2002 Annual Report for FNE02-423
Fish Waste Utilization Project
Summary
Note to reader, attached is the complete final report for FNE02-423.
The 2002 growing season was challenging for growing as well as our SARE project. The Spring weather was wet and cold and delayed the incorporation of fall planted cover crops. By the time the fields that were set aside for the application of fish waste had dried enough to support the weight of the tractor, the vetch-rye has grown over six feet tall. After flail chopping, we found the 6 to 10 inches of organic matter impossible to plow down even with our 130 HP tractor and our newly rebuilt plows. As a result, the piles sat for a time before we were able to spread them. At the same time we were taking in fish to make sure we got the 50 yards allowable under the direct application provision of the Maine DEP regulations. We mixed the fish in a ratio suitable for spreading in a manure spreader.
Collaborators:
P.O. Box 309
Waldoboro, ME 04572