Managing for Soil Health when Raising Potatoes - A Farmer's Perspective

Presented by Brendon Rockey, Rockey Farms, LLC, San Luis Valley, CO
View the webinar at conservationwebinars.net to earn CEUs.
Farmer Brendon Rockey discusses how using a systems approach has improved soil health and biological activity of his soils. Raising 30 varieties of potatoes, his farming system includes the use of green manures, multi-species cover crops, and compost balanced with inorganic materials. Increased diversity from the green manures provides habitat for beneficial organisms, both above and below ground, resulting in reduced pest and disease pressure. The addition of compost has brought back a source of organic nitrogen that had been removed from the system. This combined with the nitrogen gains from the various legumes included in the green manures has led to reduced use of synthetic fertilizer and a more efficient nutrient cycle. Constantly seeking to improve his system, our presenter is experimenting with “companion cropping” using peas and chickling vetch. This webinar will provide participants an opportunity to hear how soil health can be improved and soil functions enhanced even when raising crops that require a lot of soil disturbance for harvest.
The opinions expressed in this webinar are those of the producer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of USDA.