Farm Research
The initial organic research plots consist of 144 raised bed plots, 4 x 25 feet, that have four rates of compost applied. These will be long-term plots used to monitor soil fertility by determining optimum compost rate and application timing. Crops include tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, kale, spinach and lettuce.
A high-tunnel greenhouse (40 x 80 feet) was constructed in early Spring 2008 and will be used for growing year-round organic salad greens, tomatoes and strawberries.
Initial federal funding has been awarded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative Competitive Grants program in Managed Ecosystems to study soil, water and crop quality as affected by compost and irrigation rate in 36 of the plots. Crop yield and quality, soil quality, including fertility and water holding capacity, and soil water quality and runoff will be studied in these plots.
