Growth Rates in Organic and Conventional Treatments of Cucumbis sativa

---

Cary L Rivard* , David L Trott.
Dr. Tom Marshall and Frank Louws (North Carolina State University), Faculty Mentors.

---

Organic agriculture is an alternative farming method characterized by ecological sustainability. Growth rate of Cucumbis sativa seedlings in organic and conventional fields were compared to further understand effects of organic farming on production. At the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, Goldsboro, NC, three repetitions of five organic plots and five conventional plots were planted with cucumber seedlings. Leaf area was measured as an indication of growth because growth rate is correlated with primary leaf expansion area. Supplemental water was provided, but no additional soil amendments were added on organic or conventional plots. Leaf area growth rate of organic cucumbers from day nine to twenty-one was 2.00 cm2/day while conventional cucumbers grew 1.28 cm2/day (p<0.012). Initial leaf area (d1-d9) in organic was 6.28 cm2 versus 2.36 cm2 for conventional plants (p<0.01). Accelerated growth of organic cucumbers resulted from several possible factors including increased soil tilthe, water retention, and beneficial bacteria. Long-term study at CEFS is to study microbial communities in organic and conventional soils. Related aspects of this study will be discussed further.