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Integrating a Roller-Crimper at the CASFS farm for water retention and decreased CO2

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emission, both through farm operation emissions, as well as through release of soil organic carbon. Novel approaches to no till agriculture have worked to counter these trends, while also improving soil quality and increasing water retention. However, these systems still rely heavily on herbicides and GMO crops, and organic adoption of NT techniques is limited. This project will help answer some of the key questions surrounding organic NT.

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Project Categories: 
Land, Habitat, Watershed
Food
Water
Project Status: 
In Progress
Project End Date: 
06/01/2022
(estimated)
Campus Organization: 
Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
Environmental Studies
Project Location: 
On campus



Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Darryl Wong
dgwong@ucsc.edu
831-459-3604
ENVS/CASFS

Project Description: 

We will experiment with new approaches to integrating the roller crimper into organic specialty crop systems. This will be with both summer and winter cover crops. We will explore the suitability of different varieties in the coastal climate, timing to termination, and integration strategies with reduced tillage practices. These will take place over the next two years.

Metrics for Success: 

We will measure decreases in tractor operations, degree of cover crop termination, and weed suppression.

Results: 

Our project will deliver insights into how to best integrate a roller crimper into organic specialty crop systes.

Resources
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