Active Farmer Research Groups
Last updated: October, 2004
Managing Manure Stacking to Limit N Leaching
Farmers are developing methods to limit environmental problems associated with stockpiling and field stacking manure by layering organic materials like straw, wood chips, compost or leaves beneath or on top of manure piles. Trials on seven farms in 2002 and 2003-4 tested different materials and manures. Results were very promising, some treatments entirely eliminated nitrogen leaching from manure piles. In 2005, this group may begin evaluation of premixing manure with organic materials like leaves, before field stacking. They plan to evaluate low-cost structures for short-term storage and premixing. This group is also advising on a research station trial designed to better understand the biophysical mechanisms of their practice.
Direct Long Cut Vacuum Grass Silage
Farmers are evaluating techniques and equipment to reduce the labor needed to make silage and utilize more of grass forage. In 2002 and 2003, the long cut grass silage was palatable to beef and dairy cattle and the silage smelled good to the farmers. This group still needs to collect more data. Silage quality, based on lab results, varied cut-by-cut and farm-to-farm. Dry matter tends to be lower than in most silage, but may be acceptable for grass-based production. VFA composition is different than that of typical grass silage. The Lacerator may be too heavy for steep hills or smaller tractors. It's helpful to have the right wagon for the Lacerator. The group has also tested a modified flail chopper that seems to generate similar quality silage. Five out of seven farms have been satisfied with the results of their tests and are using the practice. In 2005, the group may compare choppers, vacuum technologies and silage quality.
Silage Yield Comparison Using Hen Manure or Commercial Fertilizer
This group is comparing the yields of corn silage when fertilized with chicken manure, commercial fertilizer or cow manure. Silage yields, costs and grain yields will be tracked. Traditionally, hen manure is considered to give higher yields. Perhaps because of the drought, in 2002 field results did not indicate any significant yield differences between plots fertilized with hen manure or commercial fertilizer. In 2003 and 2004, seven field tests demonstrated greater yields of silage and grain with hen manure than with commercial fertilizer. This group is deciding it’s next steps for 2005.
Fall Soil Amino Sugar Test for N
Farmers are evaluating the potential of a soil test that would allow them to predict N available for their summer corn crop based on a fall soil test rather than using the June presidedress nitrate test (PSNT). In 2002 and 2003 the amino sugar nitrogen content of the soil in the fall was a reliable predictor of soil nitrogen availability and the need for fertilizer during the next growing season. Three farms continue to compare the amino sugar N test, PSNT and the end-of season stalk nitrogen test, 2004 data has not yet been analyzed.
"Organic Gem" Fish Emulsion
This farmer group is testing the effects of a fish emulsion "biostimulant" on pumpkins, squash and sweet corn. In 2003, no additional fertility effects were observed. In 2004, the group tested Gem with squash and pumpkins. They added a combined fish emulsion -fertilizer treatment to their experiment. Preliminary results suggest Gem in combination with fertilizer resulted in greater yields than fertilizer or Gem alone. |
Potential Farmer Research Groups
If you are interested in any of the topics listed below or if you have another idea or interest, contact us! When there is enough interest we will bring the group together and start planning a project! Send an e-mail to Sue Ellen Johnson at sejohnson@smallfarm.org or phone (413) 323-4531.
- Christmas tree mulch/weed control ring
- Forage quality, soil mineral content and reproductive success in (ET) beef cows
- Pasture reclamation from brush: a. using animals b. using any method
- Multi-flora rose control
- No-till renovation of pastures
- Fall management of rye cover crops (broadcast seeding, manuring and harrowing)
- Alternative energy generation /on-farm methane digesters
- Recycling dried/squeezer manure as bedding
- Pasture Irrigation
- Rye cover crop grazing
- Bird control in barns and barnyards
- Bird control in fields
- Rodent (rat and mice) control
- Plants to take-up maximum P for export
- Milk house waste disposal alternative methods
- Starter/pre-plant fertilizer- does it pay?
- Interseeding cover crops in corn
- Perennial ryegrass variety evaluation
- Composting (to kill weed seeds)
- Manuring hay ground
- Odor control from manure storage facilities
- Dairy bedding alternatives
- Handling sand in liquid manure systems
- Wool as a mulch in vegetables
- Alternative parasite control in sheep
- No-till organic vegetables
- Mobile poultry processing
- Mint species control (in pastures)
- CLA content of grass fed milk and meat products
- Wireworm control in field corn
- Phythoptera rot control
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