June 2001
Report shows potential for chemical reductions in seven major commodities
DAVIS -- Seven California cropping and livestock systems show great potential to reduce dependence on conventional synthetic pesticides and on the overuse of fertilizers, according to a new report released by the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP).
SAREP researchers have been tracking results of the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grants program for rice, walnuts, citrus, strawberries, apples, prunes and dairies in which farmers voluntarily participate in projects to reduce their use of agricultural chemicals.
"The BIFS report documents elimination and large reductions in high-risk agrichemicals in these production systems," says Sean L. Swezey, SAREP director. "For example, the walnut BIFS project has reduced nitrogen fertilizer application rates by an average of 53 pounds per acre, with no apparent effect on yield. This can help protect groundwater from nitrate pollution."
Report highlights include:
- Prune BIFS -- During 1999 and 2000, winter applications of diazinon, an organophosphate (OP) insecticide, were eliminated in the demonstration/research sites of enrolled farms. Diazinon has been identified as a significant water quality threat in California rivers. The use of irrigation water was also reduced on most farms. Principal Investigator: Gary Obenauf, California Prune Board.
- Walnut BIFS -- The use of pheromone (sex attractant) mating disruption to control
codling moth enabled 83 percent of the enrolled orchards to eliminate the use of
organophosphate insecticides in 2000. Use of cover crops by enrolled growers increased
from 60 percent in 1999 to 75 percent in 2000. Cover crops are a cornerstone of an
integrated orchard production system, providing beneficial insect habitat, reduced runoff
of agricultural chemicals and nutrients, and a biological source of nitrogen for the
walnut trees. Principal Investigator: Joe Grant, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor.
- Apple BIFS -- Pheromone mating disruption in apple orchards decreased the need for organophosphates by 59 percent and carbamates by 92 percent the first year. The use of all traditional pesticides was reduced in the orchards by 72 percent. Principal Investigator: Janet Caprile, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor.
- Rice BIFS -- On a per acre basis, BIFS project growers use less than half the amount of herbicides on their entire acreage, compared to county averages. Participating growers manage more than 14,000 acres. Principal Investigator: R. Cass Mutters, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor.
- Dairy BIFS Data from 11 dairies show it is possible to use manure lagoon water as the primary source of fertilizer for the dairy’s forage crop while significantly reducing the use of synthetic fertilizer. Yields obtained this way were similar to yields from fields where commercial fertilizer supplied all or most of the needed nutrients. Controlled use of manure water can reduce contamination of groundwater. Principal Investigator: Stuart Pettygrove, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist.
- Strawberry BIFS -- This project focuses on developing alternatives to the soon-to-be-banned fumigant methyl bromide, as well as above-ground pests like Lygus. The project has completed the first evaluation of commercially available strawberry cultivars for performance under non-fumigated, certified organic field conditions in California. Principal Investigator: Carolee Bull, USDA Agricultural Research Service plant pathologist.
- Citrus BIFS -- Citrus BIFS focuses on reducing the use of the herbicide simazine (a known groundwater contaminant), reducing organophosphate insecticide and fertilizer use, and increasing the use of cover crops. Principal Investigator: Thomas Chao, UC Cooperative Extension Assistant Specialist.
Since 1995, SAREP has provided funding that totals $2,090,741 for BIFS projects in nine crops, with most of the funding coming equally from the California State Legislature and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Each BIFS project is funded for three years at approximately $100,000 per year.
"The BIFS projects use an extension approach that emphasizes a ‘farmer-to-farmer’ method of information sharing, and encourages public-private cooperation," says Jenny Broome, SAREP associate director. "It brings scientists, farmers and consultants together in a collaborative environment that helps participants learn and adapt integrated farming practices to local conditions."
BIFS project participants develop reduced pesticide and fertilizer practices that are economically sound. Each BIFS project has enrolled between eight and 33 farms. Enrolled farms are used for testing new methods, demonstrating proven techniques and hosting field days. Field days are one of the primary means of extending information about BIFS practices to growers.
"We’re very pleased that the BIFS projects can demonstrate reduced pesticide and fertilizer use while remaining economically viable for growers," says Max Stevenson, former BIFS coordinator and author of the report.
The BIFS report is online at http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/BIFS/bifs01/index.htm. A limited number of printed copies of the report are available from the SAREP office. Contact SAREP, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8716; phone (530) 752-7556; email sarep@ucdavis.edu.
Media Contacts:
Lyra Halprin, (530) 752-8664, lhalprin@ucdavis.edu
