2014 Dryland Organic Farming Research Review and Farm Tour

WSU hosted a Dryland Organic Farming Research Review and Farm Tour on July 9th, 2014. Growers and researchers presented their recent experiences with dryland organic production of small grains, forages and pulses. Topics covered included using composted manure for wheat production, companion cropping vs. cover cropping using legumes, profitable transition strategies, soil quality issues and a survey of organic practices in the region. Growers Owen Jorgensen and Eric Nelson shared their first-hand experience with organic production of small grains.

Lunch was followed by a tour of the Boyd Dryland Organic Farm. Associate professor Ian Burke and graduate student Nicole Tautges showed their research plots and presented recent results. Featured research included a comparison of cropping rotations for grain production, forage and grain triticale production and the use of precision in-row tillage for weed control.

A winter wheat plot at the Boyd Organic Farm. 9 different rotation systems are being evaluated for organic production.
A winter wheat plot at the Boyd Organic Farm. 9 different rotation systems are being evaluated for organic production.

Nicole Tautges presents her research on intercropping grains with peas for nitrogen supply and using precision in-row cultivation.
Nicole Tautges presents her research on intercropping grains with peas for nitrogen supply and using precision in-row cultivation.