STEEP Annual Research Reports
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multi-disciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other Ag support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional grants since 1975 and is administered through the USDA Cooperative States Research, Extension and Education Service (CSREES), the administrative branch for the nation’s land grant universities. The USDA-ARS research centers at Pullman, WA and Pendleton, OR receive funding from ARS for STEEP-related research programs.
The PNW STEEP program is currently managed through three committees. A 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee includes scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS, and a representative from USDA-NRCS. A 7-member Industry Advisory Committee includes 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer associations (ID Grain Producers Assoc., OR Wheat Growers League, and WA Assoc. of Wheat Growers), conservation district associations (ID Assoc. of Soil Conservation Districts, OR Assoc. Conservation Districts, and WA Assoc. Conservation Districts), and one each from the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council and the PNW Direct Seed Association. An 11-member Administrative Committee includes members from both research and extension at the 3 land grant universities (UI, OSU and WSU), and one each from the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
2010 STEEP Annual Progress Report (pdf)
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
2009 STEEP Annual Progress Report (pdf)
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
2008 STEEP Annual Progress Report
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
October 2008
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Vacant, Idaho Grain Producers Association
- Kevin Meyer, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts
- Bob Rosselle, Oregon Association of Soil Conservation Districts
- Bill Jepsen, Oregon Wheat Growers League
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts
- Kevin Klein, Washington Association of Wheat Growers
- David Wilken, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council
- Ron Jirava, Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
Technical Coordinating Committee
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair (UI) – Moscow
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair (OSU) – Pendleton
- Rich Koenig, STEEP Tri-Chair (WSU) – Pullman
- Stephen Guy, (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow, (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, (WSU) – Ritzville
- Steve Petrie, (OSU) – Pendleton
- John Williams, (USDA-ARS) – Pendleton
- Kimberly Campbell, USDA-ARS – Pullman
- Han Kok, (UI/WSU) – Moscow
Administrative Committee
- Dwayne Buxton, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Jan Auyong, Associate Dean, OSU College of Ag/Agricultureal Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Greg Bohach, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Scott Reed, Dean and Director, OSU Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Joel Poore, Conservation Agronomist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Charlotte Eberlein, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- Pete Jacoby, Agriculture Program Leader, WSU Extension, Pullman, WA
(effective November, 2007)
Nearly $6 million has been allocated to fund the following research and technology transfer projects.
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dry land farming systems.
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW.
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices.
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion.
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer.
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions.
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dry land areas.
- Developing flex-cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations.
- On-farm evaluation of cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems.
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties.
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems.
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data.
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems.
- Continuation of PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer project.
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest.
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter.
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to cephalosporium stripe of wheat.
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning.
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest.
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research.
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components.
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble.
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
- Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference.
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology.
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dry land using no-till: Years 4 through 6.
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dry land wheat.
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn.
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, insect, and disease response.
- Seed Placed Lime to Reduce the Acidifying Affects of nitrogen Fertilizer in Long-Term Direct Seed systems.
- Updating Statistical Analysis Software for On-Farm Testing
- No-Till Sowing into Standing Irrigated Stubble Instead of Burning.
- Vegetation management with herbicides during fallow periods in direct-seed, dry land winter wheat cropping systems in the PNW.
- Rotation effects of alternative crops on spring and winter wheat in direct-seed cropping systems.
- Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon.
- Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington.
- Nutrient requirements of short-season dryland corn grown in eastern Washington using direct seeding methods.
- Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage and effectiveness of management options in no-till crop rotations in Idaho and Washington.
- The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest.
- Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna, ground dwelling predators, and aphid density in a small inland PNW watershed.
- Expanding access to PNW direct seed/conservation tillage systems technology.
- Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems.
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping of Novel Genetic Stocks.
- Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat.
- Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest.
- Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis.
- Impact of Alternative Crops on winter wheat and Spring Cereal Establishment, Growth, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Area of Washington.
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems technologies.
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest.
- Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems.
- Fertilization of Late-Seeded Wheat in Chemical Fallow.
- Impact of Crop Rotation and Alternative Crops on Weed Populations, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington.
- The Strategic Use of Broadcast and Controlled Release Fertilizer to Facilitate N Applications and Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Direct Seed Systems.
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Crop, Variety, Soil, and Insect Responses in Years 4-6.
- Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seeded dryland winter wheat cropping systems Identifying superior winter canola cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the PNW
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses.
- Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems.
- Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield of subsequent winter wheat in the PNW.
- Developing Chemical Fallow Systems for Intermediate Rainfall Inland PNW Environments.
- ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems.
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest.
- Developing Profitable and Sustainable Cropping Systems for North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington: Phase II.
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field Screening and Molecular Mapping with Novel Genetic Stocks.
- Identifying Spring Habit Specialty Barley Varieties for Direct-Seeding and Development of Winter Habit Forms.
- STEEP Impact Assessment Project.
- Developing Profitable and Sustainable Cropping Systems for North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington: Phase III.
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses.
- Long-Term Conservation and Alternative Cropping Systems Research in the Typical Wheat–Fallow Zone.
- Field-Scale Evaluation of Key Economic, Weed, Disease, Soil C and N Properties in Long-term Direct-Seeding at the Cook Agronomy Farm.
- Daniel A. Ball, OSU
Developing chemical fallow systems for intermediate rainfall inland PNW environments (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior winter canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L.) cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the Pacific Northwest region (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of crop rotation and alternative crops on weed populations, yield, and economic indirect seed system in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Stephen O. Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of direct seeding (no-till) and conventional-till on nitrogen fertility, soil, and insect responses (pdf) - David Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Developing profitable and sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington: Phase II (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improving genetic resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat through field and toxin screening and molecular mapping with novel genetic stocks (final report) (pdf) - Steve Petrie, OSU
Identifying spring habit specialty barley varieties for direct-seeding and development of winter habit forms (pdf) - Donn Thill, UI
Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seed dryland winter cropping systems (final report) (pdf)
2007 STEEP Annual Progress Reports
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower access to and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems technologies.
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
October 2007
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Vacant, Idaho Grain Producers Association
- Kevin Meyer, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2008)
- Bob Rosselle, Oregon Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2008)
- Bill Jepsen, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2008)
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2008)
- Kevin Klein, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2007)
- David Wilken, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2007)
- Ron Jirava, PNDSA (2008)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
Technical Coordinating Committee
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair (UI) – Moscow
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair (OSU – Pendleton)
- Rich Koenig, STEEP Tri-Chair (WSU) – Pullman
- Stephen Guy, (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow, (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, (WSU) – Ritzville
- Steve Petrie, (OSU) – Pendleton
- John Williams, (USDA-ARS) – Pendleton
- Kimberly Campbell, USDA-ARS – Pullman
- Han Kok, (UI/WSU) – Moscow
Administrative Committee
- Dwayne Buxton, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Jan Auyong, Associate Dean, OSU College of Ag/Agricultureal Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Vicki McCracken, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Greg Bohach, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Scott Reed, Dean and Director, OSU Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Joel Poore, Conservation Agronomist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Charlotte Eberlein, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- Pete Jacoby, Agriculture Program Leader, WSU Extension, Pullman, WA
(effective November, 2007)
Nearly $6 million has been allocated to fund the following research and technology transfer projects.
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dry land farming systems.
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW.
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices.
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion.
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer.
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions.
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dry land areas.
- Developing flex-cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations.
- On-farm evaluation of cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems.
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties.
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems.
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data.
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems.
- Continuation of PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer project.
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest.
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter.
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to cephalosporium stripe of wheat.
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning.
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest.
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research.
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components.
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble.
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
- Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference.
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology.
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dry land using no-till: Years 4 through 6.
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dry land wheat.
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn.
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, insect, and disease response.
- Seed Placed Lime to Reduce the Acidifying Affects of nitrogen Fertilizer in Long-Term Direct Seed systems.
- Updating Statistical Analysis Software for On-Farm Testing
- No-Till Sowing into Standing Irrigated Stubble Instead of Burning.
- Vegetation management with herbicides during fallow periods in direct-seed, dry land winter wheat cropping systems in the PNW.
- Rotation effects of alternative crops on spring and winter wheat in direct-seed cropping systems.
- Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon.
- Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington.
- Nutrient requirements of short-season dryland corn grown in eastern Washington using direct seeding methods.
- Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage and effectiveness of management options in no-till crop rotations in Idaho and Washington.
- The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest.
- Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna, ground dwelling predators, and aphid density in a small inland PNW watershed.
- Expanding access to PNW direct seed/conservation tillage systems technology.
- Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems.
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping of Novel Genetic Stocks.
- Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat.
- Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest.
- Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis.
- Impact of Alternative Crops on winter wheat and Spring Cereal Establishment, Growth, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Area of Washington.
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems technologies.
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest.
- Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems.
- Fertilization of Late-Seeded Wheat in Chemical Fallow.
- Impact of Crop Rotation and Alternative Crops on Weed Populations, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington.
- The Strategic Use of Broadcast and Controlled Release Fertilizer to Facilitate N Applications and Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Direct Seed Systems.
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Crop, Variety, Soil, and Insect Responses in Years 4-6.
- Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seeded dryland winter wheat cropping systems Identifying superior winter canola cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the PNW
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses.
- Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems.
- Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield of subsequent winter wheat in the PNW.
- Developing Chemical Fallow Systems for Intermediate Rainfall Inland PNW Environments.
- ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems.
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest.
- Developing Profitable and Sustainable Cropping Systems for North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington: Phase II.
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field Screening and Molecular Mapping with Novel Genetic Stocks.
- Identifying Spring Habit Specialty Barley Varieties for Direct-Seeding and Development of Winter Habit Forms.
- STEEP Impact Assessment Project.
(Alphabetical Listing of First-listed Investigators and Project Titles) All files are in PDF Format.
- Daniel A. Ball, OSU
Developing chemical fallow systems for intermediate rainfall inland PNW environments (pdf) - Jan Boll, UI
Improving tillage systems for minimizing erosion (final report) (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior winter canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L.) cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the Pacific Northwest region (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield subsequent winter wheat in the PNW (final report) (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of crop rotation and alternative crops on weed populations, yield, and economic indirect seed system in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of alternative crops on winter wheat and spring cereal establishment, growth, yield, and economics in direct seed systems in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (final report) (pdf) - Stephen O. Guy, UI
Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses (pdf) - David Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Richard T. Koenig, WSU
The strategic use of broadcast and controlled release fertilizer to facilitate N applications and improve nitrogen use efficiency in direct seed systems (final report) (pdf) - Hans Kok, WSU
STEEP impact assessment report (final report) (pdf) - Hans Kok, WSU
Expanding access to PNW direct seed and conservation tillage systems technologies (final report) (pdf) - Larry Lutcher, OSU
Phosphorus and sulfur fertilization of late-seeded winter wheat in a chemical fallow system (final report) (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Developing profitable and sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington: Phase II (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improving genetic resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat through field and toxin screening and molecular mapping with novel genetic stocks (final report) (pdf) - Tobin Peever, WSU
The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Steve Petrie, OSU
Identifying spring habit specialty barley varieties for direct-seeding and development of winter habit forms (pdf) - Mark A. Quinn, WSU
ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (final report) (pdf) - Donn Thill, UI
Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seed dryland winter cropping systems (final report) (pdf)
2006 STEEP New Projects and Annual Progress Reports
October 30-31, 2006, TRAC, Pasco, WA
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multidisciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other agriculture support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional appropriations through USDA since 1975.
The STEEP program is managed through by three committees. These include: 1) a 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee of scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS; 2) a 8-member Industry Advisory Committee of 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer and conservation district associations, respectively, one from the pulse crop industry, and one from the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association; and 3) an 8-member Administrative Committee representing research and extension at the 3 universities, the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
Each year, the STEEP program invites proposals on research and education projects on cropping systems technologies for direct seeding and other conservation tillage systems. Projects can be funded for 3 years with the possibility of continuing funding in the future. This longer-term funding has been critical for conducting cropping systems research projects. Eight proposals were received for the 2006 funding cycle totaling $1,372,846. Seven proposals were selected for a total of $566,333, plus administrative costs for a total of $591,501.
The following is a listing of the new STEEP titles, durations, awards, investigators, and objectives of each project.
- Title: Developing Profitable and Sustainable Cropping Systems for North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington: Phase II (3 years, $130,000).
- Team: Stephen Machado, Assistant Professor, Dryland Cropping Systems Agronomist; Steve Petrie, Professor, Soil Scientist; Dr. Dick Smiley, Professor, Plant Pathologist; Dan Ball, Associate Professor, Weed Scientist (all from Oregon State University).
- Objectives:
- 1. Develop profitable and sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington.
- 2. Develop systems that increase residue cover, increase soil OM and biological activity, increase water infiltration and available soil moisture, reduce wind and water erosion, reduce soil water evaporation, reduce pests, and sustain soil and crop productivity.
- Title: Developing Chemical Fallow Systems for Intermediate Rainfall Inland PNW Environments (3 years, $140,000).
- Team: Daniel A. Ball, Associate Professor, Oregon State University; Joseph P. Yenish, Associate Professor, Washington State University; Mary Corp, Associate Professor, Oregon State University.
- Objectives:
- 1. Compare the effects of fallowing method, including systems utilizing a sweep undercutter alone and in combination with rod weeding, chemical fallow, and conventional fallow; on seed-zone soil moisture, soil residue cover, weed control, and subsequent wheat crop growth response and grain yield in winter wheat – fallow environments in two intermediate-rainfall locations.
- 2. Compare weed control effectiveness from various chemical fallow herbicide treatment regimes in intermediate-rainfall PNW environments, and evaluate subsequent wheat crop response and yield.
- 3. Collect data to assess the economic viability of various reduced/no tillage fallow systems. An economic analysis will be completed at the termination of the project.
- Title: Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field Screening and Molecular Mapping with Novel Genetic Stocks (3 years, $75,000).
- Team: Chris Mundt, Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology Oregon State University; C. James Peterson, Professor, Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University.
- Objectives:
- 1. Conduct field evaluation of progeny from single and three-way crosses of PNW wheat cultivars with sources of Cephalosporium resistance from Europe.
- 2. Evaluate molecular markers for Cephalosporium stripe resistance and the potential for marker- assisted selection.
- 3. Estimate the level of resistance required to attain minimal yield loss caused by Cephalosporium stripe.
- Title: Identifying Spring Habit Specialty Barley Varieties for Direct-Seeding and Development of Winter Habit Forms (3 years, $128,333).
- Team: Steve Petrie, Professor of Soils and Superintendent, Oregon State University/Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center; Patrick Hayes, Barley Breeder, Professor of Crop Science, Oregon State University.
- Objectives:
- 1. Screen available spring specialty barley varieties and advanced lines for adaptation to direct-seed production in the intermediate and low precipitation zones.
- 2. Develop winter specialty barley varieties that are adapted to direct seed production in the intermediate and low precipitation areas.
- Title: ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (1 year, $25,000).
- Team: Mark A. Quinn and Catherine A. Perillo, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University.
- Objectives:
- 1. To further develop a series of standards-based lessons, learning activities, and other information, based on the accomplishments and issues addressed by the STEEP Program, which can be incorporated into secondary and post-secondary science curriculum. The education material will continue to focus on biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, and agricultural sciences.
- 2. To evaluate the lesson plans, learning activities, and education material developed for ED-STEEP.
- Title: The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest (1 year, $43,000).
- Team: Tobin L. Peever and M.I. Chilvers, Washington State University; Fred J. Muehlbauer, USDA-ARS, Washington State University.
- Objectives:
- 1. To quantify Ascochyta rabiei infection of wheat and other non-hosts grown in rotation with chickpea in rotational, minimum tillage or direct seeding cropping systems.
- 2. To determine the ability of A. rabiei to reproduce on wheat in rotational, minimum tillage and direct seeding cropping systems.
- 3. To develop a specific PCR primer to detect and quantify Ascochyta rabiei infection of wheat and other non-hosts.
- Title: STEEP Impact Assessment Project (1 year, $25,000).
- Team: Hans Kok, Conservation Tillage Specialist, University of Idaho and Washington State University; Don Wysocki, Oregon State University.
- Objectives:
- 1. Assess the impact of STEEP-funded research on soil erosion, soil, air and water quality, and economics of conservation tillage practices in the Pacific Northwest.
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during 1996 through 2006 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower access to and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems technologies.
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
October 2006
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Steve Johnson, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2007)
- Kevin Meyer, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2008)
- Bob Rosselle, Oregon Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2008)
- Bill Jepsen, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2008)
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2008)
- Kevin Klein, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2007)
- David Wilken, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2007)
- Ron Jirava, PNDSA (2008)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
Technical Coordinating Committee
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair (UI) – Moscow
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair (OSU – Pendleton)
- Rich Koenig, STEEP Tri-Chair (WSU) – Pullman
- Stephen Guy, (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow, (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, (WSU) – Ritzville
- Steve Petrie, (OSU) – Pendleton
- John Williams, (USDA-ARS) – Pendleton
- Kimberly Campbell, USDA-ARS – Pullman
- Han Kok, (UI/WSU) – Moscow
Administrative Committee
- Dwayne Buxton, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Russ Karow, Dept. Head, Department of Crop and Soil Science, OSU, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Sandra Ristow, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Greg Bohach, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Kevin Koong , Interim Dean and Director, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Joel Poore, Conservation Agronomist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Charlotte Eberlein, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- TBA, Ag and Natural Resources Program Director, WSU Extension, Spokane, WA
Over $5.5 million has been allocated to funded the following research and technology transfer projects:
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices (Stephen Guy, ID, 97; Tim Fiez, WA, FY97).
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer (Roger Veseth, ID, OR, WA, FY97 and 98).
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions (Dick Smiley, OR, FY97 – in cooperation with number 2).
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dryland areas (Bill Schillinger, WA, FY97 – in cooperation with number 8).
- Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (Don Wysocki, OR, FY97 – in cooperation with number 7).
- On-farm evaluation of cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (Chris Mundt, OR, FY97).
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (Dave Bezdicek, ID and WA, FY97).
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems (Jack Brown, ID, FY98).
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WA, FY98).
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (Dave Huggins, WA, FY98).
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data (Bill Payne, OR, FY98).
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WA, FY99).
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter (Dave Bezdicek, WA, FY99).
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to cephalsporium stripe of wheat (Chris Mundt, OR, FY99).
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning ( Donn Thill, ID, FY99).
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest (Tim Fiez, WA, FY99).
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research (Jim Cook, WA, FY99)
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components (Bill Payne, OR, FY99).
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble (Jack Brown, ID, FY99).
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (Steve Dofing, WA, FY99).
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology (Roger Veseth, ID/WA/OR, FY2000).
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dryland using no-till: Years 4 through 6 (Bill Schillinger,WA, FY2000).
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region (Jack Brown, ID, FY2000).
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dryland wheat (Frank Young, WA/ID, FY2000).
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (Don Morishita, ID, FY2000).
- Seed placed lime to reduce the acidifying affects of nitrogen fertilizer in long-term direct seed systems (Greg Schwab, WA, FY2001)
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional till on crop, variety, soil, insect and disease response (Stephen Guy, ID, FY2001)
- Vegetation management with herbicides between crops and during fallow in direct seed dryland winter wheat cropping systems (Joe Yenish, WA, FY2001)
- Development of residue manipulation systems for direct seeding drills to improve seed opener performance (Eric Drews, UI, FY2001)
- Updating statistical analysis software for on-farm testing (Russ Karow, OR, FY2001)
- No-till sowing into standing irrigated stubble instead of burning (Bill Schillinger, WA, FY2001)
- Rotation effects of alternative crops on spring and winter wheat in direct-seed cropping systems (Jim Cook, WSU, FY2002)
- Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WSU, FY2002)
- Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon (Steven Machado, OSU, FY2002)
- Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington (Steven Machado, OSU, FY2002)
- Nutrient requirements of short-season dryland corn grown in eastern Washington using direct seeding methods (Greg Schwab, WSU, FY2002)
- Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage and effectiveness of management options in no-till crop rotations in Idaho and Washington (Rodney Sayler, WSU, FY2002)
- The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (Tobin Peevers, WSU, FY2002)
- Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna, ground dwelling predators, and aphid density in a small inland PNW watershed (Gary Chang, UI, FY2002)
- Expanding access to PNW direct seed/conservation tillage systems technology (Roger Veseth, UI, FY2002)
- Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems (Daniel A. Ball, OSU FY2003)
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping of Novel Genetic Stocks (Chris Mundt, OSU, FY2003)
- Initiating Long-term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon & South-Central Washington (Stephen Machado, OSU, FY2003)
- Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat (Kimberlee, Kidwell, WSU, FY2003)
- Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest (Jack Brown, UI, FY2003)
- Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis (Joseph Yenish,WSU, FY2003)
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems technologies. (Don Wysocki and UI/WSU Tillage Extension Specialist, FY2004)
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest. (Tobin Peever, Lori Carris, and Fred Muehlbauer, WSU/ USDA-ARS, FY2004)
- Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems. (Mark Quinn and Catherine Perillo, WSU, FY2004)
- Fertilization of Late-Seeded Wheat in Chemical Fallow. (Larry Lutcher, OSU, FY2004)
- Impact of Crop Rotation and Alternative Crops on Weed Populations, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington. (Dennis Tonks and Aaron Esser, WSU, FY2004)
- The Strategic Use of Broadcast and Controlled Release Fertilizer to Facilitate N Applications and Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Direct Seed Systems. (Richard Koenig and David Huggins, WSU/USDA-ARS, FY2004)
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Crop, Variety, Soil, and Insect Responses in Years 4-6. (Stephen Guy, Nilsa Bosque-Perez, Sanford Eigenbrode, and Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI, FY2004)
- Improving Tillage Systems for Minimizing Erosion. (Jan Boll, Shulin Chen, and Don McCool, UI, WSU, USDA ARS, FY2004)
- Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seeded dryland winter wheat cropping systems (Donn Thill, Joe Yenish, and Dan Ball, UI, WSU, OSU, FY2005)
- Identifying superior winter canola cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the PNW (Jack Brown and Don Wysocki, UI, OSU, FY2005)
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses. (Stephen Guy, Nilsa Bosque-Perez, Sanford Eigenbrode, and Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI, FY2005)
- Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems. (Dave Huggins, Claudio Stockle, Han Kok, and R. Rossi, USDA-ARS, WSU, UI, FY2005)
- Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield of subsequent winter wheat in the PNW (Jack Brown and Don Wysocki, UI, OSU, FY2005)
- Developing Chemical Fallow Systems for Intermediate Rainfall Inland PNW Environments (Stephen Machado, Steve Petrie, Dan Ball, Richard Smiley, Don Wysocki, OSU, FY2006)
- ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (Mark Quinn and Cathy Perillo, WSU, FY2006)
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest (Tobin L. Peever, Martin I. Chilvers, Hajime Akamatsu, and Fred J. Muehlbauer, WSU, USDA-ARS, FY2006)
- Developing Profitable and Sustainable Cropping Systems for North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington: Phase II (Stephen Machado, Steve Petrie, Dan Ball, Richard Smiley, Don Wysocki, OSU, FY2006)
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field Screening and Molecular Mapping with Novel Genetic Stocks (Chris Mundt, James Peterson, Oscar Riera-Lizarazu, OSU, FY2006)
- Identifying Spring Habit Specialty Barley Varieties for Direct-Seeding and Development of Winter Habit Forms (Steve Petrie and Patrick Hayes, OSU, FY2006)
- STEEP Impact Assessment Project (PNW STEEP Extension Cropping Systems Specialists Team, FY2006)
(Alphabetical Listing of First-listed Investigators and Project Titles) All files are in PDF Format.
- Daniel A. Ball, OSU
Biology and management of rattail fescue in direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Jan Boll, UI
Improving tillage systems for minimizing erosion (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior winter canola cultivears that are suitable for direct seeding in the PNW (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield subsequent winter wheat in the PNW (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of crop rotation and alternative crops on weed populations, yield, and economic indirect seed system in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of alternative crops on winter wheat and spring cereal establishment, growth, yield, and economics in direct seed systems in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Stephen O. Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of direct seeding (no-till) and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, and insect responses in years 4-6 and assessing the impact of direct seeding (no-till) and conventional-till on nitrogen fertility, soil, and insect responses (pdf) - David Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Kimberlee K. Kidwell, WSU
Optimizing plant genetics and soil fertility to achieve high grain protein content in hard red spring wheat (final report) (pdf) - Richard T. Koenig, WSU
The strategic use of broadcast and controlled release fertilizer to facilitate N applications and improve nitrogen use efficiency in direct seed systems (pdf) - Hans Kok, WSU
Expanding access to PNW direct seed and conservation tillage systems technologies (pdf) - Larry Lutcher, OSU
Fertilization of late-seeded winter wheat in chemical fallow (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Developing profitable and sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington: Phase II (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improving genetic resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat through field and toxin screening and molecular mapping with novel genetic stocks (final report) (pdf) - Tobin Peever, WSU
The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Steve Petrie, OSU
Identifying spring habit specialty barley varieties for direct-seeding and development of winter habit forms (pdf) - Mark A. Quinn, WSU
ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (pdf) - Donn Thill, UI
Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seed dryland winter cropping systems (pdf) - Joseph P. Yenish, WSU
Evaluating chemical fallow systems for weed control efficacy (pdf)
2005 STEEP New Projects and Annual Progress Reports
October 30-31, 2006, TRAC, Pasco, WA
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multidisciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other Ag support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional grants through USDA since 1975.
The STEEP program is managed through three committees. These include: 1) a 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee of scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS; 2) a 7-member Industry Advisory Committee of 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer and conservation district associations, and one from the pulse crop industry; and 3) an 8-member Administrative Committee representing research and extension at the 3 universities, the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
Each year, the STEEP program invites proposals on research and education projects on cropping systems technologies for direct seeding and other conservation tillage systems. Projects can be funded for 3 years with the possibility of continuing funding in the future. This longer-term funding has been critical for conducting cropping systems research projects. Eight proposals were received for the 2005 funding cycle totalling $1,100,181. Five proposals were selected for a total of $576,195, plus administrative costs for a total of $597,262.
The following is a listing of the new STEEP project titles (and durations and awards), investigators, and objectives of each project.
- Title: Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seeded dryland winter wheat cropping systems (3 years; $149,559)
- Team: Donn Thill, weed scientist, UI, Moscow; Dan Ball, weed scientist, OSU, Pendleton; Joe Yenish, extension weed scientist, WSU, Pullman.
- Objectives:
- 1. Determine the response of yellow mustard to imazamox herbicide persistence under conventional, minimum and direct-seed tillage systems in intermediate and high precipitation zones.
- Determine the dissipation rate of imazamox herbicide under conventional, minimum, and direct-seed tillage systems in intermediate and high precipitation zones using a corn root bioassay.
- Title: Identifying superior winter canola cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the PNW (3 years; $120,000)
- Team: Jack Brown, associate professor, UI, Moscow; Don Wysocki, extension soil scientist, OSU, Pendleton.
- Objectives:
- 1. Determine the potential of increasing adaptability, reliability and repeatability of winter canola cultivars to direct seeding systems.
- 2. Identify superior winter canola cultivars that are specifically designed for planting into standing cereal straw in direct seed systems.
- Title: Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses (3 years; $149,636)
- Team: Stephen Guy, crop management specialist, UI, Moscow; Nilsa Bosque-Perez, entomologist, UI; Sanford Eigenbrode, entomologist, UI, Moscow; and Jodi Johnson-Maynard, soil scientist, UI, Moscow.
- Objectives:
- 1. Compare hard red winter spring wheat nitrogen fertilization responses from rates and timing of N application in a replicated NT and CT comparison.
- 2. Determine the impact of CT and NT on soil microclimate and fauna and document chages in key soil hydraulic and chemical properties.
- 3. Monitor pea leaf weevil abundance and damage in CT and NT pea.
- 1. Conduct controlled experiments in the laboratory and field trials to assess predation by specific ground-dwelling predators on pea leaf weevil.
- 2. Compare immigration of pea and leaf weevil into NT and CT pea and test the effects of specific factors on immigration of pea leaf weevil into NT and CT pea.
- Title: Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems (3 years; $104,989)
- Team: Dave Huggins, soil scientist, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA; Claudio Stockle, Biosystems Engineering, WSU, Pullman; Han Kok, extension conservation tillage specialist, WSU/UI; and R. Rossi, research associate, WSU, Pullman.
- Objectives:
- 1. Measure and predict site-specific variables required for making N management decisions on research conducted at the WSU Cunningham Agronomy Farm; and,
- 2. Test and evaluate site- and time-specific N management decisions as compared to uniform N management at the WSU Cunningham Agronomy Farm.
- Title: Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield of subsequent winter wheat in the PNW (2 years, $52,000)
- Team: Jack Brown, associate professor, UI, Moscow; Don Wysocki, extension soil scientist, OSU, Pendleton.
- Objectives:
- 1. To determine yield potential of Oriental mustard compared to canola and yellow mustard under different rainfall regions under direct seed systems.
- 2. Compare water use of Oriental mustard with water use of spring whet, canola and yellow mustard under direct seed systems.
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during 1996 through 2005 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower access to and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems technologies.
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
November 2005
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Steve Johnson, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2007)
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2007)
- Chris Rauch, Oregon Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2006)
- Bill Jepsen\, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2006)
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2006)
- Kevin Klein, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2007)
- David Wilken, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2007)
- Ron Jirava, PNDSA (2006)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
Technical Coordinating Committee
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair (UI) – Moscow
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair (OSU – Pendleton)
- Rich Koenig, STEEP Tri-Chair (WSU) – Pullman
- Stephen Guy, (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow, (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, (WSU) – Ritzville
- Steve Petrie, (OSU) – Pendleton
- John Williams, (USDA-ARS) – Pendleton
- Kimberly Campbell, USDA-ARS – Pullman
- Han Kok, (UI/WSU) – Moscow
Administrative Committee
- Dwayne Buxton, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Charles Boyer, Associate Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Sandra Ristow, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Greg Bohach, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Scott Reed, Dean and Director, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Gus Hughbanks, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Charlotte Eberlein, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- Ed Adams, WSU Cooperative Extension, Spokane, WA
Over $5 million has been allocated to funded the following research and technology transfer projects:
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices (Stephen Guy, ID, 97; Tim Fiez, WA, FY97).
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer (Roger Veseth, ID, OR, WA, FY97 and 98).
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions (Dick Smiley, OR, FY97 – in cooperation with number 2).
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dryland areas (Bill Schillinger, WA, FY97 – in cooperation with number 8).
- Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (Don Wysocki, OR, FY97 – in cooperation with number 7).
- On-farm evaluation of cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (Chris Mundt, OR, FY97).
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (Dave Bezdicek, ID and WA, FY97).
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems (Jack Brown, ID, FY98).
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WA, FY98).
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (Dave Huggins, WA, FY98).
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data (Bill Payne, OR, FY98).
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WA, FY99).
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter (Dave Bezdicek, WA, FY99).
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to cephalsporium stripe of wheat (Chris Mundt, OR, FY99).
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning ( Donn Thill, ID, FY99).
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest (Tim Fiez, WA, FY99).
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research (Jim Cook, WA, FY99)
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components (Bill Payne, OR, FY99).
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble (Jack Brown, ID, FY99).
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (Steve Dofing, WA, FY99).
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology (Roger Veseth, ID/WA/OR, FY2000).
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dryland using no-till: Years 4 through 6 (Bill Schillinger,WA, FY2000).
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region (Jack Brown, ID, FY2000).
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dryland wheat (Frank Young, WA/ID, FY2000).
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (Don Morishita, ID, FY2000).
- Seed placed lime to reduce the acidifying affects of nitrogen fertilizer in long-term direct seed systems (Greg Schwab, WA, FY2001)
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional till on crop, variety, soil, insect and disease response (Stephen Guy, ID, FY2001)
- Vegetation management with herbicides between crops and during fallow in direct seed dryland winter wheat cropping systems (Joe Yenish, WA, FY2001)
- Development of residue manipulation systems for direct seeding drills to improve seed opener performance (Eric Drews, UI, FY2001)
- Updating statistical analysis software for on-farm testing (Russ Karow, OR, FY2001)
- No-till sowing into standing irrigated stubble instead of burning (Bill Schillinger, WA, FY2001)
- Rotation effects of alternative crops on spring and winter wheat in direct-seed cropping systems (Jim Cook, WSU, FY2002)
- Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WSU, FY2002)
- Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon (Steven Machado, OSU, FY2002)
- Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington (Steven Machado, OSU, FY2002)
- Nutrient requirements of short-season dryland corn grown in eastern Washington using direct seeding methods (Greg Schwab, WSU, FY2002)
- Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage and effectiveness of management options in no-till crop rotations in Idaho and Washington (Rodney Sayler, WSU, FY2002)
- The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (Tobin Peevers, WSU, FY2002)
- Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna, ground dwelling predators, and aphid density in a small inland PNW watershed (Gary Chang, UI, FY2002)
- Expanding access to PNW direct seed/conservation tillage systems technology (Roger Veseth, UI, FY2002)
- Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems (Daniel A. Ball, OSU FY2003)
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping of Novel Genetic Stocks (Chris Mundt, OSU, FY2003)
- Initiating Long-term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon & South-Central Washington (Stephen Machado, OSU, FY2003)
- Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat (Kimberlee, Kidwell, WSU, FY2003)
- Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest (Jack Brown, UI, FY2003)
- Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis (Joseph Yenish,WSU, FY2003)
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems technologies. (Don Wysocki and UI/WSU Tillage Extension Specialist, FY2004)
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest. (Tobin Peever, Lori Carris, and Fred Muehlbauer, WSU/ USDA-ARS, FY2004)
- Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems. (Mark Quinn and Catherine Perillo, WSU, FY2004)
- Fertilization of Late-Seeded Wheat in Chemical Fallow. (Larry Lutcher, OSU, FY2004)
- Impact of Crop Rotation and Alternative Crops on Weed Populations, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington. (Dennis Tonks and Aaron Esser, WSU, FY2004)
- The Strategic Use of Broadcast and Controlled Release Fertilizer to Facilitate N Applications and Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Direct Seed Systems. (Richard Koenig and David Huggins, WSU/USDA-ARS, FY2004)
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Crop, Variety, Soil, and Insect Responses in Years 4-6. (Stephen Guy, Nilsa Bosque-Perez, Sanford Eigenbrode, and Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI, FY2004)
- Improving Tillage Systems for Minimizing Erosion. (Jan Boll, Shulin Chen, and Don McCool, UI, WSU, USDA ARS, FY2004)
- Soil persistence of imazamox herbicide in tilled and direct-seeded dryland winter wheat cropping systems (Donn Thill, Joe Yenish, and Dan Ball, UI, WSU, OSU, FY2005)
- Identifying superior winter canola cultivars that are suitable for direct seeding in the PNW (Jack Brown and Don Wysocki, UI, OSU, FY2005)
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Nitrogen Fertility, Soil, and Insect Responses. (Stephen Guy, Nilsa Bosque-Perez, Sanford Eigenbrode, and Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI, FY2005)
- Site-specific N management for direct seed cropping systems. (Dave Huggins, Claudio Stockle, Han Kok, and R. Rossi, USDA-ARS, WSU, UI, FY2005)
- Examine the effects of cropping systems that include canola, yellow mustard, or oriental mustard on yield of subsequent winter wheat in the PNW (Jack Brown and Don Wysocki, UI, OSU, FY2005)
(Alphabetical Listing of First-listed Investigators and Project Titles) All files are in PDF Format.
- Daniel A. Ball, OSU
Biology and management of rattail fescue in direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Jan Boll, UI
- Improving tillage systems for minimizing erosion (pdf)
- Jack Brown, UI
Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of crop rotation and alternative crops on weed populations, yield, and economic indirect seed system in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Aaron Esser, WSU
Impact of alternative crops on winter wheat and spring cereal establishment, growth, yield, and economics in direct seed systems in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Stephen O. Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of direct seeding (no-till) and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, and insect responses in years 4-6 and assessing the impact of direct seeding (no-till) and conventional-till on nitrogen fertility, soil, and insect responses (pdf) - David Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Rotation effects of alternative crops on spring and winter wheat in direct-seed cropping systems (pdf) - Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI
Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna and ground dwelling predators in a small inland PNW watershed (pdf) - Kimberlee K. Kidwell, WSU
Optimizing plant genetics and soil fertility to achieve high grain protein content in hard red spring wheat (pdf) - Richard T. Koenig, WSU
The strategic use of broadcast and controlled release fertilizer to facilitate N applications and improve nitrogen use efficiency in direct seed systems (pdf) - Hans Kok, WSU
Expanding access to PNW direct seed and conservation tillage systems technologies (pdf) - Larry Lutcher, OSU
Fertilization of late-seeded winter wheat in chemical fallow (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Developing profitable and sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington (pdf)
Original title: Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington - Stephen Machado, OSU
Identifying alternative rotation crops for Eastern Oregon (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improving genetic resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat through field and toxin screening and molecular mapping with novel genetic stocks (pdf) - Tobin Peever, WSU
The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Mark A. Quinn, WSU
ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (pdf) - Rodney Sayler, WSU
Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage in no-till cropping systems in Idaho and Washington (pdf) - Joseph P. Yenish, WSU
Evaluating chemical fallow systems for weed control efficacy (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf)
2004 STEEP New Projects and Annual Progress Reports
January 13-14, 2005, Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show Mirabeau Park, Spokane Valley, WA
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multidisciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other Ag support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional grants through USDA since 1975.
The STEEP program is managed through three committees. These include: 1) a 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee of scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS; 2) a 7-member Industry Advisory Committee of 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer and conservation district associations, and one from the pulse crop industry; and 3) an 8-member Administrative Committee representing research and extension at the 3 universities, the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
Each year, the STEEP program invites proposals on research and education projects on cropping systems technologies for direct seeding and other conservation tillage systems. Projects can be funded for 3 years with the possibility of continuing funding in the future. This longer-term funding has been critical for conducting cropping systems research projects. Twelve research proposals were received for the 2004 funding cycle, totaling over $1,017,792. Eight proposals were selected for a total of $556,250.
The following is a listing of the new STEEP project titles (and durations and awards), investigators, and objectives of each project.
- Title: Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems Technologies (2 years; $72,046)
- Team: Hans Kok, WSU/UI Conservation Tillage Specialist, Pullman/Moscow; Don Wysocki, OSU Extension Soil Scientist, Pendleton
- Objective:Increase PNW grower awareness and adaptation of STEEP and related research technologies for direct seed and conservation farming systems by presenting new technologies as integrated components of direct seed and conservation systems in specific agronomic regions, and making the information available through:
- PNW STEEP Conservation Tillage Update (newsletter)
- PNW Extension Conservation Tillage Handbook Series (distributed through the Update)
- Web Site – PNW STEEP Conservation Tillage Systems Technology Source, which includes publications 1 and 2 above, and many other information resources
- PNW Direct Seed List Server (Email/Internet-based)
- Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conferences
- Northwest Field Days and Tours
- Title: The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest (1 year; $55,234)
- Team: Tobin Peever1, Lori M. Carris1, and Fred J. Muehlbauer2
1Department of Plant Pathology, 2USDA-ARS, Washington State University, Pullman, WA - Objective: To develop a specific PCR primer to deter and quantify Ascochyta rabiei infection of wheat and other hosts.
- Team: Tobin Peever1, Lori M. Carris1, and Fred J. Muehlbauer2
- Title: ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (1 year; $46,001)
- Team: Mark A. Quinn, and Catherine A. Perillo, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, WSU
- Objectives:
- Identification of relevant environmental, health, and agricultural concerns being addressed through the STEEP Program. Identification of specific research outcomes from the STEEP Program. Development of specific lessons and activities for secondary school classrooms that relate to the STEEP Program.
- Development of specific activities for post-secondary school classrooms that relate to the STEEP Program. Website development.
- Title: Fertilization of Late-Seeded Winter Wheat in Chemical Fallow (3 years; $116,705)
- Team: L.K. Lutcher (OSU, Heppner, OR)
- Objectives: Develop P and S fertilizer recommendations for the winter wheat/chemical fallow system. Field experiments will be conducted in farmers’ fields in Morrow County and Umatilla County, OR, and at the WSU Dryland Research Station at Lind, WA.
- Determine if P and/or S should be applied with N. Will the addition of P and/or S increase grain yield, test weights, or grain protein?
- Quantify yield components and straw production
- Determine early-season tissue nutrient concentrations and plant uptake
- Evaluate early-season soil nutrient bioavailability and effects of seed-zone water content and temperature. Sampling and analysis procedures will provide information about nutrient flux to the roots and mechanisms responsible for observed differences. Nutrient flux data will be used in conjunction with plant uptake data to explain treatment effects among sites.
- Site characterization: Characterization data will be used to delineate regions where future recommendations can be utilized. The data also will be used to develop an understanding of differences in the bioavailability of P and S among sites.
- Title: Impact of Crop Rotation and Alternative Crops on Weed Populations, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington (3 years, $70,841)
- Team: Dennis Tonks, WSU Extension Dryland Farming Specialist, Davenport; Aaron Esser, WSU Extension On-Farm Testing Associate, Ritzville; For the Agricultural Horizons Team
- Objectives:
- Evaluate the impact of various crop rotations on yield, weed populations, disease, soil quality, and profitability
- Evaluate the impact of alternative crops on establishment, growth, yield, and economics of winter wheat and spring cereals.
- Title: The Strategic Use of Broadcast and Controlled Release Fertilizer to Facilitate N Applications and Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Direct Seed Systems (3 years, $77,855)
- Team: Richard T. Koenig, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, WSU; David R. Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA
- Objectives:
- Determine whether early- or late-fall broadcast of conventional or controlled release N fertilizers can replace deep banding and/or spring broadcast applications.
- Assess the feasibility of replacing deep banded conventional N fertilizer with seed banded controlled release fertilizer.
- Evaluate select N timing and placement strategies in the context of a typical Palouse toposequence (assess the N treatment by landscape position interaction).
- Title: Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Crop, Variety, Soil, and Insect Responses in Year 4 (1 year, $48,008)
- Team: Stephen O. Guy, Professor and Crop Management Specialist, UI; Nilsa A. Bosque-Perez, Associate Professor of Entomology, UI; Sanford D. Eigenbrode, Associate Professor of Entomology, UI; Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Assistant Professor of Soil Science, UI
- Objectives:
- Evaluate crop and variety performance differences between NT and CT production systems in a replicated tillage trial for winter wheat, spring barley, spring wheat, and dry pea and lentil during year four of the ‘transition period’.
- Determine the impact of CT and NT on soil microclimate and fauna and document changes in key soil hydraulic and chemical properties.
- Monitor pea leaf weevil abundance, activity and damage in CT and NT pea.
- Conduct controlled experiments in the laboratory and field trials to assess predation by specific ground-dwelling predators on pea leaf weevil.
- Title: Improving Tillage Systems for Minimizing Erosion (1 year, $62,560)
- Team: Jan Boll, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, UI; Shulin Chen, Professor of Biological Systems Engineering, WSU; Donald McCool, Agricultural Engineer and Research Scientist, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA
- Objectives:
- Investigating the difference in infiltration and runoff generation mechanisms under different tillage systems (minimum tillage and conventional tillage) (UI).
- Studying the impact of major field factors on rill/gully formation under different tillage systems (WSU).
- Developing a GIS database and recommending management practices that can be implemented to reduce rill/gully formation and erosion (UI and WSU)
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during 1996 through 2004 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower access to and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems technologies.
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
March, 2004
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Steve Johnson, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2007)
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2005)**
- Chris Rauch, Oregon Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2004)
- Bill Jepsen, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2006)
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2006)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2005)**
- David Wilken, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2007)
- Ron Jirava, PNDSA (2006)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
** Second term
Technical Coordinating Committee
- David Bezdicek, STEEP Tri-Chair WSU, Pullman
- Rick Koenig, WSU, Pullman
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair UI, Moscow
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair OSU, Pendleton
- Stephen Guy UI, Moscow
- Russ Karow, OSU, Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, USDA-NRCS, Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, WSU, Rtizville
- Steve Petrie, OSU, Pendleton
- John Williams, USDA-ARS, Pendleton
- Kim Campbell, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Administrative Committee
- Antoinette Betschart, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Charles Boyer, Associate Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Sandra Ristow, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Gus Hughbanks, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Ed Adams, WSU Cooperative Extension, Spokane, WA
Approximately $4.5 million has been allocated to funded the following research and technology transfer projects:
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dryland farming systems (Dan Ball, OR, 1996)
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW (Frank Young, ARS, WA, 1996)
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion (Charlotte Eberlein, ID, 1996)
- Residue production and retention in small grain cerealand legume rotations with different tillage practices (Steve Guy, ID, 1996)
- PNW STEEP III Extension-integrated cropping systems technology transfer (Roger Veseth, ID, WSU, OSU, 1996)
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices (Steve Guy, ID, 1997)
- Residue production and retention in small grain Cereal and Legume Rotational Systems with different tillage systems (Tim Fiez, WSU; joint with Hammel, UI, 1997)
- Residue production and retention in small grain Cereal and Legume Rotational Systems with different tillage systems (Hammel, UI; joint with Fiez, WSU, 1997)
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer (Roger Veseth, ID, OR, WA, 1997)
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rain-rainfall regions (Dick Smiley, OR, 1997)
- Alterative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dryland areas (Bill Schillinger, WA, 1997)
- Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (Don Wysocki, OR, 1997)
- On-farm evaluation of cephalosporium stripe severityand yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (Chris Mundt, OR, 1997)
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (Dave Bezdicek, WA; joint with Hammel, UI, 1997)
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (Hammel, UI; joint with Bezdicek, WSU, 1997)
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems (Jack Brown, ID, 1998)
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WA, 1998)
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (Dave Huggins, ARS, WA, 1998)
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data (William Payne, OR, 1998)
- Continuation of the PNW STEEP III Integrated Cropping Systems Technology Transfer Project (Veseth/Wysocki WSU/OSU/UI, 1998)
- Direct Seed Conference (1998)
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the pacific northwest (Douglas Young, WSU, 1999)
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, Physical and microbial properties and quality of soil organic matter (David Bezdicek, WSU, 1999)
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to cephalasporium stripe of wheat (Chris Mundt, OSU, 1999)
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky Blue grass without burning (Donn Thill, ID, 1999)
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest (Tim Fiez, WSU, 1999)
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research (R. J Cook, WSU, 1999)
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components (William Payne, OSU, 1999)
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal residue (Jack Brown, UI; joint with Wysocki, OR, 1999)
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal residue (Don Wysocki, OR; joint with Brown, UI, 1999)
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (Steve Dofing, WSU, 1999)
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology (R. Veseth/ D. Wysocki, ID/OR, 2000)
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dryland using no till- years 4 through 6 (W. Schillinger, WA, 2000)
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest Region (J. Brown/D. Wysocki, ID/OR, 2000)
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dryland wheat (F. Young/D. Thill, WA/ID, 2000)
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (Zea maize L.) (D. Morishita, ID, 2000)
- Seed placed lime to reduce the acidifying affects of nitrogen fertilizer in long-term direct seed systems (Greg Schwab, WA, 2001)
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional till on crop variety, soil, insect and disease response (Stephen Guy, ID, 2001)
- Vegetation management with herbicides between crops and during fallow in direct seed dryland winter wheat cropping systems (Joe Yenish, WA, 2001)
- Development of residue manipulation systems for direct seeding drills to improve seed opener performance (Eric Drews, UI, 2001)
- Updating statistical analysis software for on-farm testing (Russ Karow, OR, 2001)
- No-till sowing into standing irrigated stubble instead of burning (Bill Schillinger, WA, 2001)
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed/Conservation Tillage Systems Technology (Roger Veseth, WSU/U of I/OSU, 2002)
- Rotation Effects of Alternative Crops on Spring and Winter Wheat in Direct-Seed Cropping Systems. (R.J. Cook, WSU, 2002)
- Strategies for Profitable Conservation Tillage Farming in the Pacific Northwest. (D. Young, WSU, 2002)
- Identifying Alternate Rotation Crops for Eastern Oregon (S. Machado, OR, 2002)
- Initiating Long-Term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington. (S. Machado, OR, 2002)
- Nutrient Requirements of Short-Season Dryland Corn Grown in Eastern Washington Using Direct Seeding Methods. (G, Schwab, WSU, 2002)
- Seasonal and Spatial Dynamics of Rodent Damage and Effectiveness of Management Options in No-Till Crop Rotations in Idaho and Washington (R. Sayler, WSU, 2002)
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest (T. Peever, ARS-WSU, 2002)
- Examination of Tillage Factors, Crop Type, Soils and Non-Crop habitat upon Soil Fauna, Ground Dwelling Predators, and Aphid Density in a Small Inland PNW Watershed (G. Chang, ID, 2002)
- Retooling Agriculture. Request for Publication of document on Direct-Seed Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest. (R.J. Cook, WSU, 2002)
- Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems (Daniel A. Ball, Carol Mallory-Smith, Donn C. Thill, and Joseph P. Yenish, OR/ID/WA, 2003)
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping of Novel Genetic Stocks (Chris Mundt, C. James Peterson, and O. Riera-Lizarazu, OR, 2003)
- Initiating Long-term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon & South-Central Washington (Stephen Machado, Steve Petrie, Richard Smiley, Dan Ball, and Don Wysocki, ID/OR, 2003)
- Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat (Kimberlee, Kidwell, William Pan, Robert Gallagher, WA, 2003)
- Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest (Jack Brown, Don Wysocki, ID/OR, 2003)
- Impact of Alternative Crops on Winter Wheat and Spring Cereal Establishment, Growth, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington (Dennis Tonks and Aaron Esser, WA, 2003)
- Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis (Joseph Yenish, Aaron Esser, Dennis Tonks, and Frank Young, WA, 2003)
- Outreach activities for PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems Technology (Roger Veseth and Don Wysocki, ID/OR, 2003)
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems technologies (Don Wysocki and UI/WSU Tillage Extension Specialist, 2004)
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest. (Tobin Peever, Lori Carris, and Fred Muehlbauer, WSU/ USDA-ARS, 2004)
- Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems. (Mark Quinn and Catherine Perillo, WSU, 2004)
- Fertilization of Late-Seeded Wheat in Chemical Fallow (Larry Lutcher, OSU, 2004)
- Impact of Crop Rotation and Alternative Crops on Weed Populations, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington (Dennis Tonks and Aaron Esser, WSU, 2004)
- The Strategic Use of Broadcast and Controlled Release Fertilizer to Facilitate N Applications and Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Direct Seed Systems (Richard Koenig and David Huggins, WSU/USDA-ARS, 2004)
- Assessing the Impact of Direct Seeding (No-Till) and Conventional-Till on Crop, Variety, Soil, and Insect Responses in Years 4-6. (Stephen Guy, Nilsa Bosque-Perez, Sanford Eigenbrode, and Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI, 2004)
- Improving Tillage Systems for Minimizing Erosion (Jan Boll, Shulin Chen, and Don McCool, UI, WSU, USDA ARS, 2004)
(Alphabetical Listing of First-listed Investigators and Project Titles) All files are in PDF Format.
- Daniel A. Ball, OSU
Biology and management of rattail fescue in direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Stephen O. Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of direct seed (no-till) and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, and insect responses (pdf) - David Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Seed-placed lime to reduce the acidifying affects of nitrogen fertilizer in long-term direct seed systems (pdf) - Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI
Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna and ground dwelling predators in a small inland PNW watershed (pdf) - Kimberlee K. Kidwell, WSU
Optimizing plant genetics and soil fertility to achieve high grain protein content in hard red spring wheat (pdf) - Richard T. Koenig, WSU
The strategic use of broadcast and controlled release fertilizer to facilitate N applications and improve nitrogen use efficiency in direct seed systems (pdf) - Larry Lutcher, OSU
Fertilization of late-seeded winter wheat in chemical fallow (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Orego and south-central Washington (pdf) - Don W. Morishita, UI
The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improving genetic resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat through field and toxin screening and molecular mapping with novel genetic stocks (pdf) - Mark A. Quinn, WSU
ED-STEEP: Education Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (pdf) - Rodney Sayler, WSU
Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage in no-till cropping systems in Idaho and Washington (pdf) - Dennis Tonks
Impact of alternative crops on winter wheat and spring cereal establishment, growth, yield, and economics in direct seed systems in the intermediate rainfall area of Washington (pdf) - Don Wysocki, OSU
Expanding access to PNW direct seed and conservation tillage systems technologies (pdf) - Joseph P. Yenish, WSU
Evaluating chemical fallow systems for weed control efficacy (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf)
2003 STEEP New Projects and Annual Progress Reports
January 7-9, 2004 STEEP 2003 Research Review and Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show, Convention Center, Pendleton, OR
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, USDA – Agricultural Research Service, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Grain Producers Associations, Conservation Districts, USDA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multidisciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other Ag support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional grants through USDA since 1975.
The STEEP program is managed through three committees. These include: 1) a 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee of scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS; 2) a 7-member Industry Advisory Committee of 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer and conservation district associations, and one from the pulse crop industry; and 3) an 8-member Administrative Committee representing research and extension at the 3 universities, the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
Each year, the STEEP program invites proposals on research and education projects on cropping systems technologies for direct seeding and other conservation tillage systems. Projects can be funded for 3 years with the possibility of continuing funding in the future. This longer-term funding has been critical for conducting cropping systems research projects. Sixteen research proposals were received for the 2003 funding cycle, totaling over $1,536,994. Eight proposals were selected for a total of $549,551 based on the FY03 estimated Federal budget. An additional allocation of $72,691 was received for a total of $622,242.
The following is a listing of the new STEEP project titles (and durations and awards), investigators, and objectives of each project.
- Title: Impact of Alternative Crops on Winter Wheat and Spring Cereal Establishment, Growth, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington (1 year; $24,000)
- Team: Dennis Tonks, WSU Extension (dryland farming specialist); Aaron Esser, WSU Extension (on-farm testing associate).
- Objectives:
- Evaluate the impact of alternative crops on establishment, growth, yield, and economics of winter wheat and spring cereals.
- Evaluate the impact of winter and spring cereals no establishment, growth, yield, and economics of spring seeded alternative crops and development of direct seed systems.
- Title: Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat (3 years; $85,000)
- Team: Kimberlee K. Kidwell, WSU (spring wheat breeder); William Pan, WSU (soil fertility specialist); Robert Gallagher, WSU (weed-crop ecologist).
- Objectives:
- Evaluate current varieties and improved isolines of hard red spring wheat for grain yield and protein response to nitrogen fertilization.
- Evaluate the most promising isolines identified in Objective 1 for agronomic potential and protein response to native soil fertility (as affected by crop rotation) coupled with nitrogen fertilization regimes.
- Title: Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping with Novel Genetic Stocks (3 years; $77025)
- Team: Christ Mundt, OSU (botany and pathology); C. James Peterson, OSU (crop and soil science); Oscar Riera-Lizarazu, OSU (crop and soil science).
- Objectives:
- Characterize response of select winter wheat populations, parents, and progeny to Cephalosporium gramineum. Utilize both fungal toxin(s) and field screening methods to identify materials with superior disease resistance.
- Identify and use molecular markers to determine the inheritance of resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe.
- Title: Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis (2 years; $11,786)
- Team: Joseph P. Yenish, WSU; Aaron Esser, WSU; Dennis Tonks, WSU; Frank Young, USDA-ARS
- Objectives:
- Determine weed control efficacy of chem-fallow treatments.
- Determine comparative soil moisture content between chem-fallow treatments.
- Determine comparative wheat injury and yield following chem-fallow.
- Compare cost/return of the chem-fallow treatments.
- Title: Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems (3 years; $54,449)
- Team: Daniel A. Ball, OSU; Carol Mallory-Smith, OSU; Donn C. Till, UI; Joseph P. Yenish, WSU.
- Objectives:
- Determine basic biological characteristics for seed of rattail fescue. Seed characteristics to be studied include optimum seed germination temperatures, occurrence and characteristics of seed dormancy, seed longevity under field conditions, and whole plant vernalization requirements.
- Coordinate and conduct multi-state herbicide trials to determine optimum treatment rates and timings for control of rattail fescue in chemical fallow systems.
- Coordinate and conduct multi-state herbicide trials to determine optimum treatment rates and timings for control of rattail fescue in direct-seed winter and spring wheat. Consideration will be given to carryover potential in pulse/brassica rotations. Cooperation with the agrichemical industry will be solicited to obtain appropriate herbicide registrations for rattail fescue control in PNW cereal crops.
- Information will be disseminated to growers via field representatives, extension educators, field tours, and practical publications and to scientific audiences via publications and presentations.
- Title: Investigating Dryland Production with Increased Cropping Intensity Under Reduced Tillage and Direct Seed Cropping Systems (3 years; $126,189)
- Team: Dr. Stephen Machado, OSU/CBARC (assistant professor); Dr. Steve Petrie, OSU/CBARC (soil scientist); Dr. Richard Smiley, OSU/CBARC (plant pathologist); Dr. Dan Ball, OSU/CBARC (weed scientist); Dr. Don Wysocki, OSU/CBARC (extension soil scientist). University Cooperators: Dr. William Schillinger, WSU (dryland systems agronomist); Dr. Roger Veseth, WSU/UI (extension conservation tillage specialist). USDA-RS Cooperators: Dr. Dale Wilkins, USDA-ARS, CBARC (supervisory agricultural engineer and research leader); Dr. Stephan Albrecht, USDA-ARS, CBARC (soil microbiologist); Dr. Hero Gollany, USDA-ARS, CBARC (soil scientist); Dr. Stewart Wuest, USDA-ARS, CBARC (soil scientist). Grower Advisory Group and Cooperators: Ernie Moore, Sherman Co.; Chris Kaseberg, Sherman Co.; Tom McCoy, Sherman Co.; Walter Powell, Gilliam Co.; John Hilderbrand, Sherman Co.; David Brewer, Wasco Co.
- Objectives:
- The aim of this project is to develop acceptable and sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. Specific objectives include determining systems that increase residue cover, increase soil OM, increase available soil moisture, reduce wind and water erosion, reduce soil water evaporation, and sustain soil productivity. Information to address these objectives will, however, be obtained only after long-term experimentation. This proposal intends to initiate these experiments.
- The objective of this proposal is, therefore, to establish a series of long-term experiments that will compare the effects of a conventional wheat/fallow system with potential alternative and intensive crop systems and crop management practices such as direct seeding.
- Title: Developing Optimal Agronomic Management Systems for Direct Seeding Brassica Oilseed and Mustard Crops in the Pacific Northwest (3 years; $52,851)
- Team: Jack Brown, UI; Don Wysocki, OSU-CBARC.
- Objectives:
- Determine more optimal agronomic practices for direct seeding winter canola by examining the effects of straw management, opener type, row spacing, seeder opener type, and starter fertilizer rate.
- Determine more optimal agronomic practices for direct seeding spring canola, oriental mustard and yellow mustard by examining the effects of straw management, row spacing, and seeding rates.
- Title: Outreach Activities for PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems Technology (2 years; $57,891)
- Team: Roger Veseth, WSU/UI (extension conservation tillage specialist); Don Wysocki, OSU (extension soil scientist).
- Objectives:
- Increase grower awareness and adaptation of STEEP and related research technologies for direct seed / conservation tillage systems by presenting new technologies as integrated components of direct seed / conservation tillage systems in specific agronomic regions, and making the information available through:
- PNW STEEP Conservation Tillage Update (newsletter)
- PNW Extension Conservation Tillage Handbook Series (distributed through the Update)
- Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conferences
- Northwest Field Days and Tours
- Increase grower awareness and adaptation of STEEP and related research technologies for direct seed / conservation tillage systems by presenting new technologies as integrated components of direct seed / conservation tillage systems in specific agronomic regions, and making the information available through:
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during 1996 through 2003 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower access to and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems technologies.
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
March, 2004
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Steve Johnson, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2007)
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2005)*
- Chris Rauch, Oregon Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2004)
- Bill Jepsen, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2006)
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2006)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2005)**
- David Wilken, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2007)
- Ron Jirava, PNDSA (2006)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
** Second term
Technical Coordinating Committee
- David Bezdicek, STEEP Tri-Chair WSU, Pullman
- Rick Koenig, WSU, Pullman
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair UI, Moscow
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair OSU, Pendleton
- Stephen Guy UI, Moscow
- Russ Karow, OSU, Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, USDA-NRCS, Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, WSU, Rtizville
- Steve Petrie, OSU, Pendleton
- John Williams, USDA-ARS, Pendleton
- Kim Campbell, USDA-ARS, Pullman
Administrative Committee
- Antoinette Betschart, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Charles Boyer, Associate Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Sandra Ristow, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Gus Hughbanks, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Ed Adams, WSU Cooperative Extension, Spokane, WA
Approximately $4 million has been allocated to funded the following research and technology transfer projects:
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dryland farming systems (Dan Ball, OR, 1996)
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW (Frank Young, ARS, WA, 1996)
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion (Charlotte Eberlein, ID, 1996)
- Residue production and retention in small grain cerealand legume rotations with different tillage practices (Steve Guy, ID, 1996)
- PNW STEEP III Extension-integrated cropping systems technology transfer (Roger Veseth, ID, WSU, OSU, 1996)
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices (Steve Guy, ID, 1997)
- Residue production and retention in small grain Cereal and Legume Rotational Systems with different tillage systems (Tim Fiez, WSU; joint with Hammel, UI, 1997)
- Residue production and retention in small grain Cereal and Legume Rotational Systems with different tillage systems (Hammel, UI; joint with Fiez, WSU, 1997)
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer (Roger Veseth, ID, OR, WA, 1997)
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rain-rainfall regions (Dick Smiley, OR, 1997)
- Alterative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dryland areas (Bill Schillinger, WA, 1997)
- Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (Don Wysocki, OR, 1997)
- On-farm evaluation of cephalosporium stripe severityand yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (Chris Mundt, OR, 1997)
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (Dave Bezdicek, WA; joint with Hammel, UI, 1997)
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (Hammel, UI; joint with Bezdicek, WSU, 1997)
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems (Jack Brown, ID, 1998)
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (Doug Young, WA, 1998)
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (Dave Huggins, ARS, WA, 1998)
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data (William Payne, OR, 1998)
- Continuation of the PNW STEEP III Integrated Cropping Systems Technology Transfer Project (Veseth/Wysocki WSU/OSU/UI, 1998)
- Direct Seed Conference (1998)
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the pacific northwest (Douglas Young, WSU, 1999)
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, Physical and microbial properties and quality of soil organic matter (David Bezdicek, WSU, 1999)
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to cephalasporium stripe of wheat (Chris Mundt, OSU, 1999)
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky Blue grass without burning (Donn Thill, ID, 1999)
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest (Tim Fiez, WSU, 1999)
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research (R. J Cook, WSU, 1999)
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components (William Payne, OSU, 1999)
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal residue (Jack Brown, UI; joint with Wysocki, OR, 1999)
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal residue (Don Wysocki, OR; joint with Brown, UI, 1999)
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (Steve Dofing, WSU, 1999)
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology (R. Veseth/ D. Wysocki, ID/OR, 2000)
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dryland using no till- years 4 through 6 (W. Schillinger, WA, 2000)
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest Region (J. Brown/D. Wysocki, ID/OR, 2000)
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dryland wheat (F. Young/D. Thill, WA/ID, 2000)
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (Zea maize L.) (D. Morishita, ID, 2000)
- Seed placed lime to reduce the acidifying affects of nitrogen fertilizer in long-term direct seed systems (Greg Schwab, WA, 2001)
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional till on crop variety, soil, insect and disease response (Stephen Guy, ID, 2001)
- Vegetation management with herbicides between crops and during fallow in direct seed dryland winter wheat cropping systems (Joe Yenish, WA, 2001)
- Development of residue manipulation systems for direct seeding drills to improve seed opener performance (Eric Drews, UI, 2001)
- Updating statistical analysis software for on-farm testing (Russ Karow, OR, 2001)
- No-till sowing into standing irrigated stubble instead of burning (Bill Schillinger, WA, 2001)
- Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed/Conservation Tillage Systems Technology (Roger Veseth, WSU/U of I/OSU, 2002)
- Rotation Effects of Alternative Crops on Spring and Winter Wheat in Direct-Seed Cropping Systems. (R.J. Cook, WSU, 2002)
- Strategies for Profitable Conservation Tillage Farming in the Pacific Northwest. (D. Young, WSU, 2002)
- Identifying Alternate Rotation Crops for Eastern Oregon (S. Machado, OR, 2002)
- Initiating Long-Term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon and South-Central Washington. (S. Machado, OR, 2002)
- Nutrient Requirements of Short-Season Dryland Corn Grown in Eastern Washington Using Direct Seeding Methods. (G, Schwab, WSU, 2002)
- Seasonal and Spatial Dynamics of Rodent Damage and Effectiveness of Management Options in No-Till Crop Rotations in Idaho and Washington (R. Sayler, WSU, 2002)
- The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest (T. Peever, ARS-WSU, 2002)
- Examination of Tillage Factors, Crop Type, Soils and Non-Crop habitat upon Soil Fauna, Ground Dwelling Predators, and Aphid Density in a Small Inland PNW Watershed (G. Chang, ID, 2002)
- Retooling Agriculture. Request for Publication of document on Direct-Seed Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest. (R.J. Cook, WSU, 2002)
- Biology and Management of Rattail Fescue in Direct Seed Cropping Systems (Daniel A. Ball, Carol Mallory-Smith, Donn C. Thill, and Joseph P. Yenish, OR/ID/WA, 2003)
- Improving Genetic Resistance to Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat through Field and Toxin Screening and Molecular Mapping of Novel Genetic Stocks (Chris Mundt, C. James Peterson, and O. Riera-Lizarazu, OR, 2003)
- Initiating Long-term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon & South-Central Washington (Stephen Machado, Steve Petrie, Richard Smiley, Dan Ball, and Don Wysocki, ID/OR, 2003)
- Optimizing Plant Genetics and Soil Fertility to Achieve High Grain Protein Content in Hard Red Spring Wheat (Kimberlee, Kidwell, William Pan, Robert Gallagher, WA, 2003)
- Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest (Jack Brown, Don Wysocki, ID/OR, 2003)
- Impact of Alternative Crops on Winter Wheat and Spring Cereal Establishment, Growth, Yield, and Economics in Direct Seed Systems in the Intermediate Rainfall Area of Washington (Dennis Tonks and Aaron Esser, WA, 2003)
- Evaluating Chemical Fallow Systems for Weed Control Efficacy, Soil Moisture Conservation, Crop Production, and Cost/Return Analysis (Joseph Yenish, Aaron Esser, Dennis Tonks, and Frank Young, WA, 2003)
- Outreach activities for PNW Direct Seed and Conservation Tillage Systems Technology (Roger Veseth and Don Wysocki, ID/OR, 2003
(Alphabetical Listing of First-listed Investigators and Project Titles) All files are in PDF Format.
- Dan Ball, OSU
Biology and management of rattail rescue in direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI – Report has been lost.
Developing optimal agronomic management systems for direct seeding Brassica oilseed and mustard crops in the Pacific Northwest - Stephen Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, insect, and disease response (pdf) - Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman – No Report Submitted
Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems - Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS, Pullman – No Report Submitted
Seed placed lime to reduce the acidifying affects of nitrogen fertilizer in long-term direct seed systems - Jodi Johnson-Maynard, UI
Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna, ground dwelling predators, and aphid density in a small inland PNW watershed (pdf) - Kimberlee Kidwell, WSU
Optimizing plant genetics and soil fertility to achieve high grain protein content in hard red spring wheat (pdf) - Steven Machado, OSU – No Report Submitted
Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon - Don Morishita, UI – No Report Submitted
The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improving genetic resistance to cephalosporium stripe of wheat through field and toxin screening and molecular mapping of novel genetic stocks (pdf) - Bill Pan, WSU
Nutrient requirements of short-season dry land corn grown in eastern Washington using direct seeding methods (pdf) - Tobin Peevers, USDA-ARS. Pullman
The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Chuck Peterson – No Report Submitted
Development of residue manipulation systems for direct seeding drills to improve seed opener performance - Rodney Sayler, WSU – Report has been lost.
Seasonal and spatial dynamics of rodent damage and effectiveness of management options in no-till crop rotations in Idaho and Washington - William Schillinger, WSU
No-till sowing into standing irrigated stubble instead of burning (pdf) - Dennis Tonks, WSU
Impact of alternative crops on winter wheat and spring cereal establishment, growth, yield, and economics in direct seed systems in the intermediate area of Washington (pdf) - Don Wysocki, OSU – No Report Submitted
Expanding access to PN W direct seed/conservation tillage systems technology - Joe Yenish, WSU
Vegetation management with herbicides during fallow periods in direct-seed, dry land winter wheat cropping systems in the PNW (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS, Pullman
New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dry land wheat (pdf)
2002 STEEP New Projects and Annual Progress Reports
January 7-10, 2003 STEEP 2002 Research Review and Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show WestCoast Hotel, Pasco, Washington
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA – Agricultural Research Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho Grain Producers Association, Oregon Wheat League, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Oregon Association of Conservation Districts, Washington Association, of Conservation Districts, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, and Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multidisciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other Ag support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional grants through USDA since 1975.
The STEEP program is managed through three committees. These include: 1) a 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee of scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS; 2) a 7-member Industry Advisory Committee of 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer and conservation district associations, and one from the pulse crop industry; and 3) an 8-member Administrative Committee representing research and extension at the 3 universities, the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
Each year, the STEEP program invites proposals on research and education projects on cropping systems technologies for direct seeding and other conservation tillage systems. Projects can be funded for 3 years with the possibility of continuing funding in the future. This longer-term funding has been critical for conducting cropping systems research projects. Sixteen research proposals were received for the 2002 funding cycle, totaling over $1,187,344. Ten proposals were selected for a total of $549,993.
The following is a listing of the new STEEP project titles (and durations and awards), investigators, and objectives of each project.
- Title: Rotation Effects of Alternative Crops on Spring and Winter Wheat in Direct-Seed Cropping Systems (3 year project; $137,210)
- Team: R. James Cook, WSU (crop management and supervision of farm management; Rich Allredge, WSU (statistical analyses), Bruce Frazier, WSU (remote sensing and landscape database management); Rob Gallagher, WSU (assessment of wild oat and other weeds); Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS (assessment of yield-protein relationships and soil water and nitrogen); Tim Paulitz, USDA-ARS (assessment of root diseases and soilborne pathogen); Greg Schwab, WSU (soil fertility and extension/outreach); Doug Young, WSU (agricultural economics); and Joe Yenish, WSU (extension weed scientist).
- Statement of Problem to be Addressed: This project will: (1) assess the crop performance (.e.g. yield and grain protein) within rotations designed for direct-seed conditions in both a) field-scale replicated plots (PCFS), and b) across spatially diverse landscapes (CAF); (2) evaluate performance limiting or enhancing biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to rotational effects of alternative crops on subsequent direct-seed wheat with no burning; and (3) determine the economic feasibility of the different rotations on both field and within-field scales. The crop performance-limiting or enhancing factors will include the assessment of some major problems associated with continuous direct seeding, namely: stand establishment, grain yield and quality, water and N availability and use efficiency, wild oat population dynamics, soilborne root disease (Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Fusarium root rots and take-all of wheat and barley) and economic considerations. Baseline spatial data at the CAF exists for all of these variables and therefore crop rotation effects will primarily be assessed at the CAF.
- Title: Nutrient Requirements of Short-season Dryland Corn Grown in Eastern Washington Using Direct-Seeding Methods (2 year project; $42,815)
- Team: William Pan, WSU; Greg Schwab, WSU; Dennis Roe, USDA-NRCS, Pullman, WA. Cooperator-grower: John Aeschliman, Colfax, WA
- Objectives:
- Determine optimal nitrogen rate and application timing for dryland corn production in eastern WA using direct-seeding methods.
- Assess the effects of added P, Zn, and S on corn yield and in-season tissue concentrations to establish sufficiency levels of nutrients most commonly deficient in eastern WA.
- Develop a nutrient management extension publication for dryland corn grown in eastern WA.
- Title: The Role of Alternate Hosts in the Epidemiology of Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea in Reduced Tillage Cropping Systems in the Pacific Northwest (1 year; $50,000)
- Team: Tobin L. Peever, WSU (fungal molecular geneticist and will be responsible for oversight of Objective 3); Lori M. Carris, WSU (mycologist and fungal biologist and will be responsible for oversight on Objectives 1 and 2); Fred J. Muehlbauer, USDA-ARS (legume breeder, who will provide oversight of the field experiments in Objectives 1 and 2 and provide equipment and field plots necessary to complete the proposed research in Objectives 1 and 2).
- Objectives:
- To quantify Ascochyta rabiei infection of wheat and other alternate hosts grown in rotation with chickpea in rotational, minimum tillage or direct seeding cropping systems.
- To develop a specific PCR primer to detect and quantify Ascochyta rabiei infection of wheat and other hosts.
- Title: Seasonal and Spatial Dynamics of Rodent Damage and Effectiveness of Management Options in No-till Crop Rotations in Idaho and Washington (2 years; $80,000)
- Team: Rodney Sayler, WSU (conservation biologist); Gary Witmer, USDA Wildlife Services (wildlife research biologist); David Huggins, USDA-ARS (research soil scientist).
- Objectives:
- Identify the species, population biology, and ecology of rodents causing crop damage.
- Quantify the extent of rodent damage within selected no-till conservation crop rotations and experimental tillage practices.
- Explore a variety of direct and indirect management actions to reduce this damage through experimental treatments on selected conservation farms and private farms.
- Title: Publication of Pacific Northwest Extension Bulletin PNW 553 “Retooling Agriculture: A Report of Direct-Seed Cropping Systems Research in the Pacific Northwest” (1 year; $3,000)
- Team: Roger Veseth, WSU/UI (extension conservation tillage specialist); R. James Cook, WSU (crop management and supervision of farm management)
- Objectives:
- To complete the funding needed to print 4000 full-color copies of the recently completed PNW Extension Bulletin PNW553 “Retooling Agriculture: A Report of Direct-Seed Cropping Systems Research in the Pacific Northwest”.
- Title: Expanding Access to PNW Direct Seed / Conservation Tillage Systems Technology (2 years; $66,359)
- Team: PNW STEEP Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Team
- Objectives:
- PNW STEEP Conservation Tillage Update (newsletter)
- PNW Extension Conservation Tillage Handbook Series (distributed though the Update)
- Web Site: PNW STEEP Conservation Tillage Systems Technology Source, which includes publications 1 and 2 above, and many other information resources.
- PNW Direct Seed List Server (email / Internet based)
- Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conferences
- Northwest Field Days and Tours
- Title: Strategies for Profitable Conservation Tillage Farming in the Pacific Northwest (3 years; $72,481)
- Team: Doug Young, WSU (ag economist). Cooperators: Herb Hinman and Hong Wang (Dept. of Ag. Ec., WSU); David Bezdicek, James Cook, Bruce Frazier, Rob Gallagher, Robert Papendick, William Pan, William Schillinger, Greg Schwab, Joe Yenish (Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences, WSU); David Huggins, Frank Young (USDA-ARS); Roger Veseth (WSU/UI), Dennis Roe (USDA-NRCS).
- Objectives:
- To evaluate the economic feasibility of oil seeds, food legumes, and spring grains on conservation tillage crop rotations.
- To identify equitable farmland leases for conservation tillage farming systems.
- To assess the potential for precision weed control to cut costs in conservation tillage.
- To identify effective financial risk management strategies for adopting conservation tillage.
- To disseminate the results on profitable strategies for conservation farming to growers, policy makers, and others.
- Title: Examination of Tillage Factors, Crop Type, Soils an Non-crop Habitat upon Soil Fauna and Ground Dwelling Predators in a Small Inland PNW Watershed (2 years, $40,000)
- Team: Gary Chang, Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Nilsa Z. Bosque-Perez, Sandford D. Eigenbrode, Timothy D. Hatten (UI Plant Soil and Entomological Sciences Dept.). Cooperators: Stephen O. Guy (UI Plant Soil and Entomological Sciences Dept.); Wayne Jensen (local grower).
- Objectives:
- Determine the ground dwelling predator fauna of wheat and spring pea grown under DS and CT, and the overlap of such fauna with that found on natural habitats.
- Ascertain the ground dwelling predator fauna of specific natural habitats within the Palouse.
- Determine the spatial relationship between soil microfauna, soil type, crop rotation, and soil fertility across two sub-watersheds under different tillage regimes.
- Title: Identifying Alternate Rotation Crops for Eastern Oregon (3 years; $33,360)
- Team: Dr. Stephen Machado, OSU/CBARC (dryland cropping systems agronomist), Dr. Chengci Chen, OSU/CBARC (assistant professor/senior researcher). Cooperators: Dr. Steve Petrie, OSU/CBARC (soil scientist); Dr. Dan Ball, OSU/CBARC (weed scientist); David Hamlin, OSU/Wheller Co. Extension; Sandy Macnab, OSU/Sherman Co. Extension; Jordan Maley, OSU/Gilliam Co. Extension; Bruce Nisley, OSU/CBARC (plant pathologist); Brian Tuck, OSU/Wasco Co. Extension; Dr. Don Wysocki, OSU/CBARC (soil scientist). Grower Cooperators: Chris Kasberg, Sherman Co.; Ron Thompson, Sherman Co.; David Brewer, Wasco Co.; John McElheran, Wasco Co.; Bill Miller, Wasco Co.; David Stelcer, Wasco Co.; Phil Kasier, Wasco Co.; Van Rietman, Gilliam Co.
- Objectives:
- To obtain alternate crop seed from areas with similar climate to eastern Oregon and from breeders at OSu, WSU, and UI.
- To evaluate the adaptability of alternate crops to growing conditions in eastern Oregon.
- To establish basic agronomic practices of commercially promising alternate crops under reduced tillage systems.
- Title: Initiating Long-term Agronomic Experiments in North-Central Oregon and South-central Washington (1 year; $13,142)
- Team: Dr. Stephen Machado, OSU/CBARC (dryland cropping systems agronomist); Dr. Steve Petrie, OSU/CBARC (soil scientist). University Cooperators: Dr. Dan Ball, OSU/CBARC (weed scientist); Dr. Chengci Chen, OSu/CBARC (assistant professor/senior researcher); Dr. William Schillinger, WSU (dryland systems agronomist); Dr. Richard Smiley, OSU/CBARC (plant pathologist); Dr. Roger Veseth, WSU/UI (conservation tillage specialist); Dr. Don Wysocki, OSU/CBARC (extension soil scientist). USDA/ARS Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center Cooperators: Dr. Dale Wilkins (supervisory agricultural engineer and research leader); Dr. Stephan Albrecht (soil microbiologist); Dr. Amos Bechtel (economist); Dr. Stewart Wuest (soil scientist). Grower Cooperators: Ernie Moore, Chris Kaseberg, Tom McCoy.
- Objectives:
- Establish a strong grower advisory committee that represents growers in all aspects of the proposed long-term experiments, the main objective of which is to develop sustainable cropping systems for north-central Oregon and South-central Washington.
- Select one or two representative sites for the proposed long-term research and characterize these sites to establish baseline data from which inferences about sustainability can actually be drawn.
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during 1996 through 2002 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower access to and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems technologies.
Highlights of STEEP 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 scientists in over 14 disciplines have participated in research and technology transfer.
STEEP Committees
Effective August 2002
Industry Advisory Committee*
- Garry Esser, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2004)
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2004)
- Chris Rauch, Oregon Association of Conservation Districts (2004)
- To be named, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2006)
- Tracy Eriksen, Washington Association of Conservation Districts (2003)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2005)
- Russ Zenner, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2004)
- Mike Stubbs, PNDSA (2005)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
Technical Coordinating Committee
- David Bezdicek, STEEP Tri-Chair (WSU)
- Donn Thill, STEEP Tri-Chair (UI)
- Don Wysocki, STEEP Tri-Chair OSU-Pendleton
- John Hammel, (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow, (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe, (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger, (WSU) Ritzville
- Steve Petrie, (OSU) – Pendleton
- Dale Wilkins, (USDA-ARS)- Pendleton
- Roger Veseth, (UI/WSU) – Moscow
- Kim Campbell, USDA-ARS – Pullman
Administrative Committee
- Antoinette Betschart, ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Michael Burke, Assoc. Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Leonard Jordan, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Charlotte Eberlein, Acting Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- Michael Tate, Director, WSU Cooperative Extension, Pullman, WA
(Alphabetical Listing of First-listed Investigators and Project Titles) All files are in PDF Format.
- David Bezdicek, WSU
Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter (pdf)
Figure 1 (pdf)
Figure 2 (pdf)
Figure 3 (pdf)
Figure 4 (pdf)
Figure 5 (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region (pdf) - Gary Chang, UI
Examination of tillage factors, crop type, soils and non-crop habitat upon soil fauna, ground dwelling predators, and aphid density in a small inland PNW watershed (pdf) - Jim Cook, WSU
Rotation effects of alternative crops on spring and winter wheat in direct-seed cropping systems (pdf) - Stephen Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, insect, and disease response (pdf) - Stephen Guy, UI
Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (pdf) - Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS/WSU – (No Report)
Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems - Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS/WSU
Seed Placed Lime to Reduce the Acidifying Affects of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Long-Term Direct Seed systems (pdf) - Russ Karow, OSU
Updating Statistical Analysis Software for On-Farm Testing (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Identifying alternate rotation crops for eastern Oregon (pdf) - Stephen Machado, OSU
Initiating long-term agronomic experiments in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington (pdf) - Don Morishita, UI
The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat (pdf) - Bill Pan, WSU
Nutrient requirements of short-season dry land corn grown in eastern Washington using direct seeding methods (pdf) - Tobin Peever, WSU
The role of alternate hosts in the epidemiology of Ascochyta blight of chickpea in reduced tillage cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Chuck Peterson, UI
Development of residue manipulation systems for direct seeding drills to improve seed opener performance (pdf) - William Schillinger, WSU
Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dry land using no-till: Years 4 through 6 (pdf) - William Schillinger, WSU
No-Till Sowing into Standing Irrigated Stubble Instead of Burning (pdf) - Donn Thill, UI
Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning (pdf) - Roger Veseth, WSU/UI
Expanding access to PNW direct seed/conservation tillage systems technology (pdf) - Don Wysocki, OSU
Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (pdf) - Joe Yenish, WSU
Vegetation management with herbicides during fallow periods in direct-seed, dry land winter wheat cropping systems in the PNW (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Strategies for profitable conservation tillage farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS/WSU
New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dry land wheat (pdf)
2001 STEEP New Projects and Annual Progress Reports
January 16-18, 2002, Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference
Double Tree Hotel – City Center, Spokane, Washington
Prepared by:
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA – Agricultural Research Service
In Cooperation with:
Idaho Grain Producers Association, Oregon Wheat League, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Oregon Association of Conservation Districts, Washington Association, of Conservation Districts, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, and Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
Roger Veseth, WSU/UI Extension Conservation Tillage Specialist, Moscow; Donn Thill, UI Weed Scientist, Moscow; David Bezdicek, WSU Soil Microbiologist, Pullman
STEEP (Solutions To Environmental and Economic Problems) is a cooperative Pacific Northwest research and educational program on conservation tillage systems through the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. It has been a national model for multi-state, multi-disciplinary efforts among land grant universities, USDA-agencies, grower commodity organizations, conservation districts, and other Ag support groups and agencies to work collectively to solve regional environmental and economic problems. Funding has been provided by special Congressional grants through USDA since 1975. The STEEP program is managed through three committees. These include: 1) a 10-member Technical Coordinating Committee of scientists from the three universities and USDA-ARS; 2) a 7-member Industry Advisory Committee of 2 growers from each state representing the grain producer and conservation district associations, and one from the pulse crop industry; and 3) an 8-member Administrative Committee representing research and extension at the 3 universities, the USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS.
Each year, the STEEP program invites proposals on research and education projects on cropping systems technologies for direct seeding and other conservation tillage systems. Projects can be funded for 3 years with the possibility of continuing funding in the future. This longer-term funding has been critical for conducting cropping systems research projects. Eleven research proposals were received for the 2001 funding cycle, totaling over $937,000. Six proposals were selected for a total of $468,000.
The following is a listing of the new STEEP project titles (and durations), investigators, and objectives of each project.
- Title: Seed Placed Lime to Reduce the Acidifying Affects of nitrogen Fertilizer in Long-Term Direct Seed Systems (3-year project)
- Co-Investigators: Greg Schwab, WSU Extension Soil Scientist; Jim Harsh, WSU Soil Chemist; and David Huggins, USDA-ARS Soil Scientist, all at Pullman, WA; working with 4 collaborating WSU scientists and 2 Washington growers
- Objectives:
- 1) Assess the effects of seed placed lime and fertilizer on seed zone PH and exchangeable aluminum using direct seed planting methods.
- 2) Determine the effects of lime source and starter fertilizer source on dry matter accumulation, early season nutrient uptake, grain yield and grain protein.
- 3) Evaluate the long-term effects of soil pH and plant growth of applying low rates of pelletized lime in combination with acid form or pH neutral starter fertilizers using two direct seed rotations.
- Co-Investigators: Greg Schwab, WSU Extension Soil Scientist; Jim Harsh, WSU Soil Chemist; and David Huggins, USDA-ARS Soil Scientist, all at Pullman, WA; working with 4 collaborating WSU scientists and 2 Washington growers
- Title: Assessing the Impact of No-Till (NT) and Conventional-Till (CT) on Crop, Variety, Soil, Insect and Disease Response (3-year project)
- Lead Investigator: Stephen Guy, University of Idaho Crop Management Specialist at Moscow, working with a team of 4 other UI scientists
- Objectives:
- 1) Evaluate crop and variety performance differences between NT and CT production systems in a replicated tillage trial for winter wheat, spring barley, spring wheat and dry pea in a 3-year winter wheat – spring cereal – spring pea rotation.
- 2) Determine changes in soil organic matter quantity and quality in NT and CT systems on different landscape positions.
- 3) Determine the impacts of NT and CT on soil fauna and document changes in total porosity and pore size distribution on different landscape positions.
- 4) Evaluate incidence and severity of insect pests and their natural enemies on wheat, barley and pea grown under NT and CT systems.
- 5) Evaluate root diseases incidence and severity of Rhizoctonia root rot, Fusarium species, and Pseudocercosporella foot rot in winter and spring wheat and barley under NT and CT, and correlate disease with soil organic matter, pore size distribution and landscape position.
- Title: Vegetation Management with Herbicides Between Crops and During Fallow in Direct Seed Dryland Winter Wheat Cropping Systems (3-year project)
- Project Investigators: Joe Yenish, WSU Extension Weed Specialist, Pullman; Dan Ball, OSU Weed Scientist, Pendleton; and Donn Thill, UI Weed Scientist, Moscow
- Objectives:
- 1) Determine the effect of four glyphosate herbicide formulations, applied at several rates with and without ammonium sulfate, on control of volunteer winter wheat and weeds in direct seed systems between harvest and spring planting or through the spring portion of the summer fallow period.
- 2) Determine the effect of glyphosate and paraquat + diuron, applied sequentially during the fall and / or early spring at different rate combinations, on control of volunteer winter wheat and weeds in direct seed systems between harvest and spring planting or through the spring portion of the summer fallow period.
- 3) Provide economic comparison of the vegetative management systems.
- 4) Disseminate information to growers via field representatives, extension educators, field tours and popular publications, and to scientific audiences via publications and presentations.
- Title: Development of Residue Manipulation Systems for Direct Seeding Drills to Improve Seed Opener Performance (First year of multi-year project)
- Lead Investigator: Eric Drews, UI Agricultural Engineer at Moscow, working with 2 collaborating UI scientists and an advisory group of over 6 representatives from the universities, grower organizations and the Ag service industry
- Objectives:
- 1) Form an advisory group to guide the research effort.
- 2) Build prototype residue management devices.
- 3) Build a 3 seeding-unit test drill and install the selected residue management system.
- 4) Evaluate the residue management system in a range of residue conditions.
- Title: Updating Statistical Analysis Software for On-Farm Testing (1.5 year project)
- Lead Investigator: Russ Karow, OSU Extension Agronomist, Corvallis; working with a team of 10 collaborating PNW scientists
- Objective:
- Update the current AGSTATS statistical computer software to a more flexible, Windows-based program for use by those inexperienced with statistics to do their own scientific analyses of simple field experiments.
- Title: No-Till Sowing into Standing Irrigated Stubble Instead of Burning (6-year project)
- Lead Investigator: William Schillinger, Dryland Research Agronomist at the WSU Dryland Research Station near Lind; working with 6 collaborating NW scientists and a 5-member grower advisory group
- Objectives: The objective of this 6-year project is to determine the feasibility of direct seeding into high levels of residue as a substitute for burning after winter wheat harvest in irrigated cropping systems. Specific objectives are to:
- 1) Test a 3-year crop rotation of winter wheat – winter Canola – spring barley direct seeded with a Cross-slot no-till drill in three residue management treatments after winter wheat: standing stubble; mechanical removal of stubble; and burning. An additional treatment of annual winter wheat sown after stubble burning + moldboard plowing will be included as the conventional check system.
- 2) Evaluate and develop effective techniques for planting into heavy surface stubble using no-till methods.
- 3) Document cumulative effects of a diverse no-till crop rotation under three winter wheat stubble management practices on soil physical and biological properties, water use efficiency, disease, weed ecology, and economics, and compare these effects to those under the check treatment of continuous winter wheat with stubble burning + moldboard plowing.
- 4) Extend the research results to growers, agricultural support personnel and scientists.
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during FY1996 through FY2001 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower evaluation and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems.
Committees (effective January 2001)
Grower Advisory Committee
- Garry Esser Idaho Grain Producers Association (2004)
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2004)
- Chris Rauch, Oregon Soil and Water Conservation District (2004)
- Jack Osterlund, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2002)
- Wade Troutman, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2003)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2002)
- Russ Zenner, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2004)
(Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated in parenthesis)
Technical Coordinating Committee
- David Bezdicek, STEEP Co-Chair (WSU)
- Donn Thill, STEEP Co-Chair (UI)
- Don Wysocki , STEEP Co-Chair (OSU)
- John Hammel (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow; (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger (WSU) Ritzville
- Steve Petrie (OSU) – Pendleton
- Dale Wilkins (USDA-ARS)- Pendleton
- Roger Veseth (UI/WSU – Extension) – Moscow
Administrative Committee
- Dr. Antoinette Betschart ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Michael Burke, Assoc. Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Leonard Jordan, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- John Hammel, Associate Dean, Academic Programs, CALS, UI, Moscow, ID
- Michael Tate, Director, WSU Cooperative Extension, Pullman, WA
Approximately $2.8 million has been allocated to funded the following research and technology transfer projects)
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dry land farming systems.
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW.
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices.
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion.
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer.
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions.
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dry land areas.
- Developing flex-cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations.
- On-farm evaluation of Cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems.
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties.
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems.
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data.
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems.
- Continuation of PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer project.
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest.
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter.
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalsporium stripe of wheat.
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning.
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest.
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research.
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components.
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble.
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
- Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference.
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology.
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dry land using no-till: Years 4 through 6.
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
- New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dryland wheat.
- The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn.
- Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, insect, and disease response.
- Seed Placed Lime to Reduce the Acidifying Affects of nitrogen Fertilizer in Long-Term Direct Seed systems
- Updating Statistical Analysis Software for On-Farm Testing
- No-Till Sowing into Standing Irrigated Stubble Instead of Burning
- Vegetation management with herbicides during fallow periods in direct-seed, dry land winter wheat cropping systems in the PNW
Research Progress Reports (First-listed investigator and project title)
- David Bezdicek, WSU
Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Examine cropping systems including yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.) in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Developing agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region (pdf) - Stephen Guy, UI
Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (pdf) - Stephen Guy, UI
Assessing the impact of no-till and conventional-till on crop, variety, soil, insect, and disease response (pdf) - Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS
Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Russ Karow, OSU
Updating Statistical Analysis Software for On-Farm Testing (Note: This project was selected for funding in 2001 but funding did not arrive in time to initiate the project before this report 2001 STEEP Annual Progress Report was requested. A project report will be submitted in the 2001 STEEP Annual Progress Report. The new statistical analysis software for on-farm testing is expected to be completed in 2002.) - Don Morishita, UI
The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalsporium stripe of wheat (pdf) - William Schillinger, WSU
Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dryland using no-till: Years 4 through 6 (pdf) - William Schillinger, WSU
No-Till Sowing into Standing Irrigated Stubble Instead of Burning (pdf) - Greg Schwab, WSU
Seed Placed Lime to Reduce the Acidifying Affects of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Long-Term Direct Seed systems (Note: This project was selected for funding in 2001 but funding did not arrive in time to initiate the project before this report 2001 STEEP Annual Progress Report was requested. A project report will be submitted in the 2001 STEEP Annual Progress Report.) - Donn Thill, UI
Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning (pdf) - Roger Veseth, WSU/UI
Expanding access to PNW STEEP cropping systems technology transfer (pdf) - Don Wysocki, OSU – Report was not submitted.
Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations - Joe Yenish, WSU
Vegetation management with herbicides during fallow periods in direct-seed, dry land winter wheat cropping systems in the PNW (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS
Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS
New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dry land wheat (pdf)
2000 STEEP Annual Progress Report
January 17-19, 2001, Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference
Double Tree Hotel – City Center, Spokane, Washington
Prepared by
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University
USDA – Agricultural Research Service
In Cooperation with
Idaho, Oregon and Washington Grain Producer and Conservation District Associations
Funding
Funded byUSDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during FY1996 throught Fy2000 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower evaluation and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems.
Committees
Effective November 1999-2000
Industry Advisory Committee
- Garry Esser* Idaho Grain Producers Association (2001)
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2000)
- Jim Loiland**, Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District (2002)
- Jack Osterlund, Oregon Wheat Growers League (2002)
- Wade Troutman, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2003)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (2002)
- Russ Zenner*, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2001)
* Term ends at the January meeting in the year indicated
** Resigned to take new job; replacement is sought
Technical Coordinating Committee
- David Bezdicek, STEEP III Co-Chair (WSU)
- Donn Thill, STEEP III Co-Chair (UI)
- John Hammel (UI) – Moscow
- Russ Karow; Kathryn Kettle* (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dennis Roe (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
- Bill Schillinger (WSU) Ritzville
- Steve Petrie (OSU) – Pendleton
- Dale Wilkins (USDA-ARS)- Pendleton
- Don Wysocki (OSU) – Pendleton
- Roger Veseth (WSU/UI) – Moscow
* Temporary for 2000-2001 proposals
Administrative Committee
- Dr. Antoinette Betschart ARS Western Regional Research Center Director, Albany, CA
- Michael Burke, Assoc. Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Ralph Cavalieri , Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
- Leonard Jordan, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- LeRoy Luft, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- Michael Tate, Director, WSU Cooperative Extension, Pullman, WA
Approximately $2.25 million has been allocated to fund the following research and technology transfer projects.
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dry land farming systems.
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW.
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices.
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion.
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer.
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions.
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dry land areas.
- Developing flex-cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations.
- On-farm evaluation of Cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems.
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties.
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems.
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data.
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems.
- Continuation of PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer project.
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest.
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter.
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat.
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning.
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest.
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research.
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components.
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble.
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
- Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conferences.
- Expanding access to PNW STEEP III cropping systems technology.
- Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dry land using no-till: Years 4 through 6.
- Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-
seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region. - New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for
dryland wheat. - The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil-applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated
corn
Research Reports — listed by project title and first-listed investigator
- David Bezdicek, WSU
Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Examine cropping systems including yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.) in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Developing agronomic practices for direct drilling canola into cereal stubble (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Identifying superior Brassica species and cultivars within species that are suitable for direct-seeding throughout the Pacific Northwest region (pdf) - R. James Cook, WSU
Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research (pdf) - Steve Dofing, WSU
Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional Seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (pdf) - Charlotte Eberlein, UI
Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion (pdf) - Stephen Guy, UI
Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices (pdf) - Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS – Report is not available.
Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Don Morishita, UI
The influence of polyacrylamide on the movement of soil applied herbicides in furrow-irrigated corn (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
On-farm evaluation of Cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalsporium stripe of wheat (pdf) - William Schillinger, WSU
Long-term alternative crop rotations for the low rainfall dry land using no-till: Years 4 through 6 (pdf) - Donn Thill, UI
Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning (pdf) - Roger Veseth, WSU/UI
Expanding access to PNW STEEP cropping systems technology (pdf) - Roger Veseth, WSU/UI
Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Don Wysocki, OSU – Report is not available.
Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations - Doug Young, WSU
Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS
Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semi-arid wheat-fallow region of the PNW (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS – Report is not available.
New technologies and strategies for managing weeds in conservation cropping systems for dry land wheat
1999 STEEP Annual Progress Report
January 4-6, 2000, Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference
Pendleton Convention Center, Pendleton, Oregon
Prepared by
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University
USDA – Agricultural Research Service
In Cooperation with
Idaho, Oregon and Washington Grain Producer and Conservation District Associations
Funding
Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during FY1996 throught Fy1999 at approximately $500,000/year
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower evaluation and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems.
Committees
Effective November 1998-1999
Industry Advisory Committee
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2000)
- Garry Esser, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2001)
- Jim Loiland, Umitalla County Soil and Water Conservation District (2001)
- Jack Osterlund, Oregon Wheat Growers League (1999)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (1999)
- Collin Bennett, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2000)
- Russ Zenner, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2001)
Technical Coordinating Committee
- Donn Thill, STEEP III Co-Chair (UI) – Moscow
- Dave Bezdicek STEEP III Co-Chair (WSU) – Pullman
- John Hammel (UI) – Moscow
- Bill Schillinger (WSU) – Pullman
- Richard Smiley (OSU) – Pendleton
- Don Wysocki (OSU) – Pendleton
- Roger Veseth (UI/WSU) – Moscow
- Russ Karow (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dale Wilkins (USDA-ARS) – Pendleton
- Dennis Roe (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
Administrative Committee
- Antoinette Betschart, Director, USDA-ARS-WRRC, Albany, CA
- Leonard Jordan, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- LeRoy Luft, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- James Carlson, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Michael Tate, Director, WSU Cooperative Extension, Pullman, WA
- Michael Burke, Assoc. Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
Approximately $1.8 million has been allocated to fund the following research and technology transfer projects.
- Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dry land farming systems.
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW.
- Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices.
- Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion.
- PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer.
- Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions.
- Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dry land areas.
- Developing flex-cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations.
- On-farm evaluation of Cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems.
- Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties.
- Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems.
- Modern application of historic crop rotation data.
- Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems.
- Continuation of PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer project.
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest.
- Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest.
- Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter.
- Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat.
- Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning.
- Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest.
- Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research.
- Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components.
- Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble.
- Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
- Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference.
Research Reports — listed by project title and first-listed investigator
- Dan Ball, OSU
Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dryland farming systems (pdf) - David Bezdicek, WSU
Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (pdf) - David Bezdicek, WSU
Impact of direct seeding on crop water use efficiency, soil physical and microbial properties, and quality of soil organic matter (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming system (pdf) - Jack Brown, UI
Develop suitable cultivars and agronomic practices for direct drilling winter canola into cereal stubble (pdf) - R. Jim Cook, WSU
Northwest coalition on direct-seed cropping systems research (pdf) - Steve Dofing, WSU
Evaluation of wheat and pea varieties under direct and conventional seeding in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon (pdf) - Charlotte Eberlein, UI
Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion (pdf) - Tim Fiez, WSU
Enhancing the success of direct-seed systems through the use of case studies to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Stephen Guy, UI
Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage practices (pdf) - David Huggins, USDA-ARS
Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
On-farm evaluation of Cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (pdf) - Chris Mundt, OSU
Improved methods for evaluation of resistance to Cephalsporium stripe of wheat (pdf) - William Payne, OSU
Agronomic and economic evaluation of new cropping systems and their components (pdf) - William Schillinger, WSU
Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dryland areas (pdf) - Richard Smiley, OSU
Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions (pdf) - Donn Thill, UI
Integrated management system for sustained seed yield of Kentucky bluegrass without burning (pdf) - Roger Veseth, WSU/UI
PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer (pdf) - Don Wysocki, OSU
Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Doug Young, WSU
Managing the economic transitions to no-till farming in the Pacific Northwest (pdf) - Frank Young, USDA-ARS – Report is not available.
Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semi-arid wheat-fallow region of the PNW (pdf)
1998 STEEP Annual Progress Report
January 5-7, 1999, Northwest Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference
International Ag Trade Center and Convention Center, Double Tree Hotel – City Center, Spokane, Washington
Prepared by
University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University
USDA – Agricultural Research Service
In Cooperation with
Idaho, Oregon and Washington Grain Producer and Conservation District Associations
Funding
- Funded by USDA – Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service during FY96, 97, and 98 at approximately $500,000/year
- FY99 funding – approximately $500,000
Objectives
- Determine the impact of farming practices and systems on soil, water and air quality
- Develop new technologies and increase efficiency of inputs that improve profitability of conservation farming systems.
- Assess the profitability of conservation farming systems, document growers’ progress in implementing conservation farming practices, and identify effective and profitable conservation policies.
- Accelerate grower evaluation and adaptation of profitable conservation farming systems.
Committees
Effective November 1998
Industry Advisory Committee
- Lee Hawley, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2000)
- Garry Esser, Idaho Grain Producers Association (2001)
- Jim Loiland, Umitalla County Soil and Water Conservation District (2001)
- Jack Osterlund, Oregon Wheat Growers League (1999)
- Don Wellsandt, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (1999)
- Collin Bennett, Washington Association of Soil Conservation Districts (2000)
- Russ Zenner, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (2001)
Technical Coordinating Committee
- Donn Thill, STEEP III Co-Chair (UI) Dave Bezdicek STEEP III Co-Chair (WSU)
- John Hammel (UI) – Moscow Bill Schillinger (WSU) – Pullman
- Richard Smiley (OSU) – Pendleton Don Wysocki (OSU) – Pendleton
- Roger Veseth (UI/WSU) – Moscow Russ Karow (OSU) – Corvallis
- Dale Wilkins (USDA-ARS)- Pendleton Dennis Roe (USDA-NRCS) – Pullman
Administrative Committee
- Antoinette Betschart, Director, USDA-ARS-WRRC, Albany, CA
- Leonard Jordan, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Spokane, WA
- Richard Heimsch, Director, UI Agricultural Experiment Station, Moscow, ID
- LeRoy Luft, Director, UI Cooperative Extension System, Moscow, ID
- James Carlson, Assoc. Director, WSU Agricultural Research Center, Pullman, WA
- Michael Tate, Director, WSU Cooperative Extension, Pullman, WA
- Michael Burke, Assoc. Director, OSU Agric. Experiment Station, Corvallis, OR
- Lyla Houglum, Director, OSU Extended Education and Extension Service, Corvallis, OR
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.
Research Reports — listed by project title and first-listed investigator
(Approximately $1.8 million has been allocated to funded the following research and technology transfer projects)
- Dan Ball
Development of conservation farming systems for protecting soil and water quality in downy brome infested dryland farming systems (pdf) - David Bezdicek
Impact of long-term no till on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties (pdf) - Jack Brown
Developing optimal seeding rates and planting practices to enhance yellow mustard production with low chemical inputs in conservation farming systems (pdf) - Charlotte Eberlein
Modified wheat-potato rotations to reduce wind erosion (pdf) - Stephen Guy
Residue production and retention in small grain cereal and legume rotations with different tillage (pdf) - Dave Huggins
Rotation designs for direct seed cropping systems (pdf) - Chris Mundt
On-farm evaluation of Cephalosporium stripe severity and yield for wheat cultivars and cultivar mixtures grown in conservation tillage systems (pdf) - William Payne
Modern applications of historic crop rotation data (pdf) - William Schillinger
Alternative crop rotations using no-till in low-rainfall dryland areas (pdf) - Richard Smiley
Disease management for annual crops in low-rainfall regions (pdf) - Roger Veseth
PNW STEEP III integrated cropping systems technology transfer (pdf) - Don Wysocki
Developing flex cropping options for wheat-fallow rotations (pdf) - Doug Young
- Assessing the economic viability of no-till and related conservation systems for various agro-climatic zones in the Pacific Northwest (pdf)
- Frank Young
- Integrated conservation spring cropping systems for the arid and semiarid wheat-fallow region of the PNW (pdf)
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