RSS
Welcome!
Welcome to the website of Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR)! We are a university center that develops innovative solutions to some of the most important problems we face in society today, by leading research and educational efforts in agriculture, food and natural resources systems that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible.
Join the discussion on high residue farming under irrigation
Get the latest information and take part in the conversation on the new site: Information and Discussion of High Residue Farming under Irrigation.
New camelina production fact sheet available
Camelina Production in the Dryland Pacific Northwest is a new publication produced by researchers at WSU and Oregon State University. "Camelina is emerging as a biofuel oilseed crop for the dryland farming regions of the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Biofuel user groups are excited about camelina because the oil is well suited for fuel production. Camelina has lower input requirements than other crops currently used to make fuel, like corn, and can be used to make high energy density fuels such as biodiesel and jet fuel. Cropping systems specialists are excited about camelina because it has the potential to improve the overall sustainability and productivity of the predominantly cereal-based dryland cropping systems. Good camelina yields have been achieved following cereal crops on fields which would otherwise have been fallow." Read more...
New Biochar research published
Dr. J. Streubel, along with WSU and USDA-ARS colleagues, has published: Biochar Produced from Anaerobically Digested Fiber Reduces Phosphorus in Dairy Lagoons in the Journal of Environmental Quality. Streubel completed his doctoral degree at WSU in May 2011; this publication represents some of his dissertation research. The abstract is available here; full article by subscription.
Organic Farming Research Foundation highlights newly funded CSANR field research aimed at helping organic growers increase their yields while decreasing nitrogen impacts on surrounding waterways
This year, with funding from OFRF, researchers from WSU will conduct field tests to help match the requirements of a variety of crops with the amount of natural fertilizer needed for maximum productivity. The overall goal of the project is for farmers to reduce the use of fertilizers, saving money and prevent unused nutrients from washing into nearby streams or rivers. Read more...
WSU scientist Kevin Murphy is featured by Capital Press
Kevin Murphy's research on quinoa is highlighted by Capital Press in a Dec. 1st article. Murphy's quinoa work is funded in part by CSANR BIOAg project grant funds. Read more...
Colleen Donovan of the Small Farms Program is honored as "Advocate of the Year" by Tilth Producers of WA!
During the 2011 Tilth Producers of Washington conference in Yakima, WA, Colleen Donovan was honored for her work developing and supporting Washington’s sustainable agriculture community. Read more...
Climate Change webinars (parts 1 & 2) now available
We hear about climate change from the media, but the information can be confusing and politically charged. WSU soil scientist Craig Cogger presented two-part a webinar series to cut through the confusion and understand the science of climate change. View Part 1, What does the science really tell us about past and current climate trends? HERE. View Part 2, Climate models, skepticism, and our response to climate disruption HERE.
New fact sheets and narrated presentations on vegetable grafting now available
WSU scientist Carol Miles and her program have been studying vegetable grafting as a means to increase tomato, watermelon and eggplant productivity in the field and greenhouse. Grafting of vegetables is about 1500 years old and today is used in over 90% of production of some of these crops in Asia. Grafting is relatively new to the U.S. but is quickly gaining use especially in greenhouse tomato production. To access fact sheets and presentations, visit the vegetable grafting website here.
Waste recycling solution creates energy, jobs
SPOKANE, Wash. - WSU News highlights a project combining the city of Spokane’s garbage, a little expertise from WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and some engineering support from Ch2MHill. The result: 40,000 tons of recycled waste and 15 new jobs. Read more...
Can we grow more nutritious fruits and vegetables using organic farming methods?
Organic farmers have claimed for years that better quality soils produce more nutritious foods, but until recently scientific evidence for such claims has been wanting. Recent research of organic farming systems provides some evidence that this claim may be true under certain circumstances. Detractors of organic farming claim that the only reason why organic crops may at times have more phytonutrients than conventional crops is that organic crops are exposed to more stresses. This may be because of the lower nutrient availability of organically approved fertilizers or injury caused by pests and pathogens because of limitations on the pesticides that can be used.To evaluate the claims both for and against, research comparing organic and conventional farming systems are presented, along with a discussion of ways in which more nutritious fruits and vegetables can be grown. View the webinar here.
Extracting valuable energy, carbon and nutrient resources from organic waste
WSU scientists have conducted extensive research on Anaerobic Digestion (AD) as a technology for recovery of methane (energy), stable carbon, and nutrients from organic wastes such as manure, food processing wastes and the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW). Our research has evaluated the technical and economic performance of commercially available systems, developed improved AD reactors, and commercialized WSU patented nutrient recovery technology. This webinar, presented by CSANR director Chad Kruger and CSANR scientist Craig Frear, will provide an update on the latest results from the WSU Climate Friendly Farming Project’s AD research. View the webinar here.
Helping sustain agriculture in Africa
WSU scientist Lynne Carpenter-Boggs is working with an international group of scientists to help find bean varieties and microbial inoculates that will improve yields on the ancient soils that farms in many parts of Africa must contend with. Dr. Carpenter-Boggs took a Flip camera to Africa and shot some wonderful footage of farms, people and animals that can be viewed below:
How family forest landowners in the Pacific Northwest perceive climate change
Private forest landowners in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere face the same challenges as public land managers with regard to changing forest conditions. However, little is known regarding the understanding family forest landowners have about climate change and the potential impacts on how they manage their forests. Consequently, the degree to which private landowners are prepared to respond effectively is unknown. To make sure new research and extension programming related to climate change and western forests is as useful as possible for family forest owners, researchers at three universities conducted a needs assessment in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to determine family forest owners’ perceptions, understanding, and educational needs regarding the impact of climate change on their forests. The Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Idaho reports are linked here, as well as an executive summary of the Idaho report.
The Northwest Biocarbon Initiative launches video featuring eastern Washington farmer John Aeschliman
The Northwest Biocarbon Initiative aims to galvanize farmers, foresters, community leaders, and thinkers to demonstrate the essential role that natural systems can play in ensuring long-term climate stability. The Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources is part of this collaboration with several of the Northwest’s leading conservation organizations who see this effort as a logical extension of our region’s rich natural resource heritage and our history of groundbreaking innovation and stewardship. This week’s launch includes a video and story featuring eastern Washington no-till farmer, John Aeschliman.
CSANR News Archive
View stories previously posted on the home page here.
News & Events
Know Soils, Know Life Dig it! The Secrets of Soil Lecture Series at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, WA. Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 19
Soil Quality Network 2012 workshop Feb. 23-24 in Portland, OR.
Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) grant applications now being accepted until March 9th by USDA NIFA.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Workshops in February. Scholarships are now available. Register now!
2nd International Organic Fruit Research Symposium