Project Overview
FNE03-494
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2003: $5,137.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2004
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $2,175.00
Region: Northeast
State: Vermont
Project Leader:
Steve Stocking
Birch Meadow Farm
Commodities
- Agronomic: corn
Practices
- Animal Production: stockpiled forages
- Crop Production: cover crops, intercropping
- Education and Training: demonstration, on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: feasibility study
- Natural Resources/Environment: soil stabilization
- Pest Management: mulches - living, row covers (for pests)
- Soil Management: organic matter, soil quality/health
Proposal summary:
Last year’s drought disrupted a trial of interseeding legumes into field corn to build nitrogen, reduce pesticides, and control erosion. The farmer wants to try the protocol again on his farm and will track corn yield, soil quality, density of legume cover, and costs compared to conventional corn production. There would also be a residue test the following spring to determine the bulk matter in the soil. Outreach will be through a field walk, a flyer, and the local media, and the data will be managed by NRCS.
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.