Project Number: 1915-12630-001-04
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 01, 2006
End Date: Oct 31, 2009

Objective:
To refine management practices associated with organic grain production.

Approach:
Field experiments will be conducted at two locations (one each in Maine and Vermont) during 2006-2008. The first experiment is a comparison of the yield and quality of winter- and spring-planted small grains, including winter and spring varieties of wheat, triticale, and barley, along with winter rye, and spring oats. Winter survival, plant density, weed density, crop growth rate, grain yield, and grain test weight will be measured. The second experiment will examine manure N management for both fall-planted grains and spring-planted grains. Using a subset of winter and spring grains (e.g. barley and wheat), two manure N management strategies will be evaluated using both solid and liquid manures: application and incorporation before planting, versus application after emergence (at tillering). Plant density, nutrient uptake, yield, and grain quality will be measured in each system. In order to gain information on the effect of climate, soil, and management on the factors discussed above, we will also collaborate on 2 to 4 strip trials per year on the research partner farms that include similar comparisons.