Organic Weed Management Learning Center

Soils and Methodology Workshop

2010-08-05T15:31:00.008-06:00

The Learning Center hosted a Soils and Methodology Workshop on August 3rd. Participants learned how to use an infiltrometer and reviewed the Organic Weed Management techniques.

Soil and Methodology Workshop on August 3rd

2010-07-25T14:47:00.000-06:00

We'll be hosting a Soils and Methodology workshop on August 3rd from 5:30-8:30 at the Old Fort Campus in Hesperus. Everyone is welcome to attend. Bring a jar of your soil with you and we'll show you some simple tests you can do. We'll also tour the Organic Weed Management treatments and review evaluation methods.

Weeds Workshop Highlights

2010-07-15T13:35:00.000-06:00

The Weeds workshop was attended by 26 people. After a brief introduction to weed identification and a summary of the organic weed management project, we toured the demonstration plots and learned more about mechanical methods of weed control.

Rain makes everything look great

2010-07-15T07:39:00.001-06:00

It started raining after the 4th of July and the garden looks amazing!!

Harvesting and the Farm Stand

2010-07-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

Harvesting has begun in the garden. Students are marketing produce on the Fort Lewis Campus every Thursday from 2-4 pm

SouthWest Conservation Corp Youth Crew

2010-07-05T19:42:00.000-06:00

The Old Fort is hosting two SW Conservation Corp Youth Crews this summer. They are between 11 and 15 years of age and help us with projects M-F between 9 am and 3 pm every day. They'll receive a $500 Americorp award when they finish their four weeks. They help with everything from weeding to harvesting and processing.

Weeds Workshop July 14, 2010

2010-07-03T22:26:00.000-06:00

We'll be hosting a Weeds workshop on July 14th from 5:30-8:30 at the Old Fort Campus in Hesperus. This will be in conjunction with the BackYard Gardeners program. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Red Plastic Observations

2010-07-02T14:23:00.000-06:00

This year we added two colored plastics (Red and White on Black). We noticed that the seedlings in the red plastic emerged 2-3 days earlier than other treatments. Our second observation is the large amount of plants growing under the red plastic and pushing it upward.

Control isn't working!!

2010-06-30T12:19:00.000-06:00

June 14th and June 30th photo showing Control plot differences

No moisture since April and it is hot

2010-06-27T19:29:00.002-06:00

We were over 90 degrees again today. For our altitude, that is very warm. I'm glad that we installed the drip irrigation because it is much more efficient in this dry environment.

Bean, the garden mascot

2010-06-18T19:53:00.000-06:00

Bean is our garden mascot. She waits in the garden for students or visitors to come and pet her

Treatments Applied for June

2010-06-14T07:14:00.000-06:00

Treatments for Corn Gluten Meal, Horticultural Vinegar, Flaming, Hand Weeding and Glaser Wheel Hoe were applied.

Soils Workshop a Great Success

2010-06-10T16:15:00.000-06:00

Over 40 people attended the workshop on June 9th. Participants brought their own soil samples and made dirt shakes with Beth LaShell. They learned about soil texture and how to ribbon their soil in addition to learning how to use the infiltrometer and pentrometer in the garden with Darrin Parmenter. Dr. Phil Shuler talked about the use of mycorrhiza and gave them a sample for their own garden.

Demonstration Site in Shiprock, NM

2010-06-09T13:01:00.000-06:00

On June 7th, we set up demonstration plots in Shiprock, NM at one of the Model Farmer's gardens.She raises chilis, squash and tomatoes and uses flood irrigation so it made installation more difficult. We tried a couple of different techniques to make watering easier. To help with the heat, we used the white on black plastic and the red plastic. We also installed EcoCover and the Embossed biodegradeable black plastic. By the time we were finished, it was over 95 degrees!!

Demonstration Site in Norwood, CO

2010-06-05T19:56:00.000-06:00

We set up a demonstration site in Norwood, CO at the Norwood Community Garden plot on June 3, 2010. After tilling up the plot, they encountered a huge canadian thistle problem. We laid down four different types of barries for their demonstration (EcoCover, EcoOne, Black Plastic and Red Plastic) in one section of their garden.

Grant Transferred to Fort Lewis College

2010-06-01T16:38:00.000-06:00

In October of 2009 Colorado State University announced it would be closing the San Juan Basin Research Center as part of the ongoing budget cuts. The Agricultural Experiment Station has been at the site since 1956 when Fort Lewis College moved to town. The Research Center will close on June 30, 2010 at which time Fort Lewis College will continue operations needed for its academic program. The grant will continue at the site and will be administered by FLC beginning on July 1, 2010.

Soils Workshop on June 9th

2010-05-28T14:47:00.001-06:00

We'll be hosting a Soils workshop on June 9th from 5:30-8:30 at the Old Fort Campus in Hesperus. This will be in conjunction with the BackYard Gardeners program. Everyone is welcome to attend. Bring a jar of your soil with you and we'll show you some simple tests you can do.

Seeds and Transplants

2010-05-24T18:56:00.001-06:00

Today, the Field Techniques in Agriculture class planted all of the seeds (beans, beets, corn) and the transplants (broccoli and cabbages).

Treatments Applied

2010-05-19T14:52:00.001-06:00

FLC Students set up 15 diferent treatments in market garden. We used a plastic roller for the first time and were able to install all of the plastics as well as the planters paper and ecocover using the device. Each treatment row is 80' long with 3' centers.

Drip Irrigation Installed

2010-05-18T17:48:00.002-06:00

FLC students installed drip irrigation in market garden

Fort Lewis College Field Class Begins

2010-04-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Fort Lewis College Field Techniques in Agriculture class began on Monday, April 30,2010. They will install drip irrigation, set up treatments and plant plots.

OWM Treatments for 2010

2010-04-18T15:31:00.001-06:00

The Learning Center will be installing 15 Organic Weed Management Treatments for 2010:

Control
Black Plastic
Red Plastic
White on Black Plastic
Embossed Black Plastic
Sunbelt Weed Fabric (Reusable)
EcoOne Biodegradeable Black Plastic
Embossed Biodegradeable Black Plastic
EcoCover (Biodegradeable)
Planters Paper (Biodegradeable)
Corn Gluten Meal
Horticulture Vinegar
Flaming
Hand Weeding
Glaser Wheel Hoe

Biological and Cultural Control of Pests

2010-04-15T18:25:00.000-06:00

May 7, 2010 - Hesperus, CO

Topics:

Insect Identification
Longterm Grasshopper Management
Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Vegetable Pest Management for Small Farms
Hands-on Insect Monitoring

Organic Weed Management Symposium on February 23, 2010

2010-02-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

February, 23, 2010 in Mc Gee Park

Topics:

Who is Western SARE?
Cover Crops.
Insect Bio-control Agents.
Crop Rotations for Weed Control
Using grasses in Re-Vegetation
Organic Weed Management Learning Center for Commercial Market Gardens
Transitioning to Organic

Winter Time at Hesperus

2010-01-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

The plots are well protected under the Winter snow here at 7600'

Raw Production Data

2010-01-12T21:23:00.004-07:00

Raw Production data from 2009 growing season is available on the website at www.fortlewis.edu/owm

Ecover had the highest total production at 21.3 pounds, followed by Planters Paper at 19.9, Corn Gluten Meal at 18.6 and Glaser Wheel Hoe at 18.2 and Sunbelt Weed Fabric at 17.4 pounds. The lowest production was Shredded Paper at .8 pounds.

2009-11-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

2010 Organic Weed Management Workshop
February 23, 2010
Farmington, NM

Watch for Registration Details

OWM Learning Center - Backyard Gardener Tour on October 7

2009-10-04T15:42:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009
5:30 – 8 pm

5:30: Walking tour of Small acreage demonstrations
- greenhouse, raised beds and hoophouses/high tunnels

Organic Weed Management hand tool demonstrations
Organic Weed Management barrier discussions

6:30 -8:00: Dinner and discussion of OWM results

Directions from Durango: Take Hwy 160 West out of Durango for approximately 13 miles. Turn left (South) on Hwy 140 in Hesperus. Go approximately 5 miles and turn right (West) into the San Juan Basin Research Center.

If you come up Wildcat (Hwy 141)., turn right on Hwy 140 at the stop sign and we located approximately 3 miles from the turn on the left.

Allow 25 minutes driving time from town.

We will meet in the “Old Fort” library prior to beginning our walking tour.

Please wear appropriate shoes as we will be walking in garden spaces.

Shredded Paper

2009-08-15T17:01:00.000-06:00

Shredded Paper Facts

Obtained shredded paper from local banks and shredded office documents

Used cardboard to "contain" paper while laying it on soil

Created 3 layers using water to mat the paper

Shredded Paper Observations

Weeds were definitely suppressed

However, transplants did not grow or produce

Seeds germinated very slowly but did not grow

Plant samples were sent to Servi-Tech labs to be analyzed for N (results indicated less than 3% N)

July 10, 2009 No plant growth

Horticultural Vinegar

2009-08-11T08:51:00.001-06:00

Horticultural Vinegar Facts
1 gallon; $26.00
20% Acetic Acid (household is typically 5%)
Can be diluted to 10% and still be effective
Spray directly on dry leaves
Most effective on warm, sunny days
Contains Yucca extract to increase effectiveness
High acidity (over 11%) can cause skin burns and eye damage

Horticultural Vinegar Observations

Most effective on smaller weeds

July, 2009

Flaming

2009-08-11T08:50:00.002-06:00

Flaming Facts
Tractor mounted or handheld units available
Propane fueled
Pass heat quickly over small weeds
Water in cells boils and bursts the cells

Flaming Observations
Generally does not kill grasses
Certain vegetables will not tolerate heat
Works best if weeds are small

Larger weeds are more difficult to kill with flaming

Planters Paper

2009-08-11T08:47:00.001-06:00

Planters Paper Facts
2’ x 200’ package $29.99
$ .15 per square foot
Getting more difficult to find
Biodegradable, mulching paper is designed to be used for one growing season
When the edges are secured, the crepe in the thin paper allows it to hug the soil and to efficiently pass on the heat it absorbs.
Porous to water, it effectively suppresses weeds and keeps vegetables from contact with the soil, reducing spoilage
Made from recycled paper containing a resin binder and an anti-microbial to stop decomposition at the paper/soil interface.

Planters Paper Observations
Edges must be secured.
Installation can be difficult.
Two feet wide barrier may not too narrow for market gardens.
Excessive moisture can accelerate decomposition

NRCS Weed Barrier

2009-08-11T08:40:00.002-06:00

NRCS Weed Barrier Facts
Available from local NRCS offices
6’ x 300’ ($115.50) or 4’ x 300’ ($76.75)
$.06 per square foot
Keeps the UV rays out
Resistant tearing, puncturing and weed penetration
Long lasting and reusable
09 will be third year for some pieces

NRCS Observations
Surface gets very hot during peak of summer
6' may be too wide for market garden situations

Sunbelt Weed Fabric

2009-08-11T08:33:00.002-06:00

Sunbelt Facts:
3' by 50'

3.2 oz/yard high-grade fabric blocks 99.7% of light Resistant tearing, puncturing and weed penetration
Approved for most government weed control applications
Typically lasts 8-12 years, according to the manufacturer who guarantees the product for 5 years against UV breakdown

Sunbelt Observations
Can be reused in market garden
Surface gets very hot during peak of summer

3' may not be wide enough for market gardens
Cost: $.08-.17 per square foot

Learning Center Workshops on 8/13/09

2009-08-03T15:36:00.000-06:00

The Organic Weed Management Learning Center at the San Juan Basin Research Center will be hosting a set of workshops on Thursday, August 13th from 4-7:30 pm. They will include a Soil Analyses workshop by Dr. Phil Shuler beginning at 4 pm followed by an update on the techniques and data collection from this summer and then an introduction to the web-based resources available for participants during dinner. We have 14 different types of Organic Weed Management for Market Gardens being studied this summer. We’ll also take a look at our variety trials for potatoes, sunflowers, tomatoes and peppers.

Please RSVP to Beth LaShell

Corn Gluten Meal

2009-07-07T13:55:00.004-06:00

Picture taken on July 7, 2009. Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) was applied at a rate of 1500 lb/acre on June 9th

Corn Gluten Meal Facts:

By-product of corn milling process
Pre-emergent herbicide that is effective in stopping or inhibiting root formation
Contains 10% Nitrogen
Must be applied after seeds have germinated or use transplants

Corn Gluten Meal Observations
Extensive moisture can reduce effectiveness

Organic CGM not available

Has become very expensive in the past couple of years

Beware of corn gluten feed versus corn gluten meal. Feed will not work.

Resources:

Corn Gluten Meal Research Page: http://www.hort.iastate.edu/gluten/

Black Plastic

2009-07-07T13:44:00.005-06:00

These pictures were taken on June 9th and July 7, 2009

Black Plastic Facts:

3’ x 50’roll - $7.44 ($.05 per square foot )
4 mil plastic
Not biodegradable
Puncture resistant

Available at most local stores

Black Plastic Observations:

Was not affected by rains in June.

Can use garden staples to secure edges

Seedlings emerged very quickly

OWM - Garden Bio-film

2009-07-07T13:31:00.010-06:00

These pictures were taken on July 7 and June 9th, 2009

Bio-film Facts:

•5 x 30 ft roll $16.95 ( $.04 per square foot )
•100% biodegradable and compostable mulching film that is made from cornstarch and other renewable resources
•Begins to decompose in 50-60 days, biodegrading 95% after about 90 days depending on environmental conditions. It can be tilled into the soil at any time during the season

Bio-film Observations:

- Can be difficult to lay because it tears easily. Must secure edges with dirt because garden staples tear fabric.

- Wind can increase size of planting slits.

- Only 3 feet wide so once buried, only get about 2 feet of coverage

Mini-Workshops very successful

2009-06-20T14:18:00.001-06:00

The five mini-workshops held on June 4th and June 19th were very well attended. Participants enjoyed the hand on activities and the ability to interact with the instructors as well as other participants

OWM Mini Workshops on June 19th

2009-06-12T18:53:00.000-06:00

The San Juan Basin Research Center will be hosting another set of Organic Weed Management Workshops on Friday, June 19th from 8 am until 1 pm.

Soil Analysis with Dr. Phil Shuler from 8-10 am
Methodology- OWM Technique demonstrations:from 10-11:30
Measuring efficacy of weed control methods- 11:30-12:30

Email me at beth.lashell@colostate.edu or leave a message at 385-4574 to sign up for one or all of the workshops.

The research market garden has 14 different organic weed management techniques. We applied Corn Gluten Meal this week and made a pass with the Glaser Wheel Hoe. We'll be doing flaming and horticultural vinegar applications next week.

Seedlings coming up

2009-06-06T13:20:00.002-06:00

On May 26th, Fort Lewis College Agriculture students finished planting all 14 of the OWM plots. Four replicates of beans, beets, corn, broccoli and cabbage were planted in each 80 foot row using 4' centers. On June 3rd the first seedlings began to emerge.

OWM Plots Established and Planted

2009-05-29T15:17:00.003-06:00

Fourteen different market garden plots were established in the last two weeks at the San Juan Basin Research Center. Organic Weed Management techniques include biofilm, black plastic, corn gluten meal, flaming, horticultural vinegar, glasier wheel hoe, ecover, planters paper, shredded paper mulch, reusable weed barriers, weed mat, garden mat and a control.

Within each plots, beans, beets, corn, broccoli and cabbage were planted in four replications.

OWM Mini Workshops on June 4

2009-05-29T15:14:00.001-06:00

The San Juan Basin Research Center organic weed management learning center will be hosting two mini workshops on Thursday, June 4th. A Soil Analyses workshop will be held from 8 to 10 am followed by an Organic Weed Management Methodology workshop from 10-12.
Soil analyses hands on topics will include taking soil samples, using a pentrometer (measures soil compaction), infiltrometer (measures water percolation) and soil pH.
Methodology topics will include working with different options for market gardens including barrier methods (black plastic, biodegradable options, weed barriers, mechanic al tools) and alternative treatments (corn gluten meal, flaming, horticultural vinegar).
To register for these seminars, send an email to beth.lashell@colostate.edu or leave a message at 970-385-4574. You may register for one or both workshops. We will be offering these workshops again in June.
Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing to be outside during these hands-on activities. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Plants are coming up

2009-03-31T11:27:00.002-06:00

Garlic, Onions, Bulbs, and Sunchokes are up this Spring. We also have spinach coming up in the hoophouse.

OWM Learning Center Initial Workshop

2009-03-31T11:25:00.003-06:00

The date for the OWM Learning Center Intitial Workshop has been set for Tuesday, April 28th from 8:30 to 2:30 at the San Juan Basin Research Center. Look on www.colostate.edu/depts/sjbrc/owm for a brochure.

OWM Symposium Presentation Material

2009-02-25T07:38:00.003-07:00

The presentations from the Organic Weed Management Symposium will be available in .pdf format on the website at www.colostate.edu/depts/sjbrc/owm

Web Page

2009-02-18T14:35:00.002-07:00

While the blog posts the most up to date information, additional resource information is available on our website at:

http://www.colostate.edu/depts/sjbrc/owm

Organic Weed Management Symposium

2009-01-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

The first annual Organic Weed Management Sympousium will be held at the LaPlata County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, February 25, 2009.

Learning Center receives WSARE Grant

2008-08-01T16:26:00.001-06:00

The San Juan Basin Research Center, a Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station, has received a two-year grant from Western Sustainable Agricutlure Research and Education. The grant will establish a Hands-On Organic Weed Management Learning Center for Commercial Market Gardens in Local Communities at the Hesperus, CO location.

The Learning Center will train participants in organic weed management strategies such as mulching, mechanical control, intercropping, solarization and organic herbicides. While there are a broad range of weed management techniques, knowledge of organic-only strategies are needed by agents to assist producers who may be organically certified or determined to use organic-only methods. Over the two years of this project, the Learning Center will provide not only training but also how to evaluate their efficacy and long-term sustainability. The Learning Center will offer short-course workshops on methodology, soil and sustainability analysis, control-measure efficacy, managing web-based information, and establishing on-farm demo sites.