2006 Annual Report 4d.Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Research Agreement between ARS and Tuskegee University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the inhouse project 6420-12610-002-00D, Conservation Production Systems for Improved Profitability and Soil Quality. Lack of adequate rainfall remains the greatest threat to agricultural production in southern Alabama. 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 2005 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. In November 2004, cover crops (black oat and Crimson clover) were planted at the Shorter and Clayton experiment sites. Early in spring 2005 the cover crops were cut incorporated (in conventional tillage plots) or left as mulch on soil surface (conservation tillage). The plots were then planted with sweet corn or sweet potato that received N-P-K fertilizer or broiler litter. However, because of inadequate rainfall no harvest of sweet corn or sweet potato was obtained at the Clayton site. At the Shorter site yields were below average. Experimental results at the Shorter site showed that broiler litter is a very good source of nutrients for both sweet corn and sweet potato. Soil tests showed gradual build up of soil organic carbon. Nutrient analysis from broiler litter and soil samples was provided to participating farmers. The soil analytical data were used by the farmers to make informed decision about liming and fertilizer application rates. The participating farmer in Macon County converted more farmland into production and now is using only broiler litter to fertilize his crops. 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.