9,690 lbs. fresh biomass/acre, and Hairy Vetch averaged 5,800 and 12,900 lbs. fresh biomass/acre. Weed growth in May was 6,800, 12,490, and 15,850 lbs. fresh biomass/acre, respectively in the Kale, Wheat and Vetch CC's. After sampling, the CC's were mowed and the field site was tilled to remove winter weeds and incorporate CC's. In plots growing broccoli or sweet corn, prior to planting, feathermeal (13% N) was added to broccoli (50 lbs. N/acre) or corn (100 lbs. N/A) production areas to improve nitrogen nutrition. Broccoli was transplanted on April 27 and sweet corn and snap beans seeded on May 28. Application of 50 lbs. N/acre plus incorporated hairy vetch significantly increased broccoli yield and percent of harvested heads compared to wheat or kale CCs. Total broccoli head yield for plants grown in vetch was 4,083 lbs./A compared to wheat at 1,732 lbs./A and kale 1,084 lbs./A. Yield differences were attributed to improvements in head size (weight/diameter) and head quality (more marketable heads) in hairy vetch compared to the wheat or kale cover crops. Winter CC's had no significant effect on bean pod number or pod weight in 2020 and yields average 6,700-10,000 Lbs. /acre. However, bean pod weight was significantly influenced by prior year's summer cover crops. Beans grown after millet (11,556 lbs./acre) or buckwheat (10,106 lbs./acre) had over twice the production when compared to yields grown in black bean (4,648 lbs./acre) cover crops. Neither fall or summer cover crops nor feathermeal additions influenced sweet corn ear yield in 2020. For all cover crops tested, plant stands, ear number, ear weight and marketability were similar for both fall and summer sown cover crops. After harvest, the vegetables were chopped, the site rototilled and fall CCs were re-planted in preparation for the 2021 production season.
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Includes interested vegetable growers (conventional and organic) in the Intermountain region of the western US. Other groups targeted: Cooperative Extension specialists, county Extension staff, state (Dept. of Agriculture) and Federal (NRCS, Risk Management) agencies interested in conventional or organic vegetable production information. Individuals benefitting from more information on sustainable crop rotations include local communities, patrons of farm stand or farmers markets, wholesale and retail operations who purchase local foods and have interest in sustainable production practices. Changes/Problems:None - no problems experienced. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?2019 Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference (65 attendees), Salt Lake City, UT on Feb 20-21. (https://diverseag.org/upcoming-events). Presentation title: Winter and Summer Cover Cropping Options. Invited keynote speaker; Ontario Asparagus growers Conferences (March 7-8) in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada (100 growers, industry leaders, and Agriculture Agency employees attended). Topics included asparagus agronomy (water and nutrition) and creating sustainable production practices based on Utah research. Participated in individual meetings with asparagus producers and researchers during my stay. Organized and participated in half-day onion farm tour (Aug 14). Discussed stand establishment issues with onion growers, shared findings on variety evaluations, discussed water use and irrigation approaches, and illustrated how plant population and variable seed emergence impacts plant uniformity. (43 growers, researchers, extension, and industry members attended). Served as committee member to MS students: Austin Bartos (MS - WATS; POW approved; research on-going), Reagan Wytsalucy (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; completed thesis defended May 1), and mentored Michael Greenland (2019 Summer Extension Intern - Plants, Soils and Climate; extension outreach in vegetables) and Crystal Fowler (Honors Student) with URCO grant writing and research project development. Helped students with their on-going research, helped initiated grower contacts to facilitate studies, participated in data interpretation and evaluation, and edited their project findings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Discussed the integration of cover crops into vegetable crop rotations with 5 traditional and 5 organic vegetable growers in 2019 during one-on-one farm visits. Growers were interested in or are presently using CCs in a variety of ways on their vegetable farms. Shared USU onion and vegetable related research with specialty crop (asparagus, onions, leafy greens) growers Canada, Great Britain, and Germany either through site visits or email correspondence. Talked about research and production issues related to irrigation, weed management, crop nutrition and CC combinations that drew on Utah experiences and related research findings. Used local research to develop two extension outreach publications for commercial growers (Vegetable Irrigation: Leafy Greens (85 downloads); Root Vegetable Production Guide), two research papers (Nitrogen Management Improves Organic Asparagus Growth and Productivity; Genetic Analysis of Peaches grown by Native Americans in the North American Southwest), and one book chapter (Asparagus Physiology - CABI International). First draft of research publication from Reagan Wytsalucy's MS thesis has been written with submission slated for Dec 2019. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Obj 1 & 2: Biomass from fall 2019 planted cover crops (hairy vetch, kale, wheat) will be determined in Apr-May 2020 and used to determine nutrient cycling. Broccoli will be seeded in March, transplanted in late April while sweet corn and beans will be direct seeded in late May. Broccoli and Sweet Corn will be fertilized with organic feathermeal fertilizer (50/100 lbs N/acre; respectively) to enhance plant performance. CCs and vegetables will be monitored for plant growth and productivity (F2019 and Sp2020). Summer CCs (black bean, buckwheat, millet) will be seeded in June 2020. The influence of organic fertilizer and winter-summer cover crop combinations on vegetable productivity, weeds and weed biomass production will be evaluated through the year. Residue of summer cover crops and vegetables will be incorporated in early August and fall cover crops re-seeded in early-mid September 2020. Data will be used develop planting schedules and CC combinations that enhance soil fertility and quality, optimize vegetable crop productivity, minimize weed pressure, and that have long-term sustainability for conventional and organic growers. In 2020, Kaysville farm field day will occur in June and feature organic CC and vegetable research highlights for commercial vegetable growers. Progress reports will be developed in November-December 2019 and data analyzed. Highlights of progress for will be prepared and will be discussed with small farm growers in January-February 2020 at Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference - Salt Lake City.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 & 2 (Cover crops for long-term sustainability): Winter cover crops (CCs) plantings were re-established at the USU Kaysville Horticulture Research Farm, Kaysville, Utah in September 2018 in preparation for 2019 studies. Dry soil conditions in early and late September 2018 warranted irrigation applications to improve plant stand establishment of fall seeded kale, wheat and vetch CC's. The major objective of this study is to: evaluate selected fall seeded winter (hairy vetch, kale and winter wheat) and summer seeded (black bean, buckwheat and proso millet) CCs in combination with supplemental organic fertilizer (organic N source) and their combined influences on soil properties, weed pressure, and vegetable (broccoli, green bean, sweet corn) crop performance in a certified organic production system. Cover crop fresh weight were measured in late April and late May 2019 prior to planting the summer vegetable crops. Kale generated 15,800 and 30,300 lbs. of fresh biomass/acre, wheat produced 4,800 and 12,000 lbs. fresh biomass/acre, and hairy vetch averaged 8,800 and 17,500 lbs. fresh biomass/acre. After sampling, the CC's were mowed and the field site was tilled to remove winter weeds and incorporate CC's. In plots growing broccoli or sweet corn, prior to planting, feathermeal (13% N) was added to broccoli (50 lbs. N/acre) or corn (100 lbs. N/A) production areas to improve nitrogen nutrition. Broccoli was transplanted on May 3 and sweet corn and snap beans seeded on June 3-4. Application of 50 lbs. N/acre plus incorporated hairy vetch significantly increased broccoli yield by 325% compared to wheat or kale CC's. Primary differences were attributed to improved head size and more marketable heads grown in hairy vetch compared to the wheat or kale cover crops. Winter CC's had no significant effect on bean pod number or pod weight in 2019. Application of 100 lbs. N/acre plus incorporated hairy vetch significantly increased sweet corn ear yield by 180% compared to wheat or kale CC's. Primary differences were heavier ears (no difference in ear number) in hairy vetch compared to the wheat or kale cover crops. After harvest, the different vegetables were chopped, the site rototilled and later in the fall, CCs were planted in preparation for the 2020 production season.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Includes all vegetable growers (conventional and organic) in the Intermountain region of the western US. Other groups targeted: cooperative extension specialists, county extension staff, state (Dept. of Agriculture) and Federal (NRCS, Risk Management) agencies interested in conventional or organic vegetable production information. Individuals benefitting from more information on sustainable crop rotations include local communities, patrons of farm stand or farmers markets, wholesale and retail operations who purchase local foods and have interest in sustainable production practices. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Invited keynote speaker; Onion New Zealand Conferences (May 22 & May 29) in Ashburton and Pukekohe, New Zealand (100 growers, industry leaders, and agency employees attended). Topics covered included Onion agronomy (water and nutrition) and creating sustainable production practices based on Utah based research. Keynote speaker at 2018 LandWISE Conference (125 attendees), Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. (http://www.landwise.org.nz/events-2/past/landwise-2018-technologies-for-timely-actions/landwise-2018-programme/). Presentation title: Sustainable Crop Production: Field and Farmscape Management of Onions. Participated in individual meetings with onion leaders, marketers, producers, and researchers around New Zealand. Organized and participated in half-day vegetable session where growers learned about organic broccoli, sweet corn and bean production at the 2018 Kaysville Research Farm Tour (June 20, Kaysville, UT). 60 growers, extension faculty, and industry person attended. Growers observed the USU vegetable and fruit crops trial and discussed its relevance to Utah growing areas. Participants learned about cover crops, production approaches weed management, and nutrient needs for organic production. An open question, answer, and discuss sessions included to allow information sharing. Organized and participated in half-day onion farm tour (Aug 7). Discussed my interactions with the British and New Zealand onion industries and their interest in variety evaluations, irrigation, crop and pest management, and how to create more sustainable onion production. (50 growers, researchers, extension, and industry members attended). Served as committee member to MS students: Austin Bartos (MS - WATS; began research fall of 2018), Reagan Wytsalucy (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; conducting-completing research), and Andrew Bohannon (2018 Summer Extension Intern - Plants, Soils and Climate; extension outreach in fruits and vegetables). Helped students with their on-going research, helped initiated grower contacts to facilitate studies, participated in data interpretation and evaluation, and edited their project findings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Discussed the integration of cover crops into vegetable crop rotations with 3 traditional and 4 organic vegetable growers who are interested in or are using CCs in a variety of ways on their vegetable farms. Shared USU onion and vegetable related research with specialty crop (asparagus, onions, leafy greens) growers in New Zealand. Talked about research and production issues (water, weeds, insects, nutrition) that drew on Utah experiences and research findings USU research used to develop one extension outreach publications (Shade Structure Construction), one research paper (Asparagus Phosphorus Use), and one book chapter (Asparagus Physiology - CABI International). First draft of research publication from Reagan Wytsalucy's MS thesis has been reviewed and is being re-written. Expect submission in Feb 2019. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Obj 1 & 2: Biomass from fall 2018 planted cover crops (hairy vetch, kale, wheat) will be determined in Apr-May 2019 and used to determine nutrient cycling. Broccoli will be seeded in March, transplanted in late April while sweet corn and beans will be direct seeded in late May. Broccoli and Sweet Corn will be fertilized with organic feathermeal fertilizer (50/100 lbs N/acre; respectively) to enhance plant performance. CCs and vegetable will be monitored for plant growth and productivity (F2018 and Sp2019). Summer CCs (black bean, buckwheat, millet) will be seeded in June 2019. The influence of organic fertilizer and winter-summer cover crop combinations on vegetable productivity, weeds and weed biomass production will be evaluated through the year. Residue of summer cover crops and vegetables will be incorporated in early August and fall cover crops re-seeded in early-mid September 2019. Data will be used develop planting schedules and CC combinations that enhance soil fertility and quality, optimize vegetable crop productivity, minimize weed pressure, and that have long-term sustainability for conventional and organic growers. Progress reports will be developed in November-December 2019 and data analyzed. Highlights of progress for will be prepared and will be discussed with small farm growers in January-February 2019 at Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference - Salt Lake City.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 & 2 (Cover crops for long-term sustainability): Winter cover crops (CCs) plantings were re-established at the USU Kaysville Horticulture Research Farm, Kaysville, Utah in September 2017 in preparation for 2018 studies. Extremely dry conditions in Sept/Oct 2017 resulted in poor plant stand establishment in all CC's. The major objectives of this study is to: evaluate selected fall seeded winter (hairy vetch, kale and winter wheat) and summer seeded (black bean, buckwheat and proso millet) CCs in combination with supplemental organic fertilizer (organic N source) and their combined influences on soil properties, weed pressure, and vegetable (broccoli, green bean, sweet corn) crop performance in a certified organic production system. In September 2016, 5 tons/acre of composted steer manure was applied to half of all the plots remaining from the UTO1044 project. Compost was surface applied, incorporated, and fall CCs (hairy vetch, kale and wheat) planted. In all subsequent years, no further compost will be used but organic N fertilizer will be applied to selected plots. No cover crop fresh weight were measured in April 2018 due to less than 10% plant stands. The field site was tilled to remove winter weeds and CC's prior to adding feathermeal (13% N) to broccoli or corn production areas. Organic fertilizer (feathermeal) was applied at 50 lb N/acre prior to planting broccoli and at 100 lb N/acre before planting sweet corn; no fertilizer was added to bean planting sites. Broccoli was transplanted on Apr 25 and sweet corn and snap beans seeded on May 15. Application of 50 lb N/acre increased broccoli plant growth by 15% and yield by 17%. Growth and yield differences between the three winter cover crops were noted. Broccoli head size and weight were greater when grown in hairy vetch compared to the kale cover crops. The additional 100N/A applied to sweet corn increased plant height by 10% and yield by 23%. There was not difference in sweet corn yields between the three winter cover crops in 2018. Since no additional N was applied to the sites growing beans, no yield differences due to fertilizer were not assessed; however, bean yields were higher in wheat and Kale cover crops when compared to hairy vetch. After harvest, the site was chopped, rototilled and fall CCs planted in September 2019.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Includes all vegetable growers (conventional and organic) in the Intermountain region of the western US. Other groups targeted: cooperative extension specialists, county extension staff, state (Dept. of Agriculture) and Federal (NRCS, Risk Management) agencies interested in organic information. Individuals benefitting from more information on sustainable crop rotations include local communities, patrons of farm stand or farmers markets, wholesale and retail operations who purchase local foods and are interested in sustainable production. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Served as committee member to MS students: Kareem Adeleke (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; conducting research), Reagan Wytsalucy (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; conducting research), and Julie Swenson (Summer Intern - Plants, Soils and Climate; extension writing and outreach). Helped students with their on-going research, helped initiated grower contacts to facilitate studies, participated in data interpretation and evaluation, and edited their project findings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Organized and spoke at the 2017 Urban and Small Farm Conference (Feb 27) in Salt Lake City (220 growers, industry leaders, and agency employees attended). Organized half-day vegetable session where growers learned about mulches, row covers, organic tomato production and other new production approaches. Organized, 2017 Greenville Research Farm High Tunnel Tour (May 28, Kaysville, UT). More than 32 growers attended. Growers observed the USU vegetable and fruit crops trial and discussed its relevance to Utah growing areas. Participants learned about rotations, mulches, and row covers and were able to ask questions and discuss findings. The field tour also creates opportunities for growers to learn and discuss how simple changes in management practice. Meet with British onion growers (Thetford, England; July 11). Invited to discuss Utah-USA onion research programs associated with plant nutrition, rotations and pest management (35 growers/researchers/industry members). Discussed the integration of cover crops into vegetable crop rotations with 4 traditional and organic vegetable growers who are using CCs in a variety of ways on-farm. On my sabbatical in England, shared USU vegetable related research with specialty crops (asparagus, onions, leafy greens) growers across the country. Made trips to Germany, Denmark and Sweden and talked about research and production issues that drew on Utah experiences and findings. Finding from USU research used to develop three extension outreach publications (2 on irrigation and one on plant protection), one book chapter (asparagus), and three research publications (2 on asparagus and one on high tunnels). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Obj 1 & 2: Biomass from fall planted cover crops (hairy vetch, kale, wheat) will be determined in Apr-May 2018 and used to determine nutrient cycling. Broccoli will be seeded in March, transplanted in late Apr or early May and sweet corn and beans will be seeded in late May. Broccoli and Sweet Corn will be sidedressed with organic fertilizer (50/100#N/A) to enhance plant performance. CCs and vegetable will be monitored for growth and productivity. Summer CCs (black bean, buckwheat, millet) will be seeded in June 2018. The influence of fertilizer and winter-summer cover crop combinations on vegetable productivity, weeds and weed biomass production will be evaluated through the year. Residue of summer cover crops and vegetables will be incorporated in early August and fall cover crops re-seeded in early-mid September. Data will be used develop planting schedules and CC combinations that enhance soil fertility and quality, optimize vegetable crop productivity, minimize weed pressure, and that have long-term sustainability for conventional and organic growers. Progress reports developed in November-December and data analyzed. Highlights of progress for prepared and will be discussed with growers in January-February 2018.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 & 2 (Cover crops for long-term sustainability): Winter cover crops (CCs) plantings were established at the USU Kaysville Horticulture Research Farm, Kaysville, Utah in September 2016 in preparation for 2017 studies. The major objectives are: further evaluations of selected winter (hairy vetch, kale and winter wheat) and summer (black bean, buckwheat and proso millet) CCs in combination with supplemental organic nutrient (compost and organic fertilizers) additions and their influence on soil properties, weed pressure, and vegetable (broccoli, green bean, sweet corn) performance in a certified organic production system. In September 2016, 5 tons/acre of composted steer manure was applied to half of all the plots remaining from the UTO1044 project. Compost was surface applied, incorporated, and fall CCs (hairy vetch, kale and wheat) planted. Cover crop fresh weight was assessed in April/May of 2017. Cover Crops fresh weight increased by 15-25% regardless of cover crop grown when evaluating plant performance in compost treated areas compared to no-compost areas. Broccoli was transplanted on May 2 and sweet corn and snap beans seeded on May 27-28. Additional organic fertilizer (feather meal) was applied prior to planting broccoli and sweet corn at 50 and 100 lb N/acre, respectively. An additional 50 lb N/acre increased broccoli growth by 20% and yield by 15% while the additional 100 N/acre increased sweet corn height by 7% and yield by 18%. Since no additional N was applied to the sites growing beans, no yield differences due to compost addition was noted. After harvest, the site was chopped, rototilled and fall CCs planted in September 2017.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Drost, D. T., International Asparagus Symposium, "Nitrogen Management Improves Organic Asparagus Growth and Productivity," International Society for Horticultural Sciences, Potsdam, Germany. (September 2, 2017 - September 6, 2017)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Drost, D. T., "Getting to the Root of Vegetable Productivity," Department of Agrifood, Cranfield University, England. (April 5, 2017)
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Progress 07/01/16 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience Audiences could include all vegetable growers (conventional and organic) in the Intermountain region of the western US. Other group including cooperative extension specialists, county staff, state (Dept of Agriculture) and Federal (NRCS, Risk Management) agencies could use this information. Individuals that would benefit from more information on sustainable crop rotations would include local communities, patrons of farm stands, farmers markets, wholesale and retail operations who purchase local foods and are interested in sustainable production. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities Served as committee member to MS students: Bonnie Bunn (MS - Biology - writing thesis), Kareem Adeleke (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; conducting research), Taehoo Kim (PhD - APEC; graduated June 2016), Reagan Wytsalucy (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate; conducting research), Kristiane Pedersen (Summer Intern - Plants, Soils and Climate; extension writing and outreach), and Andrew Swain (MS - Plants, Soils and Climate - writing/defending thesis). Helped students with their on-going research, helped initiated grower contacts to facilitate studies, participated in data interpretation and evaluation, and edited their project findings. Organized and spoke at the 2016 Urban and Small Farm Conference on Feb 27 in Salt Lake City (225 growers, industry leaders, and agency employees attended). Provided attendee's with information on Organic Certification and Cover Crop options. Organized, lead and spoke at the 2016 Kaysville Research Farm Summer Tour (June 29, Kaysville, UT). More than 100 growers, industry leaders, and agency employees from around Utah attended. Growers observed the USU Organic Cover Crops trial and discussed its relevance to Utah growing areas. Participants learned about CC rotations, impact of CCs on weeds, and how nutrient shortages impact vegetable crop yields. The field tour create opportunities for growers to learn and discuss how simple changes in management practice can potentially impact farm production and profitability while providing significant cost savings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination Discussed the integration of cover crops into vegetable crop rotations with 12 traditional and organic vegetable growers who are using CCs in a variety of ways on-farm. Used these opportunities to discuss compost additions and USU research findings where applicable. Finding from USU research used to develop several outreach publications including: 1) Introduction to Cover Crops for Vegetable Production in Utah, 2) Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): Certification Basics, 3) Fruit and Vegetable Organic Certification Basics, and 4) Calculating Fertilizers for Small Areas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plan of Work Obj 1 & 2: Biomass from fall planted cover crops (hairy vetch, kale, wheat) will be determined in Apr-May 2017 and used to determine nutrient cycling. Broccoli will be seeded in March, transplanted in late Apr or early May and sweet corn and beans will be seeded in late May. Broccoli and Sweet Corn will be sidedressed with organic fertilizer to enhance plant performance. Cover crop and vegetable growth will be monitored (biomass) and productivity (yield, quality, maturity) determined. Summer cover crops (black bean, buckwheat, millet) will be seeded in June 2017. The influence of additional fertilizer and winter-summer cover crop combinations on vegetable productivity, weeds and weed biomass production, and soil nutrient status (nutrients and organic matter) will be evaluated through the year. Residue of summer cover crops and vegetables will be incorporated in early August and fall cover crops re-seeded in early-mid September. Data will be used develop planting schedules and CC combinations that enhance soil fertility and quality, optimize vegetable crop productivity, minimize weed pressure, and that have long-term sustainability for conventional and organic growers. Progress reports developed in November-December and data analyzed. Highlights of progress for prepared and will be discussed with growers in January-February 2017.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Accomplishments Objective 1 & 2 (Cover crops for long-term sustainability): Winter cover crops (CCs) plantings were established at the USU Kaysville Horticulture Research Farm, Kaysville, Utah in September 2016. Results from the UTO1044 project consistently showed that nutrient shortages were the major limiting factor causing productivity losses. The objectives of this project are to further evaluate how selected winter (hairy vetch, kale and wheat) and summer (black bean, buckwheat and proso millet) CCs in combination with supplemental nutrient (compost and organic fertilizers) additions influence soil properties, weed pressure, and vegetable (broccoli, green bean, sweet corn) performance in a certified organic production system. In the 2011-2015 study, broccoli head and sweet corn ear yields were significantly lower in the kale and wheat CCs than when grown after hairy vetch. However, green bean yields were highly productive in all CCs since beans fix sufficient nitrogen. Given these findings, in the fall of 2016, 5 tons/acre of composted steer manure was applied to half of the plots remaining from the UTO1044 project site. Compost was surface applied, incorporated, and fall CCs (hairy vetch, kale and wheat) were planted in September. Fall conditions were good to excellent and plant stands were ranked as excellent, with plants exhibiting vigorous growth due to ideal weather conditions.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Presentations
Drost, D. T., Alston, D. G., Nischwitz, C., National Allium Research Conference, "Do Crop Rotations and Nitrogen Levels Impact Thrips, IYSV and Onion Productivity?," National Onion Association, Savannah GA. (December 2, 2016 - December 3, 2016)
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