Robert Turnbull

The Long-Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) Experiment Supports Organic Yields, Soil Quality, and Economic Performance in Iowa

The Long-Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) experiment, at the Iowa State University (ISU) Neely-Kinyon Farm in Greenfield, IA, was established in 1998 to compare the agronomic, ecological, and economic performance of certified organic cropping systems to conventional counterparts. Cropping systems were designed based on local farmer input and practices. In the second LTAR phase (2002 to 2010), equivalent organic and conventional corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) yields were achieved in the organic corn-soybean-oat (Avena sativa)/alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (C-S-O/A) and corn-soybean-oat/alfalfa-alfalfa (C-S-O/A-A) rotations compared to the conventional corn-soybean rotation (C-S). Organic oat and alfalfa yields, at 103 bu/acre and 4.4 tons/acre, respectively, exceeded county averages of 73 bu/acre and 3.3. tons/acre, for the same period. Similar plant protection occurred in organic crops, without the use of petrochemicals, compared to conventional crops maintained with synthetic pesticides. In Fall 2009, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and extractable K and Ca were 5.7%, 9.5%, 14.2%, and 10.8% higher in organic soils, respectively. Soil properties related to biologically active organic matter were up to 40% higher in organic soils. Economic returns to land and management in 2010 were

Bean Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Response to Soybean Variety and Organic-Compliant Treatments

510/acre in the organic C-S-O/A-A rotation compared to

Transitioning into Organic Grain Production: An Economic Perspective

351/acre in the C-S rotation. The LTAR experiment will be continued as a valuable demonstration of the potential for organic crops to achieve comparable yields while increasing carbon sequestration and economic returns compared to conventional corn and soybean rotations.

Participatory organic research in the USA and Italy: Across a continuum of farmer–researcher partnerships

Abstract In response to concerns from certified organic producers who were experiencing significant market losses due to seed staining of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], we evaluated alternative ways to manage bean leaf beetles [Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster)] (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a known vector for the seed-staining bean pod mottle virus (BPMV). From 2000 through 2006, organic-compliant treatments, including insecticidal and soil fertility products in use by organic farmers, were compared in on-farm and experiment-station trials. Two soybean varieties, Northrup-King 2412 (NK2412) and Pioneer Brand 9305 (P9305), also were evaluated for bean leaf beetle populations. Overall, the NK2412 variety hosted fewer beetles although there was not a significant yield effect. None of the organic-compliant treatments provided measurable control of bean leaf beetle populations, nor did they affect beneficial insect populations. Organic soybean yields ranged from 1.8 to 3.7 Mg ha−1 across all years with no effect from treatments. Producers are encouraged to select soybean varieties based on insect pest response and to monitor bean leaf beetle populations to determine the effectiveness of this strategy in organic systems.

Impact of grazing dairy steers on winter rye (Secale cereale) versus winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and effects on meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and consumer acceptability of organic beef

Scientific studies across the US have demonstrated the economic viability of organic cropping systems. Of particular interest to farmers contemplating organic production is the economic viability of the farm during the transition-to-organic period, which is defined as 36 months from the last application of a prohibited synthetic fertilizer or pesticide. This period generally refers to two transition years (T-1 and T-2) and a third year where organic prices can be obtained once certification has been secured. Due to the increased interest in non-transgenic food ingredients, organic transition prices have recently been offered for specific non-transgenic organic crops during the two-year transition period. Here we report the results of an economic analysis of two rotations accepted under organic regulations: corn-soybean-oat/alfalfa (C-S-O/A) and corn-soybean-oat/alfalfa-alfalfa (C-S-O/A-A) during T-1 and T-2 compared with a conventional corn-soybean (C-S) rotation. Average production costs for the conventional C-S rotation were

Organic Apple Systems: Constraints and Opportunities for Producers in Local and Global Markets: Introduction to the Colloquium

48/acre higher than the average organic rotation (

Organic Apple Production in Two Humid Regions: Comparing Progress in Pest Management Strategies in Iowa and New Zealand

160 versus

A review of long-term organic comparison trials in the U.S.

112/acre) during the transition. Returns from individual crops varied, depending upon variety and year, with the organic returns to land, labor and management less than conventional in the T-1 year, but greater than conventional returns in the T-2 year. The 2-year average returns over both transitional organic rotations (

Chapter 5 A Review of Long-Term Organic Comparison Trials in the U.S.

114/acre) were similar to the conventional C-S returns (

AGRICULTURAL AND URBAN ENTOMOLOGY (ISSN 1523-5475)

117/acre). Transitional organic soybean returns were greater than transitional corn, oat, and alfalfa because the demand for non-transgenic soybean in T-1 and T-2 supported higher than conventional farm gate pricing. Soybean and corn returns in the transitional organic rotations were also greater than conventional corn and soybean returns in T-1 and T-2, whereas organic alfalfa returns competed favorably with conventional corn and soybean returns in T-2 only. The transitional organic oat crop generated the lowest revenue of all crops in both transition years. Transitional average returns from the organic soybean crops at