What are transition field plots?
A. Transitioning conventional gardening and farming practices to Certified Organic requires a series of crop rotations to improve existing soil’s fertility and structure and to sequester previously applied chemicals. Three years of approved organic management must occur before harvested crops can be sold as or be labeled organic. USDA’s planned crop rotations include organic field peas, plowed in and followed with buckwheat and then crimson clover. Q. What are bioswale and rain gardens? A. Stormwater from USDA parking lots, rooftops and walks will be redirected to bioswales that filter and infiltrate runoff. Bioswales improve soil and water quality, reduce silt and pollution and provide scenic and wildlife habitat. Consisting of a drainage course with gently sloped sides, the bioswale will be composted and planted with native vegetation to maximize water absorption and infiltration. The rain garden will be a shallow depression to capture the remaining stormwater runoff exiting the bios
