Advanced Organic Production: Vegetable Rotations Intensive
Organic Vegetable Rotations: Can They Be Economically and Environmentally Sustainable?
Crop rotations are a fundamental tool for sustaining organic production and enhancing soil resources. In this day-long intensive we’ll start by discussing how crop rotations impact soil quality, soil fertility, weed management, disease management, and insect pest management. Extension specialists in each area will share the most current information behind the principles of crop rotation.
Jeff Falen of Persephone Farm will describe his farm operation including rotation practices. Using this real-life example from a Willamette Valley diversified vegetable farm we will examine the impacts of crop rotations and introduce two useful modeling tools —TEAM and RUSLEv.2—that will help you plan rotations that benefit your soils and your bottom-line. With the TEAM economic model, we will study crop-specific enterprise budgets based on the real production practices of Persephone Farm. To evaluate the impacts of rotation schemes on soil condition and soil quality, we will use the RUSLEv.2 model developed through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Participants will break out into groups to analyze the modeling results of current production practices at Persephone Farm and to consider alternatives that could enhance soil quality and the bottom-line. Small group presentations and discussion at the end will bring it all together, including an evaluation of the alternative production scenarios.
Presented by:
Dr. Alex Stone, Vegetable Specialist, OSU
Nick Andrews, Metro-Region Small Farms Extension, OSU
Jeff Falen, Persephone Farm
Dr. Jim Julian, Agriculture Economist, OSU
Denise Troxell, Agronomist, NRCS
Dr. Dan Sullivan, Nutrient Management Specialist, OSU
Dr. Charles Merfield, Weed Specialist, Teagasc, Ireland
