California Organic Center Field Day

Beyond Plastic: From Sink to Source In plant physiology, young leaves function as sinks. They require energy and nutrients to grow. As they mature, they become sources, producing carbohydrates through photosynthesis and supporting the rest of the plant. Modern agriculture operates as a sink, dependent on continuous external inputs such as water, fertilizers, energy, and plastic to maintain productivity. Future agriculture operates as a source, a source of clean water, stable soils, local food security, and economic durability for the communities around it. Healthy soils increase water infiltration rather than generating runoff. Rain moves through biologically active soil layers, where it is filtered and gradually returned to local aquifers, supporting regional groundwater recharge. Carbon captured through photosynthesis is stabilized in the soil, improving structure, moderating field temperatures, and reducing erosion risk. Hedgerows support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects while also encouraging natural predators that help regulate rodent populations and reduce reliance on chemical control. By reinforcing these processes, agriculture contributes directly to water quality, production stability, and local economic continuity. This Field Day examines that transition. We will take a critical look at plastic mulch, widely used in both conventional and organic systems, and present research on high-residue cover crops and reduced tillage as biologically driven alternatives. This is not about eliminating a material. It is about redesigning how the system functions.