01/26/06 Green manure crops, part two

MILLER "In Eastern Idaho last year there were 15 to 20 thousand acres planted in green manure crops." Jennifer Miller should know. She is the program coordinator for the Northwest Coalition of Alternatives to Pesticides. MILLER "It cost the grower in 2002 a $117 dollars per acre and then in 2003 it was $131 per acre to plant this. In comparison he was spending about $135 per acre for his fumigants and usually what they find in their potato crop is they can save money on fertilizer because they'll get back much of that that they've incorporated." For grain growers Miller says it's important that green manure crops like mustard be planted by early to mid-August, get plenty of water and time to grow and accumulate bulk before being plowed under. MILLER "The more biomass you have the more benefit because you've got more plant materials to have that biofumigant effect, more biomass to add more organic matter." Miller says there is also cost-share funding under the EQIP program to help producers who are using green manure cropping. If you have questions or if you need information about green manure crops or alternatives Miller can be reached in Boise at 850-6504. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott