2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Small-scale organic vegetable growers are interested in cost-effective management practices that conserve soil health by reducing frequent soil cultivation, reduce labor and energy cost, and increase profitability and sustainability. In partnering with Quiet Creek Farm owners, organic winter squash “Waltham” plants were compared under three management systems: 1) low-input technology (0.6 m wide walk-behind BCS roller-crimper with hand-planting), 2) high-input technology (tractor-driven 3m wide roller crimper with no-till planter) and 3) grower’s standard practice (bare-ground and in-season cultivation). Results showed that cover crop biomass (wheat, clover, and hairy vetch mix) was very low and averaged about 4,100 kg/ha, well below the threshold value (greater than 8,000 kg/ha) identified for consistent suppression for annual weeds under rolled-crimped management systems. Low- and high-input technology treatments resulted in significantly lower yields and were 3 times lower than those in cultivated standard treatment. The reduction in yield can be attributed to high infestation of weeds in grower’s field prior to conducting this trial. Soil compaction was measured using a penetrometer at 300 psi and results showed that soil compaction was reduced in low- and high-input technology treatments compared to standard grower (bare ground) treatment. Soil bulk density did not vary among treatments. Winter squash fruits were assessed for carotenoids and sugar content after being stored for 0, 30, and 60 days. Sugar content increased with storage period and carotenoid levels were similar in tested treatments. The use of BCS roller crimper technology can be considered a viable option for beginning and young organic growers who are on low and tight budget. Growers who can afford the cost of high-technology equipment may benefit from farming bigger sized- farms and reduce labor cost. Both technologies will conserve soil health. However, for successful organic winter squash production growers must select plots with minimal weed seed bank to ensure greater yields and low weed biomass when compared to tilled system with in-season cultivation. Extending the storage period of winter squash did not impact stored fruit quality even after 60 days. Organic winter squash growers may reap additional revenues by offering community supported agriculture’s (CSA) members nutritive and healthy fruits during fall season.