Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility

Greenbook 2001
Landscapes
Sustaining Agricultural L andscapes

!"#$%&' (")' *+,-(."(/0#'1%$.2+0-+$#' 3$4%$(5
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
90 West Plato Boulevard
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
651-296-7673

!"#$%&''(
s
)*+,-.$/%01%23$%4#$561%7#/%8"927-#70.$%:65-;".2"5$%<5*657+%827==

>#%7;;*5/7#;$%?-23%23$%:+$5-;7#9%@-23%A-970-.-2-$9%:;2B%7#%7.2$5#72-C$%=*5+%*=%;*++"#-;72-*#%-9%7C7-.70.$%",*#%5$D"$92E
FFGH% (IJ''IK&LIMN&O
F3$%P-##$9*27%A$,752+$#2%*=%:65-;".2"5$%-9%7#%$D"7.%*,,*52"#-21%$+,.*1$5E

Introduction to the Greenbook 2001

I
am pleased to introduce the 12th edition of the Greenbook. An annual publication of the Minnesota
Department of AgricultureJs Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ESAP), the Greenbook
highlights the results of creative and innovative farmers and researchers involved with our Sustainable
Agriculture On-Farm Demonstration Grant Program. These people are dedicated to helping make
Minnesota agriculture more profitable and environmentally friendly.

Greenbook 2001 can be very helpful as you consider making changes on your farm. The articles highlight
results of the projects and provide practical and technical information. Each article includes observations
and management tips from the people already trying the practices. Of course, these participants are also
willing to talk about their experiences with you directly. Give them a call and visit with them about their
projects.

This yearJs Greenbook also includes two essays on what agriculture provides to the natural environment
and our communities. Often, we think that agriculture provides only food and fiber on a global scale and
we overlook what agriculture provides at the local level. Minnesota farmers are protecting the environment,
spending money in their communities, and providing healthy food right here for Minnesota residents.

The Greenbook also includes updates on other ESAP projects such as low-interest loans, soil quality
research, monitoring at the Big Woods Dairy at the Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, integrated pest
management (IPM), organic farming, and animal mortality composting.

I hope you find this issue of the Greenbook interesting and full of new ideas.

Gene Hugoson, Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

GREENBOOK 2001 • ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM • MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Table of Contents
Essays
Altieri, M.A., !"#$%&'()#$&*+$,(*-'./*$/0$1./+.2#)3.'4$.*$56).-(7'()# ........................................................ 5
USDA, !"#$8(7'.97#$,(*-'./*3$/0$:;&77 ,&);3 ............................................................................................. 9

Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
<)&*'$=)/6)&;$>#3-).9'./* ............................................................................................................................ 11

Alternative Crops
BuchholZ, Leland, ?*-)#&3.*6$@#+$A7/2#)$:##+$=)/+(-'./*$B4$:&'()&'./*$/0$=/77.*&'/)3 .......................... 13
Buckwheat Growers,$,7/()$A/)*$&3$&*$57'#)*&'.2#$A)/9$C$!"#$1#*#0.'3$/0$D3.*6$A/)*$,7/E#) ............ 15
Dease, Patty, >#2#7/9;#*'$&*+$A/*'.*(&'./*$/0$&$A/;;(*.'4$1&3#+$:(3'&.*&B7#$F)6&*.-
<)/E#)G3$A//9#)&'.2#$H$8&)I#'.*6$:43'#; ............................................................................................. 17
Petrich, Curt, ="/39"/)(3$8/B.7.J&'./*$&*+$K##+$:(99)#33./*$B4$1(-IE"#&' ......................................... 20
Runck, Willis, 8&*&6#+$=)/+(-'./*$/0$K//+3L6)/E*$&*+$:.;(7&'#+$K.7+$<.*3#*6 ................................. 24
Streed, Erik, M3'&B7.3".*6$56)/0/)#3')4$>#;/*3')&'./*$:.'#3$.*$8.**#3/'& ................................................ 27
^eithamer, Joshua, =)/9&6&'./*$/0$%&'.2#$<)&33#3$&*+$K.7+07/E#)3$0/)$:##+$=)/+(-'./* ........................ 30

Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility
Becket, Tim & Geske, Jeremy, 59974.*6$8&*()#$'/$A/)*$&'$56)/*/;.-$@&'#3 ........................................... 33
Cuomo, Greg, A#)#&7$@4#$0/)$@#+(-#+$?*9('$=&3'()#$M3'&B7.3";#*'$H$M&)74$<)&J.*6 ............................ 36
FernholZ, Carmen, !#-"*.N(#3$0/)$8/)#$M00.-.#*'$D'.7.J&'./*$/0$$&$O#'-"
A/2#)$A)/9$0/)$A/)*$=)/+(-'./* ................................................................................................................ 40
Hansen, Mike, P.2.*6$:*/E$,#*-#3$0/)$?;9)/2#+$=&3'()#$=)/+(-'./* ....................................................... 42
Hansen, Neil, P&*+$5997.-&'./*$/0$8/)'&7.'4$A/;9/3'$'/$?;9)/2#$:/.7$H$K&'#)$Q(&7.'4 ........................ 45
Hart, Andy, :/.7$A/*3#)2&'./*$/0$A&**.*6$A)/9$,.#7+3 ................................................................................ 48
Heimpel, George, 1./7/6.-&7$A/*')/7$/0$570&70&$17/'-"$P#&0;.*#) ............................................................... 50
boehler, Jeff, !()I#4$P.''#)R$$8/)#$.3$%/'$57E&43$1#''#) .............................................................................. 52
Muller, Mark, D3.*6$%(').#*'$1&7&*-#3$'/$1#*#0.'$,&);#)3$&*+$'"#$M*2.)/*;#*' .................................... 54
Persons, Daniel, =)/6)&;;&'.-$599)/&-"$'/$=&3'()#$@#*/2&'./*$0/)$A#77$<)&J.*6 ................................... 57
Rauenhorst, Raymond, 5#).&7$:##+.*6$K.*'#)$@4#$.*'/$%/L'.77$A/)*$H$:/4B#&*3 ....................................... 59
Rosen, Dr. Carl,$56).-(7'()&7$D3#$/0$@/-I$,.*#3$&3$&$:(3'&.*&B7#$:/.7$5;#*+;#*' .................................. 62
Scaife, James, M3'&B7.3".*6$&$@/'&'./*&7$<)&J.*6$:43'#;$.*$&$:#;.LE//+#+$M-/343'#;R
,)/3'$:##+.*6$23S$?;9&-'./*$:##+.*6$/*$A@=$P&*+$&*+$K//+#+$T.773.+#3$D3.*6$:"##9 ..................... 65
Sovell, James, ?*-)#&3#+$,/)&6#$=)/+(-'./*$!")/(6"$A/*')/7$/0$K&'#)$@(*/00$&*+
%(').#*'$@#-4-7.*6 ........................................................................................................................................ 69
Thompson, Tony, 5$$P/EL-/3'$8#-"&*.3;$0/)$?*'#)L3##+.*6$A/2#)$A)/93$.*$A/)* ................................... 72
colkmann, Norman & Sallie, 8&*&6.*6$>&.)4$8&*()#$%(').#*'3$.*$&$@#-4-7.*6$A/;9/3'$=)/6)&; ........ 74
Wheeler, Donald, @#+(-.*6$A"#;.-&7$D3&6#$B4$D3.*6$:/4$F.7$/*$A/)*$H$:/4B#&*3 ................................ 78

Fruits and Vegetables
AbaZs, David & Lise, ?*'#6)&'.*6$P.2#3'/-I$=)/0.'&B74$?*'/$&$,)(.'$&*+$O#6#'&B7#$F9#)&'./* ................ 83
Adelmann, Jeffrey & Mary, O&7(#$5++.*6$'/$:;&77$,&);3$!")/(6"$=)/-#33.*6$MU-#33$=)/+(-'./* ......... 86
Bailey, Pat, M2&7(&'.*6$'"#$1#*#0.'3$/0$A/;9/3'$!#&3$'/$'"#$:;&77$8&)I#'$<)/E#) ................................. 89
Friend, Catherine & Peteler, Melissa, :(3'&.*&B7#$K##+$A/*')/7$.*$&$A/;;#)-.&7$O.*#4&)+ ..................... 92
Hoover, Dr. Emily, 1./LB&3#+$K##+$A/*')/7$.*$:')&EB#)).#3$D3.*6$:"##9$K//7$8(7-"V
A&*/7&$8(7-"$H$A&*/7&$<)##*$8&*()# .................................................................................................... 94


Table of Contents
Midwest Food Connection, 8.+E#3'$,//+$A/**#-'./*R$A".7+)#*$8/*.'/)$/*$,&);3 ................................ 98
Reding, Donald, O.&B.7.'4$/0$K.*#$Q(&7.'4$<)&9#3$&3$&*$57'#)*&'.2#$A)/9$0/)$'"#$,&;.74$,&); ........... 101
Riehle, Joe,$A/2#)$A)/93$&*+$P.2.*6$8(7-"$0/)$:')&EB#))4$M3'&B7.3";#*' ............................................ 104
Seim, Peter & Bacon, Bruce, :/.7$M-/7/64$&*+$8&*&6#+$:/.7$:()0&-#3 ...................................................... 108
Wildung, Dr. David, ,7&;#$1()*.*6$0/)$K##+$A/*')/7$&*+$@#*/2&'./*$E.'"$:')&EB#)).#3 .................... 111

Livestock
Arndt, John & Leila, K/)I.*6$=)&.).#$L$@//'3$/0$'"#$=&3'$:(3'&.*.*6$'"#$,('()#...................................... 117
Carlton County Extension, =&3'()#$5#)&'./*$&*+$.'3$M00#-'3$/*$=)/+(-'.2.'4$D3.*6$&$O&).#'4$/0$?*9('3 . 120
Dingels, Stephen & Patricia, O.&B.7.'4$/0$:').9$<)&J.*6$A/)*$?*'#)L3##+#+$E.'"$&
<)&33WP#6(;#$8.U'()# .............................................................................................................................. 122
Harmon, Michael, ?*-)#&3.*6$Q(&7.'4$&*+$Q(&*'.'4$/0$=&3'()#$,/)&6#$E.'"$8&*&6#;#*'
?*'#*3.2#$<)&J.*6$&3$&*$57'#)*&'.2#$'/$'"#$<)&J.*6$/0$K//+#+$P&*+ .................................................. 128
Miller, Dan & Cara, P/E$?*9('$A/*2#)3./*$/0$A@=$P&*+$'/$&$T.6"$=)/0.'&B.7.'4$8&*&6#;#*'
?*'#*3.2#$<)&J.*6$&*+$T&4.*6$:43'#; ..................................................................................................... 131
Northwest Minnesota GraZing Group, :(997#;#*'$,##+.*6$>&.)4$A&''7#$/*$=&3'()#$E.'"
5('/;&'#+$A/*-#*')&'#$,##+#) ................................................................................................................ 135
Rabe, Dennis, K"/7#$:43'#;$8&*&6#;#*'$23S$M*'#)9).3#$8&*&6#;#*' .................................................. 138
Rathke, Doug & barstens, Connie, @#2.2.*6$&*+$M*"&*-.*6$:/.73$0/)$8&U.;.J.*6
=#)0/);&*-#$/0$=&3'()#3$&*+$P.2#3'/-I .................................................................................................. 142
Rolling, Joseph, 5**(&7$8#+.-$&3$&$=)/'#.*$:/()-#$.*$<)&J.*6$A/)* ........................................................ 145
Schiefelbein, Frank, <)&J.*6$1##0$A&''7#$&3$&$:(3'&.*&B7#$56).-(7'()#$=)/+(-'$.*$@.9&).&*$5)#&3 ........ 148
Schilling, Peter, 5++.*6$O&7(#$0/)$'"#$:;&77$=)/+(-#)$2.&$%&'()&7$=)/+(-'./*$8#'"/+3
&*+$>.)#-'$8&)I#'.*6 ................................................................................................................................. 150
Stassen, Steve, ,&))/E.*6$A)&'#3$23S$=#*3$23S$%#3'$1/U#3 ......................................................................... 151
Stelling, Ralph, ,/)&6#$=)/+(-'./*$'/$8&.*'&.*$F*#$8&'()#$5*.;&7$=#)$5-)#$0/)$XY$8/*'"3 ............... 153
Struxness, Don & Dan, ,.)3'$&*+$:#-/*+$Z#&)$<)&J#)3$.*$&$Z#&)$@/(*+$=&3'()#$:#''.*6
:#)2#+$B4$&$,)/3'$,)##$K&'#)$:43'#; ...................................................................................................... 155
Wright County Extension, ?;9)/2#;#*'$/0$=&3'()#3$0/)$T/)3#3$!")/(6"$8&*&6#;#*'$=)&-'.-#3 ......... 158

New Demonstration Grant Projects ..................................................................... 161
Completed Grant Projects .................................................................................... 163
Sustainable Agriculture Loan Program ................................................................ 166
Animal Mortality Composting ............................................................................ 167
Big Woods Dairy at Nerstrand — Big Woods State Park ....................................... 169
Soil Quality and Rainfall Simulation .................................................................... 173
The Organic Industry in Minnesota ..................................................................... 174
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program ....................................................... 176
About the Staff..... ............................................................................................... 178


Essay • Altieri —— 5

Function
The Nature and Function of
Biodiversity in Agriculture
Author T oday, scientists worldwide are increasingly
starting to recogniZe the role and
significance of biodiversity in the functioning
agroecosystems deprived of basic regulating
functional components lack the capacity to
sponsor their own soil fertility and pest
M. A. Altieri of agricultural systems (Swift et al., 1996). regulation. As functional biodiversity decreases,
Department of Research suggests that whereas in natural the requirement for higher management intensity
Environmental
ecosystems the internal regulation of function increases, thus monocultures must be subsidiZed
Science Policy and
is substantially a product of plant biodiversity with external inputs. Often, the costs involve a
Management
through flows of energy and nutrients and reduction in the quality of the food produced
University of
California - through biological synergisms, this form of and of rural life in general due to decreased soil,
Berkeley control is progressively lost under agricultural water, and food quality when erosion and
intensification and simplification, so that pesticide and/or nitrate contamination occurs
Essay monocultures, in order to function, must be (Altieri, 1995).
predominantly subsidiZed by chemical inputs
Information
(Swift et. al. 1996). Commercial seed-bed Biodiversity refers to all species of plants,
Excerpted from preparation and mechaniZed planting replace animals and microorganisms existing and
P".2-="#;2-*#7. natural methods of seed dispersald chemical interacting within an ecosystem. In
A-+$#9-*#9%*= pesticides replace natural controls on populations agroecosystems, pollinators, natural enemies,
4;*.*6-;7..1I079$/ of weeds, insects, and pathogensd and genetic earthworms, and soil microorganisms are all key
:65-;".2"5$%-#%Q72-# manipulation replaces natural processes of plant biodiversity components that play important
:+$5-;7 evolution and selection. Even decomposition is ecological roles thus mediating processes such
www.cnr.berkeley.edu/ altered since plant growth is harvested and soil as genetic introgression, natural control, nutrient
fagroeco3/ fertility maintained, not through nutrient cycling, decomposition, etc. The type and
multifunctional recycling, but with fertiliZers. abundance of biodiversity in agriculture will
gdimensions.html differ across agroecosystems which differ in
RS#*2$% 23$ One of the most important reasons for age, diversity, structure, and management. In
"#/$59;*5$%-#%23$
maintaining and/or encouraging natural fact, there is great variability in basic ecological
70*C$%?$0%7//5$99T
biodiversity is that it performs a variety of and agronomic patterns among the various
ecological services (Altieri, 1991). In natural dominant agroecosystems. In general, the
ecosystems, the vegetative cover of a forest or degree of biodiversity in agroecosystems
grassland prevents soil erosion, replenishes depends on four main characteristics of the
ground water, and controls flooding by agroecosystems (Southwood and Way, 1970):
enhancing infiltration and reducing water runoff.
In agricultural systems, biodiversity performs 1. The diversity of vegetation within and around
ecosystem services beyond production of food, the agroecosystem.
fiber, fuel, and income. Examples include,
recycling of nutrients, control of local 2. The permanence of the various crops within
microclimate, regulation of local hydrological the agroecosystem.
processes, regulation of the abundance of
undesirable organisms, and detoxification of 3. The intensity of management.
noxious chemicals. These renewal processes
and ecosystem services are largely biological, 4. The extent of the isolation of the
therefore their persistence depends upon agroecosystem from natural vegetation.
maintenance of biological diversity. When these
natural services are lost due to biological In general, agroecosystems that are more
simplification, the economic and environmental diverse, more permanent, isolated, and managed
costs can be quite significant. Economically in with low input technology (i.e. agroforestry
agriculture, the burdens include the need to systems, traditional polycultures) take fuller
supply crops with costly external inputs, since advantage of work done by ecological processes


6 —— Essay • Altieri
associated with higher biodiversity than highly simplified, 67#'0."8'/#-9##"'(%$4/.4).:#$,.-&'(")'5+0-.;+"2-.4"(0.-&<
input-driven and disturbed systems (i.e. modern row crops When agricultural development takes place in a natural
and vegetable monocultures and fruit orchards) (Altieri, environment, it tends to result in a heterogeneous mosaic
1995). of varying types of habitat patches spread across the
landscape. The bulk of the land may be intensely managed
All agroecosystems are dynamic and subject to different and frequently disturbed for the purposes of agricultural
levels of management so that the crop arrangements in production, but certain parts (wetlands, riparian corridors,
time and space are continually changing in the face of hillsides) may be left in a relatively natural condition, and
biological, cultural, socio-economic, and environmental other parts (borders and strips between fields, roadsides,
factors. Such landscape variations determine the degree and adjacent natural areas) may occasionally be disturbed
of spatial and temporal heterogeneity characteristic of but not intensely managed. In addition, natural ecosystems
agricultural regions, which in turn conditions the type of may surround or border areas in which agricultural
biodiversity present. production dominates (Gliessman, 1998).

According to candermeer and Perfecto (1995), two distinct The heterogeneity of the agricultural landscape varies
components of biodiversity can be recogniZed in greatly by region. In some parts of Latin America, where
agroecosystems. The first component, planned commercial, export agriculture predominates, the heavy
biodiversity, is the biodiversity associated with the crops use of agricultural chemicals, mechanical technology,
and livestock purposely included in the agroecosystem by narrow genetic lines, and irrigation over large areas have
the farmer, and which will vary depending on management made the landscape relatively homogenous. In such areas,
inputs and crops spatial/temporal arrangements. The the agricultural landscape is made up mostly of large areas
second component, associated biodiversity, includes all of single crop agricultural production. The expansion of
soil flora and fauna, herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, such agricultural landscapes disrupts natural areas in three
etc., that coloniZe the agroecosystem from surrounding important ways. First, natural ecosystems become
environments and that will thrive in the agroecosystem fragmented and important ecological linkages may be
depending on its management and structure. Planned changed or uncoupled. For example, the conversion of
biodiversity has a direct function. Associated biodiversity uplands from native grasslands or deciduous forest to
also has a function, but it is mediated through planned cotton will profoundly affect the nutrient and pesticide
biodiversity. Thus, planned biodiversity also has an indirect inputs into any adjacent wetlands. Second, the
function, which is realiZed through its influence on the fragmentation increases boundary phenomena by increasing
associated biodiversity. For example, the trees in an the proportion of area that is near a boundary. This results
agroforestry system create shade, which makes it possible in an exacerbation of the impacts from adjacent agriculture.
to grow only sun-tolerant crops. So the direct function of Third, the absolute loss of natural areas generally means
this second species (the trees) is to create shade. iet that the remaining patches are increasingly more distant
along with the trees might come small wasps that seek out from each other. Thus each remnant takes on more and
the nectar in the treeJs flowers. These wasps may in turn more the properties of oceanic islands in the sense that
be the natural parasitoids of pests that normally attack the source areas for recoloniZation are often very distant. Thus,
crops. The wasps are part of the associated biodiversity. local extinction events for both species and genes are
The trees, then, create shade (direct function) and attract unlikely to be balanced by recoloniZation or gene flow.
wasps (indirect function) (candermeer and Perfecto, Unlike real islands, remnant patches of natural ecosystems
1995). are highly vulnerable to invasion by weedy plants and
animals from surrounding agricultural lands and are
The key is to identify the type of biodiversity that is desirable vulnerable as well to perturbations created by agricultural
to maintain and/or enhance in order to carry out ecological production practices (Fry, 1995).
services, and then to determine the best practices that will
encourage the desired biodiversity components. There In peasant dominated areas, the use of traditional farming
are many agricultural practices that have the potential to practices with minimal industrial inputs has resulted in a
enhance functional biodiversity, and others that negatively varied, highly heterogeneous landscape-possibly even more
affect it. The idea is to apply the best management practices heterogeneous than would exist naturally. In such
in order to enhance and/or regenerate the kind of heterogeneous environments, natural and semi-natural
biodiversity that can subsidiZe the sustainability of ecosystem patches included in the landscape can become
agroecosystems by providing ecological services such as a resource for agroecosystems. An area of non-crop habitat
biological pest control, nutrient cycling, water and soil adjacent to a crop field, for example, can harbor populations
conservation, etc. of natural enemies which can move into the field and

Essay • Altieri —— 7
parasitiZe or prey upon pest populations (Altieri, 1994). communities which continued the use of slash and burn,
A riparian corridor vegetated by native plant species can were severely affected by El Niko phenomena, which left
filter out dissolved fertiliZer nutrients leaching from crop a legacy of human misery and destruction of vitally
fields, promote a presence of beneficial species, and allow important watersheds.
the movement of native animal species into and through
the agricultural components of the landscape. Such agroforestry programs which reduce deforestation
and burning of plant biomass can provide a sink for
On the other hand, agroecosystems can begin to assume a atmospheric carbon dioxide and also considerably reduce
positive rather than a negative role in preserving the integrity emissions of nitrous oxide. Recent research shows that
of natural ecosystems. Many small scale-diversified promoting techniques already familiar to thousands of small
agroecosystems have been designed and managed in ways farmers in Latin America such as, crop rotation and cutting
that make them more friendly to native species. For back on chemical fertiliZers through the use of composting
example, by encouraging hedgerows, vertebrates can be can act as important sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide
provided with large habitats, better food sources, and storing it below the soil surface.
corridors for movement. Native plants can have more
suitable habitats and find fewer barriers to dispersal. The benefits of agrobiodiversity in enhancing the
Smaller organisms, such as below ground microbes and multifunctional agriculture extend beyond the above
insects, can flourish in organically managed soils and thus described effects as shown by the impacts of shaded coffee
benefit other species since they are such important elements farms in Latin America. Farmers typically integrate into
in ecosystem structure and function (Gliessman, 1998). their coffee farms many different leguminous trees, fruit
trees, and types of fuel wood and fodder. These trees
By managing agricultural landscapes from the point of view provide shade, a habitat for birds and animals that benefit
of biodiversity conservation as well as sustainable the farming system. In Mexico, shade coffee plantations
production, the multiple use capacity of agriculture can be support up to 180 species of birds, including migrating
enhanced providing several benefits simultaneously species, some of which play key roles in pest control and
(Thrupp, 1998): seed dispersal.

j increase agricultural productivityd Learning how to manage an agriculture that promotes both
j build stability, robustness, and sustainability of farming environmental as well as productive functions will require
systemsd inputs from disciplines not previously exploited by
j contribute to sound pest and disease managementd scientists, including agroecology, ethnoscience,
j conserve soil and increase natural soil fertility and soil conservation biology, and landscape ecology. The bottom
healthd line, however, is that agriculture must adopt ecologically
j diversify products and income opportunities from farmsd sound management practices, including diversified
j add economic value and increase net returns to farmsd cropping systems, biological control and organic soil
j reduce or spread risks to individuals, communities, and management as replacements for synthetic pesticides,
nationsd fertiliZers, and other chemicals. Only with such foundation
j increase efficiency of resource use and restore can we attain the goal of a multifunctional agriculture.
ecological healthd
j reduce pressure of agriculture on fragile areas, forests, References
and endangered speciesd
j reduce dependency on external inputsd and, Altieri, M.A. 1991. F57/-2-*#7.%=75+-#6%-#%Q72-#%:+$5-;7E
j increase nutritional values and provide sources of The Ecologist 21:93-96.
medicines and vitamins.
Altieri, M.A. 1994. U-*/-C$59-21%7#/%,$92%+7#76$+$#2%-#
The effects of agrobiodiversity in mitigating extreme 765*$;*9192$+9E Haworth Press, New iork.
climatic effects, such as the drought promoted by El NikoJs
were recently evident in northern Honduras. An Altieri, M.A. 1995. :65*$;*.*61H% 23$% 9;-$#;$% *=
agroforestry project reviving the lueZungal method, an 9"927-#70.$%765-;".2"5$E Westview Press, Boulder.
ancient agricultural system, spared about 84 farming
communities from destruction. Farmers using the method Fry, G. 1995. Q7#/9;7,$%$;*.*61%*=%-#9$;2%+*C$+$#2%-#
lost only 10m of their crops in 1998Js severe drought, and 7570.$%$;*9192$+9E In: Ecology and integrated farming
actually obtained a grain surplus of 5-6 million pounds in systems. D.M. Glen et al. (eds). John Wiley and Sons,
the wake of Hurricane Mitch. On the other hand, nearby

8 —— Essay • Altieri
Bristol, Ub.

Gliessman, S.R. 1998. :65*$;*.*61H%%4;*.*6-;7.%,5*;$99
-#%9"927-#70.$%765-;".2"5$E Ann Arbor Press, Michigan.

Swift, M.S., J. candermeer, P.S. Ramakrishnan, J.M.
Anderson, C.b. Ong and B.A. Hawkins. 1996.
U-*/-C$59-21%7#/%765*$;*9192$+%="#;2-*#E In: H.A. Mooney
et al. (eds.). Functional roles of biodiversity: A global
perspective. J. Wiley and Sons, N.i., pp. 261-298.

Thrupp, L.A. 1998. )".2-C72-#6% /-C$59-21H
:65*0-*/-C$59-21% 7#/% =**/% 9$;"5-21E World Resources
Institute, Washington, DC.

candermeer, J. and I. Perfecto. 1995. U5$7V=792% *=
0-*/-C$59-21H%F3$%25"23%70*"2%57-#=*5$92%/$925";2-*#E Food
First Books, Oakland, CA.


Essay • USDA —— 9

Functions Far
arms
The Multiple Functions of Small Far ms

Essay 8 +7..% =75+9% ;7##*2% $W-92% -#% 7% C7;""+
79% 5$.-;9% *=% /719% 6*#$% 01% ,5$9$5C$/% =*5
23$% 2*"5-929% *5% #*927.6-7% =*5% 3*?% +*92
open space, particularly appreciated by urban
people as well as rural neighbors. Connection
to the land has always been central to the spiritual
Information
$C$51*#$X9%65$72%657#/,75$#29%.-C$/E%%8+7.. and cultural values of our countryJs indigenous
Excerpted from the =75+9% 75$% 7% C-27.% ="#;2-*#-#6% ,752% *=% 7 people. Additionally, widespread ownership of
USDA, :%F-+$%2* ?*5V-#6%.7#/9;7,$%2372%-#;."/$9%!$==$59*#-7# land is an essential principle of our NationJs
:;2. A Report of the $#25$,5$#$"59% *=% 7..% V-#/9% Y% .*;7..1% *?#$/ earliest public policies. And land ownership and
USDA National 65*;$51% 92*5$9B% 67576$9B% +7;3-#$51 farming provided a foundation for community
Commission on /$7.$593-,9% 7#/% *23$5% 0"9-#$99$9% *,$572-#6 and tradition for the new settlers and pioneers
Small Farms,
*#%7%9-+-.75%9;7.$%79%23$%=75+$59%23$1%0*23 who often fled from oppressive regimes to seek
January 1998. The
9$5C$%7#/%/$,$#/%*#E greater opportunity in America.
complete report is
available at n Clark Hinsdale, cermont Farmer
www.reeusda.gov/ j Environmental benefits: Approximately 60m
agsys/smallfarm/ The USDA National Commission on Small of all farms are less than 180 acres in siZe,
ncosf.htm Farms describes small farms as farms with less indicating that the majority of farmland is
than o250,000 gross receipts annually, on which managed by a large number of small farm
day-to-day labor and management are provided operators. Responsible management of the
by the farmer and/or the farm family that owns natural resources of soil, water, and wildlife
the production or owns, or leases, the productive encompassed by these operations produces
assets. This description of small farms includes significant environmental benefits for society to
approximately 94m of all U. S. farms. These enjoy. Therefore, investment in the viability of
farms own 75m of the total productive assets in these operations will yield dividends in the
agriculture, mostly land, and receive 41m of all stewardship of the NationJs natural resources.
agricultural receipts. This description includes
41m of all farmers who consider farming their j Self-empowerment and community
primary occupation and an equal percentage of responsibility: DecentraliZed land ownership
farmers that work part-time on the farm and rely produces more equitable economic opportunity
on non-farm jobs as their primary source of for people in rural communities, as well as
income. greater social capital. Owner-operated farm
structures offer individual self-employment and
Economic statistics speak only to the “product business management opportunities. This can
output” of farms by measures of crop and provide a greater sense of personal responsibility
livestock sales and they likely underestimate the and feeling of control over oneJs life,
economic contributions of small farms. These characteristics that are not as readily available
numbers do not reflect the social and to factory line workers. Landowners who rely
environmental goods produced by a large on local businesses and services for their needs
number of small farms. Some of the functions are more likely to have a stake in the well-being
performed by small farms and thus the public of the community and the well-being of its
values generated by small farms include: citiZens. In turn, local landowners are more likely
to be held accountable for any negative actions
j Diversity: Small farms embody a diversity that harm the community.
of ownership, of cropping systems, of
landscapes, of biological organiZation, culture j Places for families: Farms, particularly
and traditions. A varied farm structure family farms, can be nurturing places for children
contributes to a diversity of cropping systems to grow up and acquire the values of
and, therefore, to biological diversity. A large responsibility and hard work. The skills of
number of smaller farms contributes to a diverse farming are passed from one generation to
and esthetically pleasing rural landscape and another under family ownership structures. When


10 —— Essay • USDA
farm children do not return to farming because of their
desire for more financially secure careers, a generation of
farming knowledge, skills and experience is lost.

j Personal connection to food: With less than 2m of the
NationJs population engaged in farming, most consumers
have little connection to agriculture and food production.
As a consequence, they have little connections with nature,
except as a place for recreation, and lack an appreciation
for farming as cultivation of the earth for the production of
food that sustains us. Through farmers markets, Community
Supported Agriculture, and direct marketing strategies of
small farmers, people are beginning to connect with the
people growing their food. Consumers are developing
meaningful, direct relationships with farmers and a
connection with food as a product of a farmerJs cooperation
with nature.

j Economic foundations: In some states and regions of
the country, dispersed farm operations are key to economic
vitality. Historically, decline in U. S. farm numbers were
more than offset by increases in productivity and output.
However, this does not appear to be the case in places like
Wisconsin, a state whose farm economy has been
characteriZed by a large number of moderate-siZed family-
operated dairy farms. Since 1988, total volume of milk
produced in the state has dropped and the real value of
gross sales has also decreased. The loss of dairy farms in
this case has meant a loss to the stateJs economic output.

Z*2$H%%F3$%[8A:%)*++-99-*#%*#%8+7..%75+9%;*#;."/$9
23-9%5$,*52%?-23%7%C-9-*#%=*5%925*#6$5B%235-C-#6%9+7..%=75+9
2372%"9$%=75+-#6%9192$+9%2372%$+,379-]$%23$%+7#76$+$#2B
9V-..B% 7#/% -#6$#"-21% *=% 23$% -#/-C-/"7.% =75+$5E% % F3$
)*++-99-*#% 7.9*% $#C-9-*#9% 7% ;*+,$2-2-C$% 7/C7#276$% =*5
9+7..%=75+9%5$7.-]$/%235*"63%7%=57+$?*5V%*=%9",,*52-C$B
1$2% 5$9,*#9-0.$B% 6*C$5#+$#2% 7#/% ,5-C72$% -#-2-72-C$9B% 23$
7,,.-;72-*#% *=% 7,,5*,5-72$% 5$9$75;3% 7#/% $W2$#9-*#B% 7#/
23$%92-+".72-*#%*=%#$?%+75V$2-#6%*,,*52"#-2-$9E%%8";3%=75+9
?-..%="$.%.*;7.%$;*#*+-$9%7#/%$#$56-]$%5"57.%;*++"#-2-$9
7;5*99%23$%#72-*#E%%<"0.-;%,*.-;1%?*"./%5$;*6#-]$%23$%+7#1
="#;2-*#9%7#/%,"0.-;%0$#$=-29%2372%765-;".2"5$%,5*C-/$9%-#
7//-2-*#%2*%23$%,5*/";2-*#%*=%=**/%7#/%=-0$5E


Sustainable Grant Program • Description —— 11

Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
Program Purpose accomplished in their demonstrations. Typically,
2001 Grant there are approximately 40 field days each year
The Grant Program provides a unique with funding from ESAP. Many of these projects
Technical
opportunity for farmers, non-profit groups, were sponsored in cooperation with county
Review Panel agricultural researchers, and educators across extension services, Sustainable Farming
Steve Dingels, the state to work together and explore ways of
Association, Land Stewardship Project, State
Farmer, enhancing the sustainability of farming systems.
Technical Colleges, the University of Minnesota,
Redwood Falls, local units of government, private colleges, and
Minnesota Program Description agribusinesses.
bendall Dykhuis, The Department has received over 900 grant
Agronomist, applications and has approved over o2 million Unfortunately, the number of field days in 2001
St. Louis County in funding for 208 projects since the program will be greatly reduced. With the threat of Foot-
Extension began in 1989. Sixteen new demonstration grant and-Mouth Disease, the ESAP staff decided it
projects proposed by farmers, educators, and was wise to cancel field days on farms with
Richard Handeen, researchers were funded in 2001. Project cloven hoofed animals. This will help prevent
Farmer, categories include: Alternative Crops, Fruits and the accidental spread of the disease should it
Montevideo, cegetables, Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility, occur in Minnesota. As an alternative to field
Minnesota and Livestock. This year there are 49 active days, grantees will be asked to share information
grant projects throughout the state of Minnesota. on their projects during farmer discussion forums
Linda Noble, throughout the coming months.
Farmer, Grants provide up to o25,000 for on-farm
benyon, Minnesota demonstrations that last up to three years. The Grant Summaries
projects demonstrate farming methods or
Paul Peterson, systems that increase energy efficiency, reduce The project summaries that follow are brief
Forage Specialist, agricultural chemical usage and show descriptions of objectives, methods, and findings
University of
environmental and economic benefits. A of individual grant projects funded over the last
Minnesota
Technical Review Panel, made up of farmers, three years. To find out more details about these
university agricultural researchers, extension projects, contact the principal investigators
Greg Reynolds,
Farmer, agents, and educators, evaluate the applications directly through the listed telephone numbers and
Delano, Minnesota on a competitive basis. The panel, with addresses.
assistance from the
staff of the Energy Summary of Grant Funding (1989-2001)
Carl Rosen, Soil
Scientist, and Sustainable Number of Average Grant
University of A g r i c u l t u r e Year Grants Funded Total Funding Size Range
Minnesota Program, will make 1989 17 $280,000 $16,500 $3,000—25,000
recommendations to 1990 14 $189,000 $13,500 $4,000—25,000
Bruce condracek, the Commissioner of 1991 4 $46,000 $11,500 $4,000—23,000
Minnesota Agriculture for 1992 16 $177,000 $11,000 $2,000—25,000
Cooperative Fish & 1993 13 $85,000 $6,000 $2,000—11,000
approval.
Wildlife Research 1994 14 $60,825 $4,000 $2,000—10,000
Unit 1995 19 $205,600 $11,000 $2,000—25,000
Field Days 1996 16 $205,500 $12,900 $4,000—25,000
1997 20 $221,591 $11,700 $1,000—25,000
The grant project
1998 19 $210,000 $11,100 $1,000—24,560
participants hold
public field tours 1999 23 $234,500 $10,200 $3,000—21,000
2000 17 $150,000 $8,800 $4,600—15,000
every year to share $190,000 $11,875 $5,000—25,000
2001 16
what they have
learned and )*)+, !"# $!%!&&%"'(


Alternative Crops • Buchholz —— 13

Red
Increasing Red Clover Seed Production
Pollinators
by Saturation of Pollinators
Project Summary field on the east perimeter. He also had a control
Principal field of 17 acres with no beehives. The hives
Leland BuchholZ has a 60 dairy cow and 300 were placed in the field on June 26 and removed
Investigator
plus tillable acreage operation. He raises all in late September.
Leland BuchholZ feed stuffs for his dairy operation with a rotation
RR 1, Box 62A of corn, oats, and red clover. The soil is a
Grey Eagle, MN sandy loam and the topography is slightly hilly. Results
56336 All labor is provided by family members. In 1999, both fields were harvested on September
320-285-5401 Leland is certified for seed production in oats 28. Seeds were weighed on the farm and testing
Todd County and red clover. His farm is located in an area for dockage was done by La Crosse Seeds.
noted for production of some of the best quality There was a five pound net gain in the “Bee Test
Project red clover seed in the U.S. He would like to Field” that was insignificant and did not reflect
Duration evaluate the effect of placing high levels of bees the increased number of bees visiting the test
directly in a field of red clover on seed yield. field (Table 1). Leland was hoping for a gain of
1999 to 2001 In addition, using red clover as an alternative 100r lb seed/A because the profit margin is low.
crop in a rotation has environmental benefits. Leland was able to sell the seed for between
ESAP Contact Some of these benefits include reduced o.40/lb and o.45/lb. He needed a 65 to 70 lb
Jean Ciborowski pesticide use and reduced use of nitrogen for seed/A increase to pay for the hive rental.
651-297-3217 the next crop. Red clover solid seeding also
provides excellent soil erosion control, while In 2000, both fields were harvested in late
providing producer flexibility for use in a graZing
September. Seeds were again weighed and
Keywords program and harvest of hay or seed.
tested for dockage. In 2000 there was a 50 lb
bees, beehives, net gain in the “Bee Test Field” which was
pollinators, red
Project Description significant. Leland received o.45/lb for his seed.
clover, seed In 1999, Leland placed 32 honey beehives on The “Bee Test Field” had a net gain of o22.50/A
production a 30 acre red clover field. The hives were over the “Control” as a result of the increased
randomly placed on June 28 and removed on seed production (Table 1). This is still o7.50
September 27. He also had a control field of short of the cost of placing a beehive in the field.
20 acres with no beehives. He sat in each field Leland would like to see a net gain of at least
and counted bee visits as recommended by a o33.00 thereby giving him a minimum 10m profit
consultant and found he had more bee visits to margin. Leland believes that the improved seed
red clover flowers in the field supplemented with production in 2000 may be attributed to the
hives.

In 2000, Leland modified
the procedure he used in
1999. He placed 32
honey beehives on a 32
acre red clover field.
Rather than placing the
hives in a random fashion,
Leland placed the 32
hives in clusters of eight
with each of the four
clusters placed
approximately 1,760J
apart covering the entire Beehives in the field
one-half mile length of the


14 —— Alternative Crops • Buchholz
spacing of the beehives in clusters on
the field perimeter. He will continue to Table 1. Yield of Red Clover Seed with and without
space the hives in the above fashion to Saturation with Pollinators, 1999 and 2000
see if the spacing does indeed contribute !""". /012341 '---. /012341
to increased seed production. Control Field “Bee Test Field” Control Field “Bee Test Field”
Number of beehives 0 32 0 32
Management Tip Cost of beehives 0 $30/hive 0 $30/hive

Spacing of beehives, evenly and in Number of visits by
Avg = 3 to 4 Avg = 5 to 6
bees in a 20 minute NA NA
clusters, on the perimeter of the field bees/sq yd bees/sq yd
period
aids in improved pollination.
Number of acres 17 32 20 30
lbs of seed/A 155.30 211.1 ~201.6 211.33
Cooperators
% Dockage
Q$5*1%@-..-7+9, Todd County Extension (=light immature seeds, 10 10 21 22
weed, dirt or trash)
Q7//-$%4..-#6B Retired Red Clover
lbs pure seed/A 139.8 190.0 159.24 164.83
Specialist, University of Minnesota
A7C$%U57"V+7#B La Crosse Seeds Net gain/loss
(lbs pure seed/A)
___ +50.2 ___ +5.59

Seed appearance Similar in both fields Similar in both fields
Project Location
From Grey Eagle take Hwy 287 north 4 miles to Todd Cty McGregor, S.E. (Originally published in 1976). ' >#9$;2
Rd 8 and go west 1 mile. Turn north onto Oakhaven Rd <*..-#72-*#% *=% )".2-C72$/% )5*,% <.7#29E Updated
(gravel) and go s mile then turn west on Elder Rd (gravel) continuously and available at:
and go t mile. http://bee.airoot.com/beeculture/book/

Other Resources F3$%Q7#/E Monthly periodical devoted to agriculture. PO
Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002, 507-345-4523.
U$$%)".2"5$H%F3$%P767]-#$%*=%:+$5-;7#%U$$V$$,-#6E email: thelanduthe-land.com
800-289-7668. Information is also available on the web
at: http://bee.airoot.com/beeculture/


Alternative Crops • Buckwheat Growers —— 15

Corn Alternative
Flour Corn as an Alternative Crop -
Corn
the Benefits of Using Corn Flour
Project Summary are not in soil), the mulch is turned under and
Principal edible beans are planted the third year. After
Flour corn has potential as an alternative crop the beans are harvested, the plants are plowed
Investigator in Minnesota and as an alternative flour for in and the rotation starts again. This rotation
Lynda Converse people with gluten allergies. Crop rotation, gives the farmer an opportunity for income from
c/o Buckwheat harvesting, and processing strategies, as well as a variety of crops while restoring the nutrients
Growers Association marketability and profitability of growing flour to the soil.
20415 County Rd. 2 corn, are being studied on farms in several
Aldrich, MN 56434 counties. bathy also wanted to look at the possibility of
218-445-5475 or
planting and harvesting on a larger scale using
320-594-2456 Project Description machinery. She had been planting, weeding,
Wadena County
bathy Connell, a former Master Gardener near harvesting and grinding by hand for several years
Sebeka, has been growing and selecting seed but this would not be feasible on a larger scale.
Project
for Painted Mountain flour corn. Painted There are a number of problems with using
Duration machine harvesting. Even after dry down, flour
Mountain seed had been selected for hardiness
2000 to 2002 and early maturity in Northern Montana and corn has a soft cob. In some soils, plants tend
she continued that selection at her site that gets to have short stalks with ears forming fairly close
ESAP Contact one of the earliest frosts in the fall and continues to the ground. These characteristics make
to have damaging frosts into the very late spring. machine combining a challenge. A corn picker
Mary Hanks might be the best option but the project will
She has been hand harvesting and grinding corn
651-296-1277 explore other possibilities. As bathy selected
flour for use in her home for over five years.
Corn flour has an excellent flavor and flour- within the Painted Mountain plant population,
like texture and can be substituted in recipes stalk and ear height were taken into consideration
Keywords to help alleviate these problems along with
for pancakes, cookies, and quick breads without
corn flour, flour sacrificing quality or flavor. selecting for uniform early maturity.
corn, gluten-free
flour, Painted bathy and several members of the Sustainable
Mountain corn Farming Association and the Buckwheat
Growers Association designed some trial sites
with the objective of determining if Painted
Mountain could be grown and harvested as a
profitable alternative, value added product and
seed crop without the use of chemicals. Their
original marketing ideas were gluten-free flour
for people with gluten allergies and a flour that
would appeal to ethnic populations. bathy,
Floyd Hardy in Crow Wing County and Marvin
Duhn in Douglas County agreed to be
cooperators for the project.

bathy recommended a three-year rotation. The
flour corn is planted following fall-seeded
buckwheat that is turned under for weed control.
The corn is inter-seeded with hairy vetch. After
harvesting the corn, the stalks are cut and left in
the plot to be used with additional hay to mulch Kathy Connell discusses flour
plant potatoes the second year. When the corn agronomics
potatoes are picked (they are not dug since they


16 —— Alternative Crops • Buckwheat Growers

Results whiter corn flour for this market. In addition, one farmer
will also pursue seed selection for blue corn flour.
In 2000, two of the research sites were one-half acre each and
the third was one acre. Though bathy recommended planting There also appears to be a market for the flour corn as
into fall-seeded buckwheat that had been plowed down for
decorative corn. Painted Mountain is more colorful than
weed control, none of the sites were able to do this.
some other decorative corn and, even though it is more
expensive than some other decorative corns, indications
Only one of the one-half acre sites was inter-seeded with
are its bright colors make it more desirable. This market
hairy vetch. Unfortunately, this created a great hiding place
will also be explored and developed more in the next year.
for striped gophers who enjoy flour corn when itJs almost
ready to be harvested. The cooperators still believe inter-
Farmers in Wilkin, Wadena and Todd Counties have
seeding with hairy vetch is valuable but have determined
expressed an interest in growing flour corn next year as
that it might be better to inter-seed later when the flour
part of the project.
corn reaches a certain height so there is less competition.

The other two sites attempted to cultivate for weed control. Management Tips
One farmer fertiliZed with manure before planting. Although 1. Plant flour corn no later than May 15. The plants need
this seemed like a good idea, it contributed to the weed to get an early start to produce strong stalks and, hopefully,
problem at this site. This led the farmer to seek information more height for easier harvesting.
about flame weeding. He is continuing to do research on
flame weeding with the hope of building his own flamer 2. Be aggressive with weed management.
and using this technique next year. The second site received
too much rain and the flour corn was planted in an area 3. Flour corn kernels are soft and the cobs have a small
that had not been planted for several years. Weed control diameter. Field dry down has been somewhat successful
was difficult from the beginning and it only worsened as but, because flour corn tends to mold easily, early harvest
the season progressed. This plot was lost. The project then dry down in a rodent proof crib is recommended for
will focus on weed management research including flame rainy falls.
weeding and the use of minimal pre-plant herbicide next
year. They are also considering other rotations because 4. Watch for striped gophers and take appropriate action.
there is not a great deal of interest in growing the potatoes
in mulch, especially for larger sites.
Cooperators
The results from the first year indicate that you need to P75C-#%A"3#B Farmer, Carlos, MN
plant flour corn seeds early, no later than May 15. The .*1/%^75/1B%Farmer, Brainerd, MN
seed is very hardy and needs to get started early in order 82$C$%7#/%_7231%)*##$..B Farmers, Sebeka, MN
to produce a strong stalk and, hopefully, grow taller. The `.$#% U*56$5/-#6B Agriculture Resources Consulting,
Sebeka site had three killing frosts after the corn started to Freeport, MN
grow but the plants survived and produced the anticipated F*+%U-.$VB%Buckwheat Growers Association. Aldrich, MN
early maturing crop. The farmers recommend planting
the flour corn in rows not less than 2J apart with plant Project Location
spacing of 8 - 10” to improve growth, weed suppression,
dry down and harvesting. The farmers also observed that Contact Lynda Converse for locations of cooperatorsJ
Painted Mountain flour corn pollinates early making it less farms.
susceptible to cross-pollination from neighboring varieties
of corn. Other Resources

Members of the Hispanic community attended a project 57#V%_"2V7B 2323 County Road 6, Barnum, MN 55707,
field day and are very interested in the corn flour. They 218-389-3220. Frank has done quite a bit of research on
have not been able to grow the native flour corn of their flour corn and has information about machine harvesting
homeland in Minnesota and they were very interested in of flour corn being done in Canada.
this variety. However, they would like to have a corn
flour that is lighter in color. Corn flour tends to be gray-
blue in color because of the multi-colored kernels. The
project will focus on seed selection and development for


Alternative Crops • Dease —— 17

Development and Continuation of a Community Based
Grower’s Marketing
Sustainable Organic Grower ’s Cooperative & Marketing System
Project Summary sustainable farms, such as her own, lies in
Principal working with the local community and being
Patty Dease is interested in assessing local more creative in marketing farm products. With
Investigator interest in purchasing organic fruits and the farmersJ market project, she hopes to
Patty Dease vegetables and in providing small farmers with ascertain the level of local interest in organic
15832 Cty. Road 7 a viable income source. Working with three fruits and vegetables.
South Haven, MN other farms, she is starting a farmersJ market
55382 located on her farm. The challenges addressed in forming a farmersJ
320-236-7852 market are:
Stearns County Project Description
Patty Dease wants to work with other local 1. Farmers receiving a just wage for the labor
Project intensive efforts of growing organic foods.
organic farmers to market their produce in a
Duration joint effort and start a farmersJ market at her Farmers are working harder only to receive less
farm. She has been growing organic produce payment for their produce. This is most evident
2000 to 2001
at Earthway Farm for the past 12 years and her on the small family farms in Minnesota. This
farm has been a community supported project has the potential to benefit small family
ESAP Contact farms because it will achieve an economically
agriculture (CSA) farm for three years. Draft
Mary Hanks horses do most of the work and also give sleigh viable income for locally produced organic farm
651-296-1277 rides in the winter. She gives school tours of products.
the farm and last year had about 3,500 visitors.
Keywords She converted one of her barns into the Country 2. Supplying the local community with healthy,
Gift Store that sells handcrafted and farm-related organic foods. Promoting organic food in the
farmersJ markets, community requires marketing skills even though
marketing and products made by 32 local artisans and farmers.
Patty hopes to move away from crafts to selling interest in organic food has been increasing.
promotion, organic
produce, small farm more farm-related products such as goat milk
soap, beeswax candles, and wool mittens. She The goal of this project is to establish a reliable
cooperatives
and her family find satisfaction in the and sustainable marketing system for locally and
environmental rewards of organic farming. The organically grown products. Some of the
soil seems healthier with each year as the fields products to be sold at the farmersJ market are
go through rotation and rest periods. already being produced by area farmers. The
farmers were not realiZing financial success
Patty is joining forces with because of low farm prices and the lack of a
other local organic farmers
to form a farmersJ market
to sell produce at her farm.
Working together allows
them to share ideas and
resources. Each farmer
can concentrate on
growing produce that best
suites their soil and
available labor, rather than
a wide variety of crops.
Marketing as a group also
saves time and money.

Patty believes that the Vegetables for sale on market day
future for small,


18 —— Alternative Crops • Dease

creative and detailed marketing plan. Patty hopes that Patty anticipates similar results. Also, marketing efforts
having a marketing plan and selling directly to consumers will focus more on the summer months and less on the
will help. The project fits well into PattyJs long term goal winter/spring months. Patty plans on holding the market
of growing organic produce, which is at the core of Earthway on Saturdays rather than Fridays next year, as the weekend
Farm. may be more convenient for the customers.

Results Finally, Patty noticed a difference in what people wanted
to purchase each week. One week, greens sold out early,
The seven initial families began by dividing up labor. They the next week greens were not a valued item. This made
decided who would grow what produce, who would set up it difficult to plan on what produce to bring to the market.
the market, who would work the market and other details. Despite the lack of desired community response, at the
By the end of the summer, three families had dropped out end of the season, regular customers expressed
of the project. Other job responsibilities proved to be too appreciation for the market.
overwhelming for them.
Most of the growers felt that, despite the challenges, the
Patty concentrated a lot of her efforts in advertising. season went well for the first year. Most plan on continuing
Advertising was heaviest in late winter and early spring, their involvement with the market. One farmer said that
and continued throughout the summer. Ads were placed in she found it satisfying to interact with the customers and
local newspapers, specifically the 82E% ).*"/% F-+$9, see where her produce was going. On the other hand, she
:##7#/7.$% :/C*;72$B and the F5-I)*"#21% Z$?9. To missed the grocery storeJs steady demand for her products.
promote the market, Patty distributed flyers about the
market to the farmJs visitors, which numbered over 3,500 Management Tips
people. Flyers were posted in nearby small townsJ
businesses and the Stearns County Extension Office helped 1. When committing to a project with a group of organic
to spread word of the market through its office staff. A farmers, make sure that everyone is clear about their level
great deal of advertising was also done in the western of commitment and involvement. Some people may be
suburbs - Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park and Eden enthused about the project in the beginning but may not
Prairie. Two short articles written about the market and see the project through to the end.
PattyJs farm were published in a local paper.
2. There is a great deal of physical labor involved in this
The market was held every Friday with any surplus sold project. DonJt overextend yourself or your family. Make
on Saturday. Some of the products at the farmerJs market sure that your growing area and commitments are no larger
include organic vegetables and fruit, herbs and dried than you or your family can handle.
flowers, poultry and eggs, cheese, soy products, honey
and beeswax, creams made from beeswax, and farm 3. Marketing skills need to be developed in order to
related products such as goat milk shampoo and soap, promote the fruits of your labor.
and lip balm made from beeswax.
4. Consult local farmers. Talk with farmers who have
Though meat was not sold at the market, fliers for local successfully marketed their produce and find out what
farms that produce sustainably raised meat were worked for them in the past. Also, retired farmers are a
distributed. wealth of valuable information on sustainable agriculture.

Unfortunately, this summer was particularly dry and Cooperators
produce did not grow as well as in past years. The variety
and quantity of products to sell at the market was _-+%7#/%a71%`5$6*-5$B Growers, South Haven, MN
disappointing because of it. )75.%^*==+7#B Stearns County Extension, St. Cloud, MN
`$*56$%P752-#%7#/%P751%^$-#], Growers,
Community response was another challenge. The market Annandale, MN
did not receive the response Patty and the other farmers )7#/1%P"..$#, Grower, South Haven, MN
had hoped for. Patty decided that next year she will focus :.7#7%7#/%^75*./%<57+7##%b%=7+-.1B Growers. ,
more of her marketing time and money on a broader area, South Haven, MN
particularly in St. Cloud. Focusing on the St. Cloud area
has provided a good response for other local farmers and


Alternative Crops • Dease —— 19

Project Location Other Resources
Take Hwy 55 west of Minneapolis. Turn right (north) on Ebodaghe, Denis. 1998. 8+7..%=75+%5$9*"5;$%6"-/$E The
Cty Rd 2 in South Haven. The farm is 4 miles down the Small Farm Program, USDA-CREES, Stop 2220, 1400
road. Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-2220,
201-401-4385. Available at: www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm

F3$% 8+7..% 75+$5X9% !*"5#7.E P.O. Box 1627, Sisters,
Oregon 97759.


20 —— Alternative Crops • Petrich

Phosphorus Mobilization and Weed
Phosphorus Weed
Suppression by Buckwheat
Project Summary Robin Brekken drilled his cover crops on June
Principal 16, 1999 into soil that had been cultivated three
This project involved two farmers in the flat, times in the previous month with a field cultivator
Investigator
fertile Red River calley area of northwestern and chisel plow. He controlled weeds in the
Curt Petrich Minnesota who are transitioning their land into fallow plot with several diskings, and disked
Route 3, Box 95 organic production. They were concerned about down the buckwheat, oats/peas and sorghum
Crookston, MN controlling weeds during the transition and between July 28-30, 1999 (Table 1).
56716 evaluated different cover/smother crops for their
218-281-1293 ability to suppress weeds and release Curt Petrich planted his oats/peas mix in late
Polk County phosphorus. The three cover/smother crops
June and his buckwheat and sorghum on July 7,
compared in this trial were buckwheat, a mixture
1999. The buckwheat had to be replanted on
Project of oats/peas, and sorghum-sudangrass. These
July 22, 1999 because of soil crusting and sealing
Duration crops were summer seeded, incorporated in the
following heavy rains. Curt didnJt disk his fallow
fall, and then followed by a fall-seeded rye crop
1999 to 2000 plot and so it grew weeds. Curt disked down
that was plowed under the following spring prior
the cover crops in late August.
to planting soybeans. The greatest interest was
ESAP Contact in buckwheat because it has been shown to
Both farmers seeded their rye in September, and
Jean Ciborowski scavenge phosphorus from low phosphorus soils.
plowed it down to plant soybeans in May 2000.
651-297-3217 It is not known, however, if this translates into
increased phosphorus availability to the next
Just before the cover crops were plowed down,
crop. Buckwheat is also a highly competitive
weeds growing in them were counted and
Keywords smother crop, but it is unknown how much of
sampled for dry matter yield. The cover crop
this effect carries over to the following year.
buckwheat, stands were also counted and sampled for dry
Indicators of the success of this project included
phosphorus, matter yield and P content. In November 1999,
crop and weed biomass counts, soil tests, and
sorghum- soil samples were collected for analysis of P
tissue tests of the following yearJs rye crop.
sudangrass, weed content and aggregate stability, an indicator of
suppression soil tilth. In May 2000, weeds growing in the
Project Description rye were counted and the rye was sampled for
The farmers in this project each planted four, dry matter yield and P content. In July 2000, on
one acre plots which were replicated six times the Brekken farm only, weeds in the soybeans
on each farm, for a total of 24 acres on each were counted and sampled for dry matter yieldd
farm. Sorghum-sudangrass, an oat/pea mixture soybeans were sampled for analysis of P uptake.
and fallow were the three
treatments compared with
buckwheat. Sorghum-
sudangrass and oats were
chosen because they have
similar smother crop
effects to buckwheat,
although they are not
known to mobiliZe
phosphorus. Oats was
chosen based on its
reputation as a soil
conditioner. The peas and
oat combination could
improve the soil nitrogen
Buckwheat in test plot
levels.


Alternative Crops • Petrich —— 21

Results
Table 1. Comparison of Practices
No data from any measurement at the
B=0CC0; 904=>?@
Petrich farm in 2000 produced
statistically significant differences. This 936;4>;A June 16, 1999 July 7, 1999 (replanted July 22 )
Buckwheat 60 lb/A 60 lb/A
was probably due to the patchiness of
Sorghum-Sudangrass 20 lb/A 20 lb/A
the cover crop stands due to extremely 30 lb oats/90 lb peas/A 80 lb oats/50 lb peas/A
wet conditions in that field in 1999. Oats/Peas
Although he did take 1999 563378. (control) Disked once during season Not disked, weeds allowed to
measurements from those areas where grow
the cover crops were thick, in 2000, 9378:78; July 28, 1999 (7 weeks) Aug. 25, 1999 (5 weeks)
he could not distinguish those areas Buckwheat Chopped July 28, 1999 Aug. 25, 1999 (5 weeks)
from the areas where there had hardly Sorghum-Sudangrass Plow-down Aug. 5, 1999
been any cover crop. Thus, it seems Oats/Peas July 28, 1999 (7 weeks) Aug. 25, 1999 (5 weeks)
that in 2000, the measurements did not /<0
accurately distinguish between Seeding Date Sept. 10, 1999 Sept. 29, 1999
Plowdown Date ~May 16-26, 2000 May 16, 2000
treatments. Thus, most of the results
below are from the Brekken farm. D7<E06; planting May 28, 2000, 23" rows May 16, 2000, solid seeded

=##)' *+>>$#,,.4"<% The farmersJ
Figure 1. Weed Populations in Soybeans, Brekken Farm
conclusions at the end of last year did
July 2000
not prepare them for what they observed
this year. Last year they thought they
had discovered two winners: buckwheat
and sorghum-sudangrass, both of which
were very thick and competitive with
weeds. Weed counts taken in the
standing cover crops at BrekkenJs in
1999 found 50m fewer weeds in the
buckwheat and 37m fewer weeds in the
sorghum-sudangrass than in the oats/
peas. If they assumed that the oats/peas
had 10m fewer weeds than an
uncultivated fallow would have (data Figure 2. Soybean and Weed Dry Matter, Brekken Farm July
from PetrichJs), this would have been a 2000
55m weed reduction by buckwheat and
a 43m reduction by sorghum-
sudangrass. However, this project was
designed to look at residual weed
control the year following the cover
crops. In May 2000, there were very
few weeds in any of the rye plots,
probably because the rye was
effectively suppressing them, combined
with it being early in the season. By early July, the soybean sorghum-sudangrass plots whereas it was almost completely
plots showed visually distinct differences. absent from the buckwheat plots. Lambs quarters were
also a problem in the sorghum-sudangrass at harvest.
The truly surprising observation was that the weeds Clearly, any weed suppression they saw in the standing
following sorghum were much higher. Weed numbers sorghum-sudangrass did not have a residual effect. Rather,
(Figure 1) were almost five times higher following sorghum it suggests that sorghum-sudangrass residues may have a
than following the next highest treatment (oats/peas)d stimulatory effect on weeds.
pigweed numbers were 6.5 times higher. Weed dry matter
(Figure 2) was 1.7 times higher. Robin Brekken observed The differences among the other three treatments were not
that by harvest time pidgeon grass was thick in the great enough to be statistically significant, but there was a

22 —— Alternative Crops • Petrich
consistent trend for improved weed control following The dry weights of soybeans following buckwheat and
buckwheat than following either oats/peas or fallow. Weed fallow were significantly lower than following sorghum-
populations (Figure 1) following buckwheat were slightly sudangrass or oats/peas. However, since soybeans are
lower than following fallow, which were slightly lower than known for their ability to grow out of early season stresses,
following oats/peas. Weed dry matter (Figure 2) following there was not a concern about a possible reduction in grain
buckwheat was about a quarter of weed dry matter yield. This early suppression of growth does not correlate
following oats/peas or fallow, though this is not enough to well with the lower dry weight of weeds following
be considered a significant difference. Still, considering buckwheat and fallow.
that these are weeds that germinated almost 11 months after
the cover crops were plowed under, this data suggests that 1%%$#%(-#'*-(/.0.-&< Last fall, both growers appreciated
buckwheat does have a weak residual weed control ability. the soil conditions left by both buckwheat and sorghum-
sudangrass. The soil was especially “mellow” following
374,>74$+,' ?4/.0.@(-.4"<% In soil samples taken at buckwheat. Laboratory analysis of aggregate stability, a
BrekkenJs in November 1999, three months after the cover measure of soil tilth, failed to show any significant
crops were plowed down, soil phosphorus did not differ differences among the treatments though there was a trend
significantly among buckwheat, fallow, or oats/peas though for it to be best after buckwheat or sorghum and worst
it was significantly lower following sorghum-sudangrass. after oats/peas. This was consistent with both farmersJ
This was probably due to the phosphorus that was still observations that oats/peas left the soil in a soddy or sticky
tied up in the sorghum-sudangrass residues which were condition.
still visible at the time of sampling. Buckwheat and oats/
peas residues, though also still visible, were much more Management Tips
broken down. The high phosphorus in the fallow plots is
explained by the repetitive tillage which would have broken 1. Cover crops need a thick stand to provide maximum
down soil organic matter, releasing phosphorus to the soil. benefit. Good seedbed preparation is very important,
This may be beneficial in the short term but, in the long especially for the smaller-seeded buckwheat and sorghum-
run, it depletes soil organic matter and ruins soil tilth. sudangrass. They need to be planted shallow (less than
one inch) in a firm seedbed. A high seeding rate is also
In May 2000, the effect of residues on subsequent crop best. The rates used here (60 lb for buckwheat, 80/50 lb
growth could be seen in the field. There was a visible for oats/peas, and 20 lb for sorghum-sudangrass) are
yellowing of rye following sorghum. Rye dry weight was adequate if tillage, moisture and soil conditions are optimal
significantly reduced, relative to the fallow plots, following for good germination, but not if conditions are poor.
all of the cover crops, with greatest suppression following
sorghum-sudangrass, then buckwheat, then oats/peas. 2. It is important to plow down buckwheat before its seeds
Nitrogen uptake by rye was also reduced, in the same order mature or else it may itself become a weed problem the
as dry weight was reduced. This strongly suggests nitrogen next year. The first flowers can set viable seeds before
tie-up by cover-crop residues. The greatest suppression full bloom so a farmer has to be watchful. It can flower as
occurred with sorghum which has the highest C:N ratio, early as five to six weeks after planting.
and thus the highest potential to tie up N. The
smallest suppression occurred with the oats/
peas mixture which, because of N-fixation by
peas, has a more favorable C:N ratio. It is likely
that the cover crop residue tied up soil nitrogen.
If nitrogen was limiting, this could affect their
attempt to study phosphorus uptake.

The results for soybeans were confounded by
a different unrelated nutrient deficiency: the
soybeans were all affected by iron-deficiency
chlorosis. The distribution of the chlorosis was
random with no differences attributable to cover
crop treatments. It seemed to be limiting to P
uptake.
Sorghum-sudangrass in test plot


Alternative Crops • Petrich —— 23
3. Sorghum-sudangrass can either be disked under when A$0*573%:..7#B University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
it is five to six feet tall or it can be shredded with a mower Q*-9%U57"#B%Agricultural Resources Consulting,
and allowed to regrow. Advantages to letting it regrow are St. Paul, MN
that it then covers the soil and smothers weeds for a longer
period of time and it contributes more organic matter to Project Location
the soil. Shredding it seems to stimulate more vigorous
growth and also offers an opportunity to get rid of any From Crookston on Hwy 9, go 7 miles south from the
competitive weeds, that might otherwise go to seed. junction with 102. Turn east onto a gravel road. Robin
BrekkenJs plots are on the southeast quarter of the section
4. Plowing down cover crops with high production of high to the north, just west of the gravel road at 1s miles.
C:N ratio residues, such as sorghum-sudangrass may Continue east another 2 miles to Hwy 48 (also gravel),
temporarily tie up soil N, with the potential to suppress then south another 2 miles to Hwy 41. Curt PetrichJs plots
growth of subsequent crops, especially those with high N are on the east side of Hwy 48, on the northwest quarter of
requirements. This can be counteracted by planting them the section just south of Hwy 41.
in mixtures with leguminous cover crops, such as peas.
Other Resources
5. Aggregate stability is most enhanced by high C:N ratio
>#2$5#72-*#7.% A$C$.*,+$#2% a$9$75;3% )$#25$E Ottawa,
crops, such as sorghum-sudangrass. Adding a legume to a
Canada. Cover Crops for Sustainable Agriculture.
grain may enhance N fertility, but it will also decompose
http://www.idrc.ca/covergcrop/
faster, with less benefit to soil organic matter.
P7#76-#6% )*C$5% )5*,9% <5*=-270.1 (2nd Ed.). 1998.
6. Weeds can contribute organic matter to a soil, with
Sustainable Agriculture Network. Available in book form,
benefits to tilth and soil fertility, just like intentionally
CD-ROM, or html or pdf versions. http://www.sare.org/
planted cover crops. However, you must plow them under
before they set seed.
)$#2$5% =*5% Z$?% )5*,9% b% <.7#2% <5*/";29E Purdue
University. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/
Cooperators
a*0-#%U5$VV$#B Farmer, Crookston, MN [#-C$59-21%*=%)7.-=*5#-7B%8"927-#70.$%:65-;".2"5$%a$9$75;3
4.-]70$23%A1;VB Southwest Research & Outreach Center, 7#/%4/";72-*#%<5*657+E%%Cover Crop Resource Page
Lamberton, MN web site: http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/ccrop/


Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility

Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Destaque

Destaque (13)

Semelhante a Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility

Semelhante a Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility (20)

Mais de antonis3q

Mais de antonis3q (20)

Último

Último (20)

Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility