News

Organic Practices and Systems on Non-Certified Land

A Call for Insights from Split and Non-Certified Operations

Our mission at OFRF is to “foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems.” Organic certification has long been celebrated for its benefits to a variety of ecological and social systems; but we know that these benefits are not limited to fully certified organic farms. We understand that for a variety of reasons an operation will only have a portion of their land certified, or possibly forego certification entirely, but still operate as an organically-managed system. For those of you who manage operations like this, you have a unique perspective to observe and compare the impacts of organic practices across different types of land management systems.

We want to hear from producers like you about your relationship with and utilization of organic agriculture research. Research focused solely on conventional or chemical-based agriculture often cannot be applied to organic systems because it relies on inputs that are prohibited in organic farming. However, the opposite is not true: many organic practices can be beneficial for conventional farming operations as well. By understanding how split operations utilize organic principles, we can strengthen the case for increased funding in organic agriculture research that serves the entire agricultural community.

tractor driving across agricultural farm field

There are insights to gain from both split and non-certified organic operations about the benefits of organic.

Split Operations and the Potential of Organic Agricultural Systems

Split operations, where some fields are certified organic and others are managed using conventional chemistry- and genetic-based agricultural systems, provide an opportunity to offer valuable insights into the real-world application and benefits of organic farming practices and systems of management. This dual approach is a ripe opportunity for the observation of the effects of organic principles, such as cover cropping, complex crop rotations, reduced chemistry-dependance, and integrated pest management on their non-certified land. 

We’re eager to hear your experiences and results from grasping this opportunity! The potential for healthier soils, increased resiliency of ecosystems, and even reduced input/fuel/labor costs is real.

Help Us Understand the Broader Impacts of Organic Research

Do you operate a split or non-certified operation that uses organic principles and systems? Do you know someone who does? We’re trying to hear from these operations to better understand how they might be using organic research in their decision making. Their experiences can help us better understand how organic agriculture research benefits the entire agricultural system, not just certified organic producers.

Quantitative analysis already shows that organic research benefits all of agriculture by developing methods that can improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, reduce input costs, and increase resilience against climate change. These benefits are not exclusive to certified organic farms—they are valuable to all farmers who are looking for sustainable, long-term solutions. Now we need your stories to make the qualitative points that illustrate these benefits!

Your Story Matters

Time and again, we hear in Washington that appropriators are hesitant to increase budgets for organic research programming because it is seen as too “niche” or doesn’t apply to all agricultural operations. If you or someone you know has a story to tell on this topic, it will be a crucial piece in helping us demonstrate the importance of organic agriculture research for the broader agricultural landscape. 

Let’s work together to ensure that the benefits of organic agriculture are fully understood and leveraged for the good of all farming systems! Please reach out at gordon@ofrf.org.

Eat well and breathe deeply,

Gordon

By |2024-09-09T19:07:52+00:00September 9th, 2024|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|

Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Salad Days Farm

Written by Mary Hathaway, OFRF’s Research & Education Program Manager

A female farmer in a purple coat smiles as the camera in front of rows of lettuce growing in a high tunnel.

Maggie Dungan, farmer at Salad Days Farm

Salad Days farm is a diverse vegetable operation situated on 30 acres in Versailles, Kentucky. Certified organic since 2015, farmer Maggie Dungan’s interest in growing food started with an education in nutrition and the long dream for her family to be self-sustaining. The farm grows  year round in the field and in hoop houses to supply their on-farm store, restaurants, schools, and four weekly farmers markets.

Maggie works hard to keep mechanization on her farm minimal, focusing on cover cropping, minimal tillage, and other soil health conservation practices. She keeps only 2-4 acres of the farm in production, allowing her to focus on the quality of her systems to grow high value and sustainable food for her community.

Impact of Solarization on Soil Microbiology

The inside of a high tunnel, showing alternating rows of uncovered soil and soil covered with clear plastic for solarization research.

Solarization plots in the high tunnel.

Maggie was first exposed to the practice of solarization using clear plastic in 2022 when the farm participated in a research project with the University of Kentucky. The project studied the effect of solarization in high tunnels on root-knot nematode populations. She was impressed by the results of the trial, and saw first-hand how this technique impacted a persistent soil pathogen. 

Organic farmers like Maggie that focus on minimizing tillage must still manage pathogens, weeds, and other common challenges, and solarization offers potential benefits. However, Maggie was concerned about the impact of the treatment on her soil health, and had some questions – if solarization kills pathogens, won’t it kill the good microbiology, too? How does heat smothering with a plastic tarp impact soil microbial activity? What is the impact on fungal to bacterial ratios?

Before beginning to incorporate soil solarization into her field plans, Maggie wanted some answers, and applied for OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trial program to help her build out a solid research plan and find reliable results that would have a positive impact on her operation.

Farm trial plan

With technical support from OFRF, the Salad Days trial on soil solarization took shape. By refining her research question to: “What is the temporal and population effect of solarization on the beneficial microbes in the high tunnel?,” the research team was able to build an approachable and testable project on the farm.  

Maggie and OFRF built out a block design with two treatments: No soil solarization in the hoop house, used as her control, or regular practice compared to soil solarization in the hoop house. Using her 30’x100’ hoop house as the location for the trial and mapping areas for the treatments, Maggie used a microbiometer to take three different soil samples: first a baseline reading, then one 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively, after the tarp had been removed from the treatment plots.

What is solarization?

Solarization is the process of placing a clear plastic tarp over a field or garden bed to heat up the soil underneath. The intention of solarization is to kill weeds or grass, but is also known to reduce pathogen populations in the soil.

On-farm trial updates

Maggie took her final soil reading in early August, four weeks after she removed the tarps from their beds. While she originally hypothesized that the soil microbes would bounce back, she guessed that their populations would need some time to recover after the tarp treatment. 

8 bags of soil sit on a metal counter next to a soil testing kit.

Soil testing for the On Farm Trial.

The OFRF team has begun to work with the data collected to get an understanding of any significant differences. In Maggie’s experiment, we see that microbial biomass over time differed depending on whether or not the area had been tarped. Under solarization, microbial biomass increased over time, while biomass decreased over time in areas that had not been tarped. As well, the Fungal to Bacterial ratio was higher under solarization than bare soil. The ratio was not affected by time after tarp removal.

The data is compelling, and OFRF will be looking into similar research to better understand the why of these results and give Maggie the assurance she is looking for to deploy a practice that continues to foster the health of her soil and improve her farming system.

“Being able to tailor a research project specific to my farm but useful to all growers has been a great opportunity and having the technical assistance from OFRF has been integral.”

– Maggie Dungan, Salad Days Farm

A graph showing the microbial biomass in solarized and non solarized plots over time, with solarized plots higher than the control.

This story is part of a series profiling farmers who are taking part in OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) program. Farmers receive technical support from OFRF to address their challenges through structured on-farm trials. To learn more about OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials Program, visit our website page at https://ofrf.org/research/farmer-led-research-trials/

To learn more about soil solarization, check out these helpful resources on the web: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation 

To learn more about Salad Days Farm, visit https://www.saladdaysfarm.com

By |2024-10-29T17:19:39+00:00September 5th, 2024|Farmer Stories, FLT Highlight, News|

A Commitment to Community and the Land

The Story of Diane Green and Greentree Naturals

Written by Elizabeth Tobey

Diane Green is a farmer, researcher, and educator, who has been tending the land at Greentree Naturals Farm in northern Idaho for over 30 years.

Nestled between the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountain ranges outside of Northern Idaho, just 60 miles south of the Canadian border, lies Greentree Naturals Farm. Diane Green and her husband, Thom Sadoski, have been tending this certified organic farm for over three decades. At its peak, this small farm had 2.5 acres in production. In recent years, as Diane and Thom have entered their 70s, they’ve downsized and are now actively farming one acre. They produce 130 varieties of certified organic vegetables, herbs, gourmet garlic, flowers, hops, and seeds—many of which are open-pollinated and saved annually. Their mission has always been clear: to build community through education, to model exemplary land stewardship, and to provide fresh, nutritious organic produce to their local community.

Over the years, Greentree Naturals has hosted numerous research projects in collaboration with local universities in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and the Organic Seed Alliance. They’ve also received funding from OFRF and several of the major USDA research grant programs, including NIFA’s Organic Transition Program (ORG) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)—both programs OFRF works to bolster and protect through our advocacy work.

We spoke with Diane in the spring of 2024 about her experience as a farmer and the importance of research, collaboration, and community education.

Why Organic?

For Greentree Naturals, organic farming is more than a method—it’s a commitment to conservation and land stewardship. Reflecting on the broader impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, she emphasizes that everyone can contribute, regardless of their scale of operation. 

“When I look at all the things happening with climate change and the desecration of the earth, it’s overwhelming,” Diane shares. “Growing organically is about making a commitment to practicing conservation and land stewardship, and it’s something that everyone can commit to, whether they have a few grow boxes or a one-acre market garden, or hundreds of acres of food production.” 

This commitment is reflected in every aspect of Greentree Naturals, from their diverse crop offerings to their sustainable farming practices and their continuous participation in organic agriculture research and education activities on their farm.

Challenges and Adaptation

Organic crops growing in the fields at Greentree Naturals.

Farming in Northern Idaho presents unique challenges, particularly with the increasingly unpredictable weather. Over the years, Diane and Thom have kept detailed notes and observed significant changes in weather patterns, including more extreme conditions, such as 90-degree days in May dropping to freezing temperatures overnight. These conditions necessitate season extension techniques and constant adaptation. “Everything I thought was normal has changed,” Diane notes. Planning for these extremes and embracing flexibility is key to success. “I tell my gardening students that as long as you plan for the hottest, coldest, wettest, driest growing season in recorded history, you’ll be ready to grow in North Idaho. But I suppose that’s probably the same for growing everywhere anymore.”

Diane underscores the importance of on-farm research in observing these changes and developing adaptive strategies. “On-farm research [is] a way to help people focus on documenting those changes, and working together through partnerships to find solutions to adapt to those challenges,” she says. 

As the growing seasons become hotter, Diane and Thom have noticed new pests showing up. “We’ve had new beneficials too,” Diane notes. “Last year, we saw praying mantises showing up, which we’ve never had before.” But the new types of pests can be alarming and present a challenge. The farm now has three types of wireworms which were not present before. “The grad student that was specializing in wireworms was thrilled about it, we’re not so much,” Diane says with a laugh. As these variables come into play, Diane highlights the importance of clear observations and documentation. “As farmers, we’re always watching,” she says, adding that participating in research can make a difference in how you see things. “It makes you focus,” she says. “I like that.” 

Conservation Practices

Greentree Naturals produces 130 varieties of certified organic vegetables, herbs, gourmet garlic, flowers, hops, and seeds.

At Greentree Naturals, healthy soil is the cornerstone of their farming philosophy. Diane emphasizes the importance of thinking about soil as a living entity. “The more we learn, the more we know we have to learn about growing healthy soil,” she says. The farm employs a variety of practices to enhance soil health, including reduced tillage and cover cropping, utilizing mustard as a main cover crop because it germinates and grows well in a variety of conditions. They also utilize worm composting and make their own compost, supplemented with OMRI-approved chicken manure-based compost when necessary.

Intimately related to soil health, water quality and biodiversity are critical to their conservation efforts. Greentree Naturals is bordered by wild lands, leading to frequent encounters with local wildlife such as black bears, grizzlies, deer, and elk. Diane incorporates these animals into the pest management workshops she teaches, discussing how to coexist collaboratively with nature.

Research and Education

Greentree Naturals has been a hub for numerous research projects and Diane’s passion for education is evident in her extensive involvement in on-farm research and community education. She contracts with the Oregon State University and the University of Idaho as a consultant, advisor, and farmer-educator. She is also one of the founders of the Cultivating Success Small Farms Education Program and a mentor with the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) with Oregon Tilth.

Thom and Diane both have backgrounds collecting field data for the USFS, and were taught early on the importance of recording accurate field information. Their fields are mapped with numbered rows and easy-to-identify locations of plots, specific crops, and field applications. And, because they are a certified organic farm, they are required to maintain clear records of everything they do in the fields. 

The farm has been a host site for a variety of research projects, including:

  • Efficacy Evaluation of Biological Control Agents Against Wireworms in Organic Production
  • Soil Health and Fertility Testing to Optimize Organic Carrot and Beet Production in Northern Idaho
  • Biodiversity and Natural Pest Suppression
  • Extension of Local Food Production in Idaho Using High Tunnel Technology
  • Combining Trap Cropping with Companion Planting to Maximize Control of the Crucifer Flea Beetle in Organic Mixed Vegetable Farms
  • On-Farm Variety Seed Trials for Organic Systems

Detailed information about the research projects is available on the farm’s website

Hosting field days is an important part of community engagement and education at Greentree Naturals farm.

Diane believes strongly in the necessity of these research collaborations. “It’s really important with agriculture research that it’s duplicated on a farm and doesn’t only happen in a controlled university site,” she asserts. “The more we cultivate partnerships between universities and on-farm research, the better.” 

Hosting field days has also become a substantial part of how Greentree Naturals promotes farmer education and networking. They’ve had to cap attendance for these events, which often sell out. 

“Field days are a wonderful opportunity to network with other farmers, community members, and researchers,” Diane says. “We’ve so enjoyed hosting those at our farm.” They’ve found that the format of a Sunday afternoon event that includes lunch works well for them and their farming community. “Farmers want to learn from farmers,” Diane states, noting that they are always sure to pair a farmer with an extension educator or researcher so that the two perspectives can be shared side-by-side. 

Engaging Farmers in Grant Funded Research

Diane believes on-farm research is a critical component of successful organic research and innovation. 

Grant-funded research has played a significant role in the farm’s ability to conduct meaningful research. Diane was quick to note that the money is not the only reason they have participated in research projects; they have donated hundreds of hours and production space to research projects. But as Diane says, it’s much more sustainable for farmers to participate in research when their contributions are honored. “It’s much easier to let go of a production area for research if you’re compensated,” she explains. She notes that too often grantees come to the farmers after a grant is already written. She strongly encourages researchers and extension staff to engage farmers in the grant-writing process from the beginning to ensure that adequate compensation that respects the farmers is written into the proposal. 

Diane encourages other farmers to engage in on-farm research and to utilize existing resources and partnerships, noting that “as farmers, we are constantly experimenting and testing our ideas.” But, she says, “it’s important to remind ourselves we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” There are lots of resources available from sources like OFRF, SARE, and others. Diane also recommends forming partnerships with local extension educators. “Don’t try to do these things alone,” she advises.

University students assist with an on-farm research trial.

Applied research and partnerships are crucial,” Diane continues, emphasizing the broader importance of collaboration and community in agricultural research. “As farmers, we tend to be pretty isolated, and we tend to want to put our heads down and do what we’re doing,” Diane admits. “But I think ideally one of the best things we can be doing for ourselves and for the planet is working together and building partnerships through the agricultural community.” 

By forming partnerships and engaging in applied research, farmers can achieve more significant and impactful results, benefiting both their operations and the broader agricultural community. “It’s going to take all of us working side by side,” Diane states.

Looking Forward

As Diane and her husband begin to downsize their operations, she has concern for the future of agriculture, particularly the loss of farmland to development and the challenges new farmers face. 

“There needs to be a new model for farmland succession, especially in organic farming,” she urges. Diane envisions a future where farmland is preserved for new generations of farmers, ensuring that the biodiversity and sustainability practices they have cultivated at Greentree Naturals continue to thrive, while also supporting aging farmers in their retirement.

Conclusion

Diane Green’s story is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to organic farming and community education. Through her work at Greentree Naturals, she demonstrates that sustainable farming is not only possible but essential for the health of our planet and our communities. Her message is clear: by working together, farmers, researchers, and educators can create a more sustainable and equitable agricultural system for future generations. 

Make sure you never miss a Farmer Story like Diane’s from OFRF by signing up for our newsletter here. Do you know a farmer whose story should be featured? Fill out this short form to let us know about them.

By |2024-08-27T17:33:14+00:00August 27th, 2024|Farmer Stories, News|

Understanding the Impact of Herbicides and Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil Health

What Research Tells Us

Written by Mark Schonbeck and OFRF staff

We recently launched a new newsletter section, “Ask OFRF,” a place where our community can submit questions for our staff to answer. Our first question came from Brian Caldwell of Hemlock Grove Farm, a certified organic farm in NY.

The life within our soils provides the foundation for successful farming and all terrestrial ecosystems. The diverse community of soil organisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, worms, and more—forms what we now call the soil food web. This web of life converts fresh residues into soil organic matter (SOM) and supports essential soil functions critical for agricultural production. Ever since the early 20th century, pioneers of organic agriculture like Sir Albert Howard and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer understood that “if you feed the soil, the soil will feed the plant.” Yet, despite their insights, mainstream agricultural science of the time often overlooked the vital role of soil life in plant nutrition.

In recent decades, extensive research has begun to illuminate how an optimally functioning soil biota feeds crops, enhances resilience, protects water quality, and contributes to long-term farm viability. However, concerns about the impact of agrochemicals, including herbicides and synthetic fertilizers, on soil health and soil life remain pressing.

Recently an important question was raised:

“Do you know if there is much research on the impacts of herbicides and synthetic fertilizer on SOM or soil health? Organic pioneers reported that soil health declined under chemical fertility management. For reasons that are not clear to me, some scientists discount the Morrow plot findings of Khan et al (2007), which support that. Do you have other research reports on that topic?”

To address this, we turned to OFRF’s Senior Research Associate, Mark Schonbeck. A respected researcher and long-time advocate for organic farming systems, Mark has dedicated his career to exploring the complex interactions between soil management, crop resilience, and farm sustainability. With his extensive knowledge, Mark offers valuable insights into the impacts of herbicides and synthetic fertilizers on SOM and overall soil health. Here’s what he has to say (all resources can be found at the end of this post):

Expert Insights from Mark Schonbeck on Soil Health

There is a growing body of research showing that all classes of crop protection chemicals (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematicides, etc.) adversely affect all major taxa of soil organisms. From prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and fungi through nematodes, micro-arthropods (mites, springtails, etc), earthworms, and more, the soil biotic community is harmed by chemical applications. In fact, routine use of conventional agricultural chemicals have shown greater negative impacts on soil microbiomes than routine tillage in several recent meta analyses.

As for synthetic fertilizers and the Khan and Mulvaney analyses out of the University of Illinois, those papers (this one and this one) included not only the results from the Morrow plots themselves but also a review of a large number of other medium to long-term (5-100+ year) farming systems trials around the world. I used to emphasize those findings, which show that adding synthetic Nitrogen (N) undermines soil carbon sequestration as clear evidence that synthetic Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorous (NPK) fail to build Soil Organic Matter (SOM) despite higher crop biomass, and even sometimes burns up SOM.   

In a 2023 personal conversation, Dr. Ray Weil of University of Maryland (whom I respect highly as a world-class soil scientist) raised concerns about the reliability of the Khan and Mulvaney papers during a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) project meeting (for OREI and ORG) in Washington, DC in 2023. He shared that the studies are being questioned because those showing negative impacts of soluble NPK on SOM may have been selectively chosen in the literature review while those showing positive or neutral effects were de-emphasized. Recent research suggests that soluble fertilizer used along with organic inputs can build SOM and I believe that it is more a matter of what soluble fertilizer by itself lacks and not what it contains that can harm soil life. Recent research suggests that it’s not the presence of soluble nitrogen itself that harms soil health, but rather the imbalance between N and organic carbon inputs.

If a farmer is providing lots of organic inputs (high biomass cover crops, compost, etc.) and then uses some synthetic N or NPK, the yield increase elicited by the synthetic fertilizer can indeed improve SOM accrual. There was at least one meta-analysis comparing organic, organic + synthetic, and synthetic-only fertilization on microbial (fungal and bacterial) biomass. The result was: organic ~ organic + synthetic >> synthetic only (with a highly significant two-fold difference). 

When it comes to fertility and nutrient sources and soil life or SOM, it is a matter of balance between organic carbon inputs and nitrogen inputs (whether organic and/or synthetic). When there is sufficient organic carbon (C) and the C:N ratio is balanced (~15-25:1), the soil life thrives and microbial biomass and respiration increase, as does the formation of stable mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) and more labile or active particulate organic matter (POM)—both important to the functions of healthy soil.

If the C:N ratio is too narrow (for example poultry litter is 7:1), less SOM accrues and the soil microbiome is less capable of cycling N to ensure crop nutrition while minimizing leaching and denitrification losses. In an organic systems study, researchers at Washington State University found that vegetable rotations fertilized with compost (C:N ~20) accrued much more SOM (active and total) and sustained higher microbial activity and function than vegetable rotations fertilized with poultry litter (7:1) at the same total N rate. Crop yields were similar in the two systems. (More on that here).

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between chemical inputs, soil health, and agricultural productivity is a complex one. As research continues to illuminate the complexities of soil ecology, the importance of organic practices in preserving this vital resource becomes increasingly apparent. To foster sustainable agricultural practices, a holistic approach is essential. A transition to more organic and regenerative agricultural systems is essential for ensuring the health of our planet and future generations. Prioritizing soil health through practices like cover cropping and organic matter incorporation is crucial for long-term agricultural success. By understanding the complex interactions between soil organisms, nutrients, and crop production, we can develop strategies to enhance both yield and environmental sustainability.

A Deeper Dive: Key Studies and Findings

The following is a series of excerpts from a webinar Mark gave on Soil Disturbance, where he dives more into each of these topics, including specific studies that are relevant to this question.

The Case of Glyphosate: making sense of conflicting results

While the overall impact of pesticides on soil health is clear, the specific effects of individual chemicals can be more nuanced. Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in conventional agriculture across the world, is a prime example of this complexity.

There are plenty of studies showing everything from no harmful effect to subtle yet alarming disruptions to plant physiology, soil microbiology, or ecosystem functions due to glyphosate applications. Here are a sample of findings:

  • Experiments were conducted within long-term farming systems trials at Beltsville, MD and Stoneville, MS to determine whether foliar applications of glyphosate at normal rates (two applications at 0.75 lb active ingredient per acre) would affect rhizosphere microbiomes (Kepler et al., 2020). Glyphosate-resistant (GR) corn and soybean cultivars were planted in plots with (conventional) or without (organic at Beltsville, unsprayed perennial grass at Stoneville) a history of glyphosate use, and either foliar-sprayed with the herbicide or left untreated. Root and root zone soil samples collected 20 days after treatment showed no differential effect of glyphosate sprays on endophytic, rhizosphere, or bulk soil microbiomes (Kepler et al. 2020). 
  • Field applications of glyphosate at 1⁄4 and 1X recommend rates sharply (>80%) reduced the spore viability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil samples collected 10 or 30 days after field application and reduced the ability of AMF to form functional arbuscules in ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) roots (Druille et al., 2013).
  • Application of glyphosate at roughly half-label rates to orchard grass, dandelion, or white clover growing in greenhouse mesocosm trials (large pots, 12-gallon capacity) significantly reduced the activity and reproductive success of two earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris and Apporectodea caligenosa) that were introduced into the pots five weeks before treatment (Gaupp-Berghausen et al., 2015). Herbicide treatment also caused a sharp increase in soluble soil N and a slight increase in soluble P. Field studies would be needed to clarify the practical implications of these greenhouse observations for earthworms, soil health, and water quality in agricultural production.
  • A study of the prevalence of wheat head blight caused by two species of Fusarium in wheat production in Saskatchewan showed an apparent positive association between the disease and a history of glyphosate use (Fernandez et al., 2009).
  • Ten years of field trials in Missouri showed significantly increased root colonization by Fusarium fungi of glyphosate-resistant corn and soybean treated with the herbicide compared to the same crop cultivars without herbicide treatment. Glyphosate treatment also appeared to affect soil microbes involved in manganese (Mn) availability, N fixation, and disease suppression (Kremer and Means, 2009). It is notable and surprising that this trial gave such different results from Kepler et al. (2020). One possible factor is different regions and soil types. In a review of 67 published studies of the impacts of herbicides on soil invertebrates (arthropods, earthworms, pot worms, and nematodes), 77% of “tested parameters” studied in lab experiments and 32% of parameters in field conditions showed negative impacts (Gunstone et al., 2021).

Glyphosate showed adverse effects in some studies, and no effect in others, and appeared less damaging to soil life than amide/anilide herbicides and most insecticides and fungicides. Possible mechanisms of glyphosate effects on soil life include direct exposure via spray reaching the soil surface or translocation of the chemical from sprayed foliage to the root system, changes in the physiological condition of treated plants that curtail or alter the composition of root exudates including chemical signals, and long-term effects of low-level herbicide exposure year after year. One concern is that, given its frequent and widespread use and sometimes overuse, glyphosate may exert significant agroecosystem impacts despite its relatively low toxicity compared to other crop protection chemicals.

Pesticide Impacts on Soil Organisms: A Quantitative Perspective

To gain a clearer picture of the extent to which pesticides affect soil organisms, it is essential to examine quantitative data from multiple studies. A recent meta-analysis provides valuable insights into this complex issue. The following is another excerpt from the Soil Disturbance webinar:

  • In an extensive review of 398 studies that included a total of 2,842 tested parameters, Gunstone et al. (2021) evaluated the impacts of five classes of crop protection chemicals—insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, and mixtures of two or more chemicals—on a wide range of soil invertebrates including nematodes, annelids (earthworms and pot worms), and arthropods (mites, springtails, insects, centipedes, etc). The authors defined a “tested parameter” as the chemical’s effect on one aspect of the health of one species or larger taxonomic group of soil organisms—the survival, growth, reproduction, or a behavioral or physiological function of the organism studied. Most studies addressed multiple organisms and/or multiple indicators of pesticide impacts on a single organism. All classes of pesticides affected all groups of organisms with negative impacts found in 70% of tested parameters. Lab studies found negative impacts more often (81%) than field trials (53%), and the field studies found more negative impacts of insecticides (61%) than fungicides (38%) or herbicides (32%). Earthworms were the most widely studied organisms (1,321 tested parameters) and showed sensitivity to all classes of agrochemicals including insecticides (82%), fungicides (78%), and herbicides (72%).
  • Researchers have documented significant impacts of corn and soybean seed treatments (fungicides and neonicotinoid pesticides) on the crop rhizosphere microbiomes (bacteria and fungi) and on several trophic levels of the soil fauna (Atwood et al., 2018; Nettles et al., 2016). Neonic seed treatment had a greater impact on non-target soil organisms, especially predatory and mixed-feeding guilds, while having relatively little impact on the target herbivore (pest) species.
  • In laboratory studies, mixtures of Mesotrione and S-metolachlor herbicides degraded more slowly and exerted a tenfold greater impact on soil microbial biomass and activity than either herbicide alone (Joly et al., 2012). A similar synergism related to enhanced persistence was documented for diflufenican and glyphosate (Tejada, 2009).

Balancing C:N for optimal soil health

To optimize soil health and crop productivity, it is essential to consider the balance of nutrients provided to the soil. The following research explores how different nutrient management strategies impact soil microbial communities and overall ecosystem function.

  • Based on five meta-analyses, Young et al. (2022) found that fertilizer regimens that combined organic and soluble N sources supported at least as much SOC accrual (1.3% per year) as all-organic N fertilization. The combination reduced leaching and NH3 volatilization by 28% (intermediate values between all organic and all soluble N treatments), but eliminated the increase in N2O emissions seen with all-organic sources.
  • In a long-term (10-year) greenhouse vegetable production trial, substituting half of the soluble NPK inputs with organic nutrient sources (manure, straw, manure + straw) enhanced soil taxonomic and functional microbial diversity, and specifically promoted the diversity and function of soil microbes involved in P cycling, resulting in greater P mineralization for crop uptake and at the same time holding excess P against leaching or runoff losses (Zhang et al., 2022b).

These findings suggest that soluble N sources disturb the soil microbiome not because of what they contain (nitrate, ammonium, urea) but because of what they lack—organic carbon. Soil microbes thrive on a balanced mixture of organic carbon and nitrogen, and soil health can suffer under organic management if C and N inputs are not balanced. This was clearly illustrated in an 11-year organic vegetable farming systems trial conducted in Washington State comparing plots fertilized with poultry litter (C:N ~7) versus finished compost (C:N ~ 20) at equivalent total N rates. While the two treatments gave similar crop yields, the compost-amended soil had 43% higher total SOC, 65% higher active SOC, and 35% higher microbial activity than the poultry litter-amended soil (Bhowmik et al., 2016, 2017).

The evidence presented underscores the critical role of organic agriculture in safeguarding soil health. By eschewing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic systems inherently protect soil biota from harmful chemicals, fostering a thriving ecosystem beneath the surface. The emphasis on organic matter inputs in organic farming is crucial for building soil structure, enhancing water retention, and providing a steady supply of nutrients.

Mark Schonbeck has worked for 37 years as a researcher, consultant, and educator in sustainable and organic agriculture. He has participated in on-farm research into mulching, cover crops, minimum tillage, and nutrient management for organic vegetables. For many years, he has written for the Virginia Association for Biological Farming newsletter and served as their policy liaison to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. He has also participated in different research projects to analyze, evaluate, and improve federally funded organic and sustainable agriculture programs. In addition, Mark offers individual consulting in soil test interpretation, soil quality and nutrient management, crop rotation, cover cropping, and weed management. He has worked with OFRF as a research, education, and policy consultant for many years. 

For more from Mark on this topic, you may be interested in checking out the Conservation Agriculture Webinar Series he presented, which we hosted in partnership with the NRCS: https://ofrf.org/news/conservation-ag-webinars/

References

Baas, D. G., G. P. Robertson, S. R. Miller, N. and Millar, N. 2015. Effects of Cover Crops on Nitrous Oxide Emissions, Nitrogen Availability, and Carbon Accumulation in Organic versus Conventionally Managed Systems. ORG award 2011-51106-31046. https://nifa.usda.gov/data/data-gateway

Berthong, S. T, D. H. Buckley, and L. E. Drinkwater. 2013. Agricultural management and labile carbon additions affect soil microbial community structure and interact with carbon and nitrogen cycling. Microbial Ecology 66: 158-170.

Bhowmik, A. A-M. Fortuna, L. J. Cihacek, A. Bary, P. M. Carr, and C. G. Cogger. 2017. Potential carbon sequestration and nitrogen cycling in long-term organic management systems. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 32 (6): 498-510.

Bhowmik, A., A. Fortuna, L. J.Cihacek, A. I.Bary, and C. G.Cogger. 2016. Use of biological indicators of soil health to estimate reactive nitrogen dynamics in long-term organic vegetable and pasture systems. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 103: 308-319.

Bowles, T. M., A. D. Hollander, K. Steenwerth, and L. E. Jackson. 2015. Tightly-Coupled Plant-Soil Nitrogen Cycling: Comparison of Organic Farms across an Agricultural Landscape. PLOS ONE peer-reviewed research article. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.013188l 

Brennan, E. 2018. Lessons from long-term, cover crop research in the Salad Bowl of the World – 10 minute youtube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JurC4pJ7Lb4 

Brennan, E. B., and V. Acosta-Martinez. 2017. Cover cropping frequency is the main driver of soil microbial changes during six years of organic vegetable production. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 109: 188-204.

Carr, P. M, M. A. Cavigelli, H. Darby, K. Delate, J. O. Eberly, H. K. Fryer, G. G. Gramig, J. R. Heckman, E. B. Mallory, J. R. Reeve, E. M. Silva, D. H. Suchoff, and A. Woodley. 2020. Green and animal manure use in organic field crop systems. Review article. Agronomy Journal 112 (2): 648-674.

Cogger, C. G. M. Ostrom, K. Painter, A. Kennedy, A. Fortuna, R. Alldredge, A.; Bary, T. Miller, Collins, J. Goldberger, A. Antonelli, and B. Cha. 2013. Designing Production Strategies for Stewardship and Profits On Fresh Market Organic Farms. OREI award 2008-51300-04460. https://nifa.usda.gov/data/data-gateway

Collins, D. P. and A. Bary. 2017. Optimizing nitrogen management on organic and biologically intensive farms. Proceedings of the Special Symposium on Organic Agriculture Soil Health Research at the Tri-Societies Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL, October 22-25, 2017. http://articles.extension.org/pages/74555/live-broadcast:-organic-soil-health-research-special-session-at-the-tri-societies-conference 

Cuartero, J., J. A. Pascual, J-M Vivo, O. Őzbolat, V. Sánchez-Navarro, M. Egea-Cortines, R. Zornoza, M. M. Mena, E. Garcia, and M. Ros. 2022. A first-year melon/cowpea intercropping system improves soil nutrients and changes the soil microbial community. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment vol. 328 article 107856.

Delate, K. 2013. Developing Carbon-positive Organic Systems through Reduced Tillage and Cover Crop Intensive Crop Rotation Schemes. ORG award 2008-51106-19021. https://nifa.usda.gov/data/data-gateway

Delate, K., C. Cambardella, and C. Chase. 2015. Effects of cover crops, soil amendments, and reduced tillage on carbon sequestration and soil health in a long-term vegetable system. ORG award 2010-51106-21857. https://nifa.usda.gov/data/data-gateway

Donne, L. J. 1990. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd Edition. McGraw-Hill, 339 pp.

Franzluebbers, A. J. 2018. Soil-Test Biological Activity with the Flush of CO2: III. Corn Yield Responses to Applied Nitrogen. Soil Science Society of America Journal, Volume 82, Issue 3, https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2018.01.0029

Franzluebbers, A. J., S. Pehim-Limbu, and M. H. Poore. 2018a. Soil-Test Biological Activity with the Flush of CO2: IV. Fall-Stockpiled Tall Fescue Yield Response to Applied Nitrogen. Agronomy Journal, Volume 110, Issue 5, https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.03.0146

Franzluebbers, A. J., M. R. Pershing, C. Crozier, D. Osmond, and M. Schroeder-Moreno. 2018b. Soil-Test Biological Activity with the Flush of CO2: I. C and N Characteristics of Soils in Corn Production. Soil Science Society of America Journal, Volume 82, Issue 3, https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2017.12.0433

Franzluebbers, A. J., S. C. Reberg-Horton, and N. G. Creamer. 2020. Soil carbon and nitrogen fractions after 19 years of farming systems research in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Soil Science Society of America Journal, Volume 84, pp 856-876.

Gaskell, M., M. Bolda, J. Muramoto, and O. Daugovish, 2009. Strawberry Nitrogen Fertilization from Organic Nutrient Sources. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 842:385-388.

Goldstein, W. 2015. Breeding corn for organic farmers with improved N efficiency/N fixation, and protein quality. Proceedings of the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium. https://eorganic.info/node/12972

Goldstein, W. 2016. Partnerships between Maize and Bacteria for Nitrogen Efficiency and Nitrogen Fixation. Bulletin 1. Mandaamin Institute, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 49 pp. http://www.mandaamin.org/about-nitrogenfixing-corn

Goldstein, W. 2018. High Methionine, N Efficient Field Corn from the Mandarin Institute/Nokomis Gold Seed Co.Proceedings of the 9th Organic Seed Growers Conference, Feb 14-17, 2018, Corvallis OR, pp 25-26. https://seedalliance.org/all-publications/

Grandy, S., and C. Kallenbach. 2015. Microbes drive soil organic matter accumulation in organic cropping systems. Recording from the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium, LaCrosse, WI February 25-26, 2015, http://eorganic.info/node/12972

Han, Z., M. T. Walter, and L. E. Drinkwater. 2017. Impact of cover cropping and landscape positions on nitrous oxide emissions in northeastern U.S. agroecosystems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment vol. 245: pp 124-134.

Hurisso, T. T., S. W. Culman, W. R. Horwath, J. Wade, D. Cass, J. W. Beniston, t. M. Bowles, S. Grandy, A. J. Franzluebbers, M. E. Schipanski, S. T. Lucas, and C. M. Ugarte. 2016. Comparison of Permanganate-Oxidizable Carbon and Mineralizable Carbon for Assessment of Organic Matter Stabilization and Mineralization. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 80 (5): 1352-1364.

Jackson, L. 2013. Researcher and Farmer Innovation to Increase Nutrient Cycling on Organic Farms. OREI project 2009-51300-19827. https://nifa.usda.gov/data/data-gateway

Jackson, L. and T. Bowles. 2013. Researcher and Farmer Innovation to Increase Nitrogen Cycling on Organic Farms (Webinar). http://articles.extension.org/pages/67391/researcher-and-farmer-innovation-to-increase-nitrogen-cycling-on-organic-farms-webinar

Khan, S. A., R. L. Mulvaney, T. R. Ellsworth, and C. W. Boast. 2007. The myth of nitrogen fertilization for soil carbon sequestration. J. Environ. Qual. 36:1821–1832.

Khan, S. A., R. L. Mulvaney, and T. R. Ellsworth. 2013. The potassium paradox: implications for soil fertility, crop production, and human health. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems: doi:10.1017/S1742170513000318. 25 pp.

Kloot, Robin. 2017. Rethinking P and K fertility in coastal plain soils. Presentation at the 2017 Organic Agriculture Research Symposium, Lexington, KY, January 26, 2017.

Kloot, Robin. 2018. Using adaptive nutrient management to answer “how much fertilizer do you actually need?” NRCS webinar May 8, 2018. Science and Technology Training Library, http://www.conservationwebinars.net/listArchivedWebinars

Li, C., Salas, W. and Muramoto, J. 2009. Process Based Models for Optimizing N Management in California Cropping Systems: Application of DNDC Model for nutrient management for organic broccoli production. Conference proceedings 2009 California Soil and Plant Conference, 92-98. Feb. 2009. http://ucanr.edu/sites/calasa/files/319.pdf

Li, J., Y. Yang, J. Wen, F. Mo, and Y. Liu. 2022. Continuous manure application strengthens the associations between soil microbial function and crop production: Evidence from a 7-year multisite field experiment on the Guanzhong Plain. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment vol. 338 article 108082.

Lin, D., R. L. McCulley, J. L. Nelson, K. J. Jacobsen, and D. Zhang. 2020. Time in pasture rotation alters soil microbial community composition and function and increases carbon sequestration potential in a temperate agroecosystem. Science of the Total Environment 698, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134233

Morugán-Coronado, A., P. Pérez-Rodríguez, E. Insolia, D. Soto-Gómez, D. Fernández-Calvino, and R. Zornoza. 2022. The impact of crop diversification, tillage and fertilization type on soil total microbial, fungal and bacterial abundance: A worldwide meta-analysis of agricultural sites. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment vol. 329 article 107867.

Mulvaney, R. L., S. A. Khan, and T. R. Ellsworth. 2009. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers deplete soil nitrogen: a global dilemma for sustainable cereal production. J. Environ. Qual. 38:2295–2314.

Muramoto, J., C. Shennan, and J., M. Gaskell. 2015. Nitrogen management in organic strawberries: challenges and approaches. (Webinar) https://eorganic.org/node/14818.

Prescott, C. E., Yi. Rui, M. F. Cotrufo, and S. J. Grayston. 2021. Managing plant surplus carbon to generate soil organic matter in regenerative agriculture. J. Soil & Water Conservation 76(6): 99A-104A.

Puissant, J., C. Villenave, C. Chauvin, C. Plassard, E. Blanchart, and J.Trap. 2021. Quantification of the global impact of agricultural practices on soil nematodes: A meta-analysis. Soil Biology and Biochemistry Volume 161, October 2021, 108383.

Robb, D. and G. Zehnder. 2016. Weeds, nitrogen, and yield: measuring the effectiveness of an organic no-till system. Final report for Southern SARE project GS13-126. https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/gs13-126/

Shrestha, D., O. Wendroth, and K. L. Jacobsen. 2019. Nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas flux across an intensification gradient in diversified vegetable rotations. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-019-10001-8

Smallwood, M., D. Collins, and B. Bowell. 2015. Soil Health in Organic Farming Systems, 2015 Organicology Conference selected live broadcasts. https://eorganic.org/node/12903

Snyder, L., M. Schonbeck, T. Velez, and B. Tencer. 2022. 2022 National Organic Research Agenda: Outcomes and Recommendations from the 2020 National Organic & Transitioning Farmer Surveys and Focus Groups. Organic Farming Research Fdn, https://ofrf.org, 232 pp.

Spargo, J. T., M. A. Cavigelli, S. B. Mirsky, J. E. Maul, and J. J. Meisinger. 2011.Mineralizable soil nitrogen and labile soil organic matter in diverse long-term cropping systems. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst (2011) 90:253–266.

Stratton, A. E., J. J. Comin, I. Siddique, D. R. Zak, L. D. Filipini, R. R,. Lucas, and J. Blesh. Assessing cover crop and intercrop performance along a farm management gradient. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment vol. 332 article 107925.

USDA National Organic Program. Organic Regulations. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic

Virginia Tech. 2018. Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations. https://www.soiltest.vt.edu/Files/handbooks.html.

Wander, M. 2009. Nutrient budgeting basics for organic farming systems. https://eorganic.org/node/3060

Wei, Z, E. Hoffland, M. Zhuang, P. Hellegers, and Z. Cui. 2021. Organic inputs to reduce nitrogen export via leaching and runoff: A global meta-analysis. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118176

Weil, R. R., and N. C. Brady 2017. The Nature and Properties of Soils, 15th Edition.

Young, M. D., G. H. Ros, and W. de Vries. 2022. Impacts of agronomic measures on crop, soil, and environmental indicators: A review and synthesis of meta-analysis. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107551

Zhang, H., X, Zheng, X. Wang, and W. Xiang. 2022. Effect of fertilization regimes on continuous cropping growth constraints in watermelon is associated with abundance of key ecological clusters in the rhizosphere. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment vol. 339 article 108135.

By |2024-09-09T18:08:29+00:00August 19th, 2024|News|

Not All Tillage Is Created Equal

Balancing Soil Health and Weed Management in Organic Farming

By Thelma Velez and Heather Estrada

Organic farmers are often praised for their commitment to environmental stewardship. Indeed, these growers must adhere to rigid standards set forth through the National Organic Program, which delineates what is (and is not) allowed on organic operations. These standards are key to ensuring that the certified organic label is the same across the country. While many argue there is room for improvement in the label (and its enforcement), one thing is certain—farms under organic management are more ecologically sustainable than conventional operations. Organic farms are better for the environment, better for the people, and better for the planet. 

Mattawoman Creek Farm in Virginia uses a permanent raised bed system to eliminate soil compaction. Photo used with permission from www.mattawomancreekfarms.com

That said, organic farmers also face extensive criticism regarding their use of tillage. There is no denying that excessive or poorly timed tillage can lead to soil erosion or nutrient run-off, and there is mounting evidence that tillage can disturb fungal networks, harm larger soil organisms, and increase the decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM). However, it is worth “digging in,” “turning over,” and “exposing” why organic farmers till in the first place and how tillage practices and outcomes differ.

Why Do Organic Farmers Till?

So why do organic farmers till? In 2022, we published our National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) report. Organic farmers across the country indicated that their number one production challenge is managing weeds on their farms (Snyder et al., 2022). Tillage in organic systems is used for a variety of reasons, including weed management, but also for terminating cover crops or preparing seedbeds. While conventional growers use synthetic herbicides to terminate weeds, organic farmers are not allowed to apply these chemicals to the soil, nor would they want to, given the extensive evidence of the harm these chemicals cause to both humans and ecosystems. 

Building and maintaining healthy soil is the key for most successful organic farming operations (yes, this includes dairy and livestock operations where animals graze on pasture). Thus, co-managing soil health while also tackling weeds is something organic farmers deal with on a regular basis. Interestingly, there are researchers and farmers who have been studying soil for decades to better understand the impacts of tillage on different parameters of soil health, and what we are learning is that not all tillage is created equal. In fact, there are organic farms across the country that have been finding ways to keep weeds at bay while also improving soil health.   

The science of the last decade has begun to unravel some of the complexities related to how tillage depth and intensity affect soil organisms and soil organic carbon. 

Impact of Tillage on Soil Health

Amanda Gillett uses a no-till drill on her farm in Montana to eliminate tillage to save moisture and build soil health. Original public domain image from Flickr.

Studies have documented improvements in active soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soil health parameters when combining cover crops and compost applications, even with tillage (Cogger et al., 2013; Delate et al., 2015). Results from six long-term farming systems trials with organic crop rotations that included legume cover or sod crops, organic nutrient sources (compost or manure), and routine tillage actually accrued significantly more SOC than conventional corn-soybean rotations (Delate et al., 2015).  

Variability in Tillage Methods

Tillage is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are major differences between deeper inversion tillage and shallow non-inversion tillage. In one meta-analysis, shallow inversion tillage resulted in higher soil carbon, more effective weed control, and only minimal yield reductions when compared with deeper tillage (Cooper et al., 2016). 

More invasive approaches, such as a moldboard plow, disk plow, or chisel plow at depths greater than six inches, will inherently create more disturbance, but taking a more shallow and judicious tillage approach is generally less harmful to soil health and can be compatible with soil building goals (Schonbeck et al., 2017; Dimitri et al., 2012). 

Additionally, there are meta-analyses with promising findings related to enhanced soil life in reduced tillage systems (Chen et al., 2016;  Li et al., 2020; Morugán-Coronado et al., 2022). Morugán-Coronado’s 2022 paper also included findings showing that reduced tillage systems outperformed full-tillage and no-till with respect to increases in microbial and fungal biomass (Morugán-Coronado et al., 2022).

Balancing Tillage and Soil Health in Organic Farming

While tillage is an essential tool in organic farming, its impact on soil health is complex and varies depending on the method and intensity used. The evolving science of soil management suggests that organic farmers can adopt practices that minimize soil disturbance while addressing production needs. This balanced approach helps to preserve and enhance soil health, supporting the overall sustainability of organic farming systems. 

For more information on balancing tillage and soil health, check out our guidebook “Practical Conservation Tillage,” which provides a practical means to reduce tillage and protect soil organic matter, soil life, and tilth through green manures, compost applications, and other organic practices.

How do you manage tillage in your farming practices? Email us at info@ofrf.org to share your experiences and insights, and stay informed about the latest research to continually improve your soil management strategies by signing up for our newsletter here.

References

Chen, G., C. R. Hooks, M. Lekveishvili, K. H. Wang, K. H., N. Pradhan, S. Tubene, S., R. R. Weil, and R. Ogutu. 2015. Cover Crop and Tillage Impact on Soil Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emission, Pests, and Economics of Fields Transitioning to Organic Farming. Final report for project ORG 2011-04944. CRIS Abstracts.

Cogger, C. G. M. Ostrom, K. Painter, A. Kennedy, A. Fortuna, R. Alldredge, A.; Bary, T. Miller, Collins, J. Goldberger, A. Antonelli, and B. Cha. 2013. Designing Production Strategies for Stewardship and Profits On Fresh Market Organic Farms. OREI award 2008-51300-04460. https://nifa.usda.gov/data/data-gateway.

Cooper, J., Baranski, M., Stewart, G., Nobel-de Lange, M., Bàrberi, P., Fließbach, A., Peigné, J., Berner, A., Brock, C., Casagrande, M., Crowley, O., David, C., De Vliegher, A., Döring, T. F., Dupont, A., Entz, M., Grosse, M., Haase, T., Halde, C., … Mäder, P. 2016. Shallow non-inversion tillage in organic farming maintains crop yields and increases soil C stocks: a meta-analysis. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 36, 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-016-0354-1

Delate, K., C. Cambardella, and C. Chase. 2015. Effects of cover crops, soil amendments, and reduced tillage on Carbon Sequestration and Soil Health in a Long Term Vegetable System. Final report for ORG project 2010-03956. CRIS Abstracts

Dimitri, C., L. Kemp, J. Sooby, and E. Sullivan. 2012. Organic Farming for Health and Prosperity https://ofrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/HP-report-web.pdf

Li, Y., Q. Zhang, Y. Cai, Q. Yang, S.X. Chang. 2020. Minimum tillage and residue retention increase soil microbial population size and diversity: implications for conservation tillage. Sci. Total Environ., 716, 137164.

Morugán-Coronado et al., 2022. Agric., Ecosystems & Envir. 329, Article 107867.  Meta-analysis.

Schonbeck, M. D. Jerkins, and J. Ory. 2017. Soil Health and Organic Farming: Practical Conservation Tillage. https://ofrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/HP-report-web.pdf

Snyder, L., M. Schonbeck, T. Velez, and B. Tencer. 2022. 2022 National Organic Research Agenda: Outcomes and Recommendations from the 2020 National Organic & Transitioning Farmer Surveys and Focus Groups. Organic Farming Research Foundation.

By |2024-08-12T20:50:15+00:00August 12th, 2024|News|

The Impact of Agricultural Research on USDA Conservation Programs

As we have discussed before, climate change and ecosystem degradation are some of the most potent challenges facing our food and agriculture systems. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS, NRCS) offers technical and financial assistance programs, like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), aimed at directly addressing those challenges. These programs help farmers adopt sustainable practices and systems, address resource concerns like water quality and soil health, and both mitigate and adapt to our changing climate. But, for these programs to be truly effective, they must be grounded in robust scientific research. Public investments in agricultural research, especially in systems approaches like organic agriculture, are essential to ensure these initiatives can achieve their full potential and are based on evidence that reflects climate-smart systems.

The Underfunding of Agricultural Research

Agricultural research is an incredibly valuable investment. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in public agricultural research generates $20 in public benefits. That is why it is so troubling that public agricultural research budgets in the United States have fallen by nearly a third in the past two decades. This decline threatens the development of new technologies and practices that are crucial for sustainable agriculture. With reduced funding, researchers struggle to address emerging issues such as climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. As a result, farmers are left without the tools and knowledge they need to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

Adding to the challenge, the nature of agricultural research funding is changing. Increasingly, private sources are directing funding away from public welfare and toward profit-driven goals. This shift means that research priorities are often set by business interests rather than public or farmer needs. As a result, much of the funding goes towards innovations that enhance profitability for corporations like genetic development and new chemistries for pesticides rather than addressing critical issues such as sustainability and climate resilience.

The Importance of Organic Agriculture Research

Organic agriculture research is particularly important because it benefits all farmers, not just those who farm organically. Organic practices, such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and  ecological weed management enhance soil health, improve biodiversity, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs. These practices can be and oftentimes are adopted by conventional farmers as well, promoting sustainability across the agricultural sector. In contrast, research focused on chemical-based agriculture is not applicable to organic producers, as it relies on inputs that are prohibited under organic standards. This discrepancy highlights the need for more inclusive research that supports a broad range of farming systems and addresses the diverse needs of the farming community.

Despite the broad benefits of organic agriculture research, it receives disproportionately low funding. Currently, less than 2% of the USDA’s research budget is allocated to organic topics, and less than 1% of the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) budget is dedicated to organic research. This significant underfunding limits the potential for organic farming practices to be fully explored, developed, and disseminated and likely undermines the effectiveness of conservation and climate programs.

Investing in organic agricultural research is crucial for the success of conservation and climate programs in agriculture. These investments ensure that programs are grounded in reality, based on the latest scientific findings, and equipped to address the diverse needs of farmers. By increasing funding for agricultural research, particularly in organic agriculture, we can develop effective, inclusive, and innovative solutions that promote sustainability and resilience in the agricultural sector.

Recognizing this importance, OFRF has recently entered into a cooperative agreement with NRCS to ensure that their programs, standards, and staff understand organic’s conservation benefits. This critical work underscores the necessity of continued robust research investments to develop and promote effective agricultural practices.

How You Can Help

Public investments in agricultural research are not just beneficial; they are necessary. They provide the foundation for effective conservation and climate programming, ensuring that our efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture are both practical and impactful. It is time to recognize the critical role of research and take action to secure the necessary funding to drive progress in the agricultural sector.

Together with the National Organic Coalition (NOC) and many other partners, we are asking Congress to give organic its fair share of investment in the Farm Bill. You can join us by asking your Member of Congress to support organic research in the Farm Bill.

Will you take action today? The button below makes it quick and easy!

Be well,

Gordon

By |2024-08-08T18:17:53+00:00August 8th, 2024|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|

Ensuring a Sustainable Future With My Legacy to OFRF

Written by Katrina Heinze, OFRF Board Member 2014-2023

A planned gift is a gift to the future. I support organic farming and OFRF because I care about the future health of our planet and its people. A planned gift to OFRF is a tangible way for me to pay it forward.

My mom fed me organic milk before “organic” was even a label. I grew up cooking and connecting with people through food. Later in my career, these interests led me to work in organic foods and organic policy. What a gift! Through my work, I learned about the care, hard work, and amazing knowledge that organic farmers bring to growing our food, as well as the challenges that make farming organically and bringing a farm’s goods to market difficult. 

In 2014, I joined OFRF’s board. Our farmer board members and farmer listening sessions taught me that organic farmers are experimenters and that we still have much to learn about the best production practices to nurture our environment, deal with and address the impacts of climate change, and provide healthy food for all—all while ensuring sustainable economics for farmers and farming communities.

OFRF’s mission is to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. I love OFRF’s farmer-centered, science-based approach. Our work is long-term and requires long-term funding. For example, OFRF publishes the National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) every 5-6 years. The NORA Report is used to ask for Congressional funding for organic research, influence USDA’s grant funding, and help those of us in the organic food industry rally to support our farmers’ most important production (and non-production) needs. All of this contributes to new knowledge and support for organic farmers.

My husband and I have included OFRF in our will in addition to our regular OFRF donations. We did this to model our values for our family, demonstrate how we align our resources to those values, and be clear about the legacy we want to leave behind.

Estate planning can be easy to put off or avoid. However, we found that having conversations with our family about our wishes enriched our relationships. By discussing what mattered most to us and how we could best use our resources now and in the future, we’ve become better stewards of our resources today. We are glad we did this now instead of waiting or missing the opportunity altogether.

Planned giving can take place during your lifetime or at death, and it is a crucial part of your overall financial and estate plan. Typically larger than donations from ordinary income, planned gifts can provide income, financial security, and tax savings to you and your family, depending on how they are structured. In our case, our planned gift includes a multi-year commitment to OFRF now and a designation of a percentage of any remaining estate at our deaths.  

Planned giving is crucial for non-profits like OFRF, who depend largely on annual giving to “keep the lights on.” Although OFRF receives grants for key program initiatives, these grants don’t often pay for staff development, accounting, and the time-consuming work of helping policymakers understand the needs of farmers. Planned gifts build year-to-year stability for now and create a “savings account” for later.

I have seen the impact of planned gifts on OFRF. When I was on the Board of Directors, we received a planned gift. This single donation enabled us to hire a paid intern to support our research program. It also demonstrated to a future grant maker the value of our work, which has now resulted in a multi-year grant. Better still, the donor was unknown to us, and learning about why OFRF was important to them brought us joy and a renewed commitment to our mission.

A planned gift does not have to be complicated. Including OFRF as a beneficiary in your will or naming OFRF as a full or partial beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account is a simple way to make a planned gift. Consulting with your financial and legal advisors can help you determine what is best for your situation and values. Once you have put a gift plan in place, let the beneficiary non-profit know. They will benefit from understanding what motivated you, and you will get to enjoy the impact of your thoughtful gift.

Together, let’s ensure the widespread adoption of organic farming practices. Our earth and farming communities depend on it. Please join me in planting a seed for the future by making a planned gift to OFRF today.

Sincerely,

Katrina

By |2024-08-05T17:27:15+00:00August 5th, 2024|News|

Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Jorge Reyes

Written by Jose Perez, OFRF’s Research & Education Engagement Coordinator

Image: Jorge Reyes in the vineyard.

Jorge proudly comes from a Mexican migrant farmworker family who had a dream of owning a farm one day. After retiring from the Navy, he was able to purchase a 3 acre vineyard located in Potrero, California. Jorge’s young vineyard produces organic grapes and it is in the process of obtaining organic certification. Jorge plans to produce organic wine.

Finding the right on-farm challenge to focus on

Jorge was initially interested in conducting a farm trial to find solutions for suppressing gophers. These little creatures are a constant challenge at the vineyard, because they burrow in the soil, and chew on the roots, severely damaging or killing the vines. He was also interested in testing different practices to manage wasps during grape maturation and harvest. OFRF staff discussed with Jorge the difficulty of designing a farm trial based on these two challenges, given practical limitations, such as the size of the farm and the length of time needed.

The challenges on a young vineyard are not in short supply, so Jorge pivoted to focus on the use of mulch for soil moisture retention, weed management and grape quality. Improving soil moisture is critical to Jorge’s operation, as the irrigation depends on a solar powered pump. The local climate conditions are generally very dry, with 9 to 11 inches of rain during the winter season. Wild fires are a frequent risk during the dry season, making soil moisture a critical factor and cost to Jorge’s operation.

On-farm trial updates

With OFRF technical support, Jorge is now conducting a paired comparison where 10 grapevines with mulch will be compared with 10 vines with no mulch. Jorge applied 3 inches high of mulch around the vine (about a 4 feet area for each vine) in late May. He has marked the trial area with stakes identifying each plant. 

To compare the moisture levels of the two treatments, Jorge purchased a soil moisture sensor. To date, he has conducted two measurements, one in late June, and one in mid-July. Based on those readings, Jorge already sees a clear winner: The soil around the mulched grapevines have consistently been showing good moisture levels, while the readings around the un-mulched plants show dry conditions. This is confirmed by Jorge’s own observations: “The mulch is like a double win, the mulch holds the moisture for longer and it suppresses the weeds as well… There are also a lot of creatures and biological activity in the mulched areas, while just putting the soil probe into the un-mulched areas was a challenge, as the soil was hard,” Jorge said.

Image: Side-by-side trials of mulched and un-mulched grape vines.

Jorge has not cut back on irrigation, but after seeing the immediate effects of mulch, he is considering doing so, which would represent some energy and cost savings. In terms of weed suppression, the pictures Jorge took of the plants in late June are striking (see attached pictures). The mulch successfully suppressed weed growth and can represent some labor savings in the long term. Finally, Jorge is curious to know if the mulch will have an effect on the grapes’ sugar content levels. He is planning to conduct these measurements at harvest through a Brix meter.

Below images: un-mulched grape vines on left and mulched grape vines on right. 

“The mulch provides a beneficial ecosystem that is thriving with beneficial organisms like rollie-pollies and pinchers which help increase the soil health. I plan to double my effort to increase the mulch application. This will lead to water conservation, increase soil health, increase my crop yield and reduce my labor requirement. This is a win-win for the environment and myself.” – Jorge Reyes

At OFRF we are excited to partner with Jorge in his quest to produce a high quality organic wine, while sharing with other small scale grapevine producers the effects of mulching.

“I am 100% sold on organic, protecting our environment and learning to cohabitate with nature. Organic should be the only option, we need to consume healthy food that is not going to poison us.” – Jorge Reyes 

This story is part of a series profiling farmers who are taking part in OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) program. Farmers receive technical support from OFRF to address their challenges through structured on-farm trials. To learn more about OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials Program, visit our website page at https://ofrf.org/research/farmer-led-research-trials/

By |2024-10-29T17:20:52+00:00August 2nd, 2024|Farmer Stories, FLT Highlight, News|

Championing Organic Research

The Vital Role of Salinas ARS and Its Advocates

By Elizabeth Tobey and OFRF staff

Various cover crops growing in the long-term organic systems trial at the ARS station in Salinas, CA

Imagine a farming method that not only enhances soil health and reduces the need for chemical inputs but also addresses climate change and provides economic benefits to local communities. This is the promise of organic agriculture, and nowhere is this more evident than at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) station in Salinas, Monterey County, CA. Despite the significant benefits, the future of this critical research is at risk due to underfunding. Fortunately, the region is lucky to have a strong organic champion in Rep. Jimmy Panetta. With the recent redistricting, the region also gained a member with a strong science and research background, Rep. Zoe Lofgren. We are encouraged that Rep. Lofgren has communicated she is ready to take up the mantle of defending and growing the research station.

The benefits of organic agriculture research are numerous: it serves not only the farmers who rely on it for informed decision-making but also the communities where research stations are located. These programs and agencies significantly benefit the rural communities participating in and hosting the research projects. They generate an impressive $20 of benefits for every dollar invested in public agricultural research. Organic research findings often also benefit conventional farmers, whereas findings from conventional ag research are frequently not applicable to the organic sector.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is a federal agency conducting agricultural research with stations across the country to address the evolving needs of American agriculture and beyond. Among these stations, the Salinas station stands out for its groundbreaking work in organic research. But that hasn’t always been the case.

Many years ago, organic agriculture was not a focus at the Salinas ARS, but OFRF saw the potential. We worked with Congressman Sam Farr, who represented the district at that time. Farr championed the organic research cause and secured dedicated funding that has allowed the Salinas station to become a shining example of the potential for and benefits of organic agriculture research.

Eric Brennan with cover crop samples at the Salinas station

That initial earmarked funding allowed the research station to hire Dr. Eric Brennan, a research horticulturist specializing in organic farming systems and climate-smart agriculture. Dr. Brennan is known for his work on cover crops, soil health, and sustainable farming practices, which he explains in plain language. His research aims to improve organic farming methods to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability. He often collaborates with farmers and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions for agricultural challenges. A prime example is Dr. Brennan’s research into the nutrient management services cover crops can provide.

In a monumental moment in policy-making, Dr. Brennan used his agricultural research experience to weigh in on Ag Order 4.0, a regulatory program that protects groundwater resources in California from agricultural runoff. Dr. Brennan’s research-backed testimony shifted the course of that decision, providing insights on the scientific flaws of the regulation as it existed and instead providing the groundwork for an amended regulation that provides nutrient management credits for producers who can meet thresholds on cover crop biomass (we highlighted his story previously here). His research continues to benefit farmers and ranchers throughout California and across the country. Brennan’s findings are available in various publications, articles, and videos.

The Salinas ARS station is now a hub of organic research. In the years since securing that initial funding, OFRF has facilitated numerous tours for policymakers there, including visits with the current congressman and organic champion, Rep. Jimmy Panetta.

From left to right: Rep Panetta, ARS Research Leader Bill Wintermantel, and researcher Eric Brennan during a site visit to the Salinas ARS station.

However, this critical research faces an uncertain future. A recent conversation between OFRF and the ARS staff brought up a concerning reality—this vital research program is significantly underfunded. The initial funding allocated in the early 2000s hasn’t grown despite the significant and steady growth of the organic sector and the costs of conducting research. The Salinas ARS serves as a shining example of successful organic research, and it desperately needs more resources to continue thriving and supporting organic farmers. 

Thankfully, Congressman Panetta has shown his leadership on organic research policy by recently organizing a group of legislators to send a letter to the appropriations committee, highlighting the station’s importance. We applaud Congressman Panetta and all who joined him for carrying on the legacy of support established by his predecessor, Rep. Sam Farr. However, the fight for adequate funding is still ongoing. The organic community must maintain and strengthen its voice to continue advocating for research like the work in Salinas.

How you can help:

  • Stay Involved: Get in touch if you’d like to be part of the effort to secure funding for the Salinas ARS organic research program!
  • Thank Congressman Panetta: Let him know you appreciate his support for organic agriculture research: find contact info here.
  • Learn More: Reach out to OFRF for additional information: contact gordon@ofrf.org

By working together, we can ensure that the groundbreaking research at the Salinas ARS continues to benefit organic farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.

By |2024-07-29T18:52:47+00:00July 29th, 2024|News|

Organic Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Ajay Nair

Integrating poultry, cover crops & vegetable production can reduce purchased inputs while increasing yields

Written by Brian Geier

Dr. Ajay Nair, Department of Horticulture Chair, Iowa State University

Organic farmers with successful Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS) report benefits ranging from increased farm productivity and reduced inputs to improvements in soil fertility and increased nutrient density in food products. Additionally, organic farmers report site-specific benefits, for instance livestock grazing that provides unique options for crop pest control or decreases the need for mechanical cultivation (learn more about these specific benefits to organic farmers in OFRF’s Crop-Livestock Integration resources). 

While these benefits are becoming better understood, researchers at Iowa State University, led by Dr. Ajay Nair, wanted to look more closely at a specific crop-livestock integration scenario: poultry and diversified organic vegetable production systems. “Commonly researched and implemented methods of crop-livestock integration in the United States,” they write, “include grazing livestock on cover crops, rotational grazing of permanent pasture, and grazing livestock on crop residues such as corn or wheat. Several reviews on crop-livestock integration discuss its benefits, such as increased soil organic carbon, aggregate stability, enhanced nutrient cycling, and increased soil nitrogen (N). There is, however, limited research on the integration of animals in vegetable production.” Now, with funding from USDA’s Organic Agriculture Research & Education Initiative (OREI), Dr. Nair and a team of researchers across the country are evaluating poultry, cover crop and vegetable integration.  

Pastured Poultry: a unique fit for diversified vegetable production

Organic vegetable production systems are often highly diversified, requiring intensive management techniques and quick turnaround times between crops. Poultry, which require less space and are easier to move than other livestock could prove to be a unique fit for organic vegetable farmers. Add to that the relatively low capital investment and many growers and researchers wonder if integrating poultry with vegetables could be profitable while still meeting food safety and National Organic Program requirements. “‘How will I integrate poultry? Where? When?’ That was the number one question our growers had,” explains project lead, Dr. Nair.

Above, left: the three rotations in the study are: 1) vegetable > vegetable > cover crop (V-CC), 2) vegetable > cover crop > poultry (V-CC-P), and 3) vegetable > poultry > cover crop (V-P-CC). Above, right: a floorless coop moves around a cover crop in a plot where treatment 2 (V-CC-P) is being evaluated.

The research evaluates the effects of pasturing poultry in movable, floorless coops through vegetable and cover crop rotations. The multi-state project, which involves research in Iowa, Kentucky and California won’t conclude until August of 2024, but it already has several key findings:

  1. Poultry and cover crops can successfully be integrated with vegetable production systems.
  2. Where poultry are integrated with vegetable production systems, nitrogen inputs can be reduced while vegetable yields are increased.
  3. In field tests at Iowa State University, over time, more weeds accumulated in systems where poultry were integrated with vegetables than in systems without poultry.  
  4. Birds in this study are more efficient at converting food to meat. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of birds in this study is almost double that of conventionally raised broilers. 

The impact of USDA funding for organic research & farmers

Dr. Nair, a professor at the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Science who in July of this year became the Department Chair, credits the USDA/NIFA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative for making projects like his possible all over the country.

“OREI is the foundation for several of the organic projects that happen across the country, and we are very thankful for NIFA for having such a dedicated program for organic growers. It serves as a good platform for us to reach out to organic growers and for organic growers to reach out to us.” -Dr. Ajay Nair

You can learn more about this project and the importance of OREI in this video excerpt from OFRF’s interview with Dr. Nair in early 2024:

This research is funded by the USDA/NIFA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative. To learn more about OFRF’s advocacy work to protect and increase this type of funding, and how you can help become an advocate for organic farming with us, see our Advocacy page.

By |2024-07-23T18:21:33+00:00July 17th, 2024|News|
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