INLAND PACIFIC NORTHWEST DIRECT SEEDING ADOPTION ASSESMENT: A ROADSIDE SURVEY
Agronomy & Pest Management
Paul Carter
Extension Regional Specialist
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
DAYTON
Abstract
Carter*, P.G.1, Kok, H.2, Roe, R.D.3 \r\n\r\n1 Extension Agent and County Director, Washington State University, Dayton, WA 99328\r\n2 Coordinator and Scientist, Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, Carmel, IN 46033\r\n3 Research Assistant, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164\r\n\r\n\r\nABSTRACT\r\nSoil erosion is a serious problem in the Inland Pacific Northwest Palouse Region. Direct seeding is a proven method to dramatically reduce soil erosion. Reliable information on the current adoption of direct seed practices is not available for this region. The latest information from Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) predates 2004. Current adoption information is crucial to target educational programs, develop promotional strategies, and monitor changes in practices.\r\nColumbia County Washington has for many years pursued conservation practices of no-till and/or direct seeding, strip farming, chemical fallow, and other reduced tillage methods. In 2007, an effort was initiated to establish the current level of conservation practices in the landscape. \r\nA modified CTIC Roadside Transect Survey method used in other counties was implemented. GPS points located on each side of county roads at 1 mile intervals throughout the crop production region of the county were established. In Columbia County, 3 loops (100 miles total) were established within rainfall zones of 12 inch to 22 inch per year. Sites were monitored in late fall and late spring, as fall and spring seeded crops are a normal practice for moisture utilization and crop rotation. Annotations were made for conditions found or observed. Results for 2007-08 indicated 94% of winter cropland was direct seeded in Columbia County while only 40% of spring crops were direct seeded.
Authors: Carter, P. G.
-
Carter, P. G. Extension Agent, County Director, Washington State University, Washington, 99328