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Challenges, strategies and research priorities in legume-based nitrogen management for organic small grain producers in the Northeastern US

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2020

Margaret Pickoff Open the ORCID record for Margaret Pickoff [Opens in a new window] ,
Jessica Leahy  and
Ellen B. Mallory Open the ORCID record for Ellen B. Mallory [Opens in a new window]
Margaret Pickoff*
Affiliation:
Formerly: Graduate Research Assistant, School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME04469, USA Currently: County Horticulturist, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, Ewing, NJ08638, USA
Jessica Leahy
Affiliation:
Professor of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, ME04469, USA
Ellen B. Mallory
Affiliation:
Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Extension Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME04469, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Margaret Pickoff, E-mail: mpickoff@gmail.com
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Abstract

High yields and crop quality in organic small grain production can only be achieved through successful management of nitrogen. Experienced farmers and advisors in the Northeastern U.S. were asked to discuss the most pressing challenges in organic nitrogen management for organic small grain systems, with a particular focus on legume green manures (LGMs). Eighteen semi-structured interviews with 12 farmers and eight advisors were conducted between December 2017 and March 2018. The farmers employed a range of materials and practices for fulfilling the nitrogen fertility needs of their crops, including LGMs, animal manures and organic fertilizers. Farmers and advisors identified cost, overdependence on external nitrogen sources, nitrogen source access, diversifying rotations, weed management and predicting nitrogen mineralization of organic residues as major challenges in nitrogen management. Results indicated that cost-effectiveness in nitrogen management is essential, but that farmers consider additional factors, such as weed pressure and long-term soil health effects, when choosing nitrogen sources or practices. Legume-based nitrogen fertility is promising for small grain systems in this region, but structural challenges, such as the lack of animal agriculture proximal to grain operations, and limited cash crop markets, impede the development of diverse rotations that feature long-term legume sods. Recommendations include additional field-based research, including on-farm, participatory LGM studies as one avenue. Programming and educational outreach should focus on bolstering farmers' understanding of nitrogen mineralization of incorporated LGM residues, as well as their ability to anticipate and respond to sources of variability in LGM systems.

Keywords

Decision-makinginterviewlegume green manurenitrogenorganic farmingsmall grainssoil fertility
Type
Research Paper
Information
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , Volume 36 , Issue 1 , February 2021 , pp. 98 - 107
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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