2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Compact Bed Geometry: An Effective Strategy to Reduce Costs and Risks and Improve Sustainability for the Vegetable Plasticulture Systems

The presentation will describe an innovative bed design that reduces the system efficiency of the raised-bed plasticulture system. The system reduces inputs (e.g. fumigant, plastic, water, fuel), production risks (e.g. pests/disease, flooding, wind), and production costs for fresh produce (e.g. tomato, pepper, eggplant) while maintaining or improving the yield. The new design is increasingly being adopted by growers in North America.

Dr. Sanjay Shukla, University of Florida

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

**An Introduction to FieldWatch

Jamie Kopco, Penn State Extension

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

Soil-Biodegradable Plastic Mulch as Sustainable Alternative to Polyethylene Mulch

Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch provides similar benefits as PE mulch for weed control, soil moisture conservation, soil temperature augmentation, and crop yield for many vegetable and fruit crops. We will discuss these aspects as well as the biodegradation of mulch in soil after tillage incorporation.

Dr. Carol Miles, Washington State University