Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of California, Davis received a $300,181.72 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Integrated Programs (CFDA 10.303) funding mechanism, awarded June 1, 2025, with completion targeted for August 31, 2026. This research initiative addresses South Dakota stakeholder demand for science-based information on organic vegetable production management strategies that improve profitability while maintaining soil health. The project investigates the feasibility and impacts of integrating living mulch—specifically three clover varieties (red clover, white clover, and Kura white clover)—into organic vegetable cropping systems, evaluating their effects on agronomic performance, soil properties, economic returns, and ecosystem services across three cash crops (squash, cabbage, and sweet corn) using four different tillage management practices.

The grant funds integrated research and extension activities conducted at both a university research farm and a farmer's field location. Deliverables include field demonstration data, ecosystem service evaluations, and dissemination of findings to specialty crop producers, agricultural associations, university and high school students, agency personnel, and other stakeholders through formal and informal extension channels. This work is designed to identify organic management strategies suitable for regions with short growing seasons that maintain crop yields while reducing reliance on organic manure and tillage, thereby providing actionable solutions to barriers in organic transitioning and nutrient and weed management for vegetable producers in South Dakota.