The effect of food processing waste on cover crop growth and subsequent cash crop production in a certified organic vegetable operation

2003 Annual Report for ONE03-007

Project Type: Partnership
Funds awarded in 2003: $9,930.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2003
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $2,322.00
Region: Northeast
State: Maine
Project Leader:
Mark Hutchinson
University of Maine Extension

The effect of food processing waste on cover crop growth and subsequent cash crop production in a certified organic vegetable operation

Summary

Food processing waste tends to end up in the land fill. The project leader will investigate whether this food waste is viable either as direct soil amendment or a compost ingredient, and he will work with a cooperating farm already conducting a related SARE grant on whether fish waste can be used profitably as an organic source of nitrogen (FNE02-423). The goals are to reduce the waste stream entering the land fills and to see whether this waste can be a nutrient source for organic vegetable production. The research site will be used as part of an in-service training for professionals interested in working with organic grain producers. The cooperating farmer will host a field day and the project results will be presented regional growers’ conferences.

Collaborators:

Mark Hutton

Vegetable Specialist
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
PO Box 179
Monmouth , ME 04259-0179
Office Phone: 2079332100