ORGANIC VEGETABLE CULTURE IN MISSISSIPPI: GROWING AND PROFITABLE

Yield and economics of vegetable crops are being evaluated in non-adjacent organic (OG) and nonorganic (NOG) vegetable production field areas in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Each production area has six sections in which crops are rotated over several seasons and years. Production techniques and management are as similar in timing and methodology as possible between the systems without compromising either system. Production methods, timing, and costs are recorded for each operation. These are combined with yield data to create budgets and estimated returns for each production system/crop combination. When possible, harvested produce is marketed by a cooperating grower-retailer at a local mid- to up-scale farmers market. Three years into the study, positive returns have been found for several crops including potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), lettuce (Latuca sativa L.), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.), and others. Marketable new potato yields in 2005 were under 10,000 lb/acre for Yukon Gold and Red Lasoda in either production system. Estimated net returns, based on an actual $2.00/lb market price, were positive for all system/cultivar combinations although final budget numbers are not firm. Significant differences in yield among cultivars were seen in potato, lettuce, summer squash, and cucumber. Organic production budgets for other crops in the study are also being developed.

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Profitability of Organic Vegetable Production via Sod Based Rotation and Conventional Versus Strip Tillage in the Southern Coastal Plain

Sustainable Agriculture Research ◽

10.5539/sar.v5n4p46 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 46 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mona Ahmadiani ◽

Chun Li ◽

Yaqin Liu ◽

Esendugue Greg Fonsah ◽

Christine Bliss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crop Rotation ◽

Coastal Plain ◽

Conventional Tillage ◽

Organic Production ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

The North ◽

Organic Vegetable Production ◽

Strip Tillage ◽

Rotation Sequence

<p class="sar-body"><span lang="EN-US">There are little economic data concerning the profitability of organic vegetable crops in the Southern Coastal Plain, especially in reference to sod-based rotation and tillage alternatives. A three-year experiment was conducted at the North Florida Research and Education Center-Quincy involving a crop rotation sequence of oats and rye (winter), bush beans (spring), soybean (summer) and broccoli (fall). Bush beans and broccoli were the cash crops. This paper presents analyses of the riskiness of organic production utilizing years in bahiagrass prior to initiating the crop rotation sequence and conventional tillage (CT) versus strip tillage (ST). Methods of “Risk-rated enterprise budget” and “Analyses of Variance-Covariance Matrix (ANOVA)” were utilized for determining relative profitability, and coefficient of variation was applied for measuring riskiness of each treatment. Three years of bahiagrass prior to initiating the crop rotation sequence, in combination with conventional tillage, had the highest profitability and ranked as the least risky scenario. The second most profitable treatment was conventional tillage with four years of bahiagrass. Focusing on strip tillage, four years of bahiagrass with strip-tillage ranked third in term of profitability.</span></p>

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Evaluation of Selected Fresh Vegetable Terminal Markets: A Stochastic Dominance Approach

Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics ◽

10.1017/s1074070800001784 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 39-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Roger Hinson ◽

Mooyul Huh ◽

John G. Lee

Keyword(s):

Stochastic Dominance ◽

Market Price ◽

Price Risk ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Market Selection ◽

Price Variability ◽

Cash Crop ◽

Row Crops ◽

Fresh Vegetable

Abstract Vegetable production can offer a high-valued cash crop alternative. While returns may be high, vegetables are perceived to have more risk than conventional row crops. This study used stochastic dominance analysis to evaluate terminal market price risk for four vegetable crops across five market locations. Results from the analysis identify differences in efficient market selection depending on the form which price risk follows. While vegetables as a whole are considered risky, substantial differences in the type of terminal market price variability existed between the commodities.

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LIGHTING FOR GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION – AN OVERVIEW

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps89-159 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 69 (4) ◽

pp. 1309-1326 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

D. L. EHRET ◽

J. M. MOLNAR ◽

P. A. JOLLIFFE

Keyword(s):

Spectral Energy Distribution ◽

Growth Period ◽

Spectral Energy ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Yield Data ◽

Season Extension ◽

Greenhouse Vegetable ◽

Supplemental Lighting ◽

Greenhouse Vegetable Production

At temperate latitudes, growth of greenhouse vegetable crops is well correlated with seasonal shifts in irradiance, which constrains annual production schedules and productivity. Although supplemental lighting would appear to be a potentially useful means of extending seasonal limits, current use of supplemental lighting is largely restricted to propagation and transplant production. Information is scarce concerning the use of supplemental lighting during the main crop growth period. Yield data from trials with lettuce, cucumber, tomato and pepper grown under supplemental lighting are promising, but more information on product quality is needed. Adequate guidelines for the suitable timing, irradiance, spectral energy distribution and seasonal use of supplemental lighting are not yet in place for producing crops, and need to be developed in conjunction with other cultural factors. Supplemental lighting increases the effectiveness of greenhouse carbon dioxide enrichment, but may necessitate adjustments in nutrient and climate management in the greenhouse.Key words: Greenhouse, lighting, vegetables, season extension

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Simulación probabilística de ingresos monetarios obtenidos en cultivos del sistema irrigado de producción de hortalizas del Valle del Sinú Colombia.

10.31220/osf.io/tc694 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Oscar Burbano-Figueroa ◽

Janeth Alexandra Sierra-Monroy ◽

Adriana David Hinestroza ◽

Eike Luedeling

Keyword(s):

Production System ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Systems Approach ◽

Sweet Pepper ◽

Quantitative Information ◽

Limiting Factors ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Green Beans ◽

Distribution Ranges

Abstract In the vegetable production systems of the Colombian Caribbean, diversification in the use of land and products to be commercialized increases the complexity of the system. These systems require quantifying the productivity and risk associated with each of the selected crops and identifying the limiting factors that affect the economic return in order to prioritize the resource investment options by farmers and researchers dedicated to these systems. To guide this purpose, this study used a participatory modelling approach using qualitative and quantitative information on the production system provided by farmers from the Sinú Valley. The qualitative information provided in focus groups and individual interviews was organized using a systems approach. Quantitative information related to system variables was extracted as distribution probabilities after farmers were trained to provide quantitative estimates of variables. Model and input values for the variables were used to construct a probability simulation that allowed (i) to estimate the expected income in vegetable crops, and (ii) to identify the critical uncertainties of the production system. The analyzed crops were aubergine, sweet pepper, papaya and green beans. The simulation shows that there is an overlap of the distribution ranges for income (net present value) and the cost-benefit relationship for these crops. Consequently, one crop has no advantages over another in terms of higher benefits and lower risks. The preference for a particular crop could be explained by the differences in the investment required for each crop, where farmers with less financial capacity prefer to plant crops with little investment and shorter cycles (long beans). The analysis of the value of the information allowed identifying the variables that most affect the expected income of the production system: sale price of the products, losses associated with pests and diseases, and yield; it was determined that the variables associated with sweet pepper are the most important on the expected performance of the irrigated vegetable production system in the Sinú Valley.

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Sustainable Commercial Vegetable Production with Minimal Use of Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.25.2.170a ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 170a-170

Author(s):

Victor A. Wegrzyn

Keyword(s):

Production Systems ◽

Crop Improvement ◽

Information Service ◽

Cultural Practice ◽

Organic Production ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Organic Vegetable Production ◽

Organic Farmers

Sustainable production systems are characterized as systems that can be physically and biologically maintained in perpetuity, can avoid adverse environmental and health problems, and can be economically profitable. Organic vegetable production systems are one example of sustainable farming enterprises. In California, organic production and postharvest handling techniques are closely defined by legislation. Of the several grower groups representing organic farmers in the state, the California Certified Organic Farmers is the largest, representing 382 growers that farmed a total area of 10,375 ha in 1988. Of these, 200 growers are vegetable producers. Another organization active among organic growers in California, as well as Mexico, Central American countries, and the Caribbean, is the Organic Crop Improvement Association. Marketing organizations such as the Nutri-Clean Program, which tests produce for pesticide residues and certifies specific residue standards, and the Organic Market News and Information Service facilitate the sale of organic produce in California. Cultural practice information for organic vegetable production is difficult to find, particularly techniques that would allow a grower to switch from conventional to organic production. University researchers and extension workers have so far been of little help, although the Univ. of California Sustainability Program at Davis is beginning research and education activities. Funding for these activities is inadequate, and the program is understaffed. There is need for long-term, interdisciplinary, on-farm studies to study organic production techniques in a realistic setting. At present, the reward system in place in land-grant institutions offers little encouragement to researchers to engage in this kind of work. There are formidable obstacles to increasing the use of organic materials for crop fertilization. The nutrient content of the state's manure and organic waste supplies is probably insufficient to meet the fertility needs of California's crops. In addition, since the majority of land currently producing vegetable crops in California is leased, long-term soil fertility investments are a risky undertaking.

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Enhancing Seed Health for Organic Vegetable Production Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v13n12p35 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 35

Author(s):

Leopold M. Nyochembeng

Keyword(s):

Production System ◽

Production Systems ◽

Health Management ◽

Organic Production ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Pests And Diseases ◽

Seed Health ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Organic Vegetable Production ◽

Seedborne Pathogens

Organic vegetable production is a rapidly expanding segment within the fast growing organic sector of agricultural production. Although pests and diseases remain a challenge in organic production, the growth and expansion of this system is dependent on sustained use of good quality organic seed. Due to the limited supply of organic seed, the National Organic Program (NOP) allows the use of untreated conventional seed in organic production of vegetables and other crops. Conventional seed derives from a high input production system using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They also offer many varieties and are readily available at a much lower price compared to organic seed. Organic systems demand cultivars with different characteristics often absent in conventional cultivars, and this need begins with the seed. It is not common practice for farmers to test or sanitize seed before planting. Consequently, the use of such conventional seeds, which may not be well adapted to the low input organic production system, could favor disease susceptibility, establishment of seedborne pathogens especially in vegetables and their subsequent dissemination in the organic production system. Our overall goal is to improve organic vegetable crop health and production in the southeastern U.S. through application of sustainable seed health management and help limit seed borne infections, transmission and dissemination in organic vegetable production fields.

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Scientific-Practical Aspects of the Organic Tomato Production in Azerbaijan

Bulletin of Science and Practice ◽

10.33619/2414-2948/51/15 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 158-165

Author(s):

V. Babaev

Keyword(s):

Water Sources ◽

Organic Production ◽

International Standards ◽

Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Tomato Production ◽

Vegetable Products ◽

The Usa ◽

Scientific Practical

Over the past 50–60 years, the proportion of vegetable crops in the diet of people has increased, and an increase in demand has led to an increase in production. Thus, China accounts for 31% of the 170 million tons of tomatoes produced in the world, 11.2% in India, 8.8% in the USA and 6.9% in Turkey. In Azerbaijan, this figure is 465 thousand tons. The widespread use and use of fertilizers and other pesticides in vegetable production poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Research shows that the quality indicators of vegetable products often do not meet international standards and medical norms . One of the main reasons for this is the excess of nitrates in the product. Overusing of nitrogen fertilizers, as well as pollution of ground and surface water sources, atmospheric nitrogen compounds, also accumulates large amounts of nitrate in fruit and vegetable and feed crops (and therefore dairy products). Nitrate (NO3) is one of the most common compounds in nitrogen in nature. They are always present in the soil and play an important role in plant nutrition. Part of the nitrogen and other fertilizers supplied to the soil is washed with rain and irrigation water and accumulated in ponds and water sources, mixed with river salts and poured into the sea. On average, 200,000 people die each year from the effects of these poisons on the human body. Thus, the growth of fatal diseases and environmental pollution has led to an increase in the number of countries that are currently engaged in environmentally friendly (organic) production (181 countries). The natural conditions of Azerbaijan provide great opportunities for expanding the production of vegetables in the country. However, given the viability and historical importance of the transition to organic vegetable growing in the country, the solution to this problem depends on the state approach.

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OASIS: An Experiential Learning Class in Organic Production

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.41.4.974e ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 974E-975

Author(s):

Erin Silva ◽

Connie Falk

Keyword(s):

General Education ◽

Organic Agriculture ◽

Weed Management ◽

Local Community ◽

Chihuahuan Desert ◽

Organic Production ◽

Community Supported Agriculture ◽

Small Scale ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops

New Mexico State University has designed a course in Organic Vegetable Production centered on a working CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm. This project, named “OASIS” (Organic Agriculture Students Inspiring Sustainability), was funded by a 3-year USDA Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) grant from 2002–05. The project has multiple objectives, including: to provide students with a multi-disciplinary experiential educational opportunity; to investigate the feasibility of small-scale organic drip-irrigated farming in the Chihuahuan desert; to demonstrate the CSA model to the local community; and to trial vegetable varieties. The class is co-listed in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business. Recently, the class was adopted in the Honors College and also became part of the General Education (G) program at NMSU. The course meets twice a week during two 2-h class periods. In-class time is divided between lectures, active learning projects, and work at the 0.26-ha field plot. The class content covered by the instructors includes organic regulations, history of CSAs and organic agriculture, evaluating the profitability of CSAs, the production of specific vegetable crops, planting and harvesting procedures, and postharvest requirements. Guest speakers are also part of the regular class structure and have discussed various topics such as beneficial insects, tillage, cover cropping, and weed management. The “living classroom” allows for these lectures to draw upon the experiences of students working on the farm. Although the course presents several challenges, the hands-on experience gained by the students is considered to be invaluable.

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Development of REDCAHOR—a Vegetable Research and Development Network in Central America

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.3.531b ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 531b-531

Author(s):

J. Nienhuis

Keyword(s):

Integrated Pest Management ◽

Pest Management ◽

Central America ◽

Organic Production ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Greenhouse Production ◽

Short Course ◽

Development Network ◽

Breeding And Genetics ◽

The Impact

REDCAHOR is the Spanish acronym for “Central American Vegetable Network.” Vegetables have traditionally been an important source of nutrients and vitamins in the diet in Central America. Vegetable production in this region is now changing as local consumers are demanding increased diversity and quality and international markets are expanding with “non-traditional” vegetable exports. The present restraints to expanded research and production of vegetables in the region include i) need for cultivars with increased insect and disease resistance, ii) poor and excessive use of pesticides, and iii) inadequate postharvest technology. In addition, there are few vegetable researchers in the region and response to their activities have not been coordinated. The goal of REDCAHOR is to develop a regional network of national institutions that can prioritize agendas and cooperate to maximize the impact of available resources. Establishment of a system of regional trials and cooperative regional programs in integrated pest management and plant breeding are currently under development. A series of regional workshops are planned, including integrated pest management, maintenance and use of genetic resources, organic production, and greenhouse production. In addition, REDCAHOR, in collaboration with the Escuela Agricola Panamerica in Honduras, will offer regional short-course training in vegetable breeding and genetics as well as vegetable production and management, including integrated pest management.

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