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Highlights
of STEEP and STEEP III Program Accomplishments: 1976-1995
STEEP and
STEEP II Accomplishments - This research has provided producers
with new technology to help them meet ever pressing environmental,
resource conservation and economic challenges. The following list
provides a few examples of these accomplishments and advances towards
more environmentally-friendly and profitable farming in the PNW.
- Adapted
soil erosion prediction technology for the climate conditions,
soils, landscape and production systems unique to the PNW.
- Developed
and tested many of the conservation options producers are using
to meet conservation compliance requirements of recent Farm Bills.
- Documented
the impacts of cropland soil erosion on long-term soil productivity,
environmental quality and farm and regional economics, and increased
producer and public awareness of the problem.
- Increased
producer use of conservation tillage systems and supporting conservation
practices in the PNW
- Developed
technology and prototype equipment for improving residue placement,
fertilizer use efficiency, seed placement, and overall success
of conservation tillage systems.
- Increased
number of agricultural service industries and producers building
or modifying their equipment for direct application of fertilizer
with little or no prior tillage under "shank and seed"
minimum tillage systems which provides cost-effective conservation
options.
- Improved
understanding of the interactions between crop pests and tillage
systems, crop rotations and other production practices has lead
to the development of more successful pest management systems
in conservation tillage and reduced the reliance on pesticides.
- Breeding
of new crop cultivars with improved pest resistance has facilitated
the adoption of conservation practices and reduced pesticide use.
- Adaptation
and evaluation of predictive models to help develop effective
pesticide and nutrient management practices for increased protection
of surface and groundwater quality.
- Development
of alternative crops and their production practices have improved
the success of conservation tillage systems through improved pest
control and economic stability.
- Increased
producer access to new technologies for improved effectiveness
and profitability of conservation farming systems.
Why Has
STEEP Been Effective?
- Producer
motivated - The idea for STEEP originated with concerned producers
in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. They actively participate with
scientists and agricultural support personnel in planning and
evaluating research, and field testing of new technologies.
- Multidisciplinary
research effort - about 90 scientist in over 14 disciplines.
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