According to the Pew Research Center, the number of organic farms in the U.S. was estimated around 14,000 in 2016—a 56% increase from just five years earlier. In 2021, despite economic and production challenges, total sales of organics reached an all-time high at $11.2 billion.
Researchers from South Dakota State University have taken notice of this growing industry and are looking for ways to address the major challenges organic producers face.
Through a four-year, $749,998 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, SDSU assistant professor Sutie Xu is looking to demonstrate if "living mulch" can improve soil health, agronomic performance and the profitability of organic vegetable systems.
A changing industry
"Organic farming is developing very quickly in the U.S.," said Xu, a researcher in SDSU's Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science. "Based on data from 2022, in South Dakota, there were only 138 organic farms, which was lowest number among the states in Midwest, and less than 15 of them were used for vegetable production. South Dakota stakeholders have expressed great interest in information on organic vegetable management strategies to improve profitability and sustainability."
The roots of organic farming can be traced back to the widespread use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers in conventional food production systems in the early 1900s. As a natural alternative, some producers began growing crops without any additives. Organic produce quickly grew in popularity as people began looking for different food options at grocery stores.
Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations prohibit organic producers from using pesticides and/or synthetic fertilizers and outline requirements on crop and soil management.
Fertilizers, despite their negative human and environmental impacts, have proven benefits for crop production systems, particularly in terms of the yield that can be produced. Yield size is one of the primary struggles for organic producers. Smaller yield sizes require more land to be farmed (in comparison to conventional farming). More land means a greater environmental impact—a concern to researchers and organic producers.
"Without the chemical inputs, it can be difficult to get sufficient nutrients to the organic vegetables," Xu said. "Producers have to instead rely on organic nutrients, like livestock or chicken manure. However, not all farms have access to manure. Alternative options are needed."
Finding a natural alternative to synthetic fertilizer would greatly help the viability, sustainability and profitability of organic farms. Xu is investigating ways to improve vegetable yields on organic farms in South Dakota with living mulch.
Cover crops as living mulch
Cover crops are a proven sustainable agriculture practice that is becoming widely adopted. Following a cash crop harvest, cover crops—like rye or buckwheat—are planted. After a few weeks of growth, the crop will cover the soil, thus slowing erosion and improving soil health. Research conducted by faculty members at SDSU show that cover crops improve cash crop yields.
Source: sdstate.edu
Photo Credit: South Dakota State University
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education