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INVESTIGATION OF ORGANIC WEED CONTROL METHODS, PESTICIDE SPECIAL STUDY, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Impact/Purpose:
This project involves the investigation of the effectiveness and economic feasibility of the use of 1) corn gluten meal (CGM), 2) treated paper mulch and 3) plastic mulch compared with the efficacy of conventional herbicides when employed as weed control in organic vegetable production.
Description:
The project is proposed for the 2003 and 2004 growing seasons. Corn gluten meal (CGM), treated paper mulch and plastic mulch, along with conventional herbicide, will be applied to fields of drip irrigated broccoli in a randomized complete block design with 6 replicates. Due to the germination suppression characteristics of GCM, direct seeding cannot be used. The crop will be seeded in a greenhouse and transplanted into the field. Soil testing will be performed in the Spring and Fall to determine necessary nutrient requirements. Crop yeild will be determined for each treatment and used in an economic analysis. Weed densities for all treatments will be evaluated on a bi-weekly basis and the treatments analyzed for weed control effectiveness. The following weed suppression treatments will be examined: 1) CGM @ 1/3 ton per acre 2) CGM @ 1/2 ton per acre (recommended rate) 3) CGM @ 2/3/ton per acre 4) Paper mulch 5) Plastic mulch 6) Conventional mulch Results will be tabulated in a yearly report submitted to EPA. A final report will be submitted following the 2004 growing season. The results will also be presented to local conventional and organic grower groups and at the annual convention of the Western Colorado Horticultural Society.