Desta, K.

Kefyalew Desta

Monitoring Uptake of Legume N by Apple Trees Using Nitrogen Isotope Discrimination

Intercropped legumes can supply nitrogen to fruit trees and reduce the need for purchased nitrogen fertilizer, potentially reducing costs and environmental footprint. The project evaluated nitrogen isotope techniques (comparing the 15N and 14N signal from the legume N versus other sources) to monitor the degree of uptake by apple trees of legume N grown in […]

Using the BioIntensive Technique of Intercropping Teff (Eragrostis tef) into Timothy to Improve the Economic Sustainability of Timothy

This project goal is to conduct and disseminate field and lab based hay production quality and economic research on timothy, a perennial cool season grass with teff, a annual warm season crop through intercropping, promoting stability and sustainability for timothy hay producers in Washington State. Intercropping timothy with teff was not successful the first or […]

Developing adapted varieties and optimal management practices for quinoa in diverse environments across Washington State

Quinoa is a highly nutritious and broadly adapted grain crop in high demand in the US and particularly in the Pacific Northwest region. However, very little is known about appropriate varieties and farming practices, including irrigation needs, fertility requirements and potential intercropping strategies to help control weeds and provide supplemental nitrogen. Our project would primarily […]

The potential for data-based irrigation management adoption to improve the sustainability of water and nitrogen resources

Only a small percentage of growers practice data-based irrigation management despite the fact that it has been shown to improve crop yields and quality while reducing water use by 15-30%. Optimizing soil moisture through improved irrigation management can also significantly reduce nitrate leaching which contaminates groundwater, reduces soil productivity, and increases the need for artificial […]