Project Number: 6222-21220-002-02
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 19, 2005
End Date: May 31, 2010

Objective:
To investigate three major concerns of organic producers - 1) suitable organic varieties, 2) weed management, and 3) improvement of soil conditions.

Approach:
A mutually agreed upon small number (5 to 7) of watermelon varieties will be selected for investigation. If possible, organic watermelon seed will be utilized. Organic procedures will be used to produce organic transplants. The weed management system will involve using cereal and legume cover crops, which will be flail mowed prior to transplanting into the mulch. Weed, disease, and insect data will be collected during the growing season. Along with yield data. Sampling and analysis of soil and plant matter will be done periodically and will be evaluated in relation to the type of soil amendment applied and type of cover crop.