Organic Broccoli Production Utilizing Summer Cover Crops

Cover Crops in Sustainable Food Production

Cover crops are important components of sustainable agricultural systems. They increase surface residue and aid in the reduction of soil erosion. They improve the structure and water-holding capacity of the soil and thus increase the effectiveness of applied N fertilizer. Legume cover crops such as hairy vetch and crimson clover fix nitrogen and contribute to the nitrogen requirements of subseq...

Evaluation of Soil Amendments and Cover Crops for Certified Organic Pepper Production

Introduction With the implementation of consistent federal standards for products marketed as “organic” in October 2002 (USDA/AMS, 2002), organic production and consumption is expected to increase beyond current organic sales of $10 billion in 2001 (OTA, 2002). In 1999, Iowa farmers reported 150,000 acres of organic production to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship survey (I...

Crops for Certified Organic Pepper Production

Introduction Organic production rose to 2.3 million acres in the U.S. in 2001 (USDA-ERS, 2002). Much of the increase has been associated with the implementation of consistent federal standards for products marketed as “organic” in October 2002 (USDA/AMS, 2002). In order to meet certified organic requirements in the state of Iowa (IDALS, 2000), a soilbuilding cover crop is required for at least ...

Summer cover crops reduce atrazine leaching to shallow groundwater in southern Florida.

At Florida's southeastern tip, sweet corn (Zea Mays) is grown commercially during winter months. Most fields are treated with atrazine (6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-[1-methylethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine). Hydrogeologic conditions indicate a potential for shallow groundwater contamination. This was investigated by measuring the parent compound and three degradates--DEA (6-chloro-N-[1-methylethyl]-1,...

Cover and information for Summer School