We take a holistic, systems-based approach to applied agronomic research on new and emerging crops as well as large acreage organic production systems in North Carolina’s Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and Tidewater regions.

Current Research:

1. Understanding the temporal changes in biomass, CBD, and THC production as well as gene expression and spectral reflectance signatures in CBD/flora hemp.

 

2. Multi-region floral hemp variety trials

 

3. Optimization of transplant timing and spacing for floral hemp.

 

4. Development of conservation tillage practices for organic tobacco.

 

5. Utilization of plasticulture systems to improve weed management and leaf quality in organic tobacco.

 

6. Development of precision cover cropping techniques.

7. Organic sweetpotato variety and planting orientation trials.