OSU research highlights crop that thrives with less water
According to research presented by Oregon State University's Dry Farming Program and shared by researchers Lucas Nebert, Matt Davis and Jim Myers, dry farming practices may help growers maintain production while reducing irrigation needs.
Dry farming is a production method that relies on moisture stored in the soil from winter rainfall rather than irrigation during the growing season. Researchers explained that while the approach can reduce water use, success depends on several important factors including soil type, crop selection, and field management.
One of the key lessons from the event was that not every farm is suitable for dry farming. The OSU Vegetable Research Farm benefits deep soils that can store large amounts of winter moisture and release it gradually to crops throughout the summer. This stored water allows crops to grow without additional irrigation during the season.
“There are a number of things that make this site in particular really great for dry farming,” said Matt Davis, a senior faculty research assistant in OSU’s Department of Horticulture in the College of Agricultural Sciences who leads the Dry Farming Program.
Researchers emphasized the importance of effective weed control. Weeds compete with crops for valuable moisture, making cultivation practices essential. Proper field preparation, shallow tillage, and well-timed cover crop management can help preserve soil water and improve crop performance.
Tomatoes remain one of the most promising crops for dry farming systems. Researchers are evaluating different tomato varieties to identify those that combine good flavor, strong yields, and tolerance to dry conditions. Studies are examining traits such as water-use efficiency and the ability of plants to continue producing high-quality fruit under moisture stress.
While dry-farmed tomatoes generally produce lower yields than irrigated crops, researchers noted that consumers often value their flavor and are willing to pay premium prices. This added market value may help growers offset lower production levels and improve profitability.
Beyond tomatoes, researchers are evaluating a wide range of crops to determine their suitability for dry conditions. Trial plots featured melon varieties, cucumber melons, sorghum, corn, and specialty vegetables. Several of these crops have shown promising performance in low-water environments.
Cucumber melons attracted particular attention because they are naturally more tolerant of drought than conventional cucumbers. Researchers explained that these crops can continue producing quality fruit under dry conditions while avoiding some of the bitterness often seen in water-stressed cucumbers.
Sorghum also demonstrated strong potential. Compared with corn, sorghum often remains healthier and more productive when water is limited, making it an attractive option for growers seeking resilient alternatives.
Another important area of research involves seed production. Scientists are studying whether crops can gradually become better adapted to dry conditions when seed is saved and selected from plants that perform well without irrigation. The work could help develop future crop varieties better suited to changing climate conditions.
Flower production is also being evaluated. Researchers are testing crops such as cosmos, sunflowers, zinnia, marigold, and strawflowers to determine whether cut-flower growers can successfully use dry farming methods. Measurements focus on stem quality, length, and productivity.
Researchers are also investigating why certain tomato varieties perform better during drought. A large study comparing more than 100 tomato lines found significant differences in plant stress, fruit quality and resistance to blossom end rot. Some varieties appeared to use deep root systems to access water stored farther below the soil surface, while others focused energy on producing fruit quickly.
“Every time you’re saving seed, every time you’re making selections, that plant is adapting, is evolving,” said Lucas Nebert, assistant professor of practice and OSU Extension Service organic seed and planting stock specialist. “So, in principle, if we’re dry farming our seed, maybe we’re adapting it for climate change more readily.”
The research highlights the complexity of dry farming. Success requires more than simply reducing irrigation. Soil conditions, crop genetics, planting methods, and long-term management all play important roles.
As water resources become increasingly unpredictable, OSU researchers believe dry farming can help growers improve resilience while producing high-quality crops. Their work is providing valuable information that farmers can use to make informed decisions about future production systems.
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