The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides and Three Rivers Resource Conservation & Development will offer a tour highlighting a research project on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation utilizing green manures, an alternative potato rotation technique that is hoped to reduce pesticide use. The tour, running from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, is open to the public.

Potato farming is important economically to the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, yet chemical inputs raise human health concerns. That's why a potato field near Fort Hall is growing something different this fall. Two alternative crops, radish and mustard, were planted in early August. The crops won't be harvested, but instead will be plowed down into the soil as a "green manure." This alternative practice is being explored as a means to reduce pesticide use in potato production.

In working to shape the future farming practices on the Reservation, the Tribes are looking for the best ways to protect the health of their members and the environment. This alternative practice, if found to be economically feasible and of interest to growers, may someday result in changes in farm chemical management.

The tour will include a walk along the radish and mustard fields with explanations of growing conditions, production practices and benefits for potato production.

The tour will meet near the corner of Highway 91 and Broncho Road, five miles north of Fort Hall, Idaho. Signs will designate the parking area located to the east of Highway 91 on Broncho Road.

For more information, contact Jennifer Miller at (208) 850-6504 or Paula Jones at (208) 237-4628 ext. 104.