By Jamie Martin
The University of Florida, with support from a USDA grant, is spearheading research to tackle challenges in high-intensity crop production systems.
Led by Sarah Strauss, an associate professor at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the team focuses on enhancing soil health to boost crop yields and mitigate pest and disease pressures.
High-intensity agricultural systems often require extensive inputs such as water, nutrients, and chemicals to maintain productivity.
These methods can lead to inconsistent results and increased costs. With a $700,000 federal grant, Strauss and her team are investigating how to make these systems more efficient and sustainable.
Their research initially targets tomato crops in Southwest Florida, aiming to develop findings that could benefit farmers across the Southeast. By improving soil conditions and utilizing strategic cover crops, the team hopes to reduce the need for external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.
Cover crops play a crucial role in this research. These crops, grown during off-seasons, are not directly profitable but contribute significantly to soil protection and health. They can enhance the soil's microbial activity, making nutrients more accessible to plants and providing natural disease resistance.
This approach not only promises to lower growers' costs by reducing chemical use but also aims to create more resilient agricultural systems.
This research progresses, it could lead to significant advancements in sustainable farming practices, aligning with broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National