Organic vs. Conventional: McNeese Grad Student Compares Watermelon and Potato Yields
Kaiden Smith, a graduate student at McNeese State University, is conducting hands-on research to determine whether organic or conventional fertilizers produce better results when growing watermelons and potatoes. As part of a USDA grant for specialty crops, Smith is not only measuring overall yield but also assessing quality using a Brix refractometer, which measures dissolved solids—primarily sugar content—in the produce. The experiment, carried out at the McNeese farm in Kinder, was inspired by Smith’s curiosity about why organic products are often more expensive and perceived as healthier in grocery stores. By comparing conventional fertilizers against free cattle manure, he aims to uncover whether the price premium is scientifically justified.
The preliminary findings have been intriguingly mixed. On one hand, the manure-fertilized plots produced nearly twice as many potatoes as those without manure, demonstrating a clear advantage in yield. However, when it came to overall quality, conventional farming methods seemed to perform better, though their fertilizers came at a cost. Despite these mixed results, Smith emphasizes that the most valuable takeaway from his research extends beyond data—it’s about building connections. He chose McNeese for its close-knit academic environment and supportive faculty, and he plans to pursue a career in ecological research or become an agricultural science teacher. Above all, he hopes to inspire others to get involved and network, as the opportunities he found at McNeese have opened doors across the state and helped him build lasting relationships.
