Organic Agriculture
At Kentucky State University, the Organic Research Program conducts studies on diversified organic farming systems that will ultimately help producers answer questions about developing best management practices for their operations. The Organic Research Program in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources is currently implementing a research project that examines the effects of integrating pastured livestock into crop rotations. Such rotations are being adopted on small- and medium-sized organic farms across the state. Researchers are examining the impacts on soil and water quality in response to this integrated rotation system. Results from this study may help producers make important management decisions.
The Kentucky State University Organic Research Program is also coordinating research on industrial hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp production in the United States, and Kentucky was the first state to submit a plan for how it will implement a growing program. Kentucky State University’s Land Grant Program has participated in the state’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program since its inception in 2014 and continues to be one of the primary research locations in the state. Current research efforts include examination of the impacts of several biofertilization products on crop biomass, grain yields, and soil enzyme activity, and aquaponic production of hemp. Results from these studies may provide useful information to producers, processors and marketers participating in the growing hemp industry in Kentucky.
For more information about Kentucky State University’s Organic Agriculture, contact:
Dr. Shawn Lucas
Assistant Professor of Organic Agriculture
Email: shawn.lucas@kysu.ed
Phone: (502) 597-6275