Local Organic Agriculture: An Example with Applications to Soil Science

Transcription

1 Local Organic Agriculture: An Example with Applications to Soil Science Soil Science Society of North Carolina, 2013 Annual Meeting January 23, 2013 Chris Murray, Sunset Farms

2 Objectives Provide an Example of a Local, Small Scale Organic Farm, With Emphasis on the Soil Science Principles Used Demonstrate the Contributions Soil Science can Provide to this Growing Movement

3 Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions

4 Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions

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6 Background of Sunset Farms Original Land Base Purchased in 1903 Farm Has Produced a Variety of Crops Grain Farming Occurred in the 1970 s and 1980 s

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8 Background of Sunset Farms Original Land Base Purchased in 1903 Farm Has Produced a Variety of Crops Grain Farming Occurred in the 1970 s and 1980 s Direct Marketing of Local Produce Began in 1982

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12 Advantages of Direct Market Produce Production: Higher Returns Per Acre Wider Diversity of Production (Less Vulnerability) Socially, Spiritually, Emotionally Enhancing Lifestyle

13 Background of Sunset Farms (continued) Farm Consists of 56 Acres; Forestry, Pasture and Horticulture/Forage Rotation Many Varieties of Vegetable Crops and Livestock Produced

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16 Planting of Crops Some Bare-Ground Planting Utilized (Direct Seeded Crops)

17 Planting of Crops

18 Planting of Crops Some Bare-Ground Planting Utilized (Direct Seeded Crops) Plasticulture Utilized

19 Planting of Crops

20 Planting of Crops

21 Planting of Crops

22 Planting of Crops

23 Coping With Wildlife Delaware_Deer_Management_Plan.aspx

24 Coping With Wildlife

25 Coping With Wildlife

26 Coping With Wildlife

27 Current Production Pastured Poultry Produce Pastured Eggs, Pastured Broilers and Pastured Turkeys Combination of Portable Shelters and Poultry Schooners

28 Current Production Pastured Poultry, Egg Layers

29 Current Production Pastured Poultry, Broilers

30 Current Production Pastured Poultry, Turkeys

31 Current Production Pastured Poultry Produce Pastured Eggs, Pastured Broilers and Pastured Turkeys Combination of Portable Shelters and Poultry Schooners Processing Off Farm Due to Time and Marketing Constraints

32 Poultry Processing

33 Current Production Pastured Poultry Produce Pastured Eggs, Pastured Broilers and Pastured Turkeys Combination of Portable Shelters and Poultry Schooners Processing Off Farm Due to Time and Marketing Constraints Organic Feed Sourced Locally

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35 Current Production Grass-fed Beef Intensively Managed Herbivores Provide Income, Add Organic Matter Utilization of Annuals in Rotations Allows for Grass Finishing a Large Portion of the Year Homegrown Animals and Purchased Steers

36 Current Production Grass-fed Beef

37 Current Production Pastured Pigs Help utilize cull or excess produce Provide additional winter inventory

38 Current Production Pastured Pigs

39 Current Production - Certification Compliant with National Organic Program Non Certified Organic - Market and Cost Considerations Handshake Marketing and Certified Naturally Grown

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42 Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan

43 Carrboro Farmers Market

44 Durham Farmers Market

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46 Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan 50 Member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, Growing Annually, Provides Start-up Capital

47 Community Supported Agriculture

48 Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan 50 Member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, Growing Annually, Provides Start-up Capital Symbiosis With Local Chefs (Farm to Table Movement)

49 Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan 50 Member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, Growing Annually, Provides Start-up Capital Symbiosis With Local Chefs (Farm to Table Movement) Working Toward Year Round Production

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51 Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions

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54 Enon Fine Sandy Loam Fine, mixed, active, thermic Ultic Hapludalfs Good Soil vs. Bad Soil?

55 Soil Management Principles - Tillage Heavy Soils Require Careful Management Disk Harrow is Tillage Tool of Choice Raised Beds Crucial to Success

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58 Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program

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60 Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program Composts Give a Boost in Organic Matter and Fertility

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62 Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program Composts Give a Boost in Organic Matter and Fertility Cover Crops Utilized When Possible

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64 Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program Composts Give a Boost in Organic Matter and Fertility Cover Crops Utilized When Possible Additional Fertility Sources Include Rock Phosphate, Sulfate of Potash (0-0-50), Protein Meals, Limestone

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66 Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility (Continued) Fertility Boosts for Beds Cropped Multiple Times Comes from Harmony Organic Fertilizer

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68 Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions

69 Conclusions Local Food Systems Becoming Increasingly Prevalent Many Small Organic Farms can Benefit from Knowledge Base of Soil Science Soil Scientists can Provide Assistance with Soil Inventory, Agronomic Management, Soil Quality Measurements, etc.

70 Questions?