Alternative practices focused on non-chemical weed control strategies, reduced use of chemical N fertilizer, and use of winter cover crops as a source of N. Some practices were replicated across location. Fields were monitored for key production variables, such as weed populations and soil nutrients. Pesticide use information for the period of 1995 through 1998 is used as a baseline for comparison with future trends. Historical and current year production inputs and management practices were archived for all demonstration sites. This information is used for the economic analysis currently underway comparing cost effectiveness of the contrasting production strategies.
Preliminary results are inconclusive as to the effectiveness of the alternative practices.
Western SARE is an effort of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Western region includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Island Protectorates of American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia and the Northern Mariana Islands.