By Jamie Martin
The USDA is investing $1 million in a project led by Penn State to investigate anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD), aiming to enhance organic farming by managing weeds biologically.
ASD, an ecological alternative to chemical fumigation, involves incorporating organic matter into the soil, followed by irrigation and sealing with plastic to create anaerobic conditions. This method suppresses weed seeds by promoting volatile fatty acids production under oxygen-deprived conditions.
The research will focus on increasing the profitability and sustainability of organic vegetable and specialty crops. It aims to optimize ASD as a weed-management strategy while promoting soil health.
Trials will be conducted on farms in Pennsylvania and Florida to evaluate the effectiveness of ASD against key weed species and its impact on soil-plant nutrient dynamics and the soil microbiome.
Claudia Schmidt, an economist from Penn State, will analyze the economic sustainability of ASD, identifying barriers to its adoption. This study is part of a broader USDA initiative dedicating $121 million to specialty crop research, including $70.4 million specifically for production research. This research supports both traditional and organic agricultural methods, providing a scientific basis for improving practices across the U.S. farming industry.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National