PULLMAN, Wash. — Organic cropping systems research on the Palouse will be featured at the Washington State University Organic Cropping Systems Field Day on Wednesday, June 16 at the Boyd Farm near Pullman. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the tour is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a hosted lunch and an optional tour of the WSU organic CSA farm from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
WSU’s dryland research plots at the Boyd Farm have been farmed organically with conservation tillage since 2003. Crop rotations that include wheat, alfalfa, triticale and peas will be shown. Key components of profitable and sustainable dryland organic farming systems on the Palouse include fertility inputs such as green manure, legumes and animal manure as well as managing weeds while conserving soil.
Researchers will discuss fertility options, weed management with conservation tillage, cultural practices, mycorrhizae, goat grazing for weed management, pea breeding and spring crop competition with oats.
Conservation tillage implements will be displayed and an experimental inter-row cultivator will be demonstrated.
The Boyd Farm is located between Pullman and Moscow at 3801 Pullman Airport Road. From Pullman, travel east on Highway 270 to Airport Road (stoplight). Turn left and travel approximately 1.5 miles. At the intersection with NE Terre View Drive, turn right onto Pullman Airport Road, travel 3 miles and turn right.
From Moscow, beginning at the stoplight near Walmart, travel west on Highway 270 for approximately one mile. At the stoplight, turn right onto Pullman Airport Road; travel 2.5 miles and turn left.
For further information, or to ensure receiving lunch, contact Pat Fuerst by June 14 at pfuerst@wsu.edu or 509-339-5213
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