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A participatory, on-farm research project was initiated in 1992 in an effort to enhance mutual learning, knowledge, and experience of integrating cover crops into western Oregon vegetable production systems. A major goal of the project was to include growers, agribusiness representatives, governmental agency, Extension and university researchers in a collaborative learning process, emphasizing grower participation in the design and implementation of on-farm research and demonstration projects. To facilitate this participation from the planning stage forward, four “focus sessions” were hosted by lead farmers in different areas of the Willamette Valley to define growers' needs and interests relating to on-farm research and demonstration trials.
Based on individual growers' specific experimental objectives, cover crop evaluation trials were established on ten farms. Typically on each farm, 5 to 10 cover crop species or mixtures (grain and legume) were planted in large plot strips. Twenty five different cover crop species, varieties, and mixtures were planted. Seasonal cover crop biomass and nitrogen accumulation rates were determined, with cover crop impacts on crop yields and economic returns evaluated at selected sites.
A project was initiated in which a collaborative and mutual learning process was emphasized to (1) improve farmer designed research and to facilitate learning among farmers, research and extension, agribusiness and government agencies; (2) to enhance vegetable production systems by improving farm profitability, protecting water quality, and enhancing long-term soil productivity. The poster displays mutual learning that occurred during each step of the following process:
robust infrastructure for the breeding of improved, recombinant individuals well-adapted to regions outside of mid-Missouri. The ensuing 15 years of on-farm evaluation led to many grower selections, where the best seedling trees were propagated and shared
A participatory, on-farm research and extension program has been established around 16 demonstration comparisons of biologically integrated soil building–pest management systems and conventionally managed systems within the West Side row crop area of California's San Joaquin Valley. In each of the biologically integrated parcels, cover crops and composted organic materials are integrated into rotations wherever appropriate, whereas in the conventionally managed parcels, mineral fertilizer applications are made. Pest management practices are evaluated and biologically and informationally intensive alternatives are developed through a participatory process. Indices of soil quality including nutrient status, water stable aggregates, organic matter content, and phospholipid fatty acids are routinely monitored. Information related to the objectives, structure and monitoring activities of this project during the establishment phase will be discussed.
On-farm extension demonstrations are one of the best participatory research and educational resources available to extension specialists and county extension staff for presentation of new technology to agricultural producers. On-farm extension demonstration programs for intensive vegetable production, of which drip irrigation is a major component, can range from a complete package [3/4-ton truck, a trailer for transporting equipment, a tractor in the 36 to 42 HP range (i.e., Ford 3910) a plastic-laying machine, a bed press pan, hillers, and drip/overhead irrigation systems] with a price tag of about $40,000 used in a multistate, statewide, or multicounty program, to a small demonstration package using a household well source with a cost of about $250. The demonstration package used will depend on the scope of the program, local conditions, and economic realities.
and ‘NASPOT 11’ released in April 2010 in Uganda. Table 2. Performance of ‘NASPOT 11’ in on-farm sweepotato participatory breeding trials, 2005–2008, in Uganda. Table 3. Average yield of ‘NAPOT 11’ for two seasons during 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 in four
requirements ( Atlin et al., 2001 ; Rees et al., 2003 ). Agricultural technologies developed through participatory research have a greater chance of adoption and diffusion by farmers because they are developed in response to local constraints and meet end
performance and adaptation of four sorghum cultivars in Igunga and Nzega districts of Tanzania Commun. Biometry Crop Sci. 5 4 10 Coe, R. 2002 Analyzing ranking and rating data from participatory on-farm trials, p. 44–65. In: M.R. Bellon and J. Reeves (eds
styles through hands-on demonstrations and participatory programs ( Johnson et al., 2008 ). Participants suggested more programming on producers’ farms with extension personnel facilitating educational networking. Evaluations of teaching methods specific