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| DOI: | 10.21273/HORTTECH.26.1.89 |
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| Web URL(s): | https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/26/1/article-p89.xml
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| Publication Type:
| Refereed |
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| Author(s): | Bakacs, Michele;
Rowe, Amy;
Hlubik, William T.;
Zientek, Jan |
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| Author Affiliation: | Bakacs and Hlubik: Department of Agricultural and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, North Brunswick; Rowe and Zientek: Department of Agricultural and Resource Management Agent, Roseland, NJ |
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| Title: | Development and early assessment of an organic land care extension program for landscapers |
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| Section: | Extension education methods
Other records with the "Extension education methods" Section
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| Source: | HortTechnology. Vol. 26, No. 1, February 2016, p. 89-96. |
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| Publishing Information: | Alexandria, Virginia: American Society for Horticultural Science |
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| # of Pages: | 8 |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Composts; Education; Education program profile; Integrated pest management; Landscape management; Lawn and landscape professionals; Lawn maintenance; Native grasses; Rutgers University; Staff training; Sustainable land management
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| Abstract/Contents: | "This article presents findings from the first 3 years of implementing an organic land care training program for landscapers, including landscaper attitudes, lessons learned, and the potential role of extension. Results of a needs assessment as well as discussions with organic practitioners provided evidence that New Jersey lacked in-depth training needed to assist practitioners in determining acceptable practices when offering organic services to their clientele. As a result, Rutgers University convened an organic land care working group and developed a certificate program for professionals with the long-term goal of promoting healthy soil, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing polluted runoff from managed landscapes. Thus far the program has been attended by 63 landscapers with 48 fulfilling the program requirements. Follow-up surveys with participants of the first 2 years showed that 38% of the 1163 acres (470.6 ha) under their management are either in transition or have been completely converted to organic management. Respondents reported a significant decrease in use of synthetic fertilizers and significant increase in use of organic fertilizer. Median synthetic pesticide usage decreased by 40%. Respondents reported since attending the program they were more effective at a number of practices including removing invasives and installing native plants, installing rain gardens, reducing stormwater runoff, and reducing irrigation. Focusing on the science, patience in transitioning, and understanding there are no one size fits all organic programs have been important lessons learned by experienced practitioners. Clientele acceptance, product efficacy, and finding skilled staff were cited as consistent challenges. These results indicate that extension can play a lead role in conducting applied research and providing relevant, effective educational programming for landscapers in the organic land care field." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 25 |
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| Note: | Summary appears as abstract
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Bakacs, M., A. Rowe, W. T. Hlubik, and J. Zientek. 2016. Development and early assessment of an organic land care extension program for landscapers. HortTechnology. 26(1):p. 89-96. |
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| DOI: 10.21273/HORTTECH.26.1.89 |
| Web URL(s):
https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/26/1/article-p89.xml
Last checked: 04/30/2020
Access conditions: Item is within a limited-access website
https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/downloadpdf/journals/horttech/26/1/article-p89.xml
Last checked: 04/30/2020
Requires: PDF Reader
Access conditions: Item is within a limited-access website |
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MSU catalog number: b2917674a |
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