Progress report for FNE25-112
Project Information
N.A.
The primary objective of this project is to determine the most cost-effective and sustainable water sourcing strategy for small-scale agricultural production, particularly within a community garden setting. The project will achieve this through the following specific, measurable objectives:
- Evaluate Cost Efficiency
- Compare the setup, maintenance, and operational costs of three water sources: municipal (city) water, well water with solar-powered pumping, and rainwater harvesting. We will quantify costs over a three-year period and analyze each system's economic impact on farm profitability.
- Assess Soil and Crop Quality Impacts
- Monitor and record changes in soil health and crop yield quality for each water source, collecting data on key soil parameters (e.g., pH, salinity, nutrient content) and crop production metrics. This assessment will allow us to understand the long-term impacts of each water source on soil and plant health.
- Test Mixed-Source Feasibility
- Implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed-source approach, utilizing city water, well water, and rainwater to determine if combining sources improves resilience, reduces reliance on single sources, and optimizes cost efficiency. This objective includes data collection on operational efficiency, soil impacts, and cost savings when mixing sources seasonally.
- Evaluate Market Perceptions and Consumer Preferences
- Conduct surveys and collect feedback from local market consumers to assess how different water sources impact their purchasing preferences and perceived produce quality. This will provide insights into the marketability of crops grown with each water source and inform small-scale farmers of potential consumer-driven advantages in choosing sustainable water sources.
- Develop Practical Guidelines for Small-Scale Farms
- Compile findings into a practical, accessible guide for small-scale farmers, including cost comparisons, soil and crop quality impacts, consumer perceptions, and recommendations for water management. The guide will be shared through our local farmers market and the Human-Animal Bond’s community workshops.
By meeting these objectives, this project aims to deliver actionable insights and sustainable water management strategies that support resilience and profitability for small-scale farms facing increasing drought conditions in West Virginia.
Problem Statement: West Virginia recently endured one of its most severe droughts on record, with over half the state affected by “Extreme Drought” (D3) conditions and certain areas reaching “Exceptional” (D4) drought status [1]. During the summer, groundwater levels dropped, topsoil moisture dwindled, and many farms faced critical water shortages. The USDA reported that, as of September 29, 2024, West Virginia had the worst pasture and rangeland conditions in the entire country, with 93% of its land rated as very poor, underscoring the severity of the drought’s impact. While recent rainfall has alleviated immediate drought conditions, these extreme events are becoming increasingly common in our region [2].
To address the immediate water challenges for small farms, state and federal programs such as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), the USDA’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), and West Virginia’s Emergency Drought Relief Reimbursement Grant have provided essential financial relief [3 and 4]. However, for long-term water resilience, small farms and community gardens need more sustainable and cost-effective water solutions beyond short-term drought relief.
Project Importance:
At Ridge Way Farm, which is managed by the nonprofit Human-Animal Bond, we’re in the midst of expanding our community garden to meet local demand, especially from low-income families who rely on us for fresh produce. The expansion comes with increased water needs, so it’s crucial to identify sustainable, cost-effective water solutions now, before increased water use leads to significant financial strain. Fortunately, Ridge Way Farm already has access to both city water and a drilled well (though it currently lacks a pump), covering much of the necessary infrastructure. This positions us uniquely to experiment with alternative water sources without bearing the high costs of new installations.
By testing city water, well water powered by solar energy, and rainwater harvesting, we’ll gain valuable insights into each option’s strengths and limitations for small farms like ours. This approach will help us create a flexible, mixed-source water management model that can support small farms and community gardens throughout West Virginia. Our findings could directly improve water resilience for similar projects across the state, which will be critical as droughts become more frequent and intense.
The project will compare three water sources—city water, well water (powered by a solar pump), and rainwater harvesting—to assess their individual and combined viability for our garden. This research will help us develop a flexible, mixed water management model that small farms and community gardens in West Virginia can adapt to minimize costs and enhance resilience. The water sources to be tested include:
1)City Water: Reliable but with ongoing operational costs; its impact on soil and crop health is not well-studied for small farms in our area.
2)Well Water: A common choice, but increasingly unreliable during droughts due to low groundwater levels.
3)Rainwater Harvesting: A renewable option that could offer substantial cost savings, though its practicality in our setting needs further evaluation.
Evaluating these sources individually and in combination will allow us to identify the most cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable configurations, supporting both our garden’s current needs and long-term resilience.
Need for the project: The recent drought has spurred local interest in sustainable water systems, yet small farms face substantial barriers, including high upfront installation costs. Our project’s focus on optimizing the use of existing infrastructure—city water access and a well without a pump—means we can concentrate on the direct costs and feasibility of each water source rather than on major installation expenses. This approach offers a practical, actionable model for small farms seeking affordable and resilient water management solutions.
Proposed Solution: Our project will test city water, solar-powered well water, and rainwater harvesting both individually and in combination, assessing each option’s costs, productivity, and environmental impact. Key objectives include:
Cost Analysis: Assessing the direct operational costs of each water source and mixed configurations to minimize costs for the community garden and participating farmers.
Impact on Soil and Crop Health: Monitoring soil quality, crop growth, and yield under each configuration to assess long-term sustainability.
Community Engagement and Market Research: Gathering insights into consumer preferences for produce grown with various water sources, aligning farming practices with local values.
By developing a flexible water management model, this project will enable other small farms to make informed decisions based on their unique needs. We will share findings through community workshops, field days, and publications to reach a broad audience within the local farming community.
Contribution to Northeast SARE’s Outcome Statement/This project supports Northeast SARE’s goals by:
1) Reducing Environmental and Health Risks: Exploring renewable options like solar-powered well water and rainwater harvesting to reduce dependency on municipal supplies
2) Improving Cost Efficiency and Productivity: By identifying the most effective water configurations, we ensure productivity while reducing operational costs, fostering economic resilience.
3) Conserving Soil and Protecting Resources: Through soil health monitoring, we aim to adopt practices that help conserve soil and protect natural resources.
4) Enhancing Community Knowledge and Employment Opportunities: Sharing our insights will empower local farmers and stimulate potential economic opportunities in water system installation and maintenance.
5) Improving Quality of Life: Ensuring affordable, reliable water access for our community garden enhances food security for local households, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
With existing city water access and a well already on site, this project will leverage our infrastructure to develop resilient, cost-effective water solutions. In turn, we aim to support the long-term success of our expanded community garden and provide a sustainable water model that helps small farms and gardens across the state prepare for future droughts.
Ridge Way Farm is a small-scale, diversified agricultural operation located in Monongalia County, West Virginia, and is operated by the nonprofit organization The Human Animal Bond, Inc. The farm functions as a community-oriented production, education, and demonstration site, with an emphasis on sustainable practices, food access, and applied research that supports small farms in Appalachia.
The farm includes a community garden and high tunnel production space used for vegetable cultivation, including tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. Production is managed on a small acreage suitable for intensive vegetable growing rather than large-scale commodity agriculture. Crops are grown using standard soil-based methods under conventional tillage, with infrastructure in place to support drip irrigation, season extension, and adaptive management.
Produce grown at the farm is distributed through local channels, including direct sales at the farmers market and community distribution that supports food access initiatives. Gross sales are modest and secondary to the farm’s educational, research, and community goals.
The farm has been in operation for several years and continues to expand incrementally to meet community demand. Existing resources dedicated to this project include a drilled well, municipal water access, a high tunnel, cultivation equipment, and volunteer labor. Prior to this project, the well lacked pumping infrastructure, and irrigation relied primarily on municipal water.
This SARE Farmer Grant supports the installation and evaluation of additional water infrastructure, including a solar-powered well pump and rainwater harvesting systems, allowing the farm to test multiple water sources without relying solely on municipal supply. These resources are dedicated directly to the project and are integrated into routine farm operations, ensuring that data collected reflect real-world management conditions.
The farm’s scale, mixed objectives, and reliance on existing infrastructure make it representative of many small farms and community gardens in the region. As such, Ridge Way Farm is well positioned to evaluate practical, cost-effective water management strategies and share lessons learned with other small producers facing similar resource and climate challenges.
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
Research
This project was implemented at Ridge Way Farm in Morgantown, West Virginia during the 2025 growing season and is designed to compare multiple agricultural water sources within a standardized small-scale production setting. Year 1 activities focused on system installation, plot preparation, and implementation of a repeatable data collection framework to support multi-year comparisons.
Study Design and Plot Structure
The project uses twelve standardized plots representing three crop types (tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce) across four irrigation treatments. Plot identifiers follow the format [Species Initial | Water Source Initial | Growing Season Abbreviation] (e.g., tomatoes + rainwater + summer 2025 = TRS2025). Growing areas were tilled and prepared prior to planting, and a high tunnel was used to reduce environmental variability and extend the growing season. Shade covers were installed as needed to address heat stress during summer production.
Irrigation Treatments and Infrastructure
Four irrigation treatments were established: municipal (city/tap) water, solar-powered well water, rainwater harvesting, and mixed-source irrigation. Infrastructure installation included a solar-powered well pump and photovoltaic panels, water storage tanks, rainwater catchment systems, distribution plumbing, flow gauges, and drip irrigation lines. All four irrigation systems were operational during the reporting period.
Crop Production
Tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce were selected to represent crops with differing growth habits and water requirements. Seeds were started indoors and hardened prior to transplanting into the high tunnel. Seasonal planting notes and dates were recorded, including adjustments made in response to summer heat conditions, particularly for lettuce.
Water Monitoring
Daily irrigation was documented using standardized water usage logs that record date, time, ambient temperature, gallons applied, irrigation source or mix ratio, and observational notes. Irrigation targets were calculated using documented formulas based on plot area and crop-specific water requirements, including the conversion of inches of water per square foot to gallons and adjustment of drip system run times based on flow rates.
Soil Monitoring
Monthly soil monitoring was conducted for each plot using general soil testing strips. Recorded parameters included pH and categorical nutrient status for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In addition, laboratory soil testing was planned on a quarterly basis; however, laboratory soil sampling was not completed during this reporting period and is scheduled for spring 2026.
Harvest Data Collection
Harvest yield and quality data were recorded using standardized harvest logs. Produce was harvested by plot, weighed using a calibrated scale, and graded using a consistent qualitative grading framework. Multiple harvest events were recorded for tomatoes and peppers, while lettuce harvests captured short-cycle yields. Grading scale for produce quality and yield (1)
Consumer Surveys and Outreach
Consumer preference data were collected through informal surveys conducted at the local farmers market. Attendance and interaction counts were recorded for each market date, and completed surveys were logged to document community engagement and feedback related to produce quality and sustainable farming practices.
Water Quality (Baseline Laboratory Testing)
Initial laboratory water quality testing was conducted separately for each irrigation water source used in the study, including municipal (city/tap) water, solar-powered well water, and rainwater harvesting. Baseline samples were collected in late June 2025 and reported in early July 2025. Each sample was analyzed using a comprehensive laboratory panel that included summary chemistry, metals, nutrients, and volatile organic compounds.
Measured pH values differed slightly among water sources, ranging from approximately 6.9 in the lowest measured sample to approximately 7.9 in the highest measured sample. Total dissolved solids (TDS) values varied among sources, with reported concentrations ranging from approximately 418 to 447 mg/L. Total hardness also varied by source and was reported between approximately 340 and 360 mg/L as CaCO₃, with calcium and magnesium accounting for the majority of hardness in all samples.
Alkalinity values ranged from approximately 26 to 30 mg/L as CaCO₃, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values ranged from approximately 0.23 to 0.35, indicating measurable but modest variation among irrigation water sources. Major ions including calcium (approximately 240–260 mg/L), magnesium (approximately 75–85 mg/L), sodium (approximately 14–17 mg/L), potassium (approximately 1.5–1.7 mg/L), chloride (approximately 8–14 mg/L), sulfate (approximately 16–20 mg/L), and silica (approximately 4–5 mg/L) also showed source-specific differences within these ranges.
Nutrient analyses showed low nitrate concentrations across all water sources (approximately 0.08–0.15 mg/L as N), while nitrite and ammonia were reported as not detected. The metals panel documented low-level detections of iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, with lead reported at or near method detection limits, and no organic compounds or disinfection byproducts detected in any sample.
Low-level lead was reported at or near the laboratory method detection limit in the municipal (city/tap) water sample, while lead was reported as not detected in the well and rainwater samples. These values were not flagged by the laboratory and are presented here as source-specific baseline measurements for future comparison.
These results demonstrate that while all irrigation water sources fell within similar chemical ranges, measurable variation among sources exists, particularly for parameters such as pH, TDS, hardness, alkalinity, and SAR. These source-specific baseline values will be used in subsequent reporting periods to evaluate whether observed differences in soil nutrient dynamics, crop performance, or water-use efficiency correspond to irrigation water chemistry as additional seasons of data are collected.
WaterSampleResults
Soil Monitoring Results
Initial Soil Laboratory Results (Baseline)
Initial baseline soil laboratory testing was conducted through the West Virginia University Davis College Soil Testing Laboratory in August 2025. Two samples were collected from a 234-square-foot production area previously managed for tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers. Both samples were classified as silt loam soils under conventional tillage.
Laboratory results indicated soil pH values of 6.6 and 6.7. Soil organic matter was reported as 10.2% in one sample, while organic matter was not reported in the second sample. Electrical conductivity was reported as 1.6 dS/m for one sample.
Macronutrient analyses showed phosphorus concentrations of 140 ppm, potassium concentrations of 440–450 ppm, calcium concentrations of 3080–3300 ppm, and magnesium concentrations of 300–310 ppm, all rated by the laboratory as Excess. Phosphorus saturation values ranged from 29–33%, rated as High.
Micronutrient results included aluminum (380 ppm), copper (3.9 ppm), iron (70 ppm), manganese (180 ppm), sodium (170 ppm), nickel (0.3 ppm), and zinc (9.6 ppm). Copper, manganese, and zinc were rated as adequate by the laboratory.
Based on these results, the laboratory recommended no phosphorus, potassium, or lime application, and noted that soil phosphorus concentrations exceed levels of environmental concern. These results provide a baseline laboratory characterization of soil chemistry prior to long-term evaluation of irrigation water source effects.
SoilSampleResults
Irrigation Volumes
Daily irrigation logs were maintained for all four irrigation treatments and include date, time, ambient temperature, gallons applied, water source or mix ratio, and observational notes. Based on recorded irrigation events between June 30 and November 26, 2025, total irrigation volumes were:
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City/Tap: 2,213.811 gallons
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Solar-powered Well: 2,305.211 gallons
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Rainwater Harvesting: 2,248.711 gallons
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Mixed-source: 2,205.011 gallons
The combined total irrigation volume across all treatments during the reporting period was 8,972.744 gallons. These totals provide a quantitative baseline for future evaluation of water-use efficiency and cost comparisons among irrigation strategies.
Sare Water Log - Rain
Sare Water Log - Mix
Sare Water Log - Well
Sare Water Log - City_Tap
Crop Production and Harvest
Harvest data were collected for tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce across all irrigation treatments. Harvest logs document measured weights and quality grades for each harvest event. Multiple harvests were recorded for tomatoes and peppers, reflecting extended production periods, while lettuce harvests captured short-season yields. These datasets establish baseline production benchmarks for all crops and irrigation systems.
Harvest Data
Outreach and Consumer Engagement
Farmers market tracking logs document eight market dates during the 2025 season, with recorded counts of community interactions and a total of 30 completed consumer surveys. Survey responses and informal conversations indicate strong interest in locally grown produce and sustainable agricultural practices.
Conditions Affecting the Study
Seasonal heat conditions affected lettuce production during summer planting periods. Shade covers were deployed as an adaptive management response, and planting schedules were adjusted accordingly. Early cold temperatures seemingly influenced our tomatoes turning red.
The objective of this project is to evaluate the feasibility and performance of multiple water sourcing strategies—municipal (city/tap), solar-powered well, rainwater harvesting, and mixed-source irrigation—for small-scale agricultural production in drought-prone regions of Appalachia.
During the first year of implementation, the project successfully installed and operated all planned irrigation systems and established a comprehensive monitoring framework, including daily irrigation volume tracking, baseline laboratory water testing, baseline laboratory soil testing, monthly soil-strip monitoring across twelve plots, harvest yield tracking, and consumer engagement surveys.
Initial laboratory soil testing conducted in August 2025 provided a quantitative baseline characterization of soil conditions prior to long-term treatment comparisons. Soils were classified as silt loam with pH values of 6.6–6.7 and elevated nutrient levels, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium rated as excess by the laboratory. Phosphorus saturation values were rated as high, and the laboratory recommended no additional phosphorus, potassium, or lime applications. These baseline soil conditions are important context for interpreting future changes in soil nutrient dynamics and crop performance, as irrigation water effects will be evaluated against an already nutrient-rich starting point.
Baseline laboratory water testing conducted for each irrigation source documented measurable variation among water sources in pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, and sodium adsorption ratio, as well as low-level lead reported at or near the method detection limit in the municipal water sample only. These source-specific water chemistry profiles provide a foundation for evaluating whether observed differences in soil or crop responses correspond to irrigation water composition over time.
Crop production trials during the first year demonstrated that tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce could be successfully grown and harvested under all irrigation strategies. Harvest datasets establish baseline production benchmarks for each crop and treatment but do not yet support treatment-level comparisons of yield, water-use efficiency, or economic performance.
No permanent management changes have been adopted based solely on first-year results. Continued data collection, including scheduled quarterly laboratory soil testing and additional growing seasons of water-use and harvest data, will allow this project to assess long-term impacts of irrigation source on soil nutrient balance, crop productivity, and cost efficiency. These results will support the development of practical, flexible water management recommendations for small farms and community gardens in West Virginia.
Education & outreach activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
Education and outreach activities during this reporting period focused on informal, community-based engagement rather than formal training events. Outreach was conducted primarily through participation in the local farmers market, where produce grown at Ridge Way Farm was sold and displayed.
Project staff participated in eight farmers market dates during the 2025 season. During these events, staff engaged community members in one-on-one and small-group conversations about the project’s goals, including water resilience for small farms, the use of multiple irrigation water sources (municipal, well, rainwater, and mixed-source systems), and how irrigation management can support sustainable food production under drought conditions. These interactions served as informal educational consultations and opportunities to explain project methods and early observations. We created a poster visualization of our project and displayed it at our table.
In addition to informal discussion, consumer preference surveys were administered voluntarily to market visitors. A total of 30 surveys were completed and used to document baseline perceptions of produce quality and interest in sustainably grown food. Survey participation also provided an opportunity to explain the project’s objectives and the role of water sourcing in agricultural resilience.
On-farm outreach occurred through interactions with volunteers and visitors assisting with garden activities and out community garden. These interactions included informal demonstrations of irrigation infrastructure and explanations of data collection methods, such as water-use logging and soil monitoring.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes during this reporting period were primarily related to increased awareness and understanding, rather than changes in management practices or skills adoption.
Through informal conversations and consumer surveys conducted at the farmers market, community members were introduced to the concept of diversified water sourcing for small farms, including the use of municipal, well, rainwater, and mixed-source irrigation systems. Outreach interactions focused on increasing awareness of water resilience challenges facing small farms in drought-prone regions and the role that irrigation planning and water management can play in sustaining local food production.
Participants also gained awareness of how agricultural research projects collect data, including water-use logging, soil testing, and harvest measurement, and how these data can inform future farm management decisions. Survey responses and informal feedback indicated interest in sustainably grown produce and curiosity about how water sources may influence crop production.
No formal assessment of learning outcomes or behavior change was conducted during this reporting period. More structured evaluation of knowledge gains, skill development, and practice adoption is planned for future years as project results become available and formal educational programming is implemented.
Project Outcomes
While no immediate changes in practice have occurred, this project has established the physical systems and data needed to evaluate irrigation strategies objectively. The availability of multiple operational water sources and comprehensive monitoring tools positions the farm to make informed management decisions in future years based on measured outcomes rather than assumptions.
Informal outreach and consumer engagement activities increased awareness of water resilience challenges and sustainable irrigation practices among community members. These interactions helped lay the groundwork for future farmer-focused education and adoption once comparative results are available.
The phased approach used in this project—prioritizing infrastructure installation, standardized plot design, and baseline data collection—was critical to establishing a strong foundation for multi-year comparison of irrigation strategies. Implementing all water systems before attempting formal comparisons ensured that future results can be interpreted within a consistent and controlled framework.
One key challenge during this reporting period was balancing seasonal crop demands with environmental conditions, particularly heat stress affecting lettuce production during summer months. This led to adaptive management actions, such as the use of shade covers and adjustments to planting schedules. These experiences reinforced the importance of flexibility in crop planning when evaluating water systems under real-world conditions.
At this stage, the project has not yet answered the primary research question regarding cost-effective and resilient water sourcing, as sufficient multi-season data are required. Continued monitoring of water use, soil chemistry, crop productivity, and costs will be essential to evaluating long-term impacts and trade-offs among irrigation strategies.
Additional work is needed to integrate economic analysis with agronomic results and to assess how water chemistry influences soil nutrient dynamics over time. Small farms and community gardens in drought-prone regions of Appalachia are expected to benefit most from the findings of this project once results are available, particularly those seeking flexible, affordable water management solutions that build resilience to increasingly variable climate conditions.