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Development of more effective conservation farming systems through participatory on-farm research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

S.B. Wuest ,
D.K. McCool ,
B.C. Miller  and
R.J. Veseth
S.B. Wuest*
Affiliation:
Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS, Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, P.O. Box 370, Pendleton, OR 97801;
D.K. McCool
Affiliation:
Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6120;
B.C. Miller
Affiliation:
Agronomist, 3505 Laurelwood Lane, Olympia, WA 98502;
R.J. Veseth
Affiliation:
Extension Conservation Tillage Specialist, Washington State University and University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-2339.
*
Corresponding author is S.B. Wuest (Stewart.Wuest@orst.edu).
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Abstract

Research aimed at advancing conservation farming practices is typically performed using traditional scientific approaches, which have been highly successful in increasing agricultural output and efficiency. With the current emphasis on environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture, there is a need for a more integrated approach to applied agricultural research. Participatory research helps to bring scientific methods and the integrated production needs of farmers together to develop practical, effective, and carefully tested farming methods. The strength of participatory research is in the synergism of scientists and farmers working together to design, implement, and evaluate research. The development of new technologies for farming systems large or small, conventional or organic, can be greatly enhanced through more extensive use of participatory research.

Keywords

sustainable farming systemstechnology transferresearch agenda
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 98 - 102
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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