Horticultural Weed Barrier Mats From Dairy Manure - Phase 2

Project Overview

FNE04-515
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2004: $10,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2005
Region: Northeast
State: Connecticut
Project Leader:
Matthew Freund
Freunds' Farm, Inc.

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animal Products: dairy

Practices

  • Farm Business Management: whole farm planning
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems, integrated crop and livestock systems

    Proposal summary:

    A previous SARE project demonstrated that prototype manure paper sheets used as horticultural weed control mats could be produced using commercial paper making equipment. In this project, the addition of recycled paper fiber to add strength and flexibility to the mats will be investigated. Biodegradable, manure-fiber-based paper products may solve a waste problem for producers and be a solution to a nutrient management problem. Outreach will be through a farm tour for farmers and agency staff, press releases to trade journals, and presentations to agency staff and the county dairy committee.

    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.