With a $2 million federal investment, the University of Oregon's ecologists are advancing sustainable agriculture across 20 partner hazelnut farms in Oregon. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the long-term sustainability of the state's hazelnut industry, which accounts for 99% of the U.S. production, incorporates a novel soil health management system designed to counteract the adverse effects of global extreme heat. The system includes the use of native wildflowers and basalt dust to improve soil conditions.
Lauren Hallett and Marissa Lane-Massee, leading the research, have developed cover crop seed mixes that maintain cooler agricultural soils during hotter seasons, enhancing soil temperature regulation, water retention, and soil microbiology. This approach, supported by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden through the USDA program established under the Inflation Reduction Act, aligns with efforts to promote soil health and climate resilience.
Despite initial skepticism among hazelnut farmers regarding cover cropping, the research demonstrates that native wildflowers can coexist with hazelnut production without hindering the harvest. These perennials, requiring only a one-time seeding, die back by autumn, facilitating easy collection of nuts. Additionally, the incorporation of basalt dust, a byproduct of mining, offers a promising method for carbon sequestration, potentially mitigating climate change impacts.
The Lane-Massee Farm is at the forefront of applying basalt dust amendments and exploring its scalability in commercial farming. This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices in Oregon, addressing both soil health and climate change mitigation.
Source: OregonNews