Project Overview
FNE03-486
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2003: $3,912.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2004
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $5,108.00
Region: Northeast
State: Pennsylvania
Project Leader:
Claire Orner
Quiet Creek Herb Farm
Commodities
- Vegetables: eggplant, peppers, tomatoes
- Additional Plants: herbs
Practices
- Crop Production: conservation tillage
- Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension, on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture
- Production Systems: holistic management
- Soil Management: earthworms, soil analysis, organic matter
Proposal summary:
Vermicompost, or compost produced by worms, has not been widely studied for its effectiveness. The farmers will compare vermicompost with composted dairy manure to measure the effect on tomatoes, peppers, basil, and various herbs in terms of yield, weight, quality, health, and time to maturity. They will also evaluate whether the effectiveness of vermicompost justifies the cost of production of it. Outreach will include a field day, extension communications, and presentations at farmer and gardener gatherings.
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.