Project Overview
FNE02-405
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $3,300.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: New Hampshire
Project Leader:
Martha Carlson
Sandwich Community School, Inc
Commodities
- Fruits: berries (cranberries)
- Additional Plants: native plants
Practices
- Crop Production: organic fertilizers
- Education and Training: demonstration, on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture
- Natural Resources/Environment: habitat enhancement, wetlands
- Soil Management: organic matter
- Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities
Proposal summary:
Exhausted sand pits present reclamation problems, and are an open invitation to dumping wastes such as sewage sludge that may contaminate the groundwater. The farmer will experiment with cranberries and other wetlands plants to see if they prove profitable on these sandy soils; the goal is to develop a method of sand-pit reclamation that protects the aquifers, supports diversification, and adds a potential specialty product that can increase farm income. Project results will be presented to extension groups, berry growers, pit operators, and conservationist. The project will also be integrated into the school curriculum.
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.