By Mary Edmonds, Rodale Institute Seasonal Research Technician Rodale Institute is currently in the second year of a series of field trials investigating organic weed management using cover crops. The goal is to examine the efficacy of different pieces of … Continued
By Eric Winter, Rodale Institute Seasonal Research Technician This is year two of the three-year Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant that is investigating alternatives to black plastic. Since the end of year one (see the article Black Plastic … Continued
By Alison Grantham At Meadow View Farm, in Kutztown, PA James Weaver and son Harold Weaver dread cleaning up the more than 20 linear miles of black plastic they use every year. When they do finish cleaning up all of … Continued
Area farmers came out to the Rodale Institute late last year for a chance to both learn and share techniques and innovations related to soil health, soil life, cover crops and organic no-till. Bob Schindelbeck, Extension Associate from Cornell University, … Continued
No-till practices were first introduced as a soil conservation tool, and to decrease labor requirements and fuel use. Numerous studies have also shown that soil is more protected from erosion and run-off in no-till systems and that no-till yields … Continued
By Christine Ziegler-Ulsh and Rita Seidel In the fall of 2008 the Rodale Institute partnered with Iowa State University, Michigan State University, North Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota and select farmers on a project to develop … Continued
By Sandra Wayman The challenge Is it possible to grow vegetables organically without black plastic, while controlling weeds and producing a decent yield? Can this system also benefit the soil and reduced costs? These were the questions that the Rodale Institute … Continued
By Jen Tillman, seasonal research technician Aesthetic appeal is not the only reason farmers fight weeds. A weed-free field can lead to higher yields and a cleaner product. Without pesky weeds, crops can take advantage of additional space, light, water, and … Continued
By Christine Ziegler-Ulsh The 2011 growing season was not a kind one for many farmers in southeastern Pennsylvania and other parts of the east coast, primarily due to rainfall patterns. Rodale Institute received significantly more rain than normal for the … Continued
By Lindsey Brielle The SARE Vegetable Trial is a field study designed to identify the impacts of black plastic and cover crop mulches on weeds, soil quality, yields and season length for a variety of crops at Rodale Institute (RI) … Continued
