Clemson University

Increasing Demands for Organic Vegetables Has Created High-value Opportunities for Conventional Producers to Transition to Organic in Southeastern States of Usa, Where the Organic Production Acreages Lags NATIONS' Leading States. However, Growers in the Region Are Facing Unique Challenges in Soils (i.e. Low Soil Organic Carbon, Meager Soil Fertility, and Poor Soil Structure). Increasing Organic Inputs (e.g. Manure, Compost, and Cover Crop), Along With Conservation Tillage, Is Considered One of the Best Management Strategies to Address Such Soil Health Issue; Yet the Diverse Organic Sources and Their Distinguished Physio-chemical Properties, in Combination With Various Management Practices Across Spatial and Temporary Scales, May Make Desired Economic and Environmental Outcomes Less Predictable. the Objective of This Project Is to Address Whether This Diversity in Organic Inputs Can Be Managed to Improve Underground Biodiversity and Soil Functions Underpinning Soil Health and the Productivity of Organic Vegetables in Southeastern Soils (mostly Ultisols), and Whether Tillage Affects the Outcomes. Through Field and Laboratory Studies, We Plan to Characterize and Understand the Interactive Effects of Diversifying Organic Inputs and Tillage on Microbial Community Structure and Composition, Soil C Dynamics, Nutrient Processes and Availability, Changes of Soil Health, and the Yield and Nutritional Quality of Organic Vegetables. the Goal Is to Advance Our Knowledge of Soil Biogeochemical Processes That Are Important to the Productivity, Profitability, and Sustainability of Organic Vegetables, Providing Research-based Information to Regional Producers to Improve Ecosystem Services and Environmental Stewardship of Their Farms. This Project Combines Expertise From Clemson University and Rodale Institute, While Integrating Research, Education, and Extension Activities, to Address the Usda Nifa Organic Transitions PROGRAM'S Priorities 1 and 2 Through Strong Partnerships.