Increased costs of feed and the desire to enhance on-farm livestock feed production have created a need for alternative fodder and forage crops. Historically, many crops such as fodder beets, swedes, carrots and kale were used for livestock feed. Many small-scale crop producers in western Washington are looking to diversify their farming operations to include […]
The project developed an environmental and economic assessment tool for the tree fruit industry. Moreover, an assessment study of fertilizer types was performed contributing to the sustainability of apple production. A simplified and interactive life cycle analysis (LCA) tool was programmed in excel. The LCA tool analyzes operations throughout the establishment, training and production phases […]
Tomato, eggplant, and watermelon can be significantly impacted by Verticillium wilt, a soil-borne disease common throughout Washington. Verticillium microsclerotia are known to persist in soil for over 13 years. Symptoms impact plants later in development after most production costs have been incurred, resulting in a 25-100% crop loss in some years even when ground has […]
This study focused on adapting a disease forecasting system called WISDOM for use in managing late blight in organic specialty potato production systems of western Washington. Although disease forecasting models in crop production are generally known to reduce unnecessary fungicide sprays and fungicide application costs, none have been developed with late blight and organic potato […]
SUMMARY Effects of an alfalfa cover crop on biological control of pear psylla and tree nutrition was assessed. The bullet points below summarize findings. Experimental Orchard (Moxee) • substantial increase in predator densities on orchard floor associated with alfalfa cover crop • no correlative effect on predator numbers in trees • no effects of cover […]