Project Overview
Commodities
- Agronomic: corn, hemp
- Vegetables: sweet corn
Practices
- Crop Production: fertigation, nutrient management, water management
Proposal summary:
Mindful Earth Farm seeks to address the growing need for sustainable nitrogen management in organic agriculture. Traditional manure-based inputs often lead to nutrient imbalances, high input costs, and environmental concerns. Our research question is: Can the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated in water exposed to non-thermal atmospheric plasma, i.e. Plasma-Activated Water (PAW), effectively increase bio-available reactive nitrogen species in soil, reducing the need for manure-based inputs while maintaining crop productivity?
This project will trial PAW treatments on three specific crops: hemp, corn (both standard corn and nitrogen fixing corn) and tomatoes, comparing soil nitrogen levels, plant health, yields as well as protein and mineral content of flower, grain and produce between PAW-treated plots and those using manure-based inputs. We will assess soil health, microbial activity, and input reductions over time, measuring the effectiveness of PAW as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilization methods.
The potential significance of this project lies in reducing dependence on external manure sources, lowering costs for farmers, and minimizing environmental impacts such as nutrient runoff. Expected outcomes include improved nitrogen availability, healthier soil ecosystems, and enhanced crop yields, contributing to more resilient and sustainable farming practices.
To ensure widespread dissemination, we will conduct on-farm demonstrations, workshops, and create educational materials for local farmers, agricultural organizations, and stakeholders. The results will also be shared through reports, partnerships, and outreach to promote the adoption of PAW technology in sustainable agriculture across the region.
Project objectives from proposal:
Research Objectives:
- Evaluate the impact of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) on bio-available reactive nitrogen species in soil.
- Compare crop yield and plant health between PAW-treated plots and those using traditional manure-based inputs.
- Assess long-term soil health and microbial activity after PAW treatments.
- Quantify reduction in external manure-based inputs required for maintaining soil fertility.
- Analyze cost-effectiveness of PAW treatment compared to traditional fertilization methods.
Educational Objectives:
- Host on-farm demonstrations to share findings on PAW effectiveness with local farmers and stakeholders.
- Develop educational materials (e.g., pamphlets, videos) explaining PAW technology and its benefits.
- Conduct workshops on integrating PAW into sustainable farming practices.
- Publish a research report detailing the results and potential applications of PAW for bio-resonant farming.
- Create partnerships with local agricultural organizations to promote broader adoption of PAW treatments.