NC State Plant Science Initiative Fosters Innovation
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1069914
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲
N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers across the state provide direct support for farmers. No matter the crop, local experts are poised to assist with soil issues, pest management decisions, farm business maneuverings and on-site analyses. Through connections with NC State University, NC A & T University and other University partners, local agents can access specialists, researchers and cutting edge projects to meet the needs of farmers.
Since 2022, a new platform emerged for targeting needs in the realm of plant sciences – the Plant Science Initiative at NC State University. The Plant Science Initiative (PSI) is a state-of-the-art research facility that has been a catalyst for a number of projects important to NC farmers. One of the unique aspects of the PSI is it’s holistic approach to addressing real-world problems. Through interdisciplinary teams that may bring together crop scientists with textile engineers, or plant breeders with molecular scientists, the aim is to develop creative solutions to pressing issues in agriculture.
How does the PSI connect to growers across the state? Beginning in 2023, the Plant Science Institute has implemented Extension Agent Network cohorts to test new technologies and improve technological tools utilized by farmers of all sizes. Buncombe County farmers helped beta test the Cover Crop Selector Tool, provisioning valuable feedback to streamline and simplify cover cropping decisions. This tool helps growers make appropriate decisions on what to plant as they rotate crops throughout the season.
For the upcoming season, there are a variety of cohorts addressing everything from crop sensors, to disease detection tools, and blueberry yield improvements. WNC-based Extension agents will be directing a phosphorus soil management program to better inform soil fertility decisions. These cohorts are supported by a collaboration of industry partners, University research programs, private donors and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund. To learn more about the Plant Science Initiative and it’s collaborative work.
Through the 2024 Extension Agent Network Cover Crop Cohort, data was collected on a variety of farms to catalog cover crop species, and aid in the development of imaging software.
Cover crops varied at each site, with oats, cereal rye, and clovers being the predominant species.
Cover crops are utilized by farmers to improve soil, reduce weed suppression, and reduce erosion. Both large and small-scale growers are experimenting with no-till production in cover crop residues. Here a corn crop has emerged amidst winter-killed oats.