Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center
Project Number: 6020-21500-001-003-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Mar 1, 2021
End Date: Feb 29, 2024
Objective:
The overall objective is to evaluate the impact of various okra cover crop termination strategies and poultry litter application methods on organic crop production, weed suppression, and short-term soil response.
Approach:
Existing certified organic acreage will be used to assess the impact of an okra cover crop, various cover crop termination strategies, and poultry litter application methods on small grain (wheat, barley) yield, weed suppression, and soil quality with a focus on soil enzyme activity. Termination strategies will include the use of no-till methods using a roller-crimper or hay mower and a high-disturbance method using a disc. Poultry litter management strategies used will be surface application, surface application followed by incorporation using a disc, and sub-surface application in bands.
