Overall Program Objectives
• Research and develop economically viable integrated crop management systems that address research and information needs for examining holistic organic or sustainable cropping management systems for tree fruit crops. The components of these systems include but are not limited to the following components: insects, disease, weed and soil fertility management, manure management, and irrigation management and water quality.
• Research and develop integrated pest management systems to enhance beneficial insects, plants and soil biota to improve organic/sustainable crop production.
• Research and develop cropping systems that maintain or increase the overall health and fertility of the soil and cropping system.
• Research and develop disease and weed management practices for organic/sustainable crop production systems.
• Investigate alternative cropping systems for agronomic and economic viability and sustainability.
• Investigate alternative crops to tree fruits, such as vegetables and small fruits for incorporation into diversified organic/sustainable cropping systems.
• Investigate crop rotations and cover cropping sequences that maintain or increase soil organic matter and soil fertility.
• Investigate adaptability of tree fruit and grape rootstocks to Colorado's environment. |
