Project Overview
FNE02-443
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $7,905.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Ed Stockman
Summit Farm
Commodities
- Fruits: melons
- Vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucurbits, eggplant, garlic, greens (leafy), onions, parsnips, peas (culinary), peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, brussel sprouts
- Additional Plants: herbs
Practices
- Crop Production: nutrient cycling, organic fertilizers
- Soil Management: composting, earthworms, organic matter
Proposal summary:
To be competitive, organic growers need to be able to produce bedding plants, potted plants, and transplants that are as lush as those grown with synthetic nutrients. The farmer will develop an agrosystem that uses earthworms to produce nutrient-enhanced compost and compost tea, which will be tested and compared to compost and compost tea that has not been enhanced by earthworms. The overall goal is to explore efficient greenhouse-based vermiculture in a cold climate, and outreach will be through grower publications.
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.