Why Gardeners And Farmers Prefer Nutrient Delivery System Over NPK Fertilizers

WORMGOLD OR NPK FERTILIZER?

Why Your Soil and Plants Prefer Wormgold.

NPK FERTILIZER IN SOIL:

NPK fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that contains three essential macro-nutrients required for plant growth and development. The acronym "NPK" stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. A common NPK fertilizer might have a label that reads "10-10-10," which means it contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium by weight. The specific ratio can be adjusted to suit the requirements of specific crops and soil conditions. Using NPK fertilizer can potentially lead to an increase in soil salt levels if not used appropriately. This increase in salt content in the soil is due to the potassium component of the fertilizer, as potassium is a salt. Here's how it can happen:

1. Overuse of Potassium: If you apply too much potassium-containing fertilizer, it can lead to an accumulation of potassium salts in the soil over time. This can result in an increase in soil salinity.

2. Insufficient Watering: In areas with low rainfall or if irrigation practices are not managed properly, salts can accumulate in the soil because there isn't enough water to leach them away.

Adverse Effects of Excessive Salt in Soil:

Reduced Water Uptake: High salt levels in the soil can create an osmotic imbalance, making it more difficult for plants to take up water. This can lead to water stress and reduced plant growth.

Nutrient Imbalances: Elevated salt levels can interfere with the uptake of essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients. This can result in nutrient deficiencies, affecting plant health and productivity.

Root Damage: Salinity can damage plant roots, making them less effective at absorbing water and nutrients. This can lead to stunted growth and decreased crop yields.

Leaf Burn: Excess salts can accumulate in plant tissues, causing leaf burn or scorching, which appears as browning or yellowing of leaf margins and tips.

Reduced Germination: High salt levels can inhibit seed germination and seedling growth, making it challenging for new plants to establish themselves.

Altered Soil Structure: Saline soils tend to have poor soil structure, as salt disrupts the aggregation of soil particles. This can lead to increased soil compaction and reduced aeration.

To prevent these issues, it's important to use NPK fertilizers in accordance with recommended application rates and to monitor soil salinity levels. Additionally, proper irrigation and drainage practices can help prevent the buildup of salts in the soil. Soil testing can provide valuable information about the salt content in your soil and guide you in making informed decisions regarding fertilization and irrigation. If you have highly saline soil, you may need to consider soil reclamation strategies to reduce salt levels over time.

WORMGOLD IN SOIL:

Worm castings, also known as vermiculture or worm excretion, are a nutrient-rich organic material produced through the digestive process of earthworms. Using properly fed (Wormgold is not manure-fed, or landscape trimmings-fed) worm castings does not cause high salinity in the soil. In fact, worm castings, have several properties and benefits that make them a favorable choice for enriching soil without the risk of increasing soil salinity. Here's why:

Low Salt Content: Worm castings have very low salt content (K:1) compared to synthetic fertilizers like NPK (K:10-18). Instead they are a nutrient delivery system and their nutrient composition is well-balanced and unlikely to disrupt the soil's natural salt levels. This means they are less likely to contribute to soil salinity issues.

Slow-Release Nutrients: Worm castings release nutrients slowly over time as they are broken down by soil microorganisms. This gradual release matches the nutrient uptake pattern of plants, reducing the risk of nutrient imbalances and the salt buildup associated with some fast-acting synthetic fertilizers. This allows the plants to perform the way they were originally designed to perform.

Enhanced Soil Structure: Worm castings improve soil structure by increasing its water-holding capacity, aeration, and overall quality. This enhanced soil structure helps prevent waterlogging and nutrient leaching, both of which can lead to salinity issues in the soil. In addition, when soil structure is strengthened, carbon sequestration is increased.

Microbial Activity: Vermiculture is rich in beneficial microorganisms that support healthy soil ecology. These microorganisms help break down organic matter, further promoting nutrient availability and balanced soil conditions. This also promotes longevity in soil health, and in restoring the healthy ecosystem soil and plants had before chemical fertilizer and pesticides killed off the biology in soil.

Beneficial Effects of Wormgold in Soil:

Organic and Sustainable: Worm castings are an organic and sustainable source of biology that delivers nutrients for plants. They are produced through the decomposition of organic matter by earthworms, making them environmentally friendly and less likely to harm the ecosystem.

Improved Soil Health: Worm castings enhance soil health by promoting beneficial microbial activity, improving soil structure, and increasing water retention capacity. Healthy soils provide a nurturing environment for plant roots and contribute to overall plant well-being.

Nutrient Availability: The nutrients from the biology in worm castings are readily available to plants and are in a form that can be easily absorbed. This helps prevent nutrient runoff and leaching, reducing the risk of contamination of nearby water bodies.

Reduced Risk of Salinity: Unlike some synthetic fertilizers that can increase soil salinity over time, worm castings have a negligible salt content and do not pose a risk of causing soil salinity issues.

Slow-Release Nutrients: Worm castings release nutrients gradually, providing a consistent supply of essential elements to plants. This slow-release nature helps maintain optimal nutrient levels in the soil and minimizes the risk of nutrient imbalances.

Environmental Friendliness: The use of worm castings reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and their potential negative environmental impacts, such as nutrient runoff and contamination. This aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

In summary, worm castings are a valuable and environmentally responsible alternative to synthetic NPK fertilizers. They promote soil health, provide slow-release nutrients, and pose minimal risk of increasing soil salinity. These benefits make worm castings a preferred choice for many gardeners and farmers looking to improve the quality of their soil and the health of their crops while minimizing environmental impact.

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5 Ways to Increase Farming ROI with Wormgold

5 Steps to Increase Farming ROI with Wormgold

1. Add biology to the soil: Wormgold is known to contain over 600 million chitin and cellulose degraders per gram. By incorporating this organic soil amendment into your farming practices, you introduce beneficial microorganisms that can enhance soil health and productivity.

2. Improve soil structure: With the presence of biology in the soil, the organic matter decomposition process is stimulated. As these microorganisms break down chitin and cellulose, they create humus, a key component for improving soil structure. This leads to better soil aggregation, improved drainage, and increased root penetration, which ultimately benefits plant growth and development.

3. Reduce salt content and improve moisture retention: One significant advantage of using Wormgold in your farming operations is its ability to promote salt reduction in the soil. Excessive salt content can adversely impact plant growth by affecting nutrient uptake and water absorption. By incorporating Wormgold, the microorganisms present help break down salts, creating a more favorable environment for crops. Additionally, the enhanced soil structure improves moisture retention, allowing plants to utilize water more efficiently, reducing the need for excessive irrigation.

4. Boost plant vitality: When plants are grown in soil enriched with Wormgold, they can benefit from the increased availability of essential nutrients. The microorganisms present in this organic soil amendment contribute to the breakdown of organic matter, releasing nutrients that become readily available to the plants. This increased nutrient availability supports robust plant growth and encourages trees to mature more fruits.

5. Improve crop quality: Tests have shown that using Wormgold can dramatically increase the brix levels in fruits and vegetables. Brix is a measurement of sugar content in plants and is often associated with taste and nutritional value. Higher brix levels translate to sweeter, tastier produce that can be more appealing to consumers. Consequently, organic crops grown with Wormgold can fetch premium prices in the market, contributing to higher returns on investment.

By following these five steps and utilizing Wormgold in your farming practices, you can create a more sustainable and profitable agricultural venture. With improved soil structure, reduced salt content, increased moisture retention, enhanced plant vitality, and better crop quality, the return on your investment in farming will be maximized. Start incorporating biology into your soil today and experience the positive impact on your farm's bottom line.

Texas Pecan Growers Association 102nd Annual Conference & Trade Show 2023

Mark your calendars for July 30 to August 2 and join us at the Pecan Grower Association Conference in Texas! This event will be an invaluable investment in your farm's future.

George Hahn was invited by the President of the Texas Pecan Growers Association to share the benefits of using Worm Gold. George caught the President’s attention by word-of-mouth recommendations; farmers are touting the power of Worm Gold and how it could provide an alternative method to growing pecans.

Whether you are a seasoned grower or just starting your farming journey, this conference promises to be an eye-opening experience. Learn from the best in the industry, network with fellow enthusiasts, and discover the secrets to growing organically with outstanding results.

Don't miss this golden opportunity to hear George Hahn, along with Josh Bowman of Rio Gro, speak on the transformative potential of Worm Gold. His knowledge is sure to leave you motivated and eager to incorporate this groundbreaking technology into your own farming practices.

Worm Gold has become a sensation amongst farmers, and for a good reason! This incredible product has paved the way for growers to embrace organic farming methods, providing a pathway of farmers to go fully organic. Witness firsthand how this powerful soil enhancer can elevate your yields and boost overall plant health, leading to healthier crops.

Secure your spot now by registering at https://tpga.org/tpga-events/, and take the first step towards a greener, more prosperous farming venture.

Tulare World Ag Show 2023: Unveiling the Transformative Impact of Agriculture

The Tulare World Ag Show 2023 recently concluded with resounding success, providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the transformative impact of agriculture on a global scale. This renowned event showcased numerous advancements in farming techniques, technologies, and products. Among the remarkable exhibitors, Worm Gold stood out, capturing the attention of both local growers and big corporations alike. Their revolutionary technology has been empowering farmers to embrace organic methods without compromising yield or incurring additional costs. The event witnessed an influx of eager attendees seeking insights and education at the Worm Gold booth.

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in sustaining human life and the world's economy. From providing nourishment to generating employment opportunities, agriculture is a cornerstone of society. As the global population continues to expand, the importance of efficient and sustainable agricultural practices becomes increasingly apparent. Addressing the challenges of food security, environmental preservation, and resource management are paramount to ensure a thriving future for generations to come.

Worm Gold, a notable participant at the Tulare World Ag Show, captivated the audience with its innovative approach to organic farming. By harnessing the power of vermiculture, or the process of using earthworms to break down organic matter, Worm Gold has revolutionized soil health and crop productivity. Their technology involves the utilization of properly-fed earthworm castings, as a biology replenishing delivery system that improves soil structure for plant vitality.

Farmers, gardeners, and local growers were drawn to the Worm Gold booth, fascinated by the potential to enhance their agricultural practices while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and harmful chemicals. The testimonials from farms that have successfully transitioned to organic methods using Worm Gold were inspiring. Not only did they maintain crop yields, but they also witnessed improved soil fertility, increase in both BRIX (plant health) level and yield. This success story instilled confidence in farmers and highlighted the viability of sustainable agriculture.

Beyond the local gardening and farming community, Worm Gold attracted attention from major corporations seeking innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices. The influx of corporate attendees to the Worm Gold booth signified the growing recognition of the significance of organic farming in the global food industry. These corporations were eager to learn more about Worm Gold's technology, exploring opportunities for collaboration and integration into their supply chains.

One of the highlights of the Worm Gold booth was the live demonstration showcasing the preference of crickets for unhealthy plants over healthy ones. This engaging presentation provided scientific evidence, supported by studies, revealing that healthy plants naturally repel insect pests. The presence of numerous children at the booth exemplified the importance of educating the younger generation about sustainable agriculture. By fostering an early understanding of the interplay between soil health, plant vitality, and environmental sustainability, the Tulare World Ag Show empowered young minds to become future stewards of our planet’s agriculture.

The Tulare World Ag Show 2023 served as a powerful platform to showcase the significant impact of agriculture on a global scale. Exhibitors like Worm Gold highlighted the potential of innovative technologies in enabling farmers to embrace sustainable and organic practices while maintaining crop productivity. The overwhelming response from attendees, including both local farmers and corporate representatives, demonstrated the growing interest in solutions that prioritize agricultural workers’ health and long-term food security. As we continue to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world, events like the Tulare World Ag Show play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices.

Soilcraft Conference 2023

Soilcraft Conference 2023: Regenerative Agriculture

The Soilcraft Conference 2023, which took place on January 18th, was a groundbreaking event for those who care about soil health and the future of sustainable farming. The conference was sponsored by Worm Gold, a leading provider of organic soil solutions, and George Hahn had the privilege of being one of the keynote speakers.

The conference provided an exciting opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest techniques and technologies for reducing salts in soil and adding biology to create flourishing and thriving farms. During the conference, attendees were inspired by George Hahn, who shared his vast knowledge and expertise on the subject of soil health. He explained how soil is a living organism and how it is essential to understand its biology to promote healthy growth of crops.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation by Worm Gold, which showcased its innovative soil solutions. The attendees learned how these solutions can help reduce salts in soil, improve soil structure, and promote the growth of healthy crops. The attendees were impressed by the results that Worm Gold’s solutions have achieved in promoting soil health, and many were eager to try them on their own farms.

The conference was a great opportunity for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in growing healthier crops to network and make new connections. The attendees were able to exchange ideas and learn from each other, and many left the conference feeling empowered and inspired to take their soil health to the next level.

In conclusion, the Soilcraft Conference 2023 was a huge success, and it provided a valuable platform for those who are passionate about soil health. The conference was a testament to the importance of understanding soil biology and the role it plays in growing healthy crops. The attendees left the conference with a wealth of knowledge and new ideas for improving soil health and promoting sustainable farming practices. We can’t wait for the next Soilcraft Conference!

worm gold president, george hahn, sharing a wealth of knowledge on how worm gold delivers soil health and its compounding effects on crops

Soils Conference in Winnipeg CA Feb 17 & 18, 2020

Soils Conference   Winnipeg CA  Feb 17 & 18

In February, many amazing minds will descend on Winnipeg for the Soils Conference.

Dr Jeni Johnston, Assistant Professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)

PRESENTATION : ROLE OF  MINERALS & VITAMINS FOR OPTIMAL MENTAL HEALTH

Tim Reinbott, South Farm Research Centre University of Missouri. Director of Field  Operations

PRESENTATION : TESTING THE ALBRECHT SYSTEM – 6 YEARS OF STUDY

George Hahn, Owner California Vermiculture. Cardiff, California

PRESENTATION : SOLVING SALTS PROBLEMS,INCREASING  WATER EFFICIENCY WHILE INCREASING CROP YIELDS

Dr. Don Huber, University of Purdue now Consultant in Soil Health and use of chemicals

PRESENTATION :  BALANCING MINERALS TO CREATE HEALTHY SOIL THAT SUPPRESSES WEEDS,DISEASES & INSECT PESTS

Dr. Michael McNeill, An Agronomist. President of Ag Advisory Ltd, an Iowa company that provides agronomic Consulting Services to producers in North America

PRESENTATION : TAG TEAMING WITH DR.HUBER ON THE SAME TOPIC

John Wynne, President GSI North America Distributor for Stockosorb

PRESENTATION : MORE CROP PER DROP

Dr. Ben Albensi, Professor of Pharmacology & Therapeutics , College of Medicine University of Manitoba . Manitoba Dementia Chair

PRESENTATION : OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING HEALTH & NUTRITION -PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE LAB AND AG SECTOR

Dr. Mir Seyed, University of Idaho Researcher, now Consultant  in the Humic Acid field

PRESENTATION : UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF SOIL HEALTH & REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

Dr. Ievan Evans, Forensic  Plant Pathologist Alberta Agriculture 28 years, Senior Agri-Trends Coach 15 years, freelance Public Speaker and Columnist for Grain News

PRESENTATION : EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT COPPER BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

Dr. John Fagan, Founder, Board Member Chief Scientific Officer of Genetic ID Group

PRESENTATION : GLYPHOSATE UPDATE- SCIENCE, LEGAL DEVELOPMENT & MARKET IMPLICATIONS

Peter Eggers, Organic Producer in the Peace River area in Alberta and an Albrecht Consultant  

PRESENTATION : HOW TO PRODUCE NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS ECONOMICALLY

We hope you join us!

Worm Gold at World Ag Expo 2020!

The Biggest Little Farm

The Wormgold products are so effective because the nutrition delivery systems provided by the earthworms in Wormgold Pure, Wormgold Plus, and Wormgold Solution replenish the natural biological soil food web that has been destroyed by the commercial farming products and practices.

The movie "The Biggest Little Farm" shows a couple who took a 200 acre farm that is no longer farmable due to the practices and chemical products used for many years. The soil was rock hard, retained no moisture, had high salts build up, and was impossible to grow even a minimal crop. A worm farm was started and used to make earthworm tea.

At the end of 7 years with many struggles, this farm was highly productive.

This movie shows you what can be achieved using the systems designed and provided by the earthworms. California Vermiculture provides this for the farmer, home gardener, landscape contractor, and forestry in an easily usable means.

We highly recommend it1

Organic Pecans: Another Option for Growers

This article was published in the November/December 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine by Dr. James Bradford.

The pecan’s name comes from an Algonquian word meaning “a nut that requires a stone to crack.” Widely consumed out of hand and used as an ingredient in baked goods and confections, pecans are a good source of protein. And the antioxidants and plant sterols they contain may improve consumers’ cholesterol status by reducing the “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.

Despite only having commercially produced the nut since the 1880s, U.S. growers now provide roughly 90 percent of the world’s pecans, with an annual crop of about 200 million pounds worth about $400 million dollars.

New ARS studies in Weslaco, Texas, are showing that it may be possible for growers to boost their revenue further by growing pecans organically.

ARS scientists in Weslaco, Texas, are developing new methods to increase yields and organically manage pecan trees. Here, soil scientist Joe Bradford (left) and Danny Phillips, a retired Hamilton County, Texas, Extension agent, inspect pecans from the 2008 crop in the organic study orchard, which is expected to greatly outyield the conventional orchard.

In 2002, ARS scientists—led by Joe Bradford, research leader for the Integrated Farming and Natural Resources Research Unit in Weslaco—began transitioning part of a 27-year-old pecan orchard from conventional management to certified-organic management. The 20-acre test site is located within the Adolph (Sonny) and Noreen Gebert pecan orchard in Comanche County, in north-central Texas.

Midseason organic pecan clusters indicating disease-free leaves and nuts and little insect damage.

Bradford was contacted by Sonny Gebert in 2001, after Gebert tuned in to a radio show during which the two hosts mentioned Bradford’s research on organic crops. Gebert then phoned Bradford, and the two arranged to meet in Goldthwaite, Texas, at a Texas A&M workshop in 2002. Gebert agreed to let Bradford and his collaborators manage half of the nearly 800 pecan trees in the Gebert orchard using organic principles. ARS would manage the older portion of the orchard, which was planted in 1981. The Geberts would continue to manage the newer portion, planted in 1986.

The main objective of the project is to provide pecan growers with information on how to convert to an organic system from a conventional management system that relies on synthetic chemicals. Bradford and his technicians are constantly changing the variables within the system and examining the interactions that result from those changes.

Midseason organic pecan clusters indicating disease-free leaves and nuts and little insect damage.

Healthier Trees From Healthy Soil

The ARS organic management system was based on first increasing soil organic matter, balancing the nutrients and biology of the soil, and using organic pesticides only when needed. Bradford theorized that by improving tree health through improved soil health, the trees would naturally become more resistant to disease and insect attack. The researchers decided to evaluate several soil treatments in the test orchard and to treat the trees aboveground using organic methods. They began applying treatments in the fall of 2002, shortly after their first summer visit with Sonny Gebert.

They studied five pecan varieties—Caddo, Cheyenne, Desirable, Pawnee, and Wichita—applying various organic amendments several times during the year, both to the soil and to the leaves. As many as 15 soil fertility and biological treatments were applied, while the aboveground portion of the orchard received a uniform foliar treatment. Treatments used include poultry litter and compost, rock minerals, mycorrhizal fungi, and nutrients such as iron, zinc, boron, copper, and manganese.

Midseason organic pecan clusters indicating disease-free leaves and nuts and little insect damage.

Since the death of Sonny Gebert in early 2008, management of his pecan orchard has been taken over by Danny Phillips, a retired Extension agent from Hamilton County who is employed by Noreen Gebert. The ARS scientists continue to travel to the orchard about once each month from March until the November harvest—the growing season for pecans—to apply soil treatments and compost teas.

Larry Zibilske, a soil scientist in Bradford’s research unit, became involved in the project during the 2008 growing season. He is measuring changes in soil microbial properties resulting from the various treatments applied over the last 6 years. As soil fertility increases with organic treatments, microbial populations benefit greatly. Not only do they become more diverse, they also take a more active role in providing nutrients to the trees and protecting the roots from pathogens. The key is to modify the soil microbial habitat so that the beneficial organisms persist and provide a lasting, nurturing environment for the trees.

Evaluating the Results

Contrary to conventional growers’ expectations, the ARS organically treated test site outyielded the Geberts’ conventionally managed, chemically fertilized orchard in each of 5 years. The best ARS treatment surpassed the Gebert control by 18 pounds per tree—44.10 pounds compared to 25.85 pounds—in 2005 and by 12 pounds per tree—45.09 pounds compared to 33.39 pounds—in 2007. Because pecans are an alternate-bearing tree, both orchards’ yields were very low in 2004 and 2006.

Compost tea is sprayed on the organic trees once every 6 weeks throughout the growing season. Compost tea improves plant health and helps to control insects and diseases.

“This is the most successful organic project I have been involved with,” says Bradford. “The results are especially satisfying, because we have shown that it’s possible to grow nuts under the organic system that are far superior in looks and in taste.”

Also involved in the project are plant physiologist Nasir Malik and entomologist Allan Showler, who both work in Bradford’s unit. Malik and Showler will next compare some of the nutritional values of the organic and conventional pecans harvested this fall.

But What About Pecan Pests?

Another positive result was that the ARS researchers learned how—with the help of beneficial Trichogramma wasps—to control the pecan casebearer. As one of pecans’ major pests, the larvae of this one-third-inch-long gray moth tunnel into the small, immature nutlets, killing them. The very tiny parasitic wasps of the genus Trichogramma lay their eggs inside casebearer eggs, turning them black and preventing the casebearer larvae within from developing.

Using a dissecting microscope, biological science aid Jay Alejandro views tiny Trichogramma wasps parasitizing insect eggs. Wasps are released into the organic pecan orchard biweekly to control the pests.

As a backup control, the scientists used the organic bacterial insecticide known as “spinosad,” which is derived naturally from a soil-dwelling bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa.

The researchers also found that foliar applications of compost tea—a brew made of compost, small amounts of food sources for microbes, and water—somewhat increased trees’ resistance to insects and achieved some disease control when applied each month after flowering. They think that another major pest of pecans, the pecan weevil, was somewhat controlled by compost tea applied to soil. Additional research in 2008 will verify whether this treatment will be added to the recommendations by Bradford and his team.

Using a dissecting microscope, biological science aid Jay Alejandro views tiny Trichogramma wasps parasitizing insect eggs. Wasps are released into the organic pecan orchard biweekly to control the pests.

Currently, ARS scientists are working to better control pecan scab caused by a fungus that, if not curbed, can cause entire crops from most varieties to be lost during periods of frequent rains or extended dew. Scab is the most destructive disease of pecans in the hot, humid South.

The researchers also believe that the alternate-bearing characteristic of pecan production will lessen—or disappear—after several years of organic management. ARS data shows that pecan trees in the Hamilton organic orchard bear 40 pounds per tree in the good years and about 4 pounds per tree in the lower yielding years—a drastic difference that can make or break some of the smaller pecan producers. Bradford thinks that the organic system will eventually even out the wild discrepancies between the good and bad yields.

“This year, which is the low-yield year in the alternate-bearing cycle, the conventional orchard has few to no pecans, yet our organic orchard has a lot of pecans. The typical 4 pounds per tree measured in 2004 and 2006 could be at least 15-20 pounds this year,” he says.

Technicians Veronica Guzman (left) and Rene Martinez process soil samples for organic matter analysis. Soils from the organic orchard have more organic matter and microbial activity than those from the conventional pecan orchard.

Dollar Value

Pecans from the Gebert orchard generally sell for about $2.00 per pound wholesale. Using the average yield for the conventional management system of 25 pounds per tree and roughly 35 trees per acre, sale of the crop generates about $1,750 per acre (25x35x$2). But the ARS best-management organic system yield of 44 pounds per tree would gross $3,080 per acre (44x35x$2), for an increase in sales of $1,330 per acre. While production costs add about $100 per acre, the value of the pecans is increased by at least $1.50 per pound. Thus, pecans harvested from an orchard certified as organic would generate $5,290 per acre [(44x35x$3.50) – $100]—for an increase of $3,540 per acre above the returns from the conventional management system.

These greater dollar returns prove that adopting an organic system and obtaining certification could provide a valuable additional source of income to pecan growers, thanks to increased yields and improved kernel quality.

“I believe our greatest accomplishment is that we, as scientists, have shown it’s possible to design a management system that growers will adopt,” says Bradford. “That’s really the biggest thing—to prove that this is a change for the better.”

He also notes that converting pecan production from conventional to organic can translate to other crops. “We think that the techniques we’ve tested here can apply to peaches, apricots, apples, walnuts—to all tree crops, and to plants in general.”—By Alfredo Flores, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff. 

This research is part of Integrated Agricultural Systems, an ARS national program (#207) described on the World Wide Web at www.nps.ars.usda.gov.

Joe M. Bradford is in the USDA-ARS Integrated Farming and Natural Resources Research Unit, 2413 E. Hwy. 83, Weslaco, TX 78596; phone (956) 969-4859, fax (956) 969-4800.

"Organic Pecans: Another Option for Growers" was published in the November/December 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

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