Winter Cover Cropping for Weed Management
The video illustrates the trials of using cover crops to manage weed on the farm during the winter season. Grant Swan conducted tests from David Grays Aglink in conjunction with Peter Ivankovich from Ivankovich Farms. In the video, Peter addresses wire weed, wild radish, and crabgrass as the main weeds on the farm (A strategic approach, 2020). The two scientists conducted trials to determine the effects of cover cropping in weed management at their farms. In the video, Peter describes the aspects of the winter season and its impacts on managing weed. The scientists tried cereal rye, Italian ryegrass, and field peas as some of the cover crops used in weed management.
The researchers discovered that field peas were the least useful cover crop in weed management from the experiments. Field peas encouraged more weed growth, which hindered its effectiveness in suppressing unwanted plants. On the other hand, cereal rye and Italian ryegrass were more effective since they allowed no or little weed growth. The scientists also discovered that in areas with adequate water supply, cover crops are the best methods to control weeds (A strategic approach, 2020). Water availability allows the quick establishment of crops, which maximizes the ability to suppress weed growth. The video primarily illustrates how different winter crops are used in weed management.
Integrated Weed Management case study: The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company
“Integrated Weed Management case study: The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company” is a short video that describes the use of chemical-free weed control methods. In the video, Maureen Dobra, a manager at The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company, explains the use of integrated weed management strategies at the farm (A strategic approach, 2019). Maureen states that they use non-selective spray herbicide before planting and during the fallow period to kill the weeds residue.
In the video, Maureen also describes tillage and diligent hand weeding as other integrated weed management approaches. According to Maureen, diligent hand weeding is the commonly used approach since it hinders the weeds from producing seeds on the intended crops and effectively manages herbicide resistance (A strategic approach, 2019). In the video, Maureen describes various advantages of integrated weed management on the farm. For example, integrated weed management reduces the cost of weed control, improves soil health, reduces weed contamination of crops, and ensures high-quality products. The video also describes the relevance of the approach and its applicability at large and small-scale farms. Maureen states that integrated weed management is an enjoyable and interesting practice since it results in job satisfaction (A strategic approach, 2019). Ideally, the video discusses the integrated weed management approach, its applicability as well as advantages.
Recycled Organics Compost at Mulyan Farms: Interview with James Fagan
The video shows the effects of using different ratios of recycled organic products on corn production and the soil. Different ratios of organic compounds were tried at James Fagan’s farm to determine the effects of each rate. The video indicates that 4 tonnes per hectare of the organic compost products improved productivity by 18% while 9 t/Ha increased the yield by 25% (AHR Videos, 2020). According to James, recycled organic compost improves the physical, biological and chemical properties of the soil. The recycled organic compost alleviates the soil particles to improve aeration, thus enhancing the soil’s biological properties. The compost also improves soil pH and fertility, which indicates the enhancement of the soil’s chemical properties.
James also states that they discovered that recycled organic compost resulted in increased microbial organisms, thus enhancing the biological properties. According to James, recycled organic compost also improved the soil structure, enhancing the physical aspects (AHR Videos, 2020). The use of recycled organic compost on James’ farm resulted in the impressive productivity of the corn crops. James also acknowledges that recycled organic compost has minimum damages on the soil, thus rendering it the most effective product for organic farms. The video primarily illustrates how recycled organic products improve soil properties, thus boosting crop productivity.
Recycled Organics Compost for Vegetable Growers
The article describes the importance of the products to vegetable farmers. It defines the components of compostable materials used to make the recycled organic compost. The article shows that compost manure is made from food wastes, garden products, residues from wood and timber industries (Recycled organics compost, n.d). Additionally, the article describes the process of making recycled organic compost. Consequently, the author states that the compost is made by shredding the waste products and pilling them in a heap for six months. During this period, the compounds dry and decompose to enhance their readiness to be used on the farm.
After six months, the compost is screened for contaminant-free products. The article also states that screening is also done to produce organic compost with the essential nutrients and the necessary bacteria. Such compost manure improves soil fertility, thus increasing vegetable production. In the article, the authors also address the essence of recycled organic compost to vegetable farmers. The organic compost allows the farmers to produce safe and chemical-free vegetables, thus improving the yields’ quality (Recycled organics compost, n.d). The authors also state that organic compost improves fertility, thus increasing productivity. Primarily, the article describes recycled organic compost and its benefits to vegetable growers.
Cover Cropping – Healthy Soil, Healthy Crop, Healthy Profit
The video describes making green manure and its health benefits to the soil and the farmer. Adrian James filmed the video during his visit to the M.G Farm. The video illustrates that green manure is made by ploughing the crops back to the soils while still green and at the leafy stage (Cover cropping – Healthy, n.d). The tractor shreds the crops and ploughs the residues incorporating them into the soil. James describes various benefits of the green manure made from cover crops. He states that green manure increases the soil’s nitrogen fixation activities, thus improving the nutrients, thus leading to soil fertility. Additionally, the green manure increases humus and organic matter in the soil.
Incorporating the leafy green plants in the soil increases the amount of solid matter in the soil, which upon decomposition improves fertility. James also records that green manure improves the soil structure by providing a solid matter from the leafy crops. During ploughing, the tractor helps to access the nutrients from the lower profile of the soil structure. In the video, James acknowledges that green manure protects the soil from erosion by providing solid matter and humus products (Cover cropping – Healthy, n.d). Ideally, the video describes green manure and its benefits to the soil, crops, and the farmer.
Guide to Brassica Biofumigant Cover Crops: Managing Soil-Borne Diseases in Vegetable Production Systems
The article primarily describes the effects of biofumigant cover crops in managing soil-borne diseases in vegetable farming. The author starts by defining cover crops and their use as green manure plants. According to the author, green manure is made from cover crops planted before the commercial season, after which they are incorporated into the soil through plowing (Guide to Brassica, n.d). Additionally, the author provides several benefits of green manure. The author states that green manure increases the soil’s organic components, helps in nitrogen fixation, prevents soil erosion, and improves the soil’s microbial activities. Moreover, the article describes Brassica cover crops, which are enormously grown for biofumigant purposes. The author describes how biofumigants work and their efficacy in the management of soil-borne diseases.
The article also describes the various trials conducted to determine the effectiveness of different biofumigant cover crops in the control of soil-borne diseases. The trials were conducted in South-east Queensland during the summer period to reduce the loss of soil that is common during the winter season. The tests were also conducted in different growing seasons to determine the effects of various growing conditions on biofumigant crops’ productivity. The article also describes soil-borne diseases, such as basal rot, charcoal rot, white mold, onion white rot, and biofumigant cover crops’ impacts on controlling these issues (Guide to Brassica, n.d). In other words, the article provides information regarding the biofumigant cover crops and their contribution to the prevention and control of soil-borne pathogens.
Cover Crops – the Advantages of Sunn Hemp
In this video, Kelvin Montagu, a crop scientist, describes the Sunn hemp crop and its benefits as a cover crop. According to Kelvin, Sunn hemp is a cover crop that grows well during the summer season. Kelvin also describes the conditions at which Sunn hemp thrives. He states that Sunn hemp crop can thrive in the condition of up to 45℃ temperature in well-irrigated areas (Cover crops – the advantages, n.d). Additionally, Kelvin describes Sunn hemp as a plant whose roots are less penetrative in the soil thus thrives well in shallow solid. The video also informs that the Sunn hemp does well in soils with a pH above 5 (Cover crops – the advantages, n.d). In the case of highly acidic soil conditions, Kelvin provides mung bean, cowpea, and buckwheat as alternative cover crops.
In the video, Kelvin describes the planting procedure of Sunn hemp to enhance its effectiveness as a cover crop. He elucidates that the seeds should be inoculated in rhizobium strain to encourage nitrogen fixation after planting. Additionally, Kelvin provides information on the termination of Sunn hemp as a cover crop. The scientist notes that the crop should be terminated 7-10 weeks after planting when the stems are soft using mechanical or herbicidal methods (Cover crops – the advantages, n.d). Kelvin also advises the crop growers on the management practices to improve the Sunn hemp plant’s performance. Primarily, the video describes the production of Sunn hemp cover crop and its benefits to the soil.
Drones in Vegetable Farming
The video mainly describes the use of drone technology in vegetable farming. In the film, the narrator provides the various advantages of using drones in agriculture. According to the reporter, drones are easily deployed, cover a large area, and achieve ultra-high resolution captions (Queensland Agriculture, 2020). He also describes various uses of drones in vegetable farms. For instance, drones are used for thermal cameras, acquisition of digital images of the crops, insect dispersal, and as chemical tanks during spraying.
Stuart Grigg of AgHort consulting describes the use of drones in vegetable farming. According to Stuart, drones are used to take the plant count to determine the number of crops in the field (Queensland Agriculture, 2020). The drones are also used to determine crop uniformity, thus allowing the farmers to assess the yields they expect. The video also shows various ways drones are used in Queensland agriculture. According to the narrator, the drones’ accuracy is higher than 99% crucial and beneficial in vegetable farming (Queensland Agriculture, 2020). In the video, Andrew Johanson from the Mulgowie Farming Company provides different ways drones can be used to improve the value of vegetable farming. Drone technology can be used for beneficial vegetable production. Essentially, the video describes the use and benefits of drones in vegetable farming.
Plant Analysis for Vegetable Crops – A Practical Guide to Sampling, Analysis, and Interpretation
The article elaborates on the plant analysis tool and its usage in determining crop health on the farm. The author describes the use of plant analysis in the laboratory to assess the dry matter and sap in the crops. According to the author, a plant analysis tool is used to determine the crop nutrients available from the soil (Plant analysis, n.d). Additionally, the tool provides information on the importance of the tool in assessing the crop nutrient status and identifying deficiencies.
The plant analysis tool helps to improve the quality of the crops and vegetables. In the article, the author describes different types of plant analysis apparatuses, as well as the procedure of using them. The author also provides information on how to interpret the results from the tool, thus equipping the farmers with relevant knowledge for use. The article describes the use of plant analysis mechanisms to correct the deficiencies identified at different stages of crop growth (Plant analysis, n.d). The author also encourages the use of plant analysis tools to enable the timely management of vegetable crops. Largely, the article describes the use of plant analysis tools and their advantages in vegetable production.
Get Prepared: Irrigation Scheduling Tips for Summer
The article describes the various ways farmers should prepare for irrigation during the summer season. The author explains the SWAN system, the software used to manage crop nutrition and irrigation in farms. The software enables the farmers to design a daily irrigation schedule for crops and monitor the water use during the summer.
Ivor Gaylard, the chief operating officer of the SWAN systems, provides various elements that ensure the software’s effectiveness in operations. He states that farmers should ensure proper calibration of the irrigation system, operability of the physical infrastructure, and access to the hardware of the application (Get prepared: Irrigation, n.d). Ivor also describes the use of SWAN systems in Harvest Farms, which is among the significant vegetable-growing organizations. The article also describes the effectiveness of the SWAN systems software in the production process on the farm. Additionally, the article entails several trials conducted in the Harvest Farm to determine the software’s effectiveness in irrigation water management during the summer period (Get prepared: Irrigation, n.d). The results indicated that the software effectively allowed the Harvest Farm growers to regulate the water and monitor the season’s usage. Hence, the article elaborates on the effectiveness of SWAN system software in monitoring, budgeting, and scheduling irrigation processes during the summer.
Integrated Pest Management of Vegetable Pests – A More Sustainable Approach
The video illustrates a discussion regarding Integrated Pest Management, also known as (IPM), its technology, implementation, and benefits. IPM is described as the pest management approach that integrates biological, cultural, and chemical methods (Integrated pest management, n.d). In this case, chemicals are used to support other methods. The narrator describes the biological control agents, such as predators, pathogens, and parasites used in the IPM. The agents are either preserved from the natural habitats or released to the farm when required.
The video also illustrates the cultural methods of pest management that are used in IMP. Cultural methods, such as crop rotation, weed management, proper hygiene, and the use of high-quality varieties, are provided as examples used in the IPM (Integrated pest management, n.d). The narrator also provides the factors to consider while using pesticides in IMP. According to the author, pesticides should only be used as a support tool, and one should consider their effects on the beneficial insects. The video also illustrates the different biological, cultural, and pesticides combined to facilitate IPM in the farms. Additionally, the video provides information on the benefits of IPM. The video indicates that IPM results in improved pest control, limited use of insecticides, and better pesticide resistance in crops (Integrated pest management, n.d). Mainly, the video describes the application of IPM in farming and its benefits.
Soil-Borne Disease Management in Onions
The video explains the various soil-borne diseases that affect onion production and the strategies to control them. In the video, Dr. Len Tesoriero from Crop Doc Consulting Pty Ltd describes the different methods used to control and manage soil-borne diseases in their farms (Soil-borne disease management, n.d). Len discusses fusarium, pink root, damping-off, and white rot as some of the soil-borne diseases that affect onion production. The scientist also discusses the various causes of soil-borne diseases.
Len states that soil-borne diseases are caused by infected seeds and roots and soil infections. Additionally, he provides pre-planting soil testing, uneven growth of crops as some of the symptoms of soil-borne diseases. Lens also describes various methods of managing soil-borne diseases. Such methods include soil fumigation, use of fresh seeds, chemical seed dressing, microbial controls, and use of cover crops (Soil-borne disease management, n.d). He also provides appropriate management methods for specific diseases. Therefore, the information indicates that each soil-borne disease has particular causes and management practices that are not applicable to others. Lens also recommends the use of preventative measures to control the disease risks in onion farms. Fundamentally, the video informs the onion farmers about soil-borne diseases and the practical methods of managing each.
References
A strategic approach to weed management to the Australian vegetable industry (2020). Winter cover cropping for weed management. Youtube. Web.
A strategic approach to weed management to the Australian vegetable industry (2019). Integrated Weed Management case study: The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company. Youtube. Web.
AHR Videos (2020). A grower’s perspective – James Fagan from Mulyan Farms. Youtube. Web.
Cover cropping – Healthy soil, healthy crop, healthy profit (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Cover crops – the advantages of Sunn hemp (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Get prepared: Irrigation scheduling tips for summer (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Guide to Brassica Biofumigant cover crops: Managing soil-borne diseases in vegetable production systems (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Integrated pest management of vegetable pests – A more sustainable approach (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Plant analysis for vegetable crops – A practical guide to sampling, analysis and interpretation (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Queensland Agriculture (2020). Drones in vegetable farming. Youtube. Web.
Recycled organics compost for vegetable growers (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.
Soil-borne disease management in onions (n.d). Soil Wealth Nurturing Crops. Web.