WSARE 2000 Farmer/Rancher Grants-FW00-040

TITLE: Alternative Crops No-till Field Trials

Washington producer Ron Jirava will experiment with crops other than the traditional wheat

An eastern Washington farmer is looking for more crop options using a no-till method. Through the assistance of a Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research grant, Ron Jirava will be able to experiment with crops that are not traditional to eastern Washington, where the 11-inch precipitation rate has made winter wheat/summer fallow the norm. Growing these crops will allow Jirava to discover whether these non-traditional spring crops are productive and economical and where they fit in a crop rotation. According to Jirava, "It would be of great benefit for producers in this area if there were other crop options at times of low wheat prices."

Jirava will conduct the experiment by first planting crops that have shown a possibility of being adapted to the region in plots from 20 to 80 acres. These crops include safflower, mustard, flax, triticale, and oats. In addition, crops not normally planted in dry areas will be planted on small, ½ acre plots. Crops will be planted using a no-till disc drill.

Results will be measured based on observation and yield. Jirava will consider the following questions during the experiment:

• Did the crop establish well?
• Did it compete with weeds and are there any herbicides available?
• What was the amount of residue?
• Is it manageable and did it provide any benefit as to holding moisture by trapping snow or slowing evaporation with shading?
• Is the yield economical by itself and is there rotational benefit?