Final Report for FNE01-388

FNE01-388 (project overview)

Project Type: Farmer

Funds awarded in 2001: $1,915.00

Projected End Date: 12/31/2001

Matching Non-Federal Funds: $2,085.00

Region: Northeast

State: Massachusetts

Project Leader:

M. Spensley Rickert

Expand All Collapse All

Project Information

Summary:

(Note to reader: attached is the complete final report for FNE01-388)

The intent of this project was to investigate alternative organic production techniques for vine crops; (focusing on pumpkins) utilizing in-row plastic mulch and a variety of between row treatments for comparison.
In conclusion, I would say it appears this model has some merit. The main hurdle I have faced is keeping ahead of the weeds while maintaining a limited time commitment. The plastic mulch achieved the result of allowing the plants to become established with limited intervention, and without being too costly to prove economically impractical. The addition of the organic matter from the smother/cover crop is certainly a benefit to the long-term structure of the soil. Also, the fact that a season extending or supplemental crop can be produced with limited inputs could prove valuable to many direct and/or roadside marketers.

FNE01-388 Final Report

Research

Participation Summary

Return to Project Overview

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.