Progress 05/01/03 to 12/31/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) We propose to develop, refine, and transfer to farmers a new technology for "on-farm" production of AM fungus inocula. Approach (from AD-416) We will produce a formula to predict the optimal dilution ratio of compost with vermiculite for AM fungus inocolum production in raised bed enclosures. A variety of composts, each with different nutrient compositions, will be diluted from 1:2 to 1:49 [v/v] with vermiculite. Inoculum will be produced, quantified, and correlated to the nutrient levels to produce the predictive formula. Inoculum produced using this information will be used to grow vegetable plants for outplanting at the Rodale Institute and at six cooperating farms. Yield performance of the inoculated plants vs controls will be monitored. A field day demonstration will be conducted to transfer this technology to a wider audience of farmers. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Modifications to the on-farm system of arbuscular mycorrhizal [AM] fungus inoculum production were studied. Normally, bahiagrass seedlings colonized by AM fungi are transplanted into a compost + vermiculite mixture. We tested a new procedure in which field soil was mixed into the compost and vermiculite to propagate mycorrhizal fungi indigenous to the site. Indigenous fungi were produced, but at lower levels than via the routine system. In addition, we tested perlite and horticultural potting media as substitutes for vermiculite in the growing medium. These media substitutes successfully produced inoculum thereby giving farmers alternatives to vermiculite. Activities are monitored by the ADODR via site visits and active participation. (NP 202 Action Plan component Understanding and Managing Soil Biology and Rhizosphere Ecology, Performance Measures in the ARS Strategic Plan, 5.2.2 and 5.4.2).
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) We propose to develop, refine, and transfer to farmers a new technology for "on-farm" production of AM fungus inocula. Approach (from AD-416) We will produce a formula to predict the optimal dilution ratio of compost with vermiculite for AM fungus inocolum production in raised bed enclosures. A variety of composts, each with different nutrient compositions, will be diluted from 1:2 to 1:49 [v/v] with vermiculite. Inoculum will be produced, quantified, and correlated to the nutrient levels to produce the predictive formula. Inoculum produced using this information will be used to grow vegetable plants for outplanting at the Rodale Institute and at six cooperating farms. Yield performance of the inoculated plants vs controls will be monitored. A field day demonstration will be conducted to transfer this technology to a wider audience of farmers. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This report serves to document research under Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement 59-1935-3-324 with The Rodale Institute entitled "On-Farm Production of Mycorrhizal Fungus Inoculum." This agreement also services the SARE grant detailed above (1935-12000-010-01R) and contributes to Milestones of Objective 2 of the project. Development of efficient and practical methods for producing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Modifications to the on-farm system of arbuscular mycorrhizal [AM] fungus inoculum production were studied. Normally, bahiagrass seedlings colonized by AM fungi are transplanted into a compost + vermiculite mixture. We are trying to develop a new procedure in which field soil is mixed into the compost and vermiculite to propagate mycorrhizal fungi indigenous to the site. Indigenous fungi were produced, but at lower levels than via the routine system, so work is continuing. In addition, we are testing perlite and horticultural potting media as substitutes for vermiculite in the growing medium. The idea here is to test their effect on inoculum production and upon potential application to the field via farm machinery. Activities are monitored by the ADODR via site visits and active participation. (NP 202 Action Plan component Understanding and Managing Soil Biology and Rhizosphere Ecology, Performance Measures in the ARS Strategic Plan, 5.2.2 and 5.4.2).
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 4d Progress report. This report serves to document research under Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement 59-1935-3-324 with The Rodale Institute. This agreement also services the SARE grant detailed above (1935-12000-010-01R). Additional details of this research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1935-12000-010-00D Development of efficient and practical methods for producing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Modifications to the on-farm system of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus inoculum production were studied. Normally, bahiagrass seedlings colonized by mycorrhizal fungi are transplanted into the compost+vermiculite mixture. We tried a new procedure in which field soil was mixed into the compost and vermiculite and uncolonized seedlings were transplanted. This method is a potential improvement because it allows propagation of mycorrhizal fungi indigenous to the site. These indigenous fungi were produced, but at lower levels than via the
routine system. In addition, we tested light expanded clay aggregates as a replacement for the vermiculite in the growing medium. The idea here was to see if the mycorrhizal fungi would grow into the aggregate. If this happened, the aggregate then would become a unit of inoculum more readily applied to the field via farm machinery. This work was unsuccessful. NP 202 Action Plan component V Productive and Sustainable Soil Management Systems, Performance Measures in the ARS Strategic Plan, 5.2.2 and 5.4.2).
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under a Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the Rodale Institute. The agreement complements the Cooperative Agreement with the University of Vermont. Additional details of this research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1935-12000-007-00D entitled Monoxenic and Axenic Cultivation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. A core group of 6 farmers have been recruited to participate in a pilot project for the transfer of technology for the on-farm production and utilization of AM fungus inoculum. Inoculum was successfully produced at each farm in 2003 and 2004. The inoculum production systems are being replicated in the current growing season. Inoculum produced in 2003 was used in vegetable production systems in 2004 with little success due to poor record keeping among the farmers, insufficient communication, and poor colonization of seedlings prior to outplanting.
These problems have been addressed and inocula produced in 2004 are being used this year in field experiments growing potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. (Milestone 2E 48-54 months, NP 202 Action Plan component V Productive and Sustainable Soil Management Systems, Performance Measures in the ARS Strategic Plan, 5.2.2 and 5.4.2).
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under a General Assistance Type Agreement between ARS and the Rodale Institute. Additional details of this research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1935-12000-007-00D Monoxenic and Axenic Cultivation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM). This agreement strengthens the working collaboration between the USDA-ARS Eastern Regional Research Center and The Rodale Institute to study the utility of AM fungi in agriculture. Candidates for the support position to work on this agreement are currently being interviewed.
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