EVALUATION OF LIMITED TILLAGE AND COVER CROP SYSTEMS TO REDUCE N USE AND DISEASE POPULATION IN SMALL ACREAGE VEGETABLE FARMS MIRROR IMAGE PROJECTS IN URUGUAY AND NORTH CAROLINA, USA

N management is a primary determinant of vegetable crops production in the United States and in Uruguay. We evaluated 7 rotational systems for vegetable crops in both countries. These rotational systems influence N fate in the environment in different ways and impact both cost of production and the environment. We used rotational systems that include both winter and summer cover crops and vegetable crops. Insects, diseases and weed infestations differed with the systems. All activities were closely coordinated via email and annual visits to ensure an integrated approach to crop and pest management. Crop growth, yield, quality, nutrient cycling and soil microbial activity measured. N status of cover crops, cash crop and soil were determined at 6 depths to establish an N balance for each system. Market price data are being combined with normalized treatment data to determine gross revenues, operating costs, and net revenue per acre. Input and production data from all production systems is used to evaluate economic feasibility for both traditional and more sustainable vegetable production systems. In addition to production benefit/cost determination, we will determine environmental benefit/cost relation¬ships as a result of the various production systems.