Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Project results were communicated toresearchers, educators, and students interested in organic agriculture through the following presentations during the this final reporting period: Wortman, S.E. Innovations in biomulch composition and applications.American Society for Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference, Plasticulture Professional Interest Group Workshop (Invited). Orlando, FL. August 2020. (40 organic and specialty crop researchers and educators attended oral presentation and workshop discussion) Wortman, S.E. Biobased inputs for weed management in specialty crops. Iowa State University, Department of Horticulture Seminar Series (Invited), Ames, IA. October 2019. (30 students and educators interested in organic agriculture attended the seminar) Drijber, R. A., M. B. Samuelson, E. Reid, E. S. Jeske, H. Blanco, M. Mamo, and S. E. Wortman. 2019. Biodegradable mulch loss and legacy effects on vegetable crop yield, soil microbial communities and soil properties. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. (on display at conference for one day and viewed by approximately 50 organic researchers and educators) Organized and co-hosted seminar with Nebraska Innovation Studio. Seminar speaker: Dr. Ignatius Kadoma, 3M Comp. Topic: Bio-based mulch innovations for Organic Farming. September 2019. (attended by 30 students, researchers, and educators interested in organic agriculture) Wortman, S.E. Innovations and Entrepreneurship in Urban and Organic Agriculture. "Growing Plants for a Purpose - Urban Ag Event" for Omaha Bryan Urban Agriculture Program. Organized by Tai Pleasant, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. September 2019. (attended by 40 high school students interested in urban and organic agriculture) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students (Mitchell Ben Samuelson and Elise Reid) were trained andobjectives 1, 2, and 3 formed the basis of their thesis. They were both mentored byDr. Ashley Thompson (post-doc) currentlya faculty at Oregon State. Twelve undergraduate students were trained in field and lab research methods as a result of this project, and were mentored bygraduate students and post-doctoral associate. A visiting research scientist from Brazil, Mauro Tofanelli, also received training in greenhouse and lab techniques related to biodegradable mulch and organic agriculture. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Findings were presented to 40 students from Bryan High School in Omaha, NE enrolled in the urban agriculture pathways program. This presentation was part of an outreach and undergraduate student recruitment event. 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. Explore management strategies that increase the rate of biomulch degradation after incorporation in soil. Objective 2. Characterize the microbial drivers of biomulch degradation in soil. Objective 3. Determine the fate of biomulch after decomposition in soil and the effects on soil properties. We completed a 3-year field experiment in two locations - Lincoln and Scottsbluff, NE - to explore management strategies (compost, compost extract, cover crops, and a combination of all three) for increasing biomulch microbial degradation in soil and to determine the effect of biomulch on soil biophysical properties. In year one, two biomulch products (100% bio-based PLA mulchvs. biodegradable, bioplastic film) were laid and red peppersplanted. In the fall after harvest was concluded, pepper residues were shredded, compost and compost extract treatments were applied to appropriate treatments, and biomulch was incorporated in soil with two passes of an articulating spader tillage implement. Immediately prior to incorporation, half of the biomulch was removed from the field (as a control) and that biomulch was cut into squares and used for in situ incubation and litter bag trials. Initial weight of biomulch squares was recorded and placed in litter bag with 500 g of sieved soil from respective plots. Eight litter bags were then buried in each plot to a depth of 10-15 cm. Two bags were removed every 6 months for a period of 24 months. A baseline estimate of biomulch residue in soil was determined after soil incorporation using diagonal transects through each plot and sampling with a golf hole cutter to a depth of 15 cm. Residues were sieved, washed, and weighed. Eight soil cores have been sampled from each plot every 6 months for chemical analyses. Soil temperature and moisture sensors were installed to a depth of 5 and 30 cm, respectively. A mustard or rye/vetch cover crop was planted in spring 2018 (prior to sweet corn planting) and fall 2018 (after sweet corn harvest and preceding 2019 cabbage crop). Two mesh litter bags were recovered in spring 2018, fall 2018, spring 2019, and fall 2019 to determine the rate of biomulch degradation (bag one) and the microbial community composition on and around the biomulch residue (bag two). Residues from bagwere immediately frozen for microbial analyses, and extraction and fatty acid methylated ester (FAME) analysis was conducted. In addition, we collected soil physical and soil chemical data at every 6 month sampling interval. In June 2018, we planted sweet corn and monitored growth, physiology, and yield to assess legacy effects of biomulch residues on subsequent crop performance. For the same reasons, we planted cabbage in May 2019 across the entire experimental area. Mulch mass loss, tensile strength, and qualitative presence by bulk recovery were not affected by treatments which included cover cropping and high rates of compost. Likewise, management had little impact on microbial community structure present on mulch surfaces. Instead, location and mulch type were strong drivers of degradation rate, while mulch type alone was the primary driver of mulch-associated microbial community. Bioplastic mulch was nearly completely undetectable after 12 months of burial at Lincoln,but 67% of bioplastic mulch mass remained at Scottsbluff after 12 months and 50% remained after 24 months. PLA biofabric mass loss was initially more rapid at Scottsbluff, but after 12 months this difference was not prominent with 33% and 37% remaining at Scottsbluff and Lincoln, respectively. By 24 months after soil incorporation, 30% of PLA biofabric mass still remained in soil at both locations. While mesh bags are instrumental in detecting mass changes over time, we showed that they are a strong driver of microbial profiles present in soil and mulch sample fractions, so caution is warranted in interpreting mesh bag results as representative of field status of mulch. Compost amendmentincreased sweet corn yield by 34-43% and macronutrient availability in 2018 (N-71%, P-75%, K-16.9%) compared to all other treatments at Scottsbluff. Biomulch residues in soil did not influence sweet corn crop yield (p<0.05). Cabbage yield increased in compost treatments in 2019 at Lincoln (p=.0045), and decreased in plots with cover crops (p<0.0001). The PLA biofabric increased water stable macroaggregates compared to the control at both locations in the spring of 2019, whereas the bioplastic decreased macroaggregates compared to the control at Lincoln. Increased water stable aggegrates were attributed to enhanced fungal colonization of the PLA mulch. Organic amendments improved soil sorptivity both years at Scottsbluff and in 2019 at Lincoln. Initial results of this study suggest that the effects of biobased mulch residues on soil macronutrients and yield are inconsequential compared to the effects of compost application. Biodegradable PLA based mulches may have a positive effect on soil properties after soil incorporation, although they are slow to degrade even with added amendments. Common organic management practices including use of compost, compost extract, and cover crops had little effect on the degradation rate of two different bio-based or biodegradable mulches in this study. Instead, mulch composition and local environmental conditions explained differences in degradation rates over time. While the degradation rate was unphased by soil management, we did observe any negative effects of biomulch residues on susbsequent crop yield or soil properties; in fact, there is some evidence that the PLA biofabric improved soil health. Given these results, it may be necessary to review the current requirement that any biobased mulch used in USDA certified organic systems be biodegraded in soil by 90% within 2 years. PLA biofabric was not degraded by 90% after 2 years in this study, but we observed only neutral or positive effects of the residues in soil. Objective 4. Develop curriculum for and teach a new undergraduate course titled, "Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture." "Innovations for Agriculture," a course developed in fall 2017 through this project, was taught for the third time in fall 2019. Using biobased mulch innovations as the first case study, we introduce students to a framework (rooted in design thinking) for defining challenges, assessing status quo approaches to challenges, and developing innovative products or technologies to better address those challenges. Students have the opportunity to research, develop, prototype, test, and pitch an agricultural innovation of their own creation (including, but not limited to, OMRI-approved products and technologies for organic stakeholders). Each student in this course presented a total of seveninnovation "pitches" during the semester, and end-of-semester surveys indicated that 100% agreed that the class improved their oral communication skills. Students worked in teams to compare and design solutions to fiveunique challenges in agriculture and100% agreed that they are now more comfortable working in teams to solve complex problems. Students created and pitched their final prototype to a panel of experts and at least twostudents indicated that they plan to pursue development of their prototype after the course. Objective 5. Disseminate project results to stakeholders including, organic farmers, researchers, and policy-makers. Project results have been published in two M.S. student theses and are open-acess to organic farmers, researchers, and policy-makers. We are in the process of preparing both theses for publication in peer-reviewed journals to increase the impact and reach of this research. During the final year of the project, project results were disseminated to over 190 organic researchers, educators, and students through two presentations at national scientific conferences, open seminars at Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska, and a high school outreach event.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Samuelson, M.B. 2019. Microbial response to biodegradable mulch: Can degradation rate be accelerated by management? Theses, Dissertations, and Student Research in Agronomy and Horticulture. 179. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/agronhortdiss/179
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Reid, E.V.H. 2019. Legacy effects of biodegradable mulch and soil amendments on vegetable crops and the soil. Theses, Dissertations, and Student Research in Agronomy and Horticulture. 178. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/agronhortdiss/178
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Samuelson, M. B., S. E. Wortman, and R. Drijber. 2019. Assessing the quality and possible functions of compost extracts in organic systems. eOrganic Fact Sheet. http://eorganic.org/node/33458
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Project results were communicated to University of Nebraska Extension Educators, organic farmers, researchers, and students, and the general public through the following presentations during the this reporting period: 1. Reid, E., S. E. Wortman, M. B. Samuelson, R. Drijber, and H. Blanco. 2019. Legacy effects of biodegradable mulch on vegetable crop yield and soil properties. American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV. (15 organic researchers in attendance at oral presentation). 2. Samuelson, M. B., R. Drijber, and S. E. Wortman. 2019. Assessing the quality and possible functions of compost extracts in organic systems. American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV. (20 organic researchers in attendance at oral presentation). 3. Reid, E. V., H. Blanco, R. Drijber, and S. E. Wortman. 2019. Biodegradable mulch effects on soil physical properties and yield. Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO. (180 conference attendees; poster on display for two days of conference) 4. Samuelson, M. B., R. Drijber, A. T. Thompson, and S. E. Wortman. 2019. Managing biodegradable mulch films: Lessons from the lab, greenhouse, and field. Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO. (180 conference attendees; poster on display for two days of conference) 5. Vegetable Crops Research Update and Field Tour. Community Environment Landscape Systems In-Service. Nebraska Extension. Lincoln, NE. June 2019. (15 extension educators reached) 6. Leveraging Nebraska's bioresources for weed control in specialty crops. January 2019. Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Spring Seminar Series. https://agronomy.unl.edu/2019-seminar-series (40 faculty, staff, and students reached; seminar archived online) 7. Bio-based, renewable inputs for sustainable specialty crop production. January 2019. Great Plains Growers Conference. St. Joseph, MO. (30 organic farmers and researchers attended oral presentation) 8. Guest on "How's it Growing" to discuss biodegradable mulch research with host Bob Henrickson, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. KZUM 89.3 FM. December 2018. (estimated 2,000 online and FM listeners to program) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two graduate students (Mitchell Ben Samuelson and Elise Reid) are being trained on this project, and research in objectives 1, 2, and 3 will form the basis of their thesis projects. They both worked closely with a post-doctoral associate, Ashley Thompson, who is now in a faculty position at Oregon State University. Ten undergraduate students have been trained in field and lab (soil chemical, physical, and microbial) research methods as a result of this project, and have been managed by the graduate students and post-doctoral associate. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project was discussed on a local radio program, "How's it Growing," in December 2018. KZUM 89.3 FM. Approximately 2,000 local and online listeners. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next reporting period, we will complete all project objectives. We will conduct the final mulch recovery (24 months after burial) from bulk soil and litter bags during a third and final season of crop production (rotated to cabbage) in the original biomulch plots. We will collect soil chemical, physical, and microbial data at the final biomulch recovery interval, in addition to cabbage growth and yield data. Dissemination of project results will continue through grower conferences, professional presentations, and we will submit at least two additional peer-reviewed papers for publication in international scientific journals. We will offer Innovations for Agriculture for the third time and document learning outcomes from the course.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objectives 1, 2, & 3: We are currently in the final year of a three-year field experiment across two locations - Lincoln and Scottsbluff, NE - to explore management strategies for increasing biomulch microbial degradation in soil and to determine the effect of biomulch on soil biophysical properties. In year one, two different biomulch products (100% bio-based fabric mulch vs. biodegradable, bioplastic film) were laid in each field and red peppers were planted. In the fall after harvest was concluded, pepper residues were shredded, compost and compost extract treatments were applied to appropriate treatments, and biomulch was incorporated in soil with two passes of an articulating spader tillage implement. Immediately prior to incorporation, half of the biomulch was removed from the field (as a control) and that biomulch was cut into squares and used for in situ incubation and litter bag trials. Initial weight of biomulch squares was recorded and then placed in litter bag with 500 g of sieved soil from respective field plots. Eight litter bags were then buried in each plot to a depth of 10-15 cm. Two bags have been removed every 6 months for a period of 18 months. A baseline estimate of biomulch residue in soil was determined after soil incorporation using diagonal transects through each plot and sampling with a golf hole cutter to a depth of 15 cm. Residues were sieved, washed, and weighed. Eight soil cores have been sampled from each plot every 6 months for chemical analyses. Soil temperature loggers were installed to a depth of 5 cm in each plot for year-round data collection, and soil moisture sensors were installed to a depth of 30 cm in a subset of plots for data collection during the growing season. A mustard or rye/vetch cover crop was planted in appropriate plots in spring 2018 (prior to sweet corn planting) and fall 2018 (after sweet corn harvest and preceding 2019 cabbage crop). Two mesh litter bags were recovered in spring 2018, fall 2018, and spring 2019 to determine the rate of biomulch degradation (bag one) and the microbial community composition on and around the biomulch residue (bag two). We also used the golf hole cutter transect method to compare estimates of degradation between litter bags and bulk soil. Residues from bag two were immediately frozen for microbial analyses, and extraction and fatty acid methylated ester (FAME) analysis was conducted. In addition to biomulch recovery and analysis, we collected soil physical data - aggregate stability, penetration resistance, water infiltration, and sorptivity - and soil chemical data at every 6 month sampling interval. In June 2018, we planted sweet corn throughout the entire experimental area and monitored growth, physiology, and yield to assess residual effects of biomulch residues on subsequent crop performance. For the same reasons, we planted cabbage in May 2019 across the entire experimental area. Objective 4: "Innovations for Agriculture," a course developed in fall 2017 through this project, was taught again in fall 2018. Using biobased mulch innovations as the first case study, we introduce students to a framework (rooted in design thinking) for defining challenges, assessing status quo approaches to challenges, and developing innovative products or technologies to better address those challenges. Students have the opportunity to research, develop, prototype, test, and pitch an agricultural innovation of their own creation (including, but not limited to, OMRI-approved products and technologies for organic stakeholders). Students learn prototyping skills at the Nebraska Innovation Studio Maker Space, and interact with innovators from industry. There were 12 students enrolled in the course (maximum capacity for this hands-on class) and it is again at capacity for the fall 2019 semester. Objective 5: We published one paper in "Journal of Polymers and the Environment." This paper summarizes the soil incubation study completed in year one of the project where we studied two prototype biomulch products (with plant-based residues embedded in the mulch matrix) and the effects of biostimulants on biomulch degradation and microbial respiration. A second product is in revision for publication as an eOrganic article to summarize results of recently completed studies that characterized the chemical and biological properties of a diverse suite of compost extracts and their effects on crop seedling performance in biomulch residue-rich soils. In year three, project results were disseminated to: University of Nebraska extension educators, students, staff, and faculty through one field day (15 participants) and one oral seminar (40 attendees); organic researchers through two oral presentations at the American Society for Horticultural Science annual meeting (35 attendees); organic farmers through two posters and one oral presentation at the Great Plains Growers Conference (180 conference participants and 30 farmers/researcher attendees at presentation); and the general public through one radio interview (2,000 listeners).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Thompson, A. A., M. B. Samuelson, I. Kadoma, E. Soto-Cantu, R. Drijber, and S. E. Wortman. 2019. Degradation rate of bio-based agricultural mulch is influenced by mulch composition and biostimulant application. Journal of Polymers and the Environment pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-019-01371-9
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:At least 20 Extension educators, at least 30 organic farmers, at least 30 organic researchers, and an unmeasurable number of general public received information about this project through one field day, a poster at a grower conference, three posters at academic conferences, and segments on public radio and television. Presentations: Samuelson, M. B., R. Drijber, E. Jeske, and S. E. Wortman. 2018. Assessing microbial communities of compost extracts and their effects on lettuce growth after residue incorporation in soil. American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. Washington, D.C. Thompson, A. A., M. B. Samuelson, I. Kadoma, R. Drijber, and S. E. Wortman. 2018. Commercial biostimulants increase biodegradation of polylactic acid based agricultural mulches containing alfalfa or soy particles. American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. Washington, D.C. Wortman, S. E., and D. Lambe. 2018. Innovations for Agriculture: Prototyping solutions to sustainability challenges. NACTA Annual Conference, Ames, IA. Samuelson, M. B., R. Drijber, E. Jeske, T. Powers, R. Higgins, and S. E. Wortman. 2018. Biological properties of compost extracts and effects on residue processing. SARE/ATTRA Our Farms, Our Future Conference. St. Louis, MO. Vegetable Research Field Tour, Kansas State University Extension Agents and Specialists. June 2018. Interviewed for segment about biodegradable mulch on NET/Nebraska Extension "Backyard Farmer." August 2018. https://extensiontv.unl.edu/v/5815 Research collaboration featured in 3M Annual Sustainability Report, in article titled, "Biodegradable mulch material gets field test." May 2018. Interviewed about bio-based mulch research for Nebraska Extension Almanac. January 2018. https://extensionalmanac.unl.edu/ Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students (Mitchell Ben Samuelson and Elise Reid) are being trained on this project, and research in objectives 1, 2, and 3 will form the basis of their thesis projects. They both worked closely with a post-doctoral associate, Ashley Thompson, who recently accepted a faculty position at Oregon State University in year two of this project. Six undergraduate students have been trained in field and lab (soil chemical, physical, and microbial) research methods as a result of this project, and have been managed by the graduate students and post-doctoral associate. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An unmeasurable number of general public received information about this project through segments on public radio and television and through a corporate sustainability report. Interviewed for segment about biodegradable mulch on NET/Nebraska Extension "Backyard Farmer." August 2018. https://extensiontv.unl.edu/v/5815 Research collaboration featured in 3M Annual Sustainability Report, in article titled, "Biodegradable mulch material gets field test." May 2018. Interviewed about bio-based mulch research for Nebraska Extension Almanac. January 2018. https://extensionalmanac.unl.edu/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will complete all project objectives. We will conduct at least two additional mulch recoveries from bulk soil and litter bags during a third and final season of crop production (rotating to broccoli) in the original biomulch plots. We will continue to collect soil chemical, physical, and microbial data at each biomulch recovery interval, in addition to crop growth and yield data. Dissemination of project results will continue through grower conferences and field days and also through development of additional YouTube videos. We will offer Innovations for Agriculture for the third time, and begin to document learning outcomes and create reuseable learning objects (e.g., open access case studies) from the course.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objectives 1, 2, & 3: We are currently in year two of a three-year field experiment across two locations - Lincoln and Scottsbluff, NE - to explore management strategies for increasing biomulch microbial degradation in soil and to determine the effect of biomulch on soil biophysical properties. In year one, two different biomulch products (100% bio-based fabric mulch vs. biodegradable, bioplastic film) were laid in each field and red peppers were planted. In the fall after harvest was concluded, pepper residues were shredded, compost and compost extract treatments were applied, and biomulch was incorporated in soil with two passes of an articulating spader tillage implement. Immediately prior to incorporation, half of the biomulch was removed from the field (as a control) and that biomulch was cut into squares and used for in situ incubation and litter bag trials. Initial weight of biomulch squares was recorded and then placed in litter bag with 500 g of sieved soil from respective field plots. Eight litter bags were then buried in each plot to a depth of 10-15 cm. Two bags will be removed every 6 months for a period of 18 months. A baseline estimate of biomulch residue in soil was determined after soil incorporation using diagonal transects through each plot and sampling with a golf hole cutter to a depth of 15 cm. Residues were sieved, washed, and weighed. Eight soil cores were sampled from each plot for chemical analyses. Also at this time, soil temperature loggers were installed to a depth of 5 cm in each plot and soil moisture sensors were installed to a depth of 30 cm in a subset of plots. Beginning in fall 2017, irrigation water was applied intermittently, and in spring 2018 a mustard cover crop was planted in appropriate treatments. The first two mesh litter bags were recovered in spring 2018 to determine the rate of biomulch degradation (bag one) and the microbial community composition on and around the biomulch residue (bag two). We also used the golf hole cutter transect method to compare estimates of degradation between litter bags and bulk soil. Residues from bag two were immediately frozen for microbial analyses, and extraction and fatty acid methylated ester (FAME) analysis is currently underway. In addition to biomulch recovery and analysis, we collected soil physical data - aggregate stability, penetration resistance, and water infiltration - and soil chemical data in spring 2018. In June 2018, we planted sweet corn throughout the entire experimental area and monitored growth, physiology, and yield to assess residual effects of biomulch residues on subsequent crop performance. Objective 4: A new course - "Innovations for Agriculture" - was developed, approved, and taught for the first time in fall 2017 and will be taught again in fall 2018. Using bio-based mulch innovations as the first case study, we introduce students to a framework (rooted in design thinking) for defining challenges, assessing status quo approaches to challenges, and developing innovative products or technologies to better address those challenges. Students have the opportunity to research, develop, prototype, test, and pitch an agricultural innovation of their own creation (including, but not limited to, OMRI-approved products and technologies for organic stakeholders). Students learn prototyping skills at the Nebraska Innovation Studio Maker Space, and interact with innovators from industry, including project cooperator Ignatius Kadoma from 3M Company. There were six students in the inaugural class, and 12 students (the maximum capacity for this hands-on class) are enrolled for the fall 2018 semester. Objective 5: We have prepared one publication for submission to the journal "Polymers" and a special issue on Recent Advances in Bioplastics. This paper summarizes the soil incubation study completed in year one of the project where we studied two prototype biomulch products (with plant-based residues embedded in the mulch matrix) and the effects of biostimulants on biomulch degradation and microbial respiration. A second publication is in preparation for submission to "Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems" to summarize results of recently completed studies that characterized the chemical and biological properties of a diverse suite of compost extracts and their effects on crop seedling performance in residue-rich soils. In year two, project results were disseminated to organic researchers and educators through one field day (20 participants) and three professional abstracts and poster presentations at the American Society for Horticultural Science annual meeting. At least 30 organic farmers were reached through a poster presentation at the North Central Region SARE annual conference. Project information was disseminated to the general public via a radio interview with Nebraska Extension almanac and television segment on NET Television's Backyard Farmer (https://extensiontv.unl.edu/v/5815). The project was also featured in the 3M Annual Sustainability Report (https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/sustainability-report/all-stories/full-story/?storyid=16e7a9d6-5214-42d5-a685-f12b56f54669).
Publications
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Over 100 vegetable and specialty crop growers were reached during the first reporting period through three presentations at grower conferences, one field day, and one webinar. We also reached organic researchers, educators, and studentsthrough one invited seminar and an Extension in-service and field tour. Prentations: Integrating fertility and weed management in hop production. Hops Field Day and Scouting Workshop. Midwest Hops Producers. Plattsmouth, NE. July 2017. 25 attendees. Bio-based weed management tools for specialty crops. Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Webinar. July 2017. Archived online:http://nesare.unl.edu/sarewebinars "Quick Hitters" Specialty Crops Research Update and Field Tour. Community Environment Landscape Systems In-Service and Field Day. Nebraska Extension. Lincoln, NE. June 2017. 20 attendees. Bio-based weed management tools for specialty crops. Small Scale Farming Workshop. Nebraska Extension. Nebraska City, NE. April 2017. 20 attendees. Blasting, biomulch, and cover crops: Non-chemical weed control for vegetable crops. Great Plains Growers Conference. St. Joseph's, MO. January 2017. 30 attendees. Blasting, biomulch, and cover crops: Multifunctional weed management tools for vegetable crops. Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, Healthy Farms Conference. Columbus, NE. January 2017. 20 attendees. "Blasting and biomulch: Developing new physical weed control strategies in vegetable crops." South Dakota State University, Plant Science Department, Brookings, SD. October 2016. 30 attendees. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One graduate student (Mitchell Ben Samuelson) is being trained on this project and research in objectives 1, 2, and 3 will form the basis of his thesis. This student is working closely with a post-doctoral associate (Ashley Thompson) on our team to conduct lab and field studies. Together they are working to train, develop, and supervise a team of four undergraduate students working part-time on this project. Through this experience, Mitchell and Ashley are gaining valuable experience in time and personnel management, and combined with the undergraduate students, they are all gaining valuable training and experience inlab and field sampling and analytical techniques. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will make progress toward all five project objectives. Toward our three research objectives, we will continue managing our field trials at Lincoln and Scottsbluff and implement experimental treatments to speed the rate of biomulch degradation in soil, including the use of compost, cover crops, irrigation (farmer choice), compost extract (farmer choice), and a mixture of all treatments. We will bury mulch residues in soil and litter bags and recover samples for analysis of mulch degradation andmicrobial community composition (objectives 1 and 2). We will also determine any changes in soil physical structure resulting from soil incorporation of biomulch residue (objective 3). A second M.S. graduate student, Elise Reid, will begin working on this project and this research will form the basis of her thesis. Toward our teaching objective, Dr. Wortman will offer "Innovations for Agriculture" for the first time, collect data on student products and learning outcomes, and improve curriculum for subsequent offerings. In addition, industry collaborators will be recruited for participation in the course as mentors during the design process(objective 4). Lastly, we will continue outreach efforts by presenting project activities and results at grower conferences and field days and increase our project reach by developing YouTube videos and other online project resources (objective 5).
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objectives 1 and 2: We completed a soil incubation study in the lab to determine the effect of compost and commercially available microbial inoculants on the rate of soil respiration and biomulch degradation. Data was collected for respiration, mulch physical characteristics and decay, and microbial communities adhering to biomulch. Analyzed results will be used to inform treatments for the larger field experiment. Moreover, this incubation study, combined with the larger field study were used to leverage additional funding througha graduate student grant from North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE). This complementary project funding will enable us to systematically characterize chemical and biological properties of compost and compost extracts that may be useful for speeding degradation of agricultural residues, including bio-based mulches. Objectives 1, 2, & 3: A field experiment was initiated in Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE where red peppers were planted into a 100% bio-based fabric mulch (potentially allowable for use on organic farms) or a biodegradable, bioplastic film (not 100% bio-based, and not allowed for soil incorporation on organic farms). After a full field production season, mulches will be soil incorporated and experimental treatments for speeding microbial degradation of biomulch will be implemented. Objective 4: Curriculum was developed for a new course titled, "Innovations for Agriculture."This course has been approved by the College of Agricultural Sciencesand Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska and will be taught for the first time in Fall 2017. Objective 5: Project background, goals, and approach were presented to over 100 vegetable and specialty crop growers through three presentations at grower conferences, one field day, and one webinar. We also reached organic researchers, educators, and studentsthrough one invited seminar and an Extension in-service and field tour.
Publications
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