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The objectives are to 1) evaluate cover crop species (summer and winter) and their effects on soil health particularly microbial species population, weeds and diseases in organic tomato, southern peas, and sweet corn production, and 2) determine the economic (cost-benefit) outcomes of the system in relation to crop yields, pest management, and soil quality.
Non-Technical Summary: This project will examine the effects of cover crops on organic vegetable production, soil health, and in the mitigation of common pests and diseases of tomato, southern peas and sweet corn. Furthermore, the biological economic (cost-benefit) outcome of the system in relation to crop yield, pest management and soil quality will be determined. <P> Approach: Establish cover crops in summer and winter at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) in North Alabama and their impact on summer vegetable crop (tomato, southern peas, and sweet corn). Both economic benefit and biological effect of cover crops in terms of reduction in weed infestation, disease and insect control, changes in soil chemical, microbial activity, and crop yield will be assessed. This integrated organic vegetable production system will be developed through testing, implementation and adopting of cultural, biological and other environmentally compatible farm practices.