COS 89-8
Use of organic matter amendments: agronomic implications for permanent crop growers
Permanent crop growers use organic matter amendments in different forms as nutrient inputs, to enhance soil life and to improve soil water holding capacity and infiltration. New rules that regulate the use of organic matter amendments on farms are pending outcomes of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. In California, we conducted focus groups with crop advisors and a survey of permanent crop growers to identify specific motiviations, practices and concerns with regard to the use of organic matter amendments. Our questions were designed to identify current practices and rank issues of concern in order to target research to meet the needs of stakeholders.
Results/Conclusions
Permanent crop advisors reported food safety as a primary concern for the use of organic matter amendments in the form of animal manure. However, when asked about green waste, food safety was less of a concern compared to cost, logistics and nutrient availability. Furthermore, the majority of crop advisors report the application of organic matter amendments during post harvest and winter to maximize the interval until harvest. We conclude greater attention is needed to address the agronomic implications for permanent crop growers as a result of new rules designed to improve food safety.