-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Vlaming [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Subject: Organic Research at SWMREC
'Unique Opportunity in Baseline Data Collection on Transition Organic
Plot
at Southwest Michigan Research and Education Center' near St. Joesph, MI
The approx. 20 acre area located in the NW corner of SWMREC will soon be
available for research of various practices relevant to the organic
production of fruits, vegetables and field crops in Michigan.
Funding has been secured for the first year (of a three year)
'transition'
toward certified organic status per the National Organic Program. The
proposal calls for the area to be planted into a cover crop in year one,
following collection of soil samples for baseline soil fertility data.
Compost will then be applied and the cereal rye/alfalfa cover crop will
be
seeded in spring of 2007. In the future, the perennial cover crop can
be
plowed in (if needed) to facilitate various research projects.
Historically, the majority of the gentle to moderately sloping site has
been
in a corn/soybean rotation, in addition to a few blocks of young peach
trees, all of which are to be removed. The site generally has a loamy
sand
type soil.
This site is available for use in the research and evaluation of various
facets of organic production methods, and the economic analysis thereof.
What is unique now is that researchers have the opportunity to collect
relevant baseline data for later comparison with treatment effects of
future
research.
If you have any interest in collection of data prior to any treatment
this
spring, or questions about future organic research opportunities at this
location, please contact:
Greg Vlaming
MSU Extension Educator
Berrien County, MI.
269-944-4126 x 2040
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