Progress 06/15/09 to 06/14/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In summer 2009 Stone Child College received approval for a grant to support a research project. The project had three main focuses. (1) To obtain baseline soils data for an unused plot of land adjacent to the College. (2) Plant and culture crops that have been utilized by Native Americans traditionally. These are the "Three Sisters"; squash, beans and maize. And, determine the dryland food potential for these crops in our semi-arid region. (3) Get Undergraduate students involved in the study of agriculture by integrating the projects activities into the Stone Child College Natural Resources/Geospatial Technology Program. During growing season 2011 we focused on the yeild potential of the "Painted Mountain" maize variety. The crop was planted in mounds spaced 2 meters apart pole beans were planted along with the corn seed. A total of 0.62 acres were planted. The corn yeild for 2011 was 326 lb/acre. In October 2009 a grid matrix was superimposed on the area using a GIS. Layout sampling plan for ag plot. Place stakes at appropriate intervals and label. Take 20 soil samples. Top 12". Layout samples in lab to air dry. Pick roots from all samples and test for nematodes root inhabiting nematodes. There were none. For the remaining winter months lab test were conducted on the soil. The Soils data reveal that soil here is falls in the clay textural class. The mineral nutrient state of the soil is what is typical for our region: sufficient levels of Phosphate. In an effort to monitor soil moisture conditions at our Ag site two series of Watermark soil moisture probes were installed at our site following GLOBE protocols. (see the map on the right). At two points in our field 4 of the gypsum block probes were installed at 4 depths; 10, 30, 60, and 90 cm below the surface. Mahtahmin 1 was within the cultivated portion on the north end of the site. Mahtahmin 2 located about 50 meters downslope within the uncultivated portion. Throughout the summer the sites were visited weekly. At each visit soil was sampled using an augur and gravimetric soil moisture was determined. Also, at the same time the soil samples were taken the moisture probe reading were recorded. Near the end of the growing season the data was compiled and a natural log regression was run on the soil moisture vs meter readings data and a standard curve was produced for each of the eight probes, 4 at mahtahmin 1 and 4 at mahtahmin 2. Another part of the project is the phenological garden. This garden is intented for long term observation of native plains plants phenology . Seed was acquired from Stock Seed farm species were selected according to the season of bloom A circular plot was laid out and subdivided into three regions spring, summer, and fall. PARTICIPANTS: Plant Breeder, Dave Christensen, Seedweneed.com Blakely Brown, Faculty University of Montana Montana Space Grant Consortium Joan Mitchell Chippewa Cree Tribe TARGET AUDIENCES: Undergraduate Students at Stone Child College Chippewa Cree Tribal members Middle School Students of Rocky Boy School district Chippewa Cree Tribal Extension agent, Mary Ruth St. Pierre PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The SCC Agricultural Research project was many faceted. The project was successful in meeting the objectives on all counts. Specifically; (1) We now have empirical data regarding the soil resource for the agricultural research station we have established. This based on extensive laboratory analysis and practical experience working with the soil through our first growing season. Also, the soil data that was acquired has been reported to the GLOBE data server. This provides an archive for the data as well as making it readily available to the scientific community. (2) We have determined that the Three sisters have portential for producing valuable food stuffs grown under our dryland conditions. This is modified by the understanding that summer 2010 was a wet one. In order to make a definitive estimation of the yield potential of "Painted Mountain" variety the trials should be repeated over a multiyear time span. (3) The project was an unqualified success as far as getting our undergraduate students involved in the many aspects of the project. All in all it was a very satisfying experience. Stone Child College students reported at the Montana State University Undergraduate Research symposium in April 2010 and 2011. Synergistic activities of the porject included collaboration on community gardening project, and a youth gardening program during 2012 growing season. At end of project reamining funds were used to purchase a 20' X 40' "hoop house" This facility will be available for future Agriculturally related projects.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 06/15/09 to 06/14/10
Outputs
Travel to Bob's place and meet plant breeder David Christianson from Big Timber Montana. He was making his selections for his breeding program. Receive Grant award letter for CSREES agricultural research grant. Review Dave Christiansens website and explore seed companies he sites on his site. E-mail Dave inviting him to visit Get Cory's approval to hire Jarom to do soils work. Prepare Personal services contract. Layout sampling plan for agricultural plot. Place stakes at appropriate intervals and label. Take 20 soil samples. Top 12 inches. Layout samples in lab to air dry. Pick roots from all samples and place in three separate jars to be checked for nematodes later. Decant nematode samples and check for nematodes. There are none. Work with Jarom transferring soil samples back into sampling bags after air drying for 48 hours. Talk with Frank about setting up area in Welding lab to process soil samples. Research soil crushers on web. E-mail laval.lab requesting a quote. Work with Jarom on soil prep Talk with sales representative from Lab Synergy about soil grinders. He suggests a model which would cost 9 thousand dollars. Send Larry digital version of News letter article Keeper of the Corn. Review Lamotte soil analysis materials load the software that came with the setup have trouble need to trouble shoot. Review soil testing protocols. Determine pH of precipitation sample of Process 6 samples for Soil particle size distribution. Make 2 minute hydrometer reading. Set aside 500 mL graduated flasks for 24 hr measurement to be made tomorrow. Jarom continues to grind and sieve samples. Do the following mineral analysis on sample D2: Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia Nitrogen, Aluminum, Ferric Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulfate. Perform analysis on soils C3, B4, a4 and a5. Record data on individual Lamotte data sheets. Code 1626 Work on soil analysis. Decide to use vacuvial system to do nitrate phosphates and ammonia. The vacuvial system is much more quantitative and has greater precision than the Lamotte method. The only draw back is that more soil needs to be processed. Able to complete remainder of soil extracts (14 samples total. Nitrate conce. Range from 1.2-11.2 ppm) next task: do another set of extracts for phosphate, and another for ammonia. Work on more soil extractions in order to do phosphate tests on Ag soil. Complete 19 samples Work out protocol for measuring phosphate of soil extracts using vacuvial system. Enter nitrate and phosphate data into soil data spreadsheet. do final 3 soil nitrate samples using vacuvial system. Record data on spreadsheet. Prepare soil extracts in preparation for last set of soil analysis; ammonia content Count out 100 Painted Mt 2009 and soak in water overnight. Check on germination test. PRODUCTS: As part of Stone Child college's TCUP grant a monthly newsletter is produced monthly by PD Douglas Crebs. This TCUP Times Newsletter highlights STEM activities occuring at SCC. During the period of the grant several articles focusing on the Soil Science research grant have been written and desseminated in the Newsletter. OUTCOMES: The project provided impetus for an area that has been neglected but sorely needed in the community. Namely, a means to improve the diet and lifestyle of people. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: As part of Stone Child College's TCUP grant a monthly newsletter is produced monthly by PD Douglas Crebs. This TCUP Times Newsletter highlights STEM activities occuring at SCC. During the period of the grant several articles focusing on the Soil Science research grant have been written and desseminated in the Newsletter. The Chippewa Cree tribe came forward requesting to collaborate with the College on the project. Using College's tractor an area has been tilled next to the research plots. This area will be used for community gardening projects. Using tribal resources we have purchased two 500 gallon water tanks and one 1500 gallon water tank for a water harvesting project that will provid water for plants during times of water stress. FUTURE INITIATIVES: Future Initiatives include building a solar greenhaouse/sustainability center next to the agricultural research plots. We have already included this idea in requests for proposals from NASA TCUP solicitation.
Impacts
The project will provide wholesome foodstuffs; corn, beans, squash, that will be utilized in traditional feasts that are held in accordance to traditional pratices. As we work the groud we will improve the tilth of the plots as well as establish perennial cultivars that will increase in significance as years pass. Hopefully the project will be a catalyst for improvement of the average chippewa cree diet that currently is cominated by processed foods and fast foods.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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