Progress 08/01/10 to 07/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Small-scale diversified specialty crop farmers and home food gardeners in rural, periurban and urban locations including limited resource and minority farmers. Also greenhouse and indoor plant production facility operators interested in organic crop production. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In addition to an average of 8 workshops per year for farmers, undergraduate students have participated at the composting facilities as participants in a site tour, volunteers assisting in activities, or employees. Each year 14 to 16 members of the Organic Farmer Training Program have also visited the facility and benefited from educational program. An average of 10 to 12 tours of diverse audiences have visited the composting site each year. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Each year an average of 12 to 15 related outreach presentations to farmers, urban agriculture practitioners and composters were made in Michigan and nationally with an emphasis on high tunnel soil fertility and health management, organic transplant fertility management, and compost and vermicompost production and use. Printed handouts were distributed at most events and are available at the PI website: www.hrt.msu.edu/john-biernbaum/pg4. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project has addressed the need to close the food cycle loop by composting and vermicomposting farm, landscape, municipal and food organic residuals to make a high quality stable source of organic matter, nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for use in small scale diversified specialty crop farming. Organic materials seen as "waste" that contributes to environmental degradation if placed in landfills can be managed to be a valuable "resource" that can be used to mitigate factors that lead to climate change. Adding organic matter to soils increases water absorption and retention reduces soil erosion and plant diseases, and cycles valuable nutrients and minerals reducing mining and manufacturing requirements. An estimated 40% or more of food in the United States is not consumed by people and as much as 90% of that residue or waste is placed in landfills. One way to change this culture is to increase awareness of the problem and to provide local opportunities for change. Compost and vermicompost can be used to directly produce food in protected and controlled environments using certified organic production methods. The first project objective was to develop protocols for low cost, small scale production of thermophilic compost suitable for transplant production or in-ground greenhouse/high tunnel crop production using on-farm or locally available feedstocks. One research focus has been on preconsumer kitchen preparation food scraps. The quantity of material composted increased from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 to 100,000 pounds of food scraps annually over the first three years of the project and maintained at over 100,000 pounds for the final two years. The hot composting of food scraps was accomplished in an open field for the first two years. In 2012 a 30 x 32 high tunnel was constructed over a cement pad which allowed more efficient and protected year-round composting. Composting was able to be maintained with outdoor temperatures reaching below -10F in January and February. During the summer seasons of 2013, 2014 and 2015, ten compost piles were produced with specific recipes and replicated over time. Mixtures of municipal leaves and on-farm grass (2:1, 1:1, 1:1 wrapped in plastic film, and 1:2) and a 1:1:1 mixture modified with coffee, manure, peatmoss, shredded paper, or soft wood shavings were compared with our standard transplant compost recipe (hay, straw, wood shavings, peatmoss). Additional compost recipes include the addition of charcoal to capture nutrients and anaerobic digester liquid to add nutrients. The second project objective was to develop protocols for production of vermicompost from food waste to be used as a crop protectant foliar spray or root drench in organic crop production or as a root medium amendment or component for transplant or crop production. Vermicomposting was initiated in a 30' x 72' high tunnel with a worm population that grew from approximately 50 pounds (50,000 worms) to over 500 pounds (500,000 worms) in the first three years. Multiple systems for vermicomposting in a cold climate were developed. Both batch/bin methods as well as a "wedge" continuous flow system are successful in Zone 5b conditions (-20oF) with the protection of a high tunnel. Internal covers or tents trapped solar radiation and increased the temperature of worm composting systems to well above freezing conditions. Composting worms (Eisenia fetida) were able to move to areas of compost piles that did not freeze and survive the winter conditions. Finished, screened, vermicompost production has reached 10 to 12 cubic yards (5 to 6 tons) per year which is enough to provide a significant impact to a small-scale farm with greenhouses and hoophouses. The vermicompost process was improved by precomposting the preconsumer kitchen preparation food scraps mixed with municipal leaves and wood chips on a cement pad covered with a high tunnel structure. Precomposting reduces the presence if viable seeds from vegetables and fruits and reduces the risk of possible presence of human pathogens. The third objective was to evaluate the thermophilic composts and vermicompost for organic vegetable transplant production. Composts were tested or "bioassayed" using either seedling vegetable transplant production, production of basil or parsley in containerized growing systems, outdoor wooden framed raised beds or a larger scale high tunnel production system. Most small scale diversified vegetable farms start outdoor crops by germinating seeds and raising transplants in heated greenhouses. For certified organic production, a primary root medium component and source of fertility is compost. Thermphillic composts were tested for tomato, cucumber and kale seed germination in standard 48 cell transplant flats. Plastic crates (~ 1' x 2' x .5') used to ship flowering bulbs from Holland to US greenhouses were used as growing containers for basil and parsley. The crates allowed replicated trials to compare thermophilic composts. A model urban farming site was developed using a 30' x 72' high tunnel with 1100 square feet of in-ground growing beds filled with compost. The compost was made (2011-2012) from an estimated 60,000 lbs of pre and post consumer food scraps collected over 10 weeks from one on-campus student dining facility. The food scraps were combined with animal manure and bedding (straw, wood shavings) and soil to produce the necessary 45 cubic yards of compost. The facility was used to produce culinary herbs, tea herbs, leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, chard, kale), cucumbers and tomatoes. The site was gradually expanded (2013 and 2014) to include an additional 1000 square feet of outdoor wooden frame compost filled raised production beds for vegetables and herbs. The methods developed in this research have been widely shared through on-site visits by farmers, off-site presentations in Michigan and regionally, and publications available on-line. We have increased awareness about the issue of food and organic residues and negative environmental impacts, the need to increase the use of composting and potential positive impacts, and how compost can be used to increase local food production. Vermicomposting recommendations have been developed and made available on-line. For three years the cold climate vermicomposting research was highlighted at the National Vermiculture Conference hosted by North Carolina State University. We are supporting development of local, small -scale composting efforts in Lansing and Detroit. We have partnered with the Michigan State University Recycling Center, the Office of Campus Sustainability and Residential and Housing Services to increase visibility of food scrap collection, composting, and sale of compost at the on-campus Surplus Store. For those more aware of composting developments over the last 30 years, it is important to recognize the regional differences in use of composting. On the East and West coasts of the United States where landfill costs are high, composting efforts are much further along than in the Midwest where landfill costs are low. Based on limited information, Michigan is even further behind when it comes to composting and compost awareness compared to other Midwest states and Canada. With landfill tipping fees below $20 per ton in Michigan, compared to over $100 per ton in some areas of the US, there has been little motivation for composting. However, with Michigan's extensive specialty crop agriculture and growing small-scaled diversified and urban agriculture, there is a large opportunity for crop production to benefit from increased composting. With the third largest state greenhouse production area, there is also the potential for large scale use of high quality compost if available.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Primary audiences are limited resource and previously underserved small scale farmers or community food projects and undergraduate students. Educational efforts for farmers are focused on workshops or hands-on activities including compost and vermicompost production and use, hightunnel fertility management, organic soil preparations, and organic transplant production. Undergraduate students are provided experiential learning through for credit independent study and internships or paid / volunteer work opportunities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The composting and vermicomposting research site at the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center has provided for compost related training for undergraduate students, 16 participants in the Organic Farmer Training Program, and visiting farmers and compost site operators. Two presentations based on results of the research were made at the two-day annual National Vermiculture Conference hosted at North Carolina State University with 112 participants. A presentation about the research was made at the Annual Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Association annual conference. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A total of 20 related outreach presentations to farmers, urban agriclture practitioners and composters were made in Michigan and nationally with an emphasis on high tunnel soil fertility and health management, organic transplant fertility management, and compost and vermicompost production and use. Printed handouts were distributed at most events and are available at the PI website: www.hrt.msu.edu/john-biernbaum/pg4. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The focus of research for the next year will be evaluating the recently produced composts for organic transplant production in heated greenhouses. Some of the composts will also be evaluated as growing media for vegetable crops for harvest. Laboratory vermicomposting to identify beneficial conditions for worm composting of a variety of feedstocks and minerals will also continue.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
From October 15, 2013 to September 1, 2014, an estimated 100,000 lbs (108 cubic yards) of preconsumer kitchen preparation scraps (pineapple, melon, vegetables, etc at ~85-90 percent moisture) delivered three times per week (average 700 pounds / 0.75 cubic yard) were composted on a cement pad covered with a 30’x32’ polyethylene film covered greenhouse frame open at both ends. The high carbon feedstock was an estimated 60 cubic yards of municipal fall season collected chopped tree leaves that were piled outside in October and remained uncovered. Mixing of the food scraps and leaves, turning and moving of the piles was accomplished with a Tool-cat loader with a 0.5 cubic yard bucket. Mesophillic composting at 60 to 70 degree F was maintained during January and February in a 10 to 20 cubic yard mixing pile that occasionally froze on the outside 2 to 3 inches during weather conditions of 10 to -10 degree F night time lows. An average of 10 to 15% by volume of the precomposted material (2 to 4 weeks) was used as feedstock for biweekly (winter) or weekly (spring/summer) for six vermicomposting systems in an unheated greenhouse. The resulting vermicompost after passing through a 0.25 inch trammel screen totaled ~12 cubic yards (moist bulk density of ~1000 pounds per cubic yard). The remaining thermophilic composted material totaled ~ 25 cubic yards that was piled and covered for further maturation. The temperature conditions during January and February 2014 were to 5 to 10 degrees colder that the previous three years of high tunnel winter vermicomposting research. The wedge/windrow system and raised wooden bed batch systems maintained adequate temperatures for winter survival with no additional heat. During the coldest and cloudy weather periods, wooden beds with a depth of 12 to 15 inches of bedding froze over the surface exposed 1 to 2 inches, but not at lower depths in contact with the ground where the worms had moved. The flow through and bulk bag systems were maintained at above freezing temperatures by incorporating an incandescent light bulb or simple electrical heating systems used to prevent freezing of water pipes (heat tape) or livestock watering systems (floating heater in a water bucket) or a heating mat used for soil warming during seed germination. A laboratory vermicomposting feeding trial was conducted using plastic trays containing 300 grams of worms in bedding. Six feedstocks covered with leafmold included: 1) pulped pineapple skin, 2)pulped melon rind, 3) pulped carrot peels and carrots, 4) pulped onion skins and spoiled onions, 5) coffee grounds, 6) a mixture of the five feedstocks, and 7) only leaf mold were added twice per week for five weeks followed by three weeks of no additional feeding. The final vermicompost pH, EC, nutrient content and biological diversity were determined. Worm populations remained stable in all feedstocks. Onions have previously been reported as detrimental to worm populations. Ten composts produced during summer 2013 from municipal leaf and on-farm grass mixtures were analyzed for nutrient content and tested for seed germination and transplant growth of tomato, kale and cucumber in cell flats in a greenhouse. Two controls, the standard transplant mix in prior research and a commercially available OMRI approved potting media were included for comparisons. Growth in the experimental composts ranged from very limited to comparable to the control treatment and was related to the electrical conductivity / soluble salt concentration of the composts. Production of the 10 composts was repeated during June, July, August of 2014. Grass used in the compost mixtures was collected by flail mowing of grass plots on the farm followed by raking and collection of the cut grass. Methods used would be feasible on most small and medium scale diversified farms. A research and beginning farmer "incubator" farm was initiated at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center in Chatham, Michigan. A 30’x192’ high tunnel suitable for the high snow load area was selected, purchased and constructed in early June, 2014. The soil was prepared using methods suitable for organic certification with primarily on-farm produced compost. Tomato, cucumber, pepper and eggplant were produced during the summer months and leafy greens were established for winter production. An acre of field grown vegetables was established and either marketed or set aside for cold storage evaluation.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Fisher, P.R., W.R. Argo, and J.A. Biernbaum. 2014. Validation of a fertilizer potential acidity model to predict the effects of water soluble fertilizer on substrate-pH. HortScience 49(8):10611066.
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Primary audiences are limited resource and previously underserved small scale specialty crop farmers or community food projects and undergraduate students. Educational efforts for farmers are focused on workshops or hands-on activities including hightunnel construction methods, organic soil preparations, organic transplant production, and scheduling, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of organic specialty crops. Undergraduate students are provided experiential learning through for credit practicum and internships or paid work opportunities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Sixteen full time participants participated in a nine-month organic farmer training program that included management of five acres of organic field production and seven hightunnels at the MSU-SOF and organic transplant production in a heated greenhouse. Marketing methods included a 48-week CSA Program and operation of a campus farm stand. High tunnel organic crop production with records of yield continued year-round at the MSU-SOF. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Eighteen outreach presentations covered topics including hoophouses, season extension, organic crop production, urban farming, composting and worm composting for diverse audiences with a total of over 850 participants. Printed handouts were distributed at most events and are available at the PI website: www.hrt.msu.edu/john-biernbaum. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Thermophilic and earthworm composting methods will continue to be tested and developed. Laboratory earthworm feeding trials are planned to identify the effect of multiple common fruit and vegetable feedstocks and coffee grounds on nutrient content of the finished vermicompost. The effect of bedding pH conditions and the addition of minerals including superphosphate and potassium sulfate to the laboratory earthworm cultures will be evaluated for effects on earthworm population growth and nutrient content of the finished vermicompost. Based on results of 2013 composting, specific feedstock recipes will be prepared and composted for testing for water extracts and vegetable transplant production. Finished compost will be used for crop production experiments with an increased emphasis on vegetable transplant production.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Culinary herb, leafy greens, tomato and pepper production and harvest continued in a 30’x72’ high tunnel with certified organic production methods. Earthworm composting of food scraps continued in six production systems (windrow, beds, boxes, bags, plastic crates) housed in a 30’x72’ high tunnel. Worms survived at bed temperatures of 40 to 45 degrees F with below 0 F outdoor temperatures. Two flow-through earthworm composting systems were constructed from wood and electrical metal tubing and filled with bedding and worms. The systems were maintained in two separate high tunnels and will be maintained and evaluated for winter temperatures, earthworm survival and production of earthworm compost. A total of 8 cubic yards of finished earthworm compost was collected and screened for use in research. Outdoor beds of food scrap compost (3 beds, 8’ x 16’) were established and inoculated with earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to evaluate earthworm survival through the winter season. Vegetables were produced in containers of compost based root media maintained in a roof top garden. Ten 4’ x 12’ outdoor raised wooden beds (10” deep) were constructed and partitioned into 4’x4’ sections that were filled with food waste thermophilic compost or vermicompost that will be evaluated for salad green production. The beds are protected with frost fabric covered metal frames for season extension. Charcoal was produced for incorporation into compost piles and vermicomposting systems. Ten combinations of tree leaves, grass clippings and added components such as dairy manure, wood shavings, peatmoss and office paper were hot composted so that the compost can be evaluated for use in compost water extracts for plant protection and for the production of vegetable transplants. A 30 by 32 foot greenhouse covered concrete composting pad was constructed for composting of campus food scraps.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Biernbaum, J. 2012. Closing the Food Cycle Loop: Connecting Campus Food Residue Composting at the Student Organic Farm and the Bailey GREENhouse Project. Research Report to MSU Office of Campus Sustainability.
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Worm composting of campus fruit and vegetable preparation residue continued with an increase in worm bed surface area from 240 square feet to approximately 500 square feet. Three bed or batch type systems are currently in use. At least five cubic yards of finished vermicompost were screened and are available for research. Wood framed beds 3 feet by 7 feet in contact with the ground with a frost fabric cover on a low tunnel frame maintained worm bed temperatures of 40F compared to 50F minimum of larger beds (4 feet by 20 feet) under a polyethylene high tunnel cover. Both systems are located inside a 30'x72' single layer polyethylene covered high tunnel or passive solar greenhouse. A 4'x8'x2' deep box made of 2"x6" pine lumber constructed so it will be 3.5" off the ground will be evaluated over the 2013 winter season. Pallet size bulk bags either on the ground or on a wood pallet are also being evaluated as low cost winter worm beds in a passive solar greenhouse. Fruit and vegetable preparation residue were hot composted with either horse manure and newspaper bedding (~30,000 lbs March 1- June 30) or wood chips (July 1- Oct 30) and will be evaluated in 2013 for use as a root substrate. Basil was grown in four composts or compost based media in 11"x22"x5" deep bulb crates lined with either newspaper, two types of water permeable landscape fabric or polyethylene without and with holes. Basil shoot tip yield from 7 harvests over the 11week production period averaged 1.16 pounds per square foot and ranged from 1.02 to 1.72. In preparation of construction of a passive solar greenhouse on the Michigan State University Campus, two poured cement curb edged growing beds approximately 11' x 52' x 12" deep for culinary herb production were filled on July 9 with 45 cubic yards of food waste compost prepared in 2011. The 30'x72' passive solar greenhouse was built over the beds. Potted herb plants (rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, lemon verbena, tarragon, peppermint, spearmint, chives, basil, parsley) were planted on August 8 and harvesting began September 13. Organic certification of the production system is still in process. Five compost facilities were visited March through June to gather information regarding composting methods and perceived opportunities or concerns regarding food residue or waste composting. Seventeen outreach presentations covered topics including high tunnels, season extension, organic crop production, urban farming, composting and worm composting for diverse audiences with a total of over 650 participants. Sixteen full time participants completed a nine-month organic farmer training program that included management of five acres of organic field production and seven high tunnels at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm and organic transplant production in a heated greenhouse. High tunnel organic crop production with records of yield continued year-round at the MSU Student Organic Farm. PARTICIPANTS: John Biernbaum, Professor of Horticulture, PI, researcher, presenter, educator; Adam Montri, Outreach Specialist, high tunnel construction and management; Jeremy Moghtader, Teaching Specialist, educator, training; MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, collaborator; Michigan Food and Farming Systems, partner; Greening of Detroit, partner; Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, partner; Flint Urban Agriculture Collaborative, partner; Ruth Mott Foundation, partner; Michigan Department of Community Health Wise Women Program, partner; TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audiences are limited resource and previously underserved small scale farmers or community food projects and undergraduate students. Educational efforts for farmers are focused on workshops or hands-on activities including hightunnel construction methods, organic soil preparations, organic transplant production, and scheduling, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of organic specialty crops. Undergraduate students are provided experiential learning through for credit practicum and internships or paid work opportunities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Nutrient cycling by food waste composting and vermicomposting and the use of finished compost for small scale intensive organic crop production in container and bed culture are high visibility methods of connecting diverse populations with organic agriculture and local food systems. Long term sustainability of farms requires that annual movement of nutrients from the farm in crops leaving the farm need to be replaced. Organic matter and food residuals from off farm can be composted and land applied to replace nutrients. By demonstrating the importance of the nutrient cycle, food purchasers and consumers are being linked to the farm and are learning how they can contribute to the long term sustainability of the farm. High tunnels are recognized by farmers and gardeners as a valuable tool for season extension of warm season vegetables and winter harvesting of cool season vegetables on diversified vegetable farms, for urban agriculture and for community and school gardens. Local organic extended season vegetable production is increasing to meet the growing demand for fresh, local produce. Four season urban agriculture farms and projects in Flint and Detroit are providing local food and job opportunities. Students taking classes, working or volunteering at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm are graduating and taking jobs and positions where they are teaching others how organic greenhouse production systems can provide fresh vegetables for local markets. The Bailey GREENhouse funded by the Office of Residential and Hospitality Services and constructed on the Michigan State University campus adjacent to The Liberty Hyde Bailey Residence Hall for the Environmental Studies program and the dining facility where the students eat is providing unique experiential learning activities. Students are participating in certified organic culinary herb production and are making plans for hot composting, vermicomposting, green roof farming and intensive urban farming demonstrations that will be implemented as part of the project. They are learning about how local food systems can be sustainable and can impact local communities and neighborhoods.
Publications
- Waldman, Kurt, David Conner, John Biernbaum, Michael Hamm and Adam Montri. 2012. Determinants of Hoophouse Profitability: A Case Study of 12 Novice Michigan Farmers. HortTechnology 22(2) 215-223.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Vermicomposting of campus preconsumer produce residue and coffee grounds continued with an average of 600 pounds processed per week from January through April. Vermicomposting bed surface area, a measure of capacity, increased from 60 square feet in early 2011 to 240 square feet in November. An estimated 6000 lbs per week of pulped pre and post consumer food waste were processed with thermophilic composting from August through October. The compost will be used for high tunnel culinary herb production in 2012 to demonstrate the principles of the campus food cycle and how to return minerals to the farm. Liquid digestate effluent from a small scale anaerobic digester used to process campus food residue was used as an input for thermophilic composting. The liquid digestate was compared to water for hydrating a mixture of straw, hay, wood shavings and peat. Vermicompost and thermophilic composts were used for vegetable transplant production in standard plastic flats and with "soil blocks". Seven cultivars or romaine lettuce were compared for head lettuce production for the dining halls. Several types of compost were provided for research projects related to nematode introduction in orchards for pest management and production of compost extracts for plant disease management. Technical support was provided for organic production research of raspberries and sweet cherry in three-season high tunnels. An internet survey was designed (fall 2010) and implemented (January-April 2011) seeking feedback from Michigan farmers regarding high tunnel (HT) use. Surveys were completed by 90 respondents, 69 that own or use one or more high tunnels representing 135 structures covering approximately 5 acres. Three half day farmer workshops covering compost production, transplant production and passive solar greenhouses were conducted in Bangor, MI. Two additional day long hoophouse workshops (30 participants each) and monthly farm tours were conducted at the Student Organic Farm. Six presentations were made for the Greening of Detroit education programs including composting and vermicomposting. Technical assistance and support for construction of a mobile high tunnel was provided for four days at D-Town Farm in Detroit Michigan. Farmer to farmer consulting related to transplant production, hightunnel management, crop establishment, harvesting and marketing continued in Flint and Detroit Michigan. Fifteen full time students completed a nine-month organic farmer training program that included management of the seven hightunnels at the MSU-SOF and organic transplant production in a heated greenhouse. Hightunnel organic crop production with records of yield continued year-round at the MSU-SOF. PARTICIPANTS: John Biernbaum, Professor of Horticulture, PI, researcher, presenter, educator; Adam Montri, Outreach Specialist, high tunnel construction and management; Jeremy Moghtader, Teaching Specialist, educator, training; MSU CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems, collaborator; Michigan Food and Farming Systems, partner; Greening of Detroit, partner; Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, partner; Flint Urban Agriculture Collaborative, partner; Ruth Mott Foundation, partner; Harvesting Earth Educational Farm, partner; Flint Urban Community Youth Outreach, partner; Mr. Rogers "Just say No!" Program, partner; Growing Home, Chicago, partner; Practical Farmers of Iowa, partner; TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audiences are limited resource and previously underserved small scale farmers or community food projects and undergraduate students. Educational efforts for farmers are focused on workshops or hands-on activities including hightunnel construction methods, organic soil preparations, organic transplant production, and scheduling, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of organic specialty crops. Undergraduate students are provided experiential learning through for credit practicum and internships or paid work opportunities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Vermicompost beds in an internal polyethylene covered frame in a high tunnel maintained temperatures of 40 to 50F with no heating and provided a method of continuing food waste vermicomposting in a northern climate during the winter. Vermicompost from several input substrates were a satisfactory root medium for organic vegetable transplant production. Long term sustainability of farms requires that annual movement of nutrients from the farm in crops leaving the farm need to be replaced. Organic matter and food residuals from off farm can be composted and land applied to replace nutrients. By demonstrating the importance of the nutrient cycle, food purchasers and consumers are being linked to the farm and are learning how they can contribute to the long term sustainability of the farm. Vermicomposting is potentially a low technology on farm method with minimal equipment investment that produces a high value end product that generates both nutrients and income for the farm. Most respondents (>50%) to the high tunnel survey were over 45 years old and had a college degree but had less than 10 years of farming experience. In addition, most only owned one HT that was paid for in cash and reported that the HT was used for business or profit even though farm income accounted for less than 10% of the family income. Additional results provided information about what types of HT are used in Michigan, what crops are grown and when, what factors are preventing farmers from building high tunnels, as well as value of current educational programs and what educational materials are still needed. While a primary goal of respondents was to increase farm income, many found it difficult to increase farm income enough to pay for the HT. In response to high tunnel survey results, crop selection and planning to increase farm income from high tunnels is being given more emphasis in current and planned educational programming. High tunnels are recognized by farmers and gardeners as a valuable tool for season extension of warm season vegetables and winter harvesting of cool season vegetables on diversified vegetable farms, for urban agriculture and for community and school gardens. Local organic extended season vegetable production is increasing to meet the growing demand for fresh, local produce. Four season urban agriculture farms and projects in Flint and Detroit are providing local food and job opportunities. Students taking classes, working or volunteering at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm are graduating and taking jobs and positions where they are teaching others how organic greenhouse production systems can provide fresh vegetables for local markets.
Publications
- Biernbaum, J. 2011. Four Season Farming and Learning. In Fields of Learning: The student farm movement in North America. Ed Laura Sayre and Sean Clark. University Press of Kentucky, 378 pgs.
- Nair, A., M. Ngouajio, and J. A. Biernbaum. 2011. Alfalfa-based organic amendment in peat-compost growing medium for organic tomato transplant production. HortScience 46(2):253-259.
- David S. Conner, Kurt B. Waldman, Adam D. Montri, Michael W. Hamm, and John A. Biernbaum Hoophouse Contributions to Economic Viability: Nine Michigan Case Studies. HortTechnology 2010 20: 877-884
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The five year project plan was revised with a focus on compost production and use. A 30'x72' hoophouse was constructed at the Student Organic Farm (SOF) to test the hypothesis that vermicomposting of food residuals can continue through the winter in zone 5 climates using the same methods of interior covers that allow hoophouse winter vegetable harvesting. Red wiggler worms were collected from and raised in containers of horse manure bedding. Starting September 1, 250 to 300 pounds per week of preconsumer kitchen preparation residues were collected, precomposted after addition or straw and or leaves, and then added to the vermicomposting beds. Additional small scale feeding trials in 18 gallon plastic totes were initiated with post consumer plate scrapings ground and processed by a "pulper". A 30'x500' plot was prepared using methods suitable for organic certification and a30'x96' hoophouse designed to roll on pipe track was constructed at the SOF to demonstrate use of a mobile structure to produce extended season crops. The difference in cost for a stationary structure compared to a mobile structure is approximate $12,000 versus $16,000 but the mobile structure can provide useful production for 16 months versus 12 months by starting crops inside and then moving the structure to start other crops. A spring crop of carrots can be sown in February and then be uncovered in April so tomatoes can be started early in an adjacent location. Tomato yield was measured from plots grown in two high tunnels and managed with two rates of weekly irrigation (0.8" or 1.2") and three rates of composting hay mulch (at planting only, addition after 4 weeks, addition after 4 and 8 weeks). Four daylong workshops were conducted in four regions of Michigan for a total of 76 agriculture professionals (USDA NRCS, FSA, RMA, Rural Development and MSU Extension Educators) seeking information about hoophouse construction and management. Three half day farmer workshops were conducted in Bangor, MI. Two additional day long hoophouse workshops (30 participants each) and monthly farm tours were conducted at the Student Organic Farm. Selection, purchasing and construction support was provided for seven hoophouse or greenhouse urban agriculture projects in the cities of Detroit and Flint. On farm hightunnel construction workshops occurred in Wisconsin and Iowa with over 80 participants. One on one farmer consultations at the MSU-SOF, on farm or by phone accounted for contacts with at least 35 other farmers. Six presentations were made at professional grower meetings and six additional presentations were made for the Greening of Detroit education programs. Farmer to farmer consulting related to transplant production, hightunnel management, crop establishment, harvesting and marketing occurred weekly in Flint and Detroit Michigan. Fifteen full time students completed a year long organic farmer training program that included management of the six hightunnels at the MSU-SOF and organic transplant production in a heated greenhouse. Hightunnel organic crop production continued year-round at the MSU-SOF. PARTICIPANTS: John Biernbaum, Professor of Horticulture, PI, researcher, presenter, educator; Adam Montri, Outreach Specialist, hightunnel construction and management; Jeremy Moghtader, Teaching Specialist, educator, training; MSU CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems, collaborator; USDA Risk Management Agency Community Partnerships, partner; Michigan Food and Farming Systems, partner; Michigan Land Use Institute, partner; Greening of Detroit, partner; Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, partner; Flint Urban Agriculture Collaborative, partner; Ruth Mott Foundation, partner; Harvesting Earth Educational Farm, partner; Flint Urban Community Youth Outreach, partner; Mr. Rogers "Just say No!" Program, partner; Bay Mills Community College, partner; Northern Initiatives, Northern Michigan University, partners; Growing Home, Chicago, partner; Practical Farmers of Iowa, partner; TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audiences are limited resource and previously underserved small scale farmers or community food projects and undergraduate students. Educational efforts for farmers are focused on workshops or hands-on activities including hightunnel construction methods, organic soil preparations, organic transplant production, and scheduling, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of organic specialty crops. Undergraduate students are provided experiential learning through for credit practicum and internships or paid work opportunities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Hightunnels are recognized by farmers and gardeners as a valuable tool for season extension of warm season vegetables and winter harvesting of cool season vegetables on diversified vegetable farms, for urban agriculture and for community and school gardens. Local organic extended season vegetable production is increasing to meet the growing demand for fresh, local produce. Four season urban agriculture farms and projects in Flint and Detroit are providing local food and job opportunities. Students taking classes, working or volunteering at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm are graduating and taking jobs and positions where they are teaching others how organic greenhouse production systems can provide fresh vegetables for local markets. Long term sustainability of farms requires that annual movement of nutrients from the farm in crops leaving the farm need to be replaced. Organic matter and food residuals from off farm can be composted and land applied to replace nutrients. By demonstrating the importance of the nutrient cycle, food purchasers and consumers are being linked to the farm and are learning how they can contribute to the long term sustainability of the farm. Vermicomposting is potentially a low tech on farm method possible with minimal equipment investment that produces a high value end product that generates both nutrients and income for the farm.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Primary focus in 2009 was to provide technical support for construction and operation of unheated greenhouses (hightunnels) for in-ground year-round organic vegetable production. One summer crops (June) and one winter crops (September) all day workshops (32-34 participants each), monthly regularly scheduled hightunnel tours (8 to 24 participants), and individually scheduled tours or consultations occurred at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm (MSU-SOF). On farm hightunnel construction workshops occurred in Iowa and Munising, Mason, Traverse City, Ann Arbor and Burton, Michigan with over 125 participants involved. Consultation was provided for construction of an additional six structures. One on one farmer consultations at the MSU-SOF, on farm or by phone accounted for contacts with at least 45 other farmers. Seven presentations were made at professional grower meetings and six additional presentations were made for the Greening of Detroit education programs. Farmer to farmer consulting related to transplant production, hightunnel management, crop establishment, harvesting and marketing occurred weekly in Flint, Michigan. Fifteen full time students completed a year long organic farmer training program that included management of the six hightunnels at the MSU-SOF and organic transplant production in a heated greenhouse. Hightunnel organic crop production continued year-round at the MSU-SOF. Based on yield data for 2008, a total of 10,500 lbs of produce were harvested from 11,500 sq ft of hightunnel area or 6,500 growing area (~57%). Primary crops harvested were warm season fruit such as tomatoes (2325 lbs), peppers (625 lbs), eggplant (180 lbs), squash (250 lbs), green bean (175 lbs), and cucumber (580 lbs); salad greens such as baby leaf salad mix (1700 lbs), lettuce (750lbs) and scallions (215 lbs); cooking greens such as chard (685 lbs), kale (670 lbs), Chinese cabbage (227 lbs), choi (250 lbs), komatsuna (220 lbs), spinach (153 lbs), collards (65 lbs) and tatsoi (85 lbs); root crops such as carrots (470 lbs), beets (185 lbs), radish (420 lbs), and turnips (185 lbs); and herbs such as basil, parsley, dill, cilantro (85 lbs). There are limited options for organic transplant production for mid-crop addition of nutrients. Fish emulsion or hydrolysate is a common option but cost, availability and fragrance issues are limitations. An alternative suitable for small scale production is the addition of mature compost as a top dressing during production. Vermicompost and plant based thermophilic compost were applied as top dressing at rates of 125, 250, 500 ml per 48 cell bedding plant flat (28 cm x 56 cm). Increased green coloration was visible in 3-5 days and new growth in 5-7 days. Vermicompost was effective at the lowest rate (125 ml) and plant based thermophilic compost at the higher rates (250 and 500 ml). Only one application was necessary under the test conditions. PARTICIPANTS: John Biernbaum, Professor of Horticulture, PI, researcher, educator; Adam Montri, Outreach Specialist, educator, training; Jeremy Moghtader, Teaching Specialist, educator, training; Corie Pierce, Teaching Specialist, educator, training; MSU Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems, collaborator; USDA Risk Management Agency Community Partnerships, partner; Michigan Food and Farming Systems, partner; Michigan Land Use Institute, partner; Greening of Detroit, partner; Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, partner; Flint Urban Agriculture Collaborative, partner; Ruth Mott Foundation, partner; Harvesting Earth Educational Farm, partner; Flint Urban Community Youth Outreach, partner; Mr. Rogers "Just say No!" Program, partner; Northern Initiatives, Northern Michigan University, partners; Growing Home, Chicago, partners; Growing Hope, Ypsilanti, partners; Practical Farmers of Iowa, partners; TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audiences are limited resource and previously underserved small scale farmers or community food projects and undergraduate students. Educational efforts for farmers are focused on workshops or hands-on activities including hightunnel construction methods, organic soil preparations, organic transplant production, and scheduling, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of organic specialty crops. Undergraduate students are provided experiential learning through for credit practicum and internships or paid work opportunities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Hightunnels are recognized by farmers and gardeners as a valuable tool for season extension of warm season vegetables and winter harvesting of cool season vegetables on diversified vegetable farms, for urban agriculture and for community and school gardens. Local organic extended season vegetable production is increasing to meet the growing demand for fresh, local produce. Students taking classes, working or volunteering at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm are graduating and taking jobs and positions where they are teaching others how organic greenhouse production systems can provide fresh vegetables for local markets.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Year-round certified organic production of diversified vegetables, herbs and flowers continued in five passive solar greenhouses (PSGH) or hightunnels totaling 12,000 square feet of covered area. Soil fertility was maintained with application of compost made from straw, wood shavings, grass hay, alfalfa hay, sphagnum peat moss, leaf mold, and decomposed produce and weed residuals applied at a rate of one cubic foot compost per 20 square feet of growing area. The produce was marketed through a 48 week community supported agriculture (CSA) program. A 30' x 144' PSGH with automated roll up sides and endwall ventilation was constructed and planted for development of production protocols of salad greens for a University dormitory food service. In partnership with Harvesting Earth Community Organization, a local granting agency, the Flint Land Bank and Genesee County Extension, a 30' x 96' PSGH was constructed on a vacant lot in Flint Michigan. Growing beds were prepared and crops established over a four month period (June-September). Harvesting Earth staff coordinated the project and at least 10 full work days of volunteer community activity. Trash and trees were removed from the site prior to the cultivation of the soil, amendment with compost and construction of the PSGH. A second greenhouse structure was constructed at a nearby community garden site with the Flint Urban Youth Community Organization for eventual use for transplant production for community gardens. Two, full-day, farmer workshops covering crop production in PSGH and eight, two-hour farm walks were held at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm. Twelve additional PSGH workshops ranging from two to six hours in length were offered at nine locations in Michigan. Copies of detailed PSGH educational materials were provide to at least 500 workshop participants. In a greenhouse research study, organic tomato transplants were produced in a sphagnum peat and compost root medium amended with an alfalfa and animal protein based OMRI approved fertilizer (Bradfield Tasty Tomato 3-3-3) at five rates of incorporation and five pre plant root medium incubation times. Acceptable rates of germination and transplant growth were obtained with one, two or three weeks of root medium and amendment incubation but not with 0, 4 or 5 weeks of incubation. Rates of 1, 2, 3.5 and 5% by volume provided acceptable tomato transplants at six weeks after sowing with a trend of increased growth with increased rate of amendment. PARTICIPANTS: Principles: John Biernbaum, Professor of Horticulture. Adam Montri, Outreach Academic Specialist for PSGH contruction and use. Partner Organizations: Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS; Harvesting Earth; Flint Urban Youth Community Organization; Allen Neighborhood Center; Greening of Detroit; USDA Risk Management Agency, USDA Farm Service Agency. Collaborators: Dr.Mathieu Ngouajio, Associate Professor of Horticulture. Ajay Nair, Horticulture PhD candidate. Training: Two, full day, farmer workshops covering crop production in PSGH and eight, two-hour farm walks were held at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm. Twelve additional PSGH workshops ranging from two to six hours in length were offered at nine locations in Michigan. Copies of detailed PSGH educational materials were provide to at least 500 workshop participants. TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audiences are small scale diversified organic farmers, farmers transitioning to organic farming methods, and limited resource and minority farmers in rural and urban areas. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Season extension and winter harvesting are important opportunities for school garden programs and urban agriculture. Based on participant presentations at the 2008 Community and School Garden Conference for Michigan (~110 participants), a presentation about passive solar greenhouses (PSGHs) for winter harvesting at the 2005 conference lead to construction of PSGHs for teaching and food production by community and school garden programs in Detroit, Flint, Ypsilanti, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Toledo (OH).
Publications
- Jost, M.S. 2008. Solid state bioreactor method for production of compost water extract. MS Thesis, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University. 217 pgs.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
Hightunnels, hoophouses or passive solar greenhouses are unheated greenhouses used for either season extension of warm season vegetables or winter production and harvesting of cool season vegetables. Farmer adoption of season extension or winter harvesting methods from passive solar greenhouses has been slow in the Midwestern United States. An on farm study to develop economic data for passive solar greenhouse vegetable production was initiated in late 2006 and throughout 2007. Passive solar greenhouses were built on three farms in three locations (south eastern, western and northern Michigan; nine farms total) where the farmers in the study were already selling produce at the same farmers market in each location. Individual farm harvest, cost of production, and sales information were collected but data are still incomplete for the season. Totals and specific crop income per unit area and time basis will be calculated. The objective is to measure the economic impact of
season extension on the farm income and on the farmer's market when three local farms can provide extended season production. Yield data were also collected for a similar passive solar greenhouse located on an organic teaching farm. Factors limiting production were inadequate site preparation prior to construction and limited prior experience with scheduling intensive succession plantings. Market demand for extended season produce was high. Small scale cold frames and low tunnels were constructed from locally available materials and located in community garden plots in Detroit to evaluate low cost season extension and winter harvest methods for urban agriculture.
Impacts
Season extension and winter harvesting are important opportunities for specialty crop farmers to increase farm profitability. Production from nine passive solar greenhouses increased the availability of fresh greens and produce at three very visible farmer's markets. The extended availability of fresh local produce in Northern Michigan where frost can occur 12 months of the year created a high level of interest from both customers and other farmers at the market leading to inquiries about how to learn more about season extension and winter harvest methods.
Publications
- Biernbaum, J.and Montri, A. 2007. Management of the soil environment in high tunnels. HortScience 42(4):838.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a method of direct marketing that reduces the farmer's risk and can increase the connection between the farmer, the food purchaser and the land used to produce the food. CSA members pay the farmer in advance for a share of the produce distributed each week, typically from early June until late September (20 to 24 weeks). The Michigan State University Student Organic Farm CSA was developed in response to a request from students to experience organic produce production and to develop year-round produce production and storage methods. The farm operates using three 16-week sessions ($350 per session), covering the period of January 15 to December 15. Over the three-year period of May, 2003 to April, 2006, a total of 93,000 pounds of produce were harvested from a production area of 1.5, 2.7 and 3.4 acres for year 1 through 3, respectively. Unheated (9000 sq ft) and heated (2000 sq ft) greenhouses generated 25% of the harvest by
weight and high value leafy green crops throughout the winter. Winter low temperatures ranged from 0 F to minus 20 F (climate zone 5a). The maximum annual yield per square foot of field or greenhouse space was 0.24 or 0.92 lbs/sq ft at 66 percent or 60 percent space efficiency, respectively. In year three, 55 memberships or over 200 people were provided with fresh, local and organically grown produce for 48 weeks of the year. The weight of produce distributed per membership averaged about 600 lbs per year or 12.4 lbs per week (range 3.3 to 36.8 lbs) and generated about $1.75 per pound averaged over all crops. Total farm income from membership over the three-year period was $136,500.
Impacts
The increasing demand for local, certified organic produce is an important opportunity for specialty crop farmers to increase farm profitability. Using a combination of field production, cold storage and unheated greenhouses, fresh, local, certified organic produce was provided for 48 weeks of the year in central Michigan. The community- supported agriculture program provided over 40,000 lbs of produce in year three to over 200 people. The weight of produce distributed per membership averaged about 600 lbs per year or 12.4 lbs per week (range 3.3 to 36.8 lbs) and generated about $1.75 per pound averaged over all crops. Total farm income from membership over the three-year period was $136,500. The model developed can be readily reproduced and is now the basis for a one-year experiential organic farming certificate program.
Publications
- Biernbaum, J.A., Thorp, L. and Ngouajio, M. 2006. Development of a year-round student organic farm and organic farming curriculum at Michigan State University. HortTechnology 16(3):20-24.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Sunlight is a major factor determining the amount of growth and the temperature in a passive solar greenhouse production system. Based on monitoring of instantaneous light at approximately two week intervals and semi-automated constant monitoring of the daily light integral in mol/day, midday light transmittance (%) averaged over the year and sunny or cloudy conditions, averaged 71% for single layer polyethylene covered greenhouses and 57% for double layer air-inflated polyethylene covered greenhouses. Daily light integral in the greenhouse at crop level ranged from a low of 4.7 mol/day in January to high of 22 to 23 mol/day in June and July. Critical values of approximately 10 mol/day in March and October correspond with increasing and decreasing growth rates of greenhouse vegetable crops. We also have estimates of growing degree days from one greenhouse that can be used together with the DLI data to test the relationship with crop production time. Average daily
temperature (ADT) by week ranged from 10 to 20F higher inside the greenhouses compared to outside temperature for the coldest months (December to March). Weekly ADT during the summer (June to September) months, with the roll up sides open, were only 1 to 4 degrees warmer than outside. Baby leaf salad green crops seeded in unheated greenhouses in early November germinated but did not develop beyond the seedling stage until late February but did develop for January harvest when the greenhouse was heated to a minimum of 40F.
Impacts
Over 100 participants attended 1 or 2 day detailed workshops about how to use passive solar greenhouses for local food and farming. An additional 40 participants attended a one day workshop on how to use unheated greenhouses to allow elementary school gardening during the academic year. Based on research data collected over four years, we are able to show specific light and temperature conditions in the greenhouses during the winter months and yield results from a wide range (35+) of crops.
Publications
- Ferrerase, M. 2005. It takes a village to raise a salad: The development of the Student Organic Farm and Community Supported Agriculture Program at Michigan State University. MS Thesis, Michigan State Univeristy, East Lansing, MI.
- Reardon, E. 2005. Salad lunches and radish dreams: Greenhouse gardening at Grayson Elementary School. MS Thesis, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Leafy salad greens and 30 types of cold-tolerant vegetables were harvested from low cost ($2/sq ft) unheated plastic film covered greenhouses throughout the winter months in Michigan. With frost protection, cold tolerant crops survived temperatures of 15F inside the greenhouse, while outside temperatures dropped as low as -20F. The greenhouses also protected a wide range of early season spring crops when over 15 inches of rain in May (2.5 inch normal) and an unusually cool August severely delayed field production of warm season vegetables. For the first year, 9,234 lbs of certified organic produce were harvested from the 10,000 sq ft of greenhouse for an average yield of roughly 1 lb/sq ft. Examples of crop yields per square foot include spinach (0.66 lbs/sq ft), carrots (2.0 lbs/sq ft), beets (1.9 lbs fall, 0.5 lbs winter), chard (4.4 lbs fall, 0.73 lbs winter), head lettuce (1.1 lbs fall, 0.23 lbs winter), tomato (2 to 4 lbs), eggplant (0.43 (2004)-0.86 (2003) lbs)
and peppers (0.35 lbs). These yields do not represent the best attainable, but values for new student farmers with no previous greenhouse vegetable experience. In separate research, water extracts (1:10) of a moist mature plant based compost 48 hours after supplying a dried alfalfa based substrate were rated within the acceptable range for compost tea, and often in the upper end of desired range based on total and active bacterial and fungal biomass determinations by a commercial laboratory (Soil Food Web, Inc.). Bacterial feeding nematode populations increased rapidly in the compost. Biodegradation chambers were developed for use in studying degradation rates of carbon feedstocks used in composting and differentiating and quantifying the amount of available carbon from more recalcitrant forms.
Impacts
Low consumption of fresh vegetables and a lack of community awareness of the effort required to produce vegetables results in little support for farming and farmers and inadequate income for farmers at a time when health is declining due to poor diets, and health care costs are soaring. Our year-round, organic community supported agriculture program is providing more than 30 different types of fresh, flavorful vegetables to 50 local families that are eating better, learning about farming and supporting future farmers.
Publications
- Jost, M.S., Biernbaum, J., Bird, G., Bates, C., Hollosy, S., Quintanilla, M. and Smith, J. 2004. Impact of substrates and pulsing agents on reproduction of bacterial-feeding nematodes. J. Nematol. 36:325-326.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Harvesting of baby salad greens from two high tunnels continued from fall 2002 plantings. Collected data are being used to develop production recommendations including latest dates for planting as a function of soil temperature. High tunnels planted in February with lettuce, Chinese cabbage, pac choi, beets, carrots radishes, peas, chard, spinach and other leafy greens and Asian vegetables were harvested starting in April and continuing through June. Potatoes sprouted in a 20 C greenhouse and planted in an unheated tunnel on March 27 were harvested weekly from May 29 to June 26. Yield averaged one pound per square foot of bed area. Tomato, pepper and eggplant transplants set in the tunnels in April and harvested from late June through September averaged 2.0 (tomato), 0.3 (pepper) and 0.9 pound per square foot total yield across cultivars. Fruit set was not negatively affected by the tunnel conditions. At $2, $4, and $3 dollar per pound for fresh, local organic tomato,
pepper and eggplant respectively, production is valued at $4, $1.40, and $2.70 per square foot over six months in a structure that cost between $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot for materials to build. Fall plantings of a wide range of crops will be harvested during January and February 2004.
Impacts
High tunnels are important tools that can be used to provide consistent year-round production of high value local vegetable crops for small scale producers. With winter and summer crops combined, production of $4 to $5 or more gross sales per square foot are possible assuming 60 to 70% space use. Significant farm income can be generated from 10,000 square feet (one quarter acre) of high tunnels with low costs of production and reduced weather related risk.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Harvesting of baby salad greens from two high tunnels continued from fall 2001 plantings. Based on 2001 seeding to harvest data with high tunnel baby salad greens crops planted at one time, a schedule was developed with variable sowing dates aimed at a single harvest date. Production occurred from January through March in a minimally heated greenhouse. All results were used to refine a production schedule for fall 2002 planting. Fourteen species were planted in two 20ftx96ft unheated high tunnels weekly for eight weeks through September and October. Preplant fertility was adjusted with either compost or an alfalfa based (3-1-5 analysis) organic (OMRI listed) fertilizer. Ambient fall 2002 season air temperatures were much lower than the record warm temperatures of 2001 and the rate of growth was slower. Time (days) to seedling emergence and harvest increased by up to double as soil temperatures dropped and averaged two to three times longer than minimum reported crop
times. Collected data will be used to develop production recommendations that should include latest dates for planting as a function of soil temperature. Yield data will be used to calculate income potential. Two additional high tunnels with three low cost, minimal input air or soil heating systems were constructed during the fall for testing in 2003. Two of the systems are designed to use geothermal methods to heat the air in the high tunnel and one will use hot water to heat the soil. A unique fermentation tank device compatible with fermentation of microbes derived from compost water extracts was developed with no internal mechanical parts. The device produces a highly aerated, rapidly recirculated tank condition using an air induced flow recirculating pump. Compost water extracts can be used for soil and foliar disease control.
Impacts
Michigan farmers are considering the profitability of high tunnel vegetable production. Winter production and harvest methods and schedules suitable for organic certification have been developed for 15 species of baby salad greens. Direct market farmers can extend their market season and provide fresh, nutritious, dark green leafy vegetables to local markets.
Publications
- Kelley, Kathleen M., Behe, Bridget K., Biernbaum, John A. and Poff, Kenneth L. 2002. Combinations of colors and species of containerized edible flowers: effect on consumer preferences. HortScience 37(1):218-221.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Two single layer polyethylene film covered tunnels (20ft x 96ft) were constructed for season extension and winter harvesting of 30 leafy salad crops. Organic nutrient management was accomplished through the initial use of sorghumxsudan grass as a cover crop. The experimental comparison is between compost made on site or the use of an alfalfa based OMRI certified organic fertilizer. There was a total of 360, 0.6mx0.6m plots in the main experiment (15 crops, 2 fertilizers, 3 sowing dates, and 4 replications) and 60, 0.6mx0.6m plots in a second smaller experiment (15 crops, 2 fertilizers, 1 sowing date, 2 replications). Date of seedling emergence was recorded for each plot and ranged from 3 to 10 days. Averaged over all crops, emergence time increased by about 0.5 day for 10 days later in September, but increased 1.3 day for the October planting day. When leaf size reached 7 to 10 cm, leaves were harvested at approximately 2.0 to 2.5 cm above the soil. Days to harvest
ranged from 37 to 82 days and averaged approximately twice the time listed in seed catalogs for baby greens. All crops were allowed to regrow and in some cases as many as 3 additional harvests were taken from the same plot. The yield of each plot was determined and a 1 liter subsample was weighed, dried in a forced air oven, and weighed again. Percent moisture was calculated by dividing the dry weight by the fresh weight. The yield data for harvests between October 19 and December 19, 2001 ranged from 45 to 127 gram fresh weight per plot with 75 gram as a typical yield reported by growers.
Impacts
As shipping and transportation costs increase, local production of fresh vegetables will be in greater demand and help local economies.
Publications
- Kelley, K.M., Behe, B.K., Biernbaum, J.A. and Poff, K.L. 2001. Consumer Preference for Edible Flower Color, Container Size, and Price. HortScience 36(4):801-804.
- Kelley, K.M., Behe, B.K., Biernbaum, J.A. and Poff, K.L. 2001. Consumer and Professional Chef Perceptions of Three Edible Flower Species. HortScience 36(1):162-166.
- Kelley, K.M., Behe, B.K., Biernbaum, J.A. and Poff, K.L. 2001. Consumer Ratings of Edible Flower Quality, Mix, and Color. HortScience 36(3):447.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Three surveys were conducted to study and evaluate consumer knowledge and acceptance of edible flowers. Four hundred and twenty-three households in the Detroit Metro area were contacted by phone during the period of 12 through 14. Survey participants were asked a total of seven attribute questions. Twenty-five Master Gardeners were asked to answer 24 edible flower attribute questions and the same questions as in study 1. Seventy-four consumers participated in a survey conducted in cooperation with four chain-stores in the Metro Detroit area. Each week during the period of 14 April to 25 May, 20 packages of edible flowers were delivered and priced at $3.99 the first week, $2.99 the second week, and $1.99 the third through the sixth week. Participants were asked 11 edible flower attribute questions using a mail survey attached to the package. Impatiens were grown in two root media with one of 12 organic fertilizer treatments that were either preplant incorporated or
applied as a liquid during growth. The root media consisted of either a peat:perlite medium or a peat:compost medium and differed in the levels of slowly soluble nutrients and biological activity. Root medium pH and electrical conductivity were monitored every three weeks. Changes in medium pH were greater in the less buffered peat:perlite medium. Plant fresh and dry weight samples were collected and analyzed for nutrient content to compare the availability of nutrients as a function of root medium and fertilizer. Potted chive, daylily and garlic chive were held at 40 degrees for 5, 10 or 15 weeks and brought into the greenhouse for forcing. Flower number increased and time to flower decreased with increased cooling time.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Kelley, K.M. 2000. Environmental constraints on marketing, production, and postharvest shelf life of edible flowers. PhD Dissertation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
- Kelley, K.M., Biernbaum, J.A. 2000. Organic nutrient management of greenhouse production of edible flowers in containers. HortScience 35(3):353.
- Kelley, K.M., Behe, B.K., Biernbaum, J.A., Poff, K.L. 2000. Consumer preference of edible flower color, container size, and price. HortScience 35(5):496.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Twelve species of edible flowers were evaluated for winter greenhouse production (Agastache foeniculum, Borago officinalis, Begonia x tuberhybrida, Coriandrum sativum, Tropaeolum majus, Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen', Origanum vulgare, Viola x wittrockiana, Viola tricolor, Phaseolus coccineus, Althea officinalis, and Dianthus superbus). Eleven species were successfully flowered under 16 hr days at 16C air temperature in from 6.5 to 22 weeks from seeding to flower. The same edible flower species were grown in a medium suitable for organic certification or a standard peat and perlite mixture with preplant amendments and lime. Plants were fertilized with either a water soluble fertilizer, fish emulsion, or a commercially available blend of organic nutrient sources, each at 300 or 600 ppm N applied every two weeks. For most species acceptable growth and flower production occurred with 300 ppm N. Root media pH and EC were tested at six week intervals throughout the
experiment and there was little effect of fertilizer type. The edible flowers listed were tested to determine their potential shelf life in film packages stored in the dark at -2.5, 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20C. Species were rated after one and two weeks using a scale of 1-5 (5 the highest score possible). All species, except Phaseolus coccineus and Ocimum basilicum, received a final rating of at least a 3 (saleable quality), for at least one of the control chamber temperatures. Flowers receiving a saleable rating were also rated for taste and smell. Chefs, culinary students and consumers were questioned in five separate surveys and indicated that certain edible flower species are favored over others in appearance, taste, and fragrance. Participants indicated that they would be very unlikely to purchase edible flowers with 10% insect damage but more likely to purchase edible flowers if grown organically.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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