No-till pumpkins using cover crops

2008 Annual Report for LNC07-276

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2007: $131,420.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2008
Region: North Central
State: Michigan
Project Coordinator:
Dr. Dale Mutch
Michigan State University Extension

No-till pumpkins using cover crops

Objectives/Performance Targets

The overall project goal is to use a tractor-drawn roller/crimper to develop organic and low-input pumpkin production systems. This goal will be reached by improving season-long surface residue through new killing technology (roller/crimper) and various production scenarios.

Objective 1— Optimize Cover Crop Management Determine the appropriate cover crop management techniques to maximize biomass production.

Planned accomplishments:
1) Identify rye density and variety that produce the greatest biomass.
2) Determine the best variety for rolling and crimping to provide season soil cover with residue.

Objective 2 — Develop a Low-Input Pumpkin Production System
Measure microclimate parameters and pumpkin yield in the various cover crop treatments under organic, conventional and low-input systems.

Planned accomplishments:
1) Measure and compare soil temperature under different systems.
2) Quantify and compare the effects of cover crop burn down with herbicides or kill with the roller/crimper microbial activity.
3) Measure light penetration through the cover crop residue in the different cover crop management systems.
4) Quantify and compare yield from the different systems.

Objective 3 — Improve Weed and Disease Management in Pumpkin Production
Determine integrated management systems that reduce inputs while providing season-long weed control and reduced fruit rot.

Planned accomplishments:
1) Quantify weed suppression under the different cover crops and killing methods.
2) Determine the impact of the management systems on fruit rot and quality.

Objective 4 – Extension and Outreach
Develop and implement an effective Extension and outreach program to disseminate study results to Michigan and North Central Region growers.

Planned accomplishments:
1) Demonstrate integrated weed management systems by using the roller/crimper during field days.
2) Show growers how to build their own low-cost roller/crimper (less than $1,500).
3) Work with four Michigan farmers to demonstrate project results on-farm. These farmers will host field days for other farmers.
4) Write and publish an Extension bulletin, NAN and newsletter articles to inform growers and policy makers about major results.
5) Update weed control and cover crop website.
6) Present results at regional growers’ meetings like the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo and the Ohio and Indiana Fruit and Vegetable Expo.
7) Write scientific publications on major aspects of findings.

Accomplishments/Milestones

In 2008/January 2009 I have presented the results from 2008 summer research to over 250 participants.

2008 summer research was conducted at two sites in Michigan evaluating organic and traditional
no-till pumpkin systems. From our field day in October one pumpkin farmer in Eaton County wants to adopt the crimper /roller system in 2009. We are planning on working with him on establishing his rye this season to roll/crimp in 2010.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Short-term: Four hundred farmers will learn they can significantly reduce fuel costs by incorporating the proposed low- and no-tillage farming systems. Education will take place at Extension educational meetings, field days, the New Agriculture Network (NAN) and on-farm research/demonstration trials. Five farmers will evaluate new cover crop strategies for organic and low-input pumpkins.

Intermediate: Ten farmers will adopt these new systems, build roller/crimpers and use new cover crops for weed management. These farmers will present their assessments of the weed suppression and nutrient dynamics to more than 250 of their peers through farmer-to-farmer educational programs.

Long-term: This cover crop system that incorporates reduced tillage and pesticide inputs will contribute to building season-long mulch that will reduce weed germination, improve soil quality and reduce fuel consumption on the farm. These systems will increase populations of carabid beetles, crickets, mice and other weed seed predators to sustain and reduce weed pressure over time while maintaining a productive farming system.

Collaborators:

John Simmon

simmfarm@hotmail.com
Organic Farmer
Simmons Family Farm
5321 North Branch Road
North Branch, MI 48461
Office Phone: 8106142305
Website: http://www.farmboyflapjacks.com/
David Francis

franci72@msu.edu
Farm Manager
Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center
1791 Hillandale Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Office Phone: 2699441477
Website: http://www.maes.msu.edu/swmrec/
Dr. Ron Goldy

goldy@msu.edu
District Vegetable and Marketing Educator
MSU Extension
Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center
1791 Hillandale Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Office Phone: 2699441477
Website: http://www.maes.msu.edu/swmrec/index.htm
Dr. Hannah Stevens

stevensh@msu.edu
Macomb County MSU Extension
Verkuilen Building
21885 Dunham Road, Room 12
Clinton Township, MI 48036
Office Phone: 5864696440
Todd Martin

martint@msu.edu
Technician
MSUE and KBS Land & Water Unit
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Office Phone: 2696712412
Website: http://www.covercrops.msu.edu/
Steve Tennes

steve@tennes.com
Organic Farmer
4648 Otto Road
Charlotte, MI 4881-9723
Office Phone: 5175431019