Assessment of Soil Quality Under Different Farming Conditions in Subtropical United States.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), in deep South Texas is considered one the most productive agricultural regions in the southern United States. With the highest concentration of organic farms in the state (Hidalgo county), the LRGV has a strong potential to be leaders in sustainable agriculture. LRGV has over 2 million acres of farmable land which is typically very high in soil pH, highly depleted in soil organic matter, and poor in nutrients. In addition organic and transitional farmers face challenges of intense weed and pest pressure. Since the 2011 closing of the USDA-ARS Subtropical Agricultural Research Center in Weslaco, Texas, there has been very little research support available to these growers. Aim of this study is to evaluate the status of soil under different farm management practices. This study will evaluate the soil nutrient status, soil health, and soil carbon stock under: organic, transitional, and conventional farming. We have selected 15 organic, transitional, and conventional farmers for our study with variety of crops grown in their farms: fruits, vegetables, and grains. Soil samples will be collected at the end of the harvesting season in May. The farming history: types of crops, year since organic practice, till or no till, and types of amendments used of each farm will be recorded. Results from this study will be disseminated to the participating farmers as well as the local and regional farming community. The results from this study will be useful for farmers in maintaining soil quality and selecting farm management techniques to address issues such as soil fertility improvement, weed suppression and pest management.