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Title: LONG-TERM ORGANIC CROPPING SYSTEMS RESEARCH

Author
item Teasdale, John
item Cavigelli, Michel

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/23/2003
Publication Date: 12/1/2003
Citation: Teasdale, J.R., Cavigelli, M.A. 2003. Long-term organic cropping systems research [abstract]. Amer. Soc. Agronomy Abstracts [CDROM]. A08-teasdale370880-Oral.

Interpretive Summary: none needed

Technical Abstract: Long-term agricultural research (LTAR) can provide data on changes in agricultural systems that occur slowly, that have a small signal to noise ratio, and that respond to episodic events. These types of data include long-term crop yields, soil C sequestration, soil N retention, global warming potential, economic performance, population dynamics of (some) pest and beneficial species and some aspects of soil quality. In response to a growing interest in organic farming, there is an increasing number of LTARs that include organic farming treatments. The LTAR at Beltsville, Maryland, the Farming Systems Project, is unique in containing three organic systems differing in rotation length (2, 3, and 6 years) and crop diversity. There has been a tendency for corn but not soybean yields to increase with increased rotation length and complexity. To refine comparisons between systems, the initial spatial variability of soils and crop responses is being assessed. On-farm research is being conducted to augment LTAR conducted on station. Results to date from the Beltsville site confirm organic farmers' observations that timely control of weeds, and providing adequate nitrogen to corn are the biggest challenges to organic field crop production.