Enhancing the fertility of soils through the use of cover crops will be the focus of an organic conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.
In addition to presentations on soil fertility and cover crops, the conference will include a farmer-to-farmer exchange of knowledge and best practices, presentations on a new crop insurance program and future organic market opportunities with Clif Bar and Amy’s Kitchen.
Nick Andrews, small farms extension agent with Oregon State University, Amber Moore, University of Idaho soil fertility specialist, and Lauren Hunter, University of Idaho extension specialist, will present the latest science-based approaches to organic soil nutrient management and cover cropping.
Farmers will learn how to monitor the nitrogen value of cover crops and plan their organic inputs to meet crop needs.
Anne Berblinger, an organic farmer of Gales Meadow Farm, Forest Grove, Ore., will describe her work with Andrews on soil health, cover cropping and organic nutrient management planning and monitoring.
She will take attendees on a virtual tour of her farm, where she grows more than 300 varieties of vegetables and herbs, direct marketing to consumers and local chefs. She participates in an OSU vegetable seed breeding project, including conducting variety tastings with chefs.
She will also show the native hedgerow she installed to provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife.
The event is presented by Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides with additional support from the two universities.
Preregistration for the conference is required by Jan. 26. Register online at www.pesticide.org or contact Arlie Sommer, agworkshops@pesticide.org or 503-312-1415.
Source: www.capitalpress.com