Project Number: 3645-61660-001-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 01, 2003
End Date: Aug 04, 2008

Objective:
Determine the agronomic, economic and environmental risk/benefits of adopting and transitioning into alternative cropping systems including organic and minimum tillage production systems and the introduction of alternative crops. Develop decision aids that facilitate adoption of science-based research at the field level.

Approach:
Long-term cropping systems field plots will be used to evaluate the effects of alternative cropping systems on crop productivity and economic returns, as well as soil quality characteristics, greenhouse emissions and weed and nutrient dynamics. In addition, this CRIS project will rely on integrating component research from other CRIS projects at this and other locations into farming systems. Basic research from field and greenhouse studies on plant nutrient uptake, weed germination and growth, soil carbon sequestration, alternative crops, and organic farming systems will be analyzed with respect to input and production costs, risks associated with climatic variability, product market prices, environmental risks, social acceptability, etc. In addition to scientific journals, research results will be used to develop decision aids that meet customers' needs in the areas of weed management, nutrient management, and tillage management.