Sustainable and Organic Vegetable Production
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Danielle D. Treadwell Address: |
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Our work is focused on increasing the economic, environmental and social sustainability of conventional vegetable production systems as well as those that are certified organic by the National Organic Program. By improving the ecological efficiency of management strategies, it is possible to reduce off-farm inputs, reduce environmental degradation and ensure the economic future of farming systems in Florida. Because the nature of ecologically-based production systems requires the integration of research from many disciplines, we work in collaboration with faculty in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Soil and Water Science and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Our research is conducted at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra , FL and at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) -Suwannee Valley in Live Oak, FL as well on-farms. The PSREU has 17 acres that are certified for organic production as well as 40 acres of transitional land used for comparative trials. There is one acre in transition in Live Oak. Knowledge gained from research findings is provided to the public through our Extension Program.
Program Objectives
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Identify measurement techniques that improve the accuracy of prediction of nutrient availability from organic amendments in the field and greenhouse for researchers as well as producers.
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Develop novel management strategies in vegetable agroecosystems that optimize nutrient utilization from organic amendments including compost, animal waste, and cover crops.
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Improve weed suppression in vegetable agroecosystems with cultural practices including conservation tillage.
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Improve the transition from conventional to certified organic production by developing management strategies that minimize producer risk and are cost effective.