PROGRAMS :: Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems

Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems, or BIOS, has been a revolutionary technical assistance program launched by CAFF that demonstrates:
1) the viability of farming systems which rely on sharply reduced chemical inputs, and
2) the innovative power of cooperatively linked agricultural institutions.

BIOS projects for almonds and walnuts have been established in seven counties. Since the founding of BIOS in 1993, similar initiatives have begun through the University of California in grapes, cotton, row crops, prunes, and citrus. CAFF also successfully advocated for the Department of Pesticide RegulationÕs Pest Management Alliance Program that supported commodity groups in outreach on biological farming practices. As of Winter 2003, CAFF does not have active BIOS projects underway. However, the growers who have participated remain active in our own and othersÕ outreach and education efforts.

Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems for Almonds and Walnuts
With some chemicals being taken off the market, and costs increasing on those that remain, many almond and walnut growers are concerned about relying on synthetic pesticides. To keep their farms not just surviving, but thriving, they are looking for cost-cutting innovations that will improve the productivity of their orchards.

For the past seven years, a small but growing number of farmers in California's Central Valley have been successfully reducing their insecticide, herbicide, and fertilizer inputs without affecting yield or quality. Based on the experiences of these growers, their independent pest control advisors, and UC researchers, CAFF formed the BIOS program to refine these techniques and extend them to other nut growers.

In 1993, 26 Merced County, California almond growers enrolled in a BIOS pilot program. Participants receive customized technical assistance and, in return, share the information generated in their orchard with other growers in the program.

In his first year in the program, almond grower Sherman Boone of Denair, California, used BIOS techniques on 170 of his 270 acres. On that ground, he cut his synthetic nitrogen applications by 75% and did not spray any organophosphate insecticides. Meanwhile, he harvested 2,300 pounds per acre, had an insect damage reject level of 0.03%, and kept production costs 25% below normal.

BIOS has since spread from the pilot program in Merced County to Stanislaus, Madera, San Joaquin, and Colusa counties, as well as to walnut farmers in Yolo and Solano counties.

Program cooperators include the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, UC Cooperative Extension, the USDA's Farm Service Agency, and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Nitrogen Budgeting

BIOS Mission
The mission of BIOS is to build a community of farmers, other agricultural professionals, and public institutions, dedicated to the voluntary adoption of whole-systems approaches to farm management that are flexible, maintains long term profitability, and rely less on chemical inputs.

BIOS Program Goals

• To facilitate the exchange of information based on the knowledge and experiences of farmers, pest control advisors, and researchers who have pioneered and continue to develop biologically integrated orchard systems.
• To create and coordinate locally based teams who provide leadership, program guidance, and technical assistance.
• To monitor and document the effectiveness of BIOS farm management practices and the program model.
• To foster collaboration and respect among farmers, agricultural service providers and suppliers, researchers and public and private institutions.

FAQ's About BIOS

What can a participant expect from the BIOS program?
Customized Plan for each BIOS Block:
Farmers and their PCAs work with a management team of farmers and specialists in cover cropping and biological control to develop a customized plan for each BIOS block.
Comprehensive Monitoring Program:
To inform pest management decisions for each BIOS block and to help build growers' confidence in biological practices, farmers and PCAs participate in a monitoring program for pests, diseases, and earthworms.
Valuable Advice:
Farmers, PCAs and others with experience in cover crops and biological systems will be available to answer questions throughout the year.
On-Farm Consultations:
At least twice a year members of the BIOS management team visit individual farms to help solve problems and make adjustments to the customized management plan.
Field Days and Workshops:
At local on-farm field days and workshops participants learn about pest and disease identification, cover crop management, biological control, orchard floor management, and other timely topics.

Does BIOS mean organic?
No. While a few BIOS growers are certified organic, it is neither a requirement nor a goal of BIOS. In fact, most BIOS participants are conventional farmers.

Will I have more pests in my orchard?
It is possible that there will be more pests in your BIOS block than in the more sterile environment of a "clean" orchard. However, the number of predators (or "beneficials") will also increase, helping to control pests and buffer against mite, worm, or scale explosions.

Will I be able to use chemicals in my BIOS block if pests threaten my crop?
Yes. BIOS is a voluntary, flexible program allowing each farmer to make their own decisions. Based on the advice of the local management team and close monitoring of pest and predator populations, the least disruptive chemical is recommended. However, organophosphate chemicals are not compatible with BIOS management practices.

Will there be a lot of trash in the windrows at harvest if I cover crop?
It is possible. There may be more material mixed in with the nuts at harvest compared to a "clean" orchard. However, this has not been a major obstacle to the adoption of BIOS practices throughout the Central Valley. BIOS recommends specially tailored legume cover crop mixes which break down readily with summer mowing and irrigation, in plenty of time for harvest.

Will my yields decline without a conventional fertilizer program?
No. BIOS growers maintain sufficient nutrient levels through a soil-building approach which may include the use of nitrogen-producing cover crops, composts and manures, soil amendments, synthetic fertilizers, and leaf and soil analyses.

Will the weeds get out of control?
No. Careful attention to timing of mowing will keep weeds under control. In fact, a densely planted cover crop usually reduces weed problems. During field days and individual farm visits, BIOS management teams provide practical advice on mowing strategies for optimal weed control and cover crop management.

Will the cover crop use more water?
No. The seed mixes we recommend are winter annuals, which require more water only during their growth spurt in the spring. In summer the cover crop is already dying back, creating a mulch that suppresses water-loving summer weeds. Water savings also result from improved water infiltration and increased soil water-holding capacity.

Will BIOS practices cost more money?
No. Recent research by a University of California agricultural economist showed that after the first year of participation in BIOS in Merced County, almonds growers' bottom line stayed the same.

Communicating with the BIOS program:
contact: Mark Cady
mark@caff.org