Author
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Abdul Baki, Aref |
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Submitted to: Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: This review paper describes three major transitions in the history of agriculture and the forces that brought about these transitions. The earliest and most primitive production system depended on man and his farm animals to do the major farming operations, and on cover crops to maintain soil fertility. Early in the 20th Century, agricultural machinery and chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics, introduced a highly sophisticated, chemically-oriented farming system to replace the primitive system. Though efficient, the new system proved to be less than friendly to the environment. Soil erosion continued to be high and water in many states became contaminated with agricultural chemicals. A new move, driven by consumers and environmentally oriented groups, was initiated to introduce a system that uses on-farm, renewable resources such as cover crops, to reduce the impact of chemicals on the environment. Selection and management of these cover crops for the production of warm season vegetables is discussed. This information will be used by growers, extension specialists, scientists, policy makers, and consumers. Technical Abstract: The concept of using cover crops in vegetable production to improve soil fertility was an old agricultural practice. With the introduction of chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and plastic mulches, early in the 20th Century, use of cover crops declined. However, the chemically oriented production system failed to maintain soil fertility and resulted in contamination of the environment. As a result of dissatisfaction with the new system, pressure from consumers and environmentally oriented groups is adding new support to the cover crop system. Some of the important issues that growers should know in using the cover crop mulches in growing warm season vegetables are discussed. |
