Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Vegetables > Precision Cultural System (PCS) for Commercial Vegetable Crops [Image: Shaping precision beds] Growing commercial vegetables is different from growing agronomic crops and requires a different approach to equipment. A precision cultural system (PCS) developed by the LSU AgCenter can make commercial vegetable production much easier. The Evaluation of Onion Varieties at the Burden Research Center, Baton Rouge, La., in the Spring of 2008. [Image: White Granex ] Twelve onion varieties were planted in replicated plots at the Burden Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA in January of 2008. Plants were obatined from Bland Farms, Glennville, GA, Dixondale Farms, Carrizo Springs, TX and Dietrich Gembler, Knippa, TX. The varietes were evaluated for maturity, yield, bulb size, bulb shape, degree of bolting, degree of double bulbs and tast Performance of 15 Fresh Market Tomato Varieties in Summer, 2007 [Image: Crista ] Results of seven tomato vareity demonstration plots in Louisiana in the summer of 2007. Results of Bt Sweet Corn Variety Demonstration Plots in Louisiana in Summer 2008 [Image: SWEET CORN IS A POPULAR AT ROADSIDE STANDS AND FARMERS MARKETS ] The perfromance of eight BT sweet cron varieties planted in four locations in Louisiana in 2008.  more articles... Removing and Collecting Plastic Mulch [Image: Plastic mulch lifter] The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch. Knifing Carrots [Image: Carrot knives] When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight. Vegetable Seeders [Image: bulk metering planter] There is a wide range of seeder types and models available for direct seeding vegetable crops. Smaller growers typically use the less expensive seeders; larger growers can justify more expensive precision seeders. Cone Guide Wheels [Image: cone guide wheel] Cone guide wheels are the heart of a precision cultural system (PCS). Cone guide wheels allow an implement to follow along a shaped bed with no effort on the part of the tractor driver. Precision Sweep Cultivation for Vegetable Crops [Image: Precision cultivation using cone guide wheels] Cultivation is essential for nearly all commercial vegetable crops since herbicide choices are limited and vegetable crops cannot tolerate much weed competition. A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of precision cultivation if set up and equipped properly. Precision Vertical Plate Seeder for Vegetables [Image: Vertical plate seeder] Precision vertical plate seeders are available for planting many vegetable crops. These seeders use a vertical metal plate with the cells (holes) on the edge. Openers, Coverers and Presswheels for Precision Vegetable Seeders [Image: Openers for Stanhay seeder] All vegetable seeders require openers, coverers and presswheels to provide a furrow for the seeds and to then cover the seeds and assure proper soil contact. These devices must be matched to the soil type and condition for optimum germination and seedling vigor. Precision Bed Shaping for Commercial Vegetable Production [Image: Bedding prior to bed shaping] A key component of a precision cultural system is precision bed shaping. A precisely shaped bed is essential to locate the crop row properly when planting and to provide a basis for guidance of subsequent operations. Rotary Tiller/Cultivator for Precision Cultivation [Image: Precision rotary tiller - cultivator] A standard sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops once the plants reach 4-6 inches, but it must run very slowly in small crops (1-2 inches) and has a tendency to throw soil over the crop plants. An alternative is a rotary tiller/cultivator. High-speed Precision Cultivation of Vegetable Crops [Image: High-speed straight tines for cultivator] A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops but must be run slowly (1-2 mph) when the crop plants are small. A simple modification to a sweep cultivator allows high-speed cultivation of small vegetable crops. More...