Gourmet garlic is growing in popularity, but is difficult to grow because its size and yield are very susceptible to […]

Conventional soil fumigants, although effective at eliminating these pests, can also destroy important soil microorganisms and are not permitted in USDA certified organic production systems. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a NOP-compatible, soil-friendly alternative. This exciting study analyzed the soil health impacts and efficacy of ASD in managing key soilborne pests and pathogens in organic vegetable and strawberry production systems in Florida and Pennsylvania.

Compared with black plastic mulch, biomulches are a more sustainable option because they break down in the soil. However, they can degrade slowly and may not meet organic standards. This study looked at how different methods affect how quickly two types of biomulch break down in the hopes of finding ways that farmers can make biomulch decompose faster.

Since its launch in 2011, the Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) project has established a robust nationwide network of plant breeders, organic farmers, and small-scale seed companies to develop and release new carrot varieties better suited to organic systems.

Low soil fertility, intense weed pressure, and climate disruption threaten the economic viability of organic dryland wheat production in the western US. Previous OREI-funded research indicated that a one-time application of composted cattle manure + bedding can double soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic dryland wheat yields for at least 15 years after application. The current study explores this compost legacy effect in greater depth, its underlying mechanisms, and the scope and duration of benefits.

Organic soybean and dry bean are highly susceptible to weed competition and to white mold disease. While higher seeding rates often help with weed suppression, there is a concern that dense crop stands might aggravate the incidence and severity of white mold. In this project, experiments were conducted to optimize soybean and dry bean seeding rates, nitrogen (N) inputs, and cover crop management for production, weed and disease control, and net economic return for organic soybean and dry bean.

The Organic section of the New England Tree Fruit Production Guide provides resources for organic apple production in accordance with NOP standards. Learn about products that can be used to manage pests and diseases, and get information on agencies that can assist with certification in New England.

Cover crop “cocktails,” or mixtures containing three or more species, are gaining popularity in organic vegetable production due to their potential to increase ecosystem services and enhance crop production. This study aims to address the research gap in understanding the multifunctional impact of summer cover crop mixtures on organic vegetable production in Upper Midwest conditions.

Integrating livestock into organic production systems can provide several benefits, including (1) improving soil health and structure, (2) boosting soil nutrient cycling and availability, (3) increasing crop yield, and (4) enhancing overall farm resiliency. This study assesses the impacts of poultry integration on soil health, crop yield, and weed/cover crop biomass in several vegetable crop rotations.

Discover integrated weed management (IWM) strategies for organic vegetable farming, combining various methods to effectively suppress weeds while minimizing costs and preserving soil health.

Watch this webinar to learn about abrasive weeding, a non-chemical method using air-propelled grits to manage weeds.

Learn about the Farmer Led Trial conducted by Rhianna Simes, of Verdant Phoenix Farm. Rhianna investigated the impact of occultation tarping on soil health--read the final report here.

Mulching with plastic before planting reduces weed pressure, benefiting high-value crops. Both solarization and tarping methods allow for effective weed control, with options for plastic reuse or transplanting through cut holes.

Explore the benefits of using black plastic tarps in organic vegetable farming to reduce intensive tillage, control weeds, and preserve soil health while minimizing costs associated with traditional tillage methods.

Explore the use of caprylic and capric acid as chemical weed control agents in an integrated weed management plan.

This resource provides an overview of serious agricultural weeds and their plant families, aiding farmers and researchers in identifying weeds through taxonomic relationships and distinguishing characteristics, enhancing their understanding of weed management in agriculture.

Explore the benefits of mulching for weed suppression and crop growth, including biodegradable options. Discover emerging products evaluated at universities, with paper mulches currently meeting NOP standards for organic production.

Explore this NIFA ORG project on managing field bindweed with moth larvae.

Discover an effective ecological management approach for controlling field bindweed. This comprehensive plan combines multiple strategies for persistent application, ultimately enhancing ythis weed management efforts and improving agricultural outcomes.

This resource discusses field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), a widespread noxious weed affecting agriculture across all 50 US states. It's commonly found in various environments, posing significant challenges to crop production and land management.