2005 Annual Report 4a.What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Existing research collaboration among Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, and Auburn University was strengthened as a result of this project. New collaborative venture between the Tuskegee University Environmental Soil Chemistry and Waste Management Laboratory and the USDA-ARS-National Soil Dynamics Laboratory (NSDL), Conservation Systems Research group was developed. Last year two proposals were submitted by Tuskegee University in collaboration with USDA-ARS scientists. At the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference in 2004, USDA/ARS scientists organized a symposium and presented research papers related to issues important to Alabama growers. Active participation in the project of small-scale farmers in Macon, Barbour, and other counties has been remarkable. Small-scale farmers throughout the state are eager to receive recommendations from our research work. 4d.Progress report. The project, "Providing Support to Small-Scale Farmers in the Development of Sustainable and Profitable Cropping Systems" is a Specific Cooperative Research Agreement with Tuskegee University associated with parent research project 6420-12610-002-00D, Conservation Production Systems for Improved Profitability and Soil Quality. Many limited resource vegetable producers do not use conservation tillage technology that values the contribution of crop residues on the soil surface, the use of waste materials, or the use of cover crops. In 2004 we continued to provide support to the project participating farmers. Surface soil (0-15 cm) samples were collected from the experiment sites for physical (particle size distribution) and chemical (pH, total N, total P, exchangeable K, and extractable metals) analyses. Cover crops (black oat and Crimson clover) were planted, harvested, and incorporated into soil (in conventional tillage plots) or left on soil surface (in conservation tillage plots). The plots were planted with sweet corn or sweet potato that received NPK or broiler litter. Preliminary results showed that broiler litter is a very good source of nutrients for both sweet corn and sweet potato. Other farmers in Barbour County contacted us and invited us to conduct experiments on their crops but for lack of resources we were not able to. In addition, broiler litter and soil analysis data were provided to participating farmers. The soil analytical results were used by the farmers to make informed decision about liming and fertilizer application rates. The participating farmer in Macon County was so pleased with sweet potato yields obtained in 2004 that in 2005 he cleared more land area devoted just for organic vegetables using broiler litter. Other farmers have also increased the use of broiler litter as soil amendments. We also purchased light equipment to mechanize various activities related to conservation tillage practices. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Non-ARS Publications Boateng, A., Kpomblekou-A, K. 2004. Nitrate fluxes in a transitioning organic farming system. In: N. Baharanyi et al. (ed.) Energy, AgriSecurity, and Outsourcing: Challenges and Opportunities for Community Connections. Proc. Professional Agricultural Workers Conf., 62nd, Tuskegee, AL. 5-7 Dec. Mathew, R.P., Kpomblekou-A, K. 2004. Assessment of sweet potato yields and organic C and N profile distribution in a transitioning organic farming system. In: N. Baharanyi et al. (ed.) Energy, AgriSecurity, and Outsourcing: Challenges and Opportunities for Community Connections. Proc. Professional Agricultural Workers Conf. 62nd. Tuskegee, AL. 5-7 Dec. Hamido, S.A., Kpomblekou-A, K., Alvarez, N., Jackai, L., Zabawa, R. 2004.Evaluation of yields of tomato following cover crops. In N. Baharanyi et al. (ed.) Energy, AgriSecurity, and Outsourcing: Challenges and Opportunities for Community Connections. Proc. Professional Agricultural Workers Conf. 62nd. Tuskegee, AL. 5-7 Dec.