I am developing a manual on ecologically based weed management for farmers and running a series of talks and workshops to train agricultural professionals in ecologically based methods for controlling weeds on organic farms.

Both the number of organic farms and the acreage in organic production are expanding rapidly in New York and throughout the United States. A major constraint on organic production and a major barrier preventing more farmers from transitioning to organic production is the difficulty of controlling weeds without herbicides. Although some basic techniques and general principles for controlling weeds without herbicides are widely understood, implementing these in actual practice is difficult. In addition to an understanding of the methods, effective implementation requires understanding of the ecological dynamics of agricultural systems and the biology of the weeds posing problems on a particular farm.

To address this knowledge gap, we are compiling information on the biological characteristics of the 80 most common agricultural weeds in the U.S,A. and combining this with recommendations on the optimal use of a wide range of non-chemical weed management procedures in a user-friendly manual for growers. To speed availability of this information to farmers, we are (1) doing in-depth training of 10 committed agricultural professionals based throughout the Northeast (three are in New York) and (2) holding workshops to train a larger number of agricultural professionals in this approach to weed management.

Although the project is still young, we have greatly improved the knowledge base of 63 agricultural professionals through workshops and intensive training. Copies of the draft manual have been distributed to additional ag professionals. Seventy six percent of workshop participants indicated that the workshop substantially or very substantially increased their knowledge of weed management. Eighty six percent indicated that their ability to solve weed problems was improved. Ninety eight percent indicated that they would likely use the draft manual in their extension work. In addition, the 10 intensively trained professionals have reached over 400 growers in talks or one-on-one consultations. Although the full extent of the impact on farm practices is difficult to judge, some early indicators suggest that it will be large. Several growers indicated that they have substantially changed practices. In one case, a certified crop advisor helped by one of the trainees has drastically redesigned the management program for a several thousand acre farm that is in transition to organic production and was pleased with results during the 2007 growing season.

USDA, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education--Northeast (SARE-NE)