As growing seasons become hotter and drier across the region, farmers are increasingly challenged to grow and sustain their crops. Now Oregon State University is close to launching a dry farming map project. Lucas Nebert, a research associate at OSU, heads the project. He told KLCC that a lot of farmers are interested in alternatives to growing crops that are reliant on irrigation.
The Dry Farming Institute defines dry farming as a “low-input, place-based approach to producing crops within the constraints of your climate.” A dry-farmed crop, according to the institute, is irrigated “once or not at all.”
To address farmers’ curiosity as to whether or not they can dry farm in their region, Nebert said OSU’s team had soil scientists come out and assess site suitability. “This map might be more proactive approach where growers can log on and see the potential suitability in their area.” The maps will show areas suitable for dry farming, as well as places where the soil has adequate water retention, or is relatively frost-free.
