Public
Service Research
Extension
Regulatory Services
Animal Health
College of AFLS
|
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY Sustainable Agriculture Production Systems
|
 |
Sustainable Agriculture & ForestrySustainability research and education efforts at Clemson University span all areas of agriculture and forestry. Sustainable agriculture must be ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. In addition, there are specific considerations for fruits and vegetables to receive "organically grown" certification.. Sustainable forestry refers to an overall commitment to environmental conservation that integrates the production of trees for useful products with reforestation and conservation of soil, air, and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics. Work in both agriculture and forestry is being carried out at various locations across South Carolina. A
demonstration plot at the Calhoun
Field Laboratory has been developed to test various niche
crops, including organic produce, cut flowers, and medicinal
herbs. A farmer’s market was established on the main campus to sell
the fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers. Future plans
include adding free-range chickens to produce drug-free broilers
and laying hens. Two
off-campus groups are studying sustainable production methods: the
Agroecology Program
based at the Pee
Dee Research and Education Center in Florence and the Sustainable
Agriculture Production Systems Center at the Edisto Research
and Education Center in Blackville. Clemson
and USDA scientists are collaborating in the Agroecology Program
to develop best management practices for cotton, soybean, corn,
and wheat crop production. Their studies
include integrating practces such as narrow-row plantings, double-cropping,
conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and satellite-aided
application of fertilizer and pesticides to improve yields, enhance
soil quality, and reduce the risk of sediment and chemicals entering
the state’s water systems. In conjunction with the cropping systems, the researchers are now investigating ways to enhance wildlife habitat in agricultural fields, as well as in adjacent wooded areas and wetland areas. One study is exploring how new conservation tillage production systems affect bobwhite quail habitat, food sources, reproduction success, and predator numbers. Another study is investigating the effect of pond management practices on waterfowl diversity and numbers, as well as bio-indicators such as amphibians and other wetland wildlife species. At the Sustainable
Agriculture Production Systems Center, scientists conduct demonstrations
to teach farmers and extension personnel how to integrate available
farm resources for crop
and beef
production as a profitable, sustainable commercial business enterprise.
Detailed financial records are maintained to evaluate the profitability
of the whole sustainable production system, as well as its components. Crop and beef production
are integrated into complimentary components to enhance environmental
conservation. Conservation tillage practices are used for both field
crop and forage production. Cattle are kept on land that is unsuitable
or marginal for crop production. Corn produced as part of the soybean-corn
crop rotation provides winter feed for the cattle herd. Winter cover
crops of rye, oats, and wheat provide forage for the cattle, as
well as suppress nematodes, control erosion and boost organic content
of the soil.
|
|
RELATED SITES
|
Questions or comments: cuaims@clemson.edu
© 2001-2003 Clemson University Public Service Activities
Home | Research | Extension | Public Service | Clemson