The 2002 U.S. Farm Bill offers incentives to support the transition from conventional certified organic production. Research‐based recommendations must be developed for suitable crop rotations that provide high yields, grain quality, and adequate soil fertility during transition. We compared replicated systems, using identical varieties, 3‐yr period fourth year following a full rotation of corn ( Zea mays L.)–soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–oat Avena sativa L.)–alfalfa Medicago L.)...

Abstract Based on the interest of organic and conventional farmers in Iowa long-term analysis systems, Neely-Kinyon Long-Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) site was established 1998 to examine agronomic economic performance using certified production practices. We report results from 3 years (1999–2001). Using price premiums for crops, returns corn within corn-soybean-oat corn-soybean-oat-alfalfa rotations were significantly greater than corn-soybean rotation (US$126 ha −1 ). Com not...

Hypericum perforatum (Hp) is commonly known for its antiviral, antidepressant, and cytotoxic properties, but traditionally Hp was also used to treat inflammation. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity cytotoxicity of different extractions accessions constituents present within extracts were characterized. contrast antiviral Hp, observed with all light-independent. When pure tested, flavonoids, amentoflavone, hyperforin, light-activated pseudohypericin, displayed activity, albeit at...

Abstract Novel technologies to reduce tillage in organic systems include a no-tillage roller/crimper for terminating cover crops prior commercial crop planting. The objective of this experiment was compare: (1) weed management and yield effects tilled corn ( Zea mays L.), soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] irrigated tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), using two combinations [hairy vetch/rye Vicia villosa Roth/ Secale cereale L.) winter wheat/Austrian pea Triticum vulgare L./ Pisum sativum...

Abstract Dual‐use cover/green manure (CGM) crops and animal are used to supply nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) organically grown field crops. A comprehensive review of previous research was conducted identify how CGM have been meet N P needs organic crops, knowledge gaps direct future efforts. Results indicate that: (a) provide subsequent cash in rotations; (b) CGM‐supplied generally can crop warm, humid regions but is insufficient for grain cool sub‐humid regions; (c) adoption conservation...

Abstract Cover crop residue retention on the soil surface can suppress weeds and improve organic no-till soybean ( Glycine max ) yield profitability compared to a tilled system. Appropriate cereal rye Secale cereale fall planting date termination methods in spring are critical achieve these benefits. A plot-scale agronomic experiment was carried out from September 2018 October 2021 Kutztown, PA, USA demonstrate influence of (September or October) mechanical method [no-till (I & J...

Abstract Conventional cotton production has been associated with the extensive use of agricultural chemicals, leading to environmental and health problems, decreased effectiveness pesticides higher costs production. Organic bans most while providing premiums for growers, therefore may be a beneficial alternative growers. Unfortunately, there paucity research examining specific practices used by organic growers aspects those practices. This study surveyed producers processors document...

Because of expanding markets for high‐value niche crops, opportunities have increased the production medicinal herbs in USA. An experiment was conducted 2001 and 2002 near Gilbert, IA, to study crop performance, weed suppression, environmental conditions associated with use several organic mulches two herbs, catnip ( Nepeta cataria L.) St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum L. ‘Helos’). Treatments were arranged a completely randomized design included positive (hand‐weeded) control, negative...

Ivy gourd, Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, patches throughout Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island, HI, were identified as persistent sources of melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett). These had a low incidence Psyttalia fletcheri (Silvestri), its major braconid parasitoid natural enemy in Hawaii, and used to evaluate augmentative releases P. against fly. In field cage studies releases, numbers flies emerging from ivy gourd fruit placed inside treatment cages reduced up 21-fold, parasitoids...

The organic industry continues to expand in the United States (U.S.), with 14,093 farms 2014. upper Midwestern U.S. has emerged as a hub for row crop production; however, management of these hectares heavily relies on tillage and cultivation weed control. Faced soil quality challenges related practices, cognizant benefits conventional no-till farmers have shown significant interest development Cover Crop-Based Reduced Tillage (CCBRT) techniques lessen disturbance while achieving successful...

Nigeria, the seventh most populous country in world, is plagued by livelihood challenges such as poverty and food insecurity, which are more pervasive among farming households rural communities. Organic being promoted some domestic non-governmental organizations a means of addressing problem insecurity communities country. Promoters consider organic to be well-suited smallholder farmers’ socio-economic conditions that it can help improve their through increased agricultural productivity farm...

Sales of organic products reached $8 billion in the U.S. 2000, continuing nearly decade-long trend 20% annual growth. In Iowa alone, production for all crops was 5265 ha (13,000 acres) 1995 but 60,750 (150,000 1999. Despite growth agriculture, our knowledge farming systems remains limited. We have adopted a theory approach current research program at State University (ISU) to help address this gap understanding. Systems holds that biological systems, such as agroecosystems, consist...

With the continuing 20% growth rate in organic industry, vegetable crop production has increased to 98,525 acres United States. The requirement for certified producers implement a soil-building plan led development of soil fertility systems based on combinations fertilizers and cover crops. To determine optimal combinations, conventional bell pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) was evaluated from 2001 2003 Iowa, comparing two synthetic three compost-based fertilizers, treatment hairy vetch Vicia...

Abstract Integrating cover crops into vegetable cropping systems can provide a wide range of ecological services, which weed management is key component. Cover crop effects on control, however, are dependent termination methods and species present in specific seasons. A 2-year experiment with two cultivars organic zucchini ( Cucurbita pepo L.) central Italy was carried out to compare the effect barley Hordeum distichum terminated modified roller-crimper (RC) incorporated as green manure (GM)...

<p>Non-point source contamination is a major water quality concern in the upper Midwestern USA, where plant nutrients, especially NO<sub>3</sub>-N, are susceptible to leaching due extensive subsurface draining of highly productive, but poorly drained, soils found this region. Environmental impacts associated with intensive mineral fertilization conventional production have encouraged producers investigate organic methods. The USDA-ARS Organic Water Quality (OWQ) experiment,...

The Long-Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) experiment, at the Iowa State University (ISU) Neely-Kinyon Farm in Greenfield, IA, was established 1998 to compare agronomic, ecological, and economic performance of certified organic cropping systems conventional counterparts. Cropping were designed based on local farmer input practices. In second LTAR phase (2002 2010), equivalent corn (Zea mays) soybean (Glycine max) yields achieved corn-soybean-oat (Avena sativa)/alfalfa (Medicago sativa)...

Most U.S. farms today specialize in either crop or livestock production, failing to harness the potential economic and environmental benefits of integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS). This specialization is particularly contradictory for organic operations, which aim promote biodiversity reduce reliance on outside sources feed fertility. study investigated challenges opportunities experienced by farmers interested integrating crops organically managed Iowa, Pennsylvania, Minnesota....

Organic farmers have identified soil fertility and weed management as the two highest research priority areas. No review exists of on nutrient in organic field crop systems. We conducted a comprehensive to identify principles factors governing management, knowledge gaps, future needs grain other systems Canada United States. compared results from different climates, soils, rotational sequences. Results indicate that (i) dual‐use cover/green manure crops and/or animal are most common sources...

Abstract A laboratory choice test was developed to assess the efficacy and acceptability of sporulating strains Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin foraging Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Filter paper disks were saturated with agar media inoculated either B. strain 787 or 3041, M. 346, 472 2162. papers containing eight‐day‐old cultures rolled into cylinders culture on inside cylinder, placed in one two plastic jars,...

Light-dependent activities against enveloped viruses in St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) extracts have been extensively studied. In contrast, light-independent antiviral activity from this species has not investigated. Here, we identify the inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) by highly purified fractions chloroform H. perforatum. Both cytotoxicity and were evident initial extracts, but bioassay-guided fractionation produced that inhibited HIV-1 with little to no...

Alternative grazing systems that incorporate cover crops may be useful to achieve a longer season and maximize forage production. However, little is known about their impact on soil properties, especially in the presence or absence of cattle early spring. The aim this study was evaluate interacting effects cropping with without rotation corn soybean balance dynamics fertility enzyme activity. This conducted as system experiment between 2015 2019 Minnesota Pennsylvania, USA. experimental...

ABSTRACT In a national survey and through statewide focus groups, organic farmers identified pest management soil fertility as their most critical vegetable research needs. response, long- term experiment was established to compare pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth, productivity, insect populations, harvest cullage postharvest weight loss under conventional management. Treatments from the first 3 years (1998 2000) consisted of combinations two synthetic fertilizer three compost-based...