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2009 Research and Education Projects

Southern Region SARE received 166 preproposals in FY 2009. Of the 44 full proposals, the AC chose 11 projects for funding by the Southern Region SARE Program. The range of grants was from $100,000 to $230,000.

The 2009 project chart below gives insight not only about what SARE reviewers look for in a grant but also a glimpse into what's currently on the mind of researchers. The following abstracts introduce the new projects.

Investigators will be entering their new projects into the data base and following up with annual reports throughout the life of the project. View the reports at www.sare.org

LS09-215 Developing low-cost sustainable sweetpotato production strategies to facilitate adoption in the mid-south, $185,000

Many barriers to adoption of sustainable production systems have been reported in the southern region, but the fact that there is only one sustainable/organic sweetpotato farmer in Mississippi suggests little or no real incentive to adopt sustainable systems. Developing low-cost sustainable/organic sweetpotato production systems adapted to the southern region would promote adoption with a positive impact in the region's sustainability, but primarily benefit small and medium scale farmers of limited resources. The benefit will be of considerable proportions since the southern region produces 77% of the national sweetpotato production valued at $373 million annually.

The purpose of this project is to review and develop low-cost sustainable sweetpotato production strategies to facilitate adoption of sustainable/organic production systems. Three objectives are proposed in this project. 1) Evaluate sustainable ground management strategies to improve sweetpotato production in a sustainable production system. Trials to evaluate cash/cover crops and conservation tillage followed by sweetpotato will be conducted at Mississippi State University – Pontotoc and on-farm studies in Mississippi and Arkansas. The effect on soil fertility and physical characteristics will be evaluated. Population dynamics of beneficial insects and soil pests will be investigated also. Sweetpotato nutritional status and growth will be monitored also to determine the response to selected cash/cover crops and strategies. 2) Develop sweetpotato planting strategies including planting method and type of planting material (propagules) to increase production efficiency and reduce costs. Roots, root pieces/segments or any plant part that can be stored overwinter for spring planting will be planted directly in the field and compared to traditional slips planting. Earliness of planting and potential to reduce incidence of late season insect will be evaluated also. 3) Promote adoption of sustainable sweetpotato production systems through farmer participation in on-farm research and demonstrations trials, workshops and publications. Participating farmers will gain experience and information necessary to adopt a holistic sustainable production system to manage their farm and benefit the sweetpotato industry as well as the community.

The workshops will focus on research findings and applications of soil management, pest and weed management, and planting strategies, but may also include activities relevant to seed stock selection and water management. The audience will consist of local service providers, farmers and industry representatives. The ultimate outcome of this project will be an increased sustainability of sweetpotato production in the region.

Ramon A. Arancibia
Mississippi State University-MAFES
8320 Hwy. 15 South
Pontotoc , MS 38863
Ph: 662-489-4621
Fax: 662-489-6011
Em: raa66@msstate.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• The project could offer low income farmers a more cost effective method of production and possible new markets if organic production is pursued. Impact can be almost immediate if practices are successful and adopted by farmers. Impact will be expected to continue for the long term due to the effects on environment and costs.
• On-farm demonstrations by cooperating farmers will be excellent testimont to the "doability" of the project and should encourage acceptance among other farmers.
• Farmers are involved with project planning and representative farmers will serve on a project advisory committee. Cooperating farmers will also host on-farm demonstrations and field days. The project involves two institutions in MS and AR and cooperators have expertise in horticulture, weed science and entomology so it is multi-disciplinary.
• The proposed outreach plan is comprehensive and involves training events on cooperating grower farms as well as field days at university research centers and additional workshops and presentations at stakeholder and industry meetings.

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LS09-216 Improving the quality of life for Southern organic farmers and farm workers, $190,000

The purpose of the project is to research and evaluate social and economic dynamics and address the quality of life of organic farmers, farm workers, and interns in the South.

Three research questions are:
1. What are priorities for fair farm practices and social sustainability on farms in the South?
2. Does the Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) model improve quality of life of farm workers, interns, farmers, and others in the food chain?
3. What is public knowledge, priority, and support of fair working conditions and quality of life on farms?

Taking a systems approach, the project will conduct standardized surveys of farmers, farm workers, interns, retailers, and the public in the South. This will be done through collaboration with regional farmer organizations, farm worker organizations, organic certifiers, southern organic farming conferences and workshop, and participating retailers. The project will use surveys, audit data and an external evaluation to assess impact of the AJP model on quality of life. The AJP model aims to provide an economic incentive for just working conditions through establishment of standards, tools to facilitate adoptions, a verification system, and a food label.

Education and outreach will target farm workers, farmers, retailers, and the public. Local farm workers participating in the project will be trained on health and safety, labor rights, and rights under the AJP standards by a local farm worker organization that will test a “training of trainers” model to be developed by the Farm Workers Support Committee (CATA) and the Farm Worker Health and Safety Institute. The project will revise (based on participant input), expand, and distribute a farmer toolkit for facilitating adoption and documentation of socially sustainable farm practices. Data from public surveys in participating retailer settings will be used to design and implement a public education model aimed at increasing knowledge of and support for socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable agriculture. Retailers will provide input on the types of tools needed in the retail sector to support a fair full food chain.

This project will help to fill the gap in quantitative assessments of social considerations in organic agriculture. This project is dedicated to enhancing social sustainability in sustainable agriculture and considers it impossible to address working conditions and relationships, without consulting those who live these conditions.

This project offers the opportunity to listen to previously unheard voices from traditionally marginalized communities and activate social sustainability in full food chains in specific locations in the South. Concrete assessment of the impact of the models will contribute to more respectful and beneficial relationships and ultimately a better quality of life in targeted food chains. Educating the public using key messages harmonized with their priorities for sustainability will improve the competitive advantage and economic return for organic and truly sustainable farmers in those markets. This will provide both select groups of consumers and farmers a viable way out of the increasingly global industrialized organic marketplace, where conditions are ripe to further disconnect those who grow food from those who consume it.

Leah Cohen
Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers, Inc. (FOG)
PO Box 12311
Gainesville , FL 32604
Ph: 352-377-6345
Fax: 352-377-8363
Em: leah@foginfo.org

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• This proposal directly addresses SSARE's priorities in organic agriculture and quality of life, and makes an outstanding effort to apply a system approach to the analysis of priorities and practices of different segments of the food chain. It goes a step further and seeks to apply and test a model, the AJP, which is allegedly an effort to provide an economic incentive for social equity. If the proponents are able to complete all the activities proposed, their contribution will indeed have a significant impact towards filling the gap in research and education of social sustainability in sustainable agriculture. I believe this project results and activities, even if only partially completed, will provide important information for improving this innovative model which incorporates the social justice concerns often neglected in sustainable agriculture initiatives.
• The project offers the opportunity to listen to new players-previously unheard voices from traditionally marginalized communities. It activates social sustainability in the southern food chain systems. Concrete assessment of the impact of the models will contribute to more respectful and beneficial relationships and ultimately a better quality of life in targeted food chains.The project will educate the public using key messages to harmonize and prioritize sustainability and improve the competitive advantage/economic returns for sustainable organic farms and markets.
• Measuring the impact of social science research and interventions is difficult and this proposal should be commended for taking the evaluation component seriously and making it part of the research and education process. Meetings, conference calls, surveys, written reports and a mid term external evaluation, are all part of their assessment plan. This is a strength of the proposal, if everything that is proposed is indeed effectively carried out.

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LS09-217 Improvement of the safety of food handling practices on small farms, $200,000

The proposed research will fill gaps in current knowledge regarding risk factors for foodborne illness during raw food handling on small farms. We have elicited the input from SC processors of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to design the data collection. The following companies are available to participate in this proposed research because they have already indicated a desire to gain the food safety training and assistance with implementing safe-handling practices: J.P. Rawls & Sons Pelion, SC (leafy greens); Beachwood Farms, Marietta, SC; Trotter Strawberry Farms, Pickens, SC; Happy Berry Farms in Six Mile, SC (blueberries, raspberries);Cash Farms in Cowpens, SC (peaches); Cooley Farms in Chesnee, SC (Peaches); Perdue Mountain Fruit Farm (apples, berries & peaches); Callahan Orchard's (fruit trees, berries); Titan Produce (peaches, broccoli, bell peppers). Mr. Marion Swink of McCall Farms (Effingham, SC) will assist in establishing contacts with additional growers and in targeting significant steps in handling that impact food safety. Extension agents and graduate students will record observations (after training) of handling practices for a variety of regionally produced products including greens, tomatoes, string beans, peaches, peanuts, squash and onions.

After the observational phase, microbiological swabbing will be used to assess the real effect of suspect handling practices. Microbiological testing will include total coliforms, generic E. coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Norovirus. We will use findings from the observational and microbiological analysis to develop targeted training interventions, including hands-on demonstrations. Unlike other educational programs that have been developed, our materials will be targeted to farm managers so that they are equipped with the required knowledge and competency to deliver messages about safe handling practices to farm workers. Thus, it is expected that farm workers will exhibit safer practices following educational efforts and thus help reduce the risk for foodborne illness and food recalls which are quite costly to small farmers. This approach is critical to the produce industry because there is a high turnover rate in farm workers. Educating the farm managers ensures that they are equipped to transfer food safety knowledge.

Paul Dawson
Clemson University
204 Poole Agricultural Center
Clemson , SC 29634-0316
Ph: 864-656-1138
Fax: 864-656-0331
pdawson@clemson.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• By educating farm employees about food safety practices, this project will help provide farmers a more profitable farm income (Goal of SA). Farmers knowledgable about preventing foodborne illness will be seen as more creditable by consumers. I
• Several extension agents from around the state, a graduate student, and the PIs will provide input from multiple agencies and individuals with varied backgrounds. The PIs both have PhDs in food science, and together have over 40 years experience in food safety and extension-delivery. Nine cooperating farms have already been identified, so finding participants will not be a hinderance.
• The project incorporates a holistic approach. Methods are centered around specific farms, and include collection of data specific to the produce of the farm, as well as individual workers. Training regarding the results is aimed directly at the specific farms where the data was collected, yet the recommendations will also be revised to be suitable for national dissemination, since laws and regulations vary by region. In this way, pertinent data specific to a farm will be used to train the very individuals and farms it applies to, while being widely dispersed for the benefit of many more farms. This is an efficient approach for dissemination of data.

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LS09-218 A farmer-researcher collaborative effort to design no-till systems appropriate for small-scale organic producers in Alabama and the Deep South, $250,000 (USDA-ARS Soils Dynamics Lab contributed $4,000)

The purpose of this project is to improve the sustainability of small-scale farms in AL and other areas of the Deep South by expanding the use of organic no-till (NT) practices. NT systems utilizing high residue cover crops are known to be effective for building soil organic matter content by leaving plant residues on the soil surface where they decompose more slowly than when incorporated into the soil by tillage. Soil organic matter is often the limiting factor for organic producers, especially in the humid southeast where climatic conditions promote rapid decomposition rates. Off-farm sources of organic matter, such as chicken litter and mulch, can be prohibitively expensive for small-scale farmers who often have slim profit margins. If organic matter can be produced on the farm and conserved through NT practices it would save the farmer time and money and improve the sustainability of small-scale organic farms.

Despite the benefits of NT and the desire of most small-scale farmers to practice sustainable agriculture, organic NT has not been adopted by this group of farmers in Alabama. Obstacles to adoption include weed control issues, lack of specialized equipment, and paucity of information on organic NT practices specific to growing conditions in the Deep South. More research is warranted, but that conducted at Agricultural Experiment Stations often has little relevance to small-scale farmers who have limited access to specialized equipment. More useful results can be obtained by involving farmers as partners in research.

We have identified some small-scale farmers in Alabama who practice organic production methods and want to implement NT. We will assist them by providing NT equipment for their use and by advising them on various technological aspects of NT, including cover crop choices, planting, and termination dates, in order to facilitate their success. The farmer will modify these practices to best suit their needs. This feedback, augmented by research on certified organic plots on two Auburn University Agricultural Research stations, will result in effective organic NT methods for different crops, soil types, and physiographic provinces of AL. Such a systems approach, involving researchers of various disciplines and farmers evaluating the components as well as the whole effect of the farming practice will produce results that will facilitate the adoption of organic NT by other small-scale farmers throughout the state.

Joseph Kloepper
Auburn University
Dept Entomology & Plant Path
209 Life Sciences Bldg.
Auburn Univ , AL 36849
Ph: 334-844-1950
Fax: 334-844-1947
Em: kloepjw@auburn.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• The authors seek to develop organic no-till for farmers in the South, which is a very high priority activity given the intractable weed control problems in the region, the value of on-farm biomass production, the nascent state of no-till for organic, and the widespread applicability of this technique to diverse cropping systems. In the process, they will refine the challenging approach of holistic studies integrating research station and on-farm trials.
• Five current farmers participating in this study will have ownership of the research done on their farms. A good team of researchers has been assembled by an obviously passionate author.
• They have approached this issue in a wholistic fashion where research, extension, and farm components are interwoven. By enhancing the acceptance of no-till agricultue to a new group of farmers, the study incorporates environmental preservation.

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LS09-219 Development of agroforest systems for bioenergy crop production and ecosystem services in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, $180,000

Our goal is to develop economically and ecologically sustainable agroforest systems for producing dedicated cellulosic bioenergy crops on marginal agricultural land in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV). This goal is consistent with the desire to “expand the focus in bioenergy beyond corn-and soybean-based ethanol and biodiesel” as indicated in the Southern SARE Position Paper, “Addressing the Development of a Sustainable Bioenergy/Energy Future”. The proposed project addresses two themes in this position paper: “Alternative Biomass Feed Stock Systems” and “Environmental Impact of Bioenergy Production”. To accomplish our goal, we are currently establishing agroforest systems composed of alley cropped mixtures of cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) at three sites which have soils with low potentials for growing conventional row crops. These sites are located along the LMAV from northeast Arkansas through northeast Louisiana and will be a focus of long-term (10+ years) bioenergy research. Cottonwood and switchgrass are adapted to a wide range of soil and site qualities; produce high yields of cellulose with minimal additions of nutrients, water, or pesticide; and provide important ecosystem services such as soil carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and wildlife habitat. Development of agroforest systems with the flexibility of growing alleys of switchgrass between rows of cottonwood trees in a single field would expand the ability of small and mid-size landowners and farmers to produce a diversity of economic and social outputs from their landholdings.

Our SARE proposal focuses on the economic and environmental assessment of these agroforest systems as well as the delivery of information to stakeholders concerning the applicability of cottonwood/switchgrass agroforests for producing bioenergy feedstocks. To assess these systems we will: (1) measure the biomass and potential biofuel yields from these systems, (2) determine the investment potential of these systems by monitoring management costs and potential biofuel revenues, (3) determine the potential of these agroforests to sequester soil carbon, (4) quantify the impact of different cottonwood/switchgrass compositions on water quality by monitoring nitrogen concentrations in water draining from these systems, and (5) evaluate the influence of these agroforest systems on wildlife by measuring habitat characteristics and monitoring small mammal populations. The SARE project will provide us with an assessment of establishment and early development of these systems. Using this data, we will model cottonwood growth to provide long-term estimates of yields and economic returns from these systems. To focus our research efforts and facilitate information transfer to farmers and other landowners, we have organized stakeholder advisory committees to help guide research efforts and to delineate current and future information programs needed by the citizens of the LMAV concerning these bioenergy crops and agroforest systems. We will organize field days to demonstrate appropriate harvesting and biomass-fuel conversion technologies, develop resources and training for county agents, and create printed as well as web-based materials to educate landowners, government officials and natural resource management professionals on the use of these agroforest systems for bioenergy production and environmental conservation.

Hal O. Liechty
University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Forest Resources Center
PO Box 3468
Monticello , AR 71656
Ph: 870-460-1452
Fax: 870-460-1092
Em: liechty@uamont.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• Project has very broad-based participation of academic institutions, landowners, and disciplines. To a certain extent, it may be difficult to actively involve all of the entities listed. Diligence will be required to assure that all participants are fully engaged.
• Field days and stakeholder advisory will undersore cropping economics and ecological benefits of managing agroforest biomass systems and their approach is excellent for this limited emphasis.

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LS09-220 Does floral farmscaping really improve insect biological control in vegetable systems of the Coastal Plain?, $165,000

Farmscaping (annual or perennial plantings in conjunction with target crops) to foster natural enemies of pests has great potential for agriculture and is increasingly popular in sustainable vegetable production, especially in the southeastern United States, where pest pressure can be particularly intense. However, there is little empirical evidence that floral farmscaping yields pest management benefits, although these benefits are often the primary purpose of such floral plantings. Indeed, farmscaping may expose the crop to increased pest problems. Decisions to farmscape and what to use in the farmscape are based almost entirely on anecdote and published lists of natural enemies attracted to flowering plants. The purpose of this project is to begin to fill a significant gap in our knowledge regarding farmscaping for pest management and to assess proof of concept for the southeastern United States. Our objectives are twofold: (1) to quantify the impact of floral farmscaping on vegetable pest management, and (2) to develop a database of arthropod natural enemies attracted to selected flower candidates for farmscaping in the southeastern United States. Specifically, we will determine how floral plantings impact pest and natural enemy populations in broccoli and cucumber, and assess the overall impact of the floral plantings on the yield and quality of these two vegetable crops in two geographic locations representing the southeastern United States (Athens in north Georgia's Piedmont, and Tifton in south Georgia's Coastal Plain).

For Objective 1, we will survey and assess natural enemy and pest populations on selected farmscape elements (none, buckwheat, Asteraceae, Apiaceae) placed in the center of vegetable plots and the surrounding vegetable crop. We will also evaluate biological control efficacy and pest activity at distances of 2, 5, and 8 meters from the farmscaping section to allow us to evaluate spatial effects of the farmscape. For Objective 2, we will use portable floral plantings of various flowers placed in Athens, Tifton, Douglas (south central Georgia), and Sylvania (eastern coastal Georgia) to develop a database of the pest and natural enemy species attracted to the flowering plant species. This information will help to develop future focused farmscaping programs, and also ultimately (though not within the timeframe of this project) to develop an illustrated online field guide to arthropods attracted to flowers in this region. The results will help us develop directed farmscaping programs for use by vegetable producers that will foster natural enemies and discourage pests.

Nearly all of the work on the project in the Athens location will be carried out by volunteer undergraduate student participants (from the University of Georgia's (UGA) Organic Agriculture Certificate program), which will greatly reduce the project's labor costs while providing hands-on opportunities for the students. In addition, four secondary science teachers will assist in carrying out the project, and will use this experience to develop related and relevant curriculum, extending the study into developing careers and into science classrooms. Field days will be used to extend the project to producers.

John R. Ruberson
University of Georgia
Dept of Entomology
122 South Entomology Drive
Tifton , GA 31794
Ph: 229-386-7251
Fax: 229-386-3086
Em: ruberson@uga.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• It is high time that the subject of "floral farmscaping" was investigated scientifically in the southeastern USA. Farmers need to know whether the idea can provide reliable pest suppression, and this proposal aims not just to collect and analyze the data, but to disseminate the data to producers. The proposal will not obtain all the answers, but should provide a solid beginning.
• The PI's propose to evaluate the effects of floriscapes for attracting natural enemies and evaluating the direct effects of the presence of additional natural enemies on natural control of an insect pest. This is a very useful project, since most of the information about this topic is anecdotal with little research based results to rely upon.
• Experienced researchers in entomology, a professor in ustainable vegetable production, producers, a graduate student, students registered in an organic agriculture certificate program, and two secondary science teachers form an appropriate team.
• The work is conducted in two foci: one in N Georgia and the other in S Georgia, which should allow the results to be generalized to surrounding areas in the region to address the role of flowers in organic vegetable production and their effects on biological control.
• The use of teacher interns is an excellent way to move this information forward. The publication of results will be valuable to other scientists that are interested in really evaluating such systems. The results will be presented in two field days at two locations. The online field guide will be useful for many stakeholder groups, from commercial vegetable growers to individual gardeners.

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LS09-221 Maximizing profitability, sustain-bility, and carbon sequestration of no-till forage systems for finishing beef cattle in the Gulf Coast region, $136,000

Producers in the Gulf Coast are in a situation where their economic returns are largely determined by the weaned calf market. In 2007, 750 lb southeastern calves were discounted $11.84/cwt compared with Midwestern cattle (CattleFax, 2007). The Gulf Coast has abundant forage resources during most of the year. Monocultures like wheat, ryegrass, bahiagrass, and bermudagrass are common. Fuel cost has skyrocketed and with it the price of fertilizer. All around the US, there is a trend showing that consumer demand for “organic” or “natural” foods is increasing sharply. Adding to this trend, consumers are more inclined to support locally produced products, favoring localized economies. Forage-finished beef promotes environmentally sound practices, improving soil nutrient cycling, conserving soil and water, and reducing to the minimum the dependence on non-renewable resources (DeRamus, 2004). It is a healthy product (functional food) that can be beneficial in the human diet through the presence of conjugated linoleic acid (reduces fat, preserves muscle, has anticarcinogenic properties, prevents diabetes) and omega-3-fatty acids (promotes vascular health and development and maintenance of brain function).

Although the major causes of increased greenhouse gas emissions are due to population growth and industrialization, agriculture contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through its use of fossil fuels during cultivation, and indirectly through energy-intensive inputs such as fertilizers. Since grassland agriculture is also a significant contributor of methane and nitrous oxide, there is now increasing pressure to curb their emissions. No-till forage establishment improves soil and air quality, minimizes surface runoff and soil erosion, enhances water quality, and reduces greenhouse gas contributions. An additional economic benefit is savings in fossil fuel costs due to reduced equipment use.

Our objective is to evaluate the impact of three no-till forage systems that differ in the intensity of resources used on (1) productivity, (2) carbon balance, and (3) economics. Sustainability of these systems will be evaluated for increased soil quality and carbon sequestration. Soil quality improvement is essential for maintaining and enhancing soil productivity of land for agricultural sustainability. On the other hand, a gain in soil carbon from a baseline through a specific forage system would also increase the value of land as the sequestered C could be traded in various open markets. It is hypothesized that different forage species composition along with cattle grazing activities in selected systems cause different interactions that yield different soil quality, carbon transformation characteristics, and therefore productivity. This evaluation will generate information for beef cattle producers in the region from different angles: those looking for a year-round forage system that will allow them to produce forage fed beef, the economics of this system, and the impact of management practices on carbon sequestration. Our project will provide comprehensive information on management practices, economics and carbon trading that will close a gap of missing information needed by producers, extension agents, community businesses, and other clientele.

Guillermo Scaglia
LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station
603 LSU Bridge Road
Jeanerette , LA 70544-0466
Ph: 337-276-5527
Fax: 337-276-9088
Em: gscaglia@agcenter.lsu.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• The objectives and methods indicate a holistic approach as it pertains to production, evaluation of end product (carcass), on-farm demonstrations, evaluation from a number of farms in different states, environmental impact, economic analysis and impact on carbon sequestration.
• The authors should be commended for their involvement of farmers, extension agents and specialists in various level of participation. In addition, the multiple avenues for information transfer should play a key role in getting results out to a diverse population of interested individuals through multi-media.

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LS09-222 Fish extracts for integrated disease, insect and fertility management in organic blueberries, $119,000

The purpose of this project is to develop an integrated system for disease, insect, and nutrient management in organic blueberries centered around foliar applications of extracts made from fish byproducts, a renewable resource. Blueberry is now the most important fruit crop in Georgia, and the organic blueberry acreage is expanding rapidly in the sate as well as in neighboring Florida and North Carolina. However, fertility and pest management options for organic blueberries are currently very limited. For example, organic growers lack the tools and research-based information to manage foliar diseases such as Septoria leaf spot, Gloeosporium leaf spot, Phyllosticta leaf spot, and leaf rust. Epidemics of these diseases lead to premature defoliation in summer and fall, reduced flower bud set during fall and winter, and lower return yields and weaker plant growth the next year. Recent yield loss estimates indicate that foliar diseases are responsible for up to 30% of the total disease-related blueberry losses in Georgia.

Fish extracts have been used successfully to manage foliar diseases in other crops, and in a recent field trial with a number or organic fungicides, two OMRI-approved fish extracts provided substantial control of Septoria leaf spot, the most common and most important foliar blueberry disease. Based on these preliminary results, our primary objective is to compare and demonstrate the efficacy of a broader range of such products against the leaf disease complex in organic blueberries.

During the summer, at the same time when foliar diseases need to be managed, the blueberry leaf beetle has become a major pest on young organic blueberries in Georgia and Florida. Weedy fields can have especially serious problems with this pest, and several months of young growth can be destroyed in a few days. Previous studies on other perennial crops have shown that fish extracts can have powerful repellent, antifeedant, and/or insecticidal activity against insects and mites. Thus, our second objective is to evaluate leaf beetle suppression following application of fish extracts for disease control.

Fertility management is one of the most problematic areas in organic blueberries. Since it is difficult to grow legume cover crops in acidic, low-fertility blueberry fields, organic blueberry growers have to import most of the nutrients in the form of mulches and OMRI-approved fertilizers. Fish extracts, applied as a spray during the summer to manage foliar diseases, may have significant added value by providing readily available macro- and micro-nutrients, including phosphorus, to support plant growth and development during this critical period. These nutritional benefits will be assessed in our project by measuring foliar nutrient status, plant growth, flower bud set, and return yield the following year in fish extract-treated plots. In a systems context, the triple value of fish extracts as biofungicides, foliar fertilizers, and insecticides or insect repellents would provide a powerful incentive for their use as summer sprays in organic blueberries.

Harald Scherm
University of Georgia
Dept Plant pathology
120 Carlton Street
Athens , GA 30602
Ph: 706-542-1258
Fax: 706-542-1262
EmL scherm@uga.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• This proposed work should make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and Southern Region SARE goals. The project is practical, realistic and addresses specific needs of organic blueberry producers. This line of work should produce long-term impacts. To me, this project exemplifies the value and importance of SARE.
• The involvement of an integrated team (researchers, a producer and county agent) in this project demonstrates that thought has been given to all aspects of the project. Participation and contributions of individual team members is consistent with objectives.
• There is a whole-farming systems approach incorporated into the project. Plant disease, insect and fertility management practices are the most important aspects in an organic blueberry production system in the southeast.

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LS09-223 Nutrient optimization for sustainable goat production systems in the southeastern U.S. , $223,000

Southern U.S. is well suited for forage production and also supports many plant species considered browse and favored by goats. The most widely used perennial forages in this region (bahiagrass, bermudagrass and infected tall fescue) are too low in nutritive quality for optimal health and growth of goats. In addition to marginal feed, hot and humid climate of this region promotes survival of gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites of goats and imposes additional burden on their health. Nutritionally deficient animals will be more susceptible to GI infection that can cause severe losses in goat operations. Surveying goat production practices on different soil types throughout the state of Alabama and recording production practices adopted by small limited resource farms, we have found that there is a strong correlation between utilization of browse as a part of feeding system and reduction in parasite load at these farms (AALGA Project). Also, use of multi-crop pastures tend to balance soil nutrients and are favored by goats over mono-crop pastures (more selection opportunity). However, no documented data set is available in the literature on performance of goat grazing on these pastures or proper management for use of browse in a feeding system. Therefore, the problem to be addressed in this project is the need for a combination of forages/browse system that will provide high quality feed for goats throughout the year, will produce healthier animals, and restore nutrients to the soil for a sustainable goat production in southeastern U.S.

The general goal of this project is to develop and demonstrate a profitable and sustainable
year-round forage system including browse. The focus will be on the sustainability of the system in terms of minimum input to the system while optimizing the pasture quality, soil health, animal performance, and economic return for goat production, especially suited to limited resource producers. Accordingly, our specific objectives are to: 1) Determine animal health, performance and carcass quality when browse is incorporated in the feeding system; 2) Determine pasture quality changes using multi-culture grasses, and grasses in combination with legumes when grazed by goats as a part of the system; 3) Determine soil quality changes using multi-culture grasses, and grasses in combination with legumes when grazed by goats; 4) Determine optimum economic return and 5) Evaluate adaptability (on an experiment station with goats) and demonstrate applicability (on three small farms) of an integrated year-round forage system using commercial goats, and pure bred goats.

Replicated pasture paddocks with selected forage combinations will be grazed by goats with/without browse. Animal health, animal performance, forage quality, and soil nutrient balance will be monitored for two consecutive years and the best production system will be applied to the farm conditions for the third year of this project. We expect to improve sustainability of the production system in southern U.S. for limited resource farmers. We aim for better animal performance, better quality of feeds, and healthier soil with minimum input utilizing browse as a part of the feeding system and introducing new unconventional legume/grass pastures to the system.

Sandra Solaiman
Tuskegee University
105 Milbank Hall
Tuskegee , AL 36088
Ph: 334-727-8401
Fax: 334-727-8552
Em: ssolaim@tuskegee.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• There is sound integration mechanism of participants to ensure success of the proposed work. Scientists of various disciplines will contribute in their respective areas of expertise. Farmers will also participate in the proposed project; an approach that will ease the adoption of the proposed sustainable goat production system.
• . This research addresses key need areas in the meat goat industry, especially in the southern states, and in line with Southern Region SARE goals. This research should produce long-term impacts in meat goat production by improving forage quality and animal performance.
• There is sound integration mechanism of participants to ensure success of the proposed work. Scientists of various disciplines will contribute in their respective areas of expertise. Farmers will also participate in the proposed project; an approach that will ease the adoption of the proposed sustainable goat production system.
• The objectives and approaches of the proposed research assume a holistic approach to meeting the needs of goat producers.

LS09-224 Research and educational support for organic dairy farming in the South, $250,000

Economically viable and sustainable dairy farms make important contributions to local economies and to local communities. Organic dairy farming is relatively new and under-developed in the South but it may provide an attractive alternative for some of the region's dairy farmers and thereby enhance the viability of family dairy farms and the regional dairy sector. However, optimal strategies for animal health, reproduction, parasite control, and pasture management systems are likely to differ for organic dairy farms in the South compared to organic farms in other regions. Therefore, a more localized biological research and information network is critical to both the short-term and long-term success of organic dairy farms across the South.

The work outlined in this proposal includes use of on-farm demonstrations in cooperation with current organic or transitioning dairy farms in both North Carolina and in Arkansas. In addition, applied research studies are planned using resources from private organic dairy farms along with the dairy research herd at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. Mastitis and udder health, reproductive management, parasite control, and pasture management systems will be studied under southern U.S. environmental conditions. Research findings will contribute to the still limited body of literature available on US organic dairy production.

As part of the current proposal and in collaboration with the SARE professional development program, we -- plan to provide multidisciplinary in-service training for dairy professionals along with educational programs and networking opportunities for prospective organic dairy producers, in order to strengthen the overall knowledge base for organic dairy production in the region. The project will assist dairy producers to optimize pasture and forage production with strategic use of - legume forages and approved soil fertility and herd management practices which are necessary for profitable and sustainable organic dairy sector.

The expected outcome is the description, and adoption of appropriate, economically feasible management practices for organic dairy herds, thereby resulting in a more profitable and sustainable organic dairy industry in the South.

Steven P. Washburn
North Carolina State University
Box 7621
Dept Animal Science
Raleigh , NC 27695-7621
Ph: 919-515-7726
Fax: 919-515-6884
Em: Steve_Washburn@ncsu.edu

Some characteristics reviewers liked about it:

• The two geographically different locations provide different forage types and exposure to different sectors of dairy producers. Dairy mastitis pathogens, plant varieties and fly exposure will be slightly different in these two locations, providing diversity in disease challenges and disease / pest control practices.
• The integrated or holistic approach is demonstrated by linking soil fertility to the use of legume forages (lack of grain rich diets) and the health management practices that are necessary for profitable dairy business.
• The objectives are not overly complex and are inter-linked to effectively demonstrate practices on organic dairy farms that can result in healthy animals producing at optimum rates.

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