USDA boosts research in organic weed control

$1M grant to explore anaerobic disinfestation for organics

A new $1 million grant from the USDA awarded to a Penn State team is set to explore the potential of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) in organic farming systems. This method, which serves as a biological alternative to chemical treatments, involves embedding organic materials into soil, saturating with water, and then sealing with plastic to create anaerobic conditions that are detrimental to weed growth.

Francesco Di Gioia, the project's lead, explained that ASD targets the suppression of soilborne pests and weeds by fostering anaerobic conditions that inhibit weed seed germination and kill existing weed tissues through altered soil chemistry.

The project aligns with efforts to transition from conventional to organic agricultural practices by enhancing soil health and reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

The initiative includes practical trials in diverse climates of Florida and Pennsylvania to test ASD's efficiency in controlling prevalent weed species, assessing its overall impact on soil health and crop productivity. Additionally, Claudia Schmidt will evaluate the economic aspects of adopting ASD in modern farming, aiming to identify and overcome barriers to its broader use.

This research is part of a larger USDA effort to fund specialty crops and organic agriculture research, ensuring the development of more sustainable agricultural practices.

Through these studies, the USDA aims to support farmers in improving crop yields and environmental resilience.