Ramps for ecological restoration and expansion of food diversity in a woodland

Solution: This project examines a sustainable solution for these problems by studying the outcomes from transplanting mature Ramps, a desirable native crop from a woodland that will be decimated to property development. Transplantation to a woodland that is devoid of Ramps is a highly promising model for ecological woodland restoration, high value woodland crop preservation, and invasive weed control. The trial combines research, demonstration, and education, as it measures the viability of transplanted decades old mature Ramps, quantifies any invasive and competing vegetation adjacent to Ramps, and compares Allicin concentration in the adjacent soil of mature Ramps and at baseline, 12 months and 22 months post-transplantation from the recipient site. Soil pH, minerals, and Allicin concentration, and signs of stress, including leaf discoloration or loss, disease, and lack of flowering or seeding, will be noted and photo documented monthly. Soil will be sampled with a soil auger eight inches from the plant margin on the soil surface from eight different mature Ramp clusters, and the auger will be cleaned between each sampling. A different clean soil auger will be used to sample soil eight inches from the recipient site for the mature Ramp cluster before planting as the baseline specimen and again at eight inches from the plant margin on the soil surface at 12 months and 22 months post-transplantation. The soil samples will be sent to Sure-Tech Laboratories for pH and minerals and Purdue University for Allicin quantification at these scheduled intervals. The extraction and unearthing of mature Ramp clusters using hand tools will minimize trauma and excess soil will be removed, before weighing and labeling each specimen. Each ramp cluster will be otherwise left intact to preserve its integrity. The unearthed mature Ramps with bulbs and roots will be wrapped in bags, transported, and transplanted within 24 hours, weather permitting to woodland areas with shade and well-draining soil, without standing water. The Ramps will be planted by hand with compost to fill and wood chips to the surface for moisture retention in the recipient site at least 24" apart, labeled on a plot map to track each Ramp cluster, and watered. Monthly observations of the transplanted Ramps will be recorded with the expectation that Ramps are usually only visible above ground between March through November, but nonetheless will be checked monthly. A soil moisture meter will be used weekly from March through November to maintain an ideal moisture range of 40% and 60% and monthly from December through February when the plant is dormant. Ramps themselves, photographs, and PowerPoint slides will be used to facilitate demonstration and education of their value in ecological woodland restoration, as a native woodland crop, and potential in invasive weed control. Active teaching through visual, smell, taste, and tactile senses by using Ramp plants and its products in conjunction with digital and/or printed photos and PowerPoint at Field Day(s), Indiana Small Farm Conference, and media events will support embedding memorable learning experiences.