By Jamie Martin
As growers face increasing pressure from limited water supplies and changing weather patterns, dry farming is receiving renewed attention as a practical solution. Researchers at Oregon State University recently showcased studies that are helping farmers produce crops using stored soil moisture rather than relying on irrigation throughout the season.
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 depends on moisture captured during the winter and stored in the soil. Rather than applying irrigation during the summer, growers use soil management practices that help crops access this stored moisture throughout the growing 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 stressed that soil characteristics play a major role in success. Deep soils with strong water-holding capacity provide the best opportunity for dry farming systems. Farm management practices such as reducing weed competition and terminating cover crops at appropriate times can further improve soil moisture availability.
One of the primary research priorities is identifying crop varieties that perform well under drought conditions. Tomatoes are a major focus because of their market demand and potential premium value. Scientists are evaluating how different varieties of balance yield, fruit quality, and water-use efficiency.
The findings suggest that some tomato varieties are better equipped to handle dry conditions than others. Researchers are studying plant traits linked to drought tolerance, including root development, canopy temperature, and overall plant vigor. These characteristics may help breeders develop improved varieties for future production systems.
Economic performance is another important factor. Although dry-farmed tomatoes typically produce fewer pounds per acre than irrigated crops, strong flavor and premium market prices may help increase returns for growers.
Researchers are also exploring opportunities beyond tomatoes. Trial plots included melon types, cucumber melons, sorghum, corn, and other specialty crops. These studies aim to identify crops capable of producing acceptable yields while using less water.
Sorghum has emerged as a promising candidate because it often tolerates drought conditions better than corn. Similarly, cucumber melons have shown better adaptability to dry environments than traditional cucumbers, making them a potential option for diversified operations.
Seed development forms another major component of the research program. Scientists are evaluating whether saving seed from plants that perform well under dry conditions could gradually improve adaptation over time. This approach may offer growers access to planting material better suited to future climate challenges.
Researchers are also studying dry-farmed seed production through collaborative projects involving multiple farms and universities. Trials include tomatoes, lettuce, and zucchini grown under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. The goal is to understand how water management affects seed quality, plant performance, and future crop adaptation.
In addition to food crops, flower production is being investigated. Species including cosmos, sunflower, marigold, zinnia, and strawflower are being tested to determine their suitability for low-water production systems. Results will help growers assess opportunities in specialty crop markets.
Large-scale tomato studies have provided additional insights into drought response. Researchers compared more than one hundred tomato varieties and discovered considerable differences in plant stress levels and fruit quality. Advanced monitoring technologies, including drone-based imaging, helped evaluate how plants respond to limited moisture.
The research suggests that successful drought tolerance may come from different plant strategies. Some varieties invest in deeper root systems to reach water reserves, while others direct more energy into fruit production during short periods of available moisture.
“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 overall message from the research is clear. Dry farming is not a one-size-fits-all production method. Success depends on matching crop genetics, soil conditions and management practices to local environments.
As agriculture continues adapting to water challenges, dry farming research is providing growers with valuable tools to improve resilience, reduce irrigation dependence, and maintain productive farming operations for the future.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: National