Resilience System Design and Management for Organic, Transitional, and Sustainable Vegetable Growers.

Our project will train organic, transitioning, and sustainable vegetable farmers in production systems design and techniques that will make their operations less dependent on off-farm inputs and, in the case of weed management, reduce labor costs. Production system design will focus on the key elements of organic bio-extensive models—Cover Crops, green fallow, and planned crop rotations—which have not been well-explored or demonstrated in the Midsouth. Crop rotations, winter Cover Crops, and green fallow (summer Cover Crops) nurture soil biology, improve fertility, control erosion, prevent nutrient leaching, provide mulch, attract beneficial insects and control pests, especially weeds. When incorporated into a production system, such as a bio-extensive model, the reduced-input, humus-management concept that organic agriculture is founded upon becomes evident. Compatible with these system design elements are supportive practices that contribute to farm self-sufficiency. We will also provide training on these techniques that include making and using compost, compost tea, plant-based foliar fertilizers, and biochar.