INTENSIFYING ORGANIC GRAIN PRODUCTION: BALANCING PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION GOALS

our long-term research goal is to support the adoption of coupled reduced-tillage and cover cropping practices that facilitate the intensification of domestic organic grain production without compromising environmental quality and economic viability of organic farms. our long-term extension-outreach goal is to facilitate the increase in knowledge of sustainable intensification practices by fostering peer-to-peer learning via existing organic grower networks and other outreach activities. we propose a cropping system experiment that will quantify tradeoffs among provisioning, regulating, and supporting services within experimental systems that use alternative cover cropping and reduced-tillage practices. experimental systems will differ in tillage intensity, tillage frequency and perenniality with a 3-yr grain rotation. we will also conduct a pattern-based study of 30 organic grain farms to determine the relationship between soil health, tillage intensity, tillage frequency, perenniality, and other cash and cover crop management practices. three farmer cases studies will support on-station and on-farm research objectives. outreach programs and materials will be informed, developed, and delivered to a broad audience by the project team, farmer cooperators, and advisory board comprised of organic grain farmers, extension educators, and representatives of governmental agencies, ngos, and the organic grain industry through a variety of means, including interactions with three organic crop grower networks. effectiveness of all extension products and activities will be evaluated. this project is appropriate for funding by orei because it addresses the development and improvement of organic production; potential economic benefits of organic production; advanced on-farm research; and optimal conservation and environmental outcomes from organically produced products.