Meredith Melendez Senior Program Coordinator, Agriculture

Transcription

1 Winter 2011 Volume 1 Issue 1 A publication from Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension of Mercer County Mercer County Grower In This Issue An Introduction Page 1 Mercer County Agriculture Survey Page 2 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Update Page 3 Zone Tillage Page 4 Pesticide Credit Courses Available Page 5 Upcoming Events Page 7 An Introduction Meredith Melendez Senior Program Coordinator, Agriculture I was extremely happy when I was given the news that I was selected to serve the Mercer County agricultural community through Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE). I look forward to getting to know you and your farming operations, and I hope that I can be of great service to you. One of the most common comments I receive from folks learning of my position in Mercer County is that it is such a diverse county agriculturally. I find this very exciting, as it will keep me learning. I like to think that my diverse work experience lends well to the position here in Mercer County. I have worked in both small scale retail nurseries as well as a large wholesale nursery. I ve managed greenhouses on a New York City rooftop and was a grower for a certified organic tomato producer in Vermont. I received my B.S. of Agriculture from Ferrum College in southwestern Virginia where I focused on plant science and a masters degree Environmental Conservation Education from NYU. After receiving my masters degree I taught plant science at John Bowne High School in Queens. This public high school is home to an amazing four acre farm and a thriving FFA chapter. For the past four years I have served as Horticulture Consultant to RCE of Burlington County, where I assisted the public by researching and answering landscape, yard and garden questions. I enjoy being a source of information. I see it as my responsibility to gather useful information and pass it on to you. In this quarterly newsletter you will see reports from conferences, workshops and seminars that I ve attended as well as timely production information. Please complete the survey on page two of this newsletter so that I can better understand the agricultural needs of the county. Use this survey to update your contact information, particularly your address. allows me to send out information more efficiently. Don t have an address? I ll be sure to keep you on the RCE Ag snail mail list. Please return the survey to me by January 1 st. Feel free to , mail, fax or drop it off at the office. 930 Spruce Street Trenton, NJ Phone: Fax: melendez@njaes.rutgers.edu

2 RCE of Mercer County Agriculture Survey Please enter in your business name, address, and fill in any other information that might need to be updated. Mail, fax, or me your responses. Thank you for your help! Fax: Farm / Business Name Owner / Manager address Mailing address Phone number Fax number Web address # of Acres in production Farm / Business type Please send communication from the RCE office via I am interested in support with nutrient management high tunnels weed control crop variety recommendations disease management reduced tillage insect pest management organic crop systems cover crops agri-tourism marketing of products new farmer programming new and emerging crops pasture management equipment advancements greenhouse management regulatory issues technology as a marketing tool value added products right to farm Other Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County 930 Spruce Street Trenton, NJ Place Stamp Here Rutgers Cooperative Extension of of Mercer County Meredith Melendez Senior Program Coordinator, Agriculture 930 Spruce St. Trenton, NJ

3 Crop Damage from Stink bugs From the NJ Agribusiness Association Meeting, December 2, 2010 Presented by Dr. George Hamilton D. Polk, Rutgers Extension D. Polk, Rutgers Extension D. Polk, Rutgers Extension D. Polk, Rutgers Extension D. Polk, Rutgers Extension UDel Extension UTennessee Extension UDel Extension UDel Extension The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), accidentally introduced from Asia to PA in 1996, was recorded in record numbers this year and affected many crops across the state. The BMSB has been found in many of the eastern states as well as Oregon, California and was first detected in Colorado in late November. There have been accounts of families moving from the east coast and bringing the stink bugs with them to their new homes on the west coast. The BMSB is a piercing/sucking insect that can cause substantial damage to crops, damaging them enough that they are no longer viable for sale. There are over one hundred host plants including corn, soybeans, apples, peppers and tomatoes. There are a number of studies currently examining topics such as possible chemical controls of the BMSB, potential contamination of products by insect bodies, and evidence of delayed damage of stored produce such as apples. The stink bugs response to chemical applications varies by species, making the process of determining effective pesticide treatments difficult. A great deal of research needs to be done to better understand this pest and to determine how it can most effectively be controlled. There is a USDA/EPA BMSB working group that is looking at ways for growers to have more options when dealing with the BMSB. For more information please visit: Page 3 Don t miss the BMSB session by Dr. George Hamilton on 1/12/2011 at the Atlantic Coast Ag Convention.

4 Zone Tillage John Idowu, Anu Rangarajan, Harold van Es and Bob Schindelbeck Cornell University Reduced Tillage Project Team What is Zone Tillage? Zone tillage is a reduced tillage method that limits soil disturbance to the area of the planting row, and leaves the areas between the crop rows undisturbed. This method of tillage essentially combines the benefits of conventional and no till mostly without the negative consequences of either. How does Zone Tillage Work? Equipment used in zone tillage is adjusted to prepare a narrow planting zone that is 6-10 inches wide and about 4 inches deep. This disturbance is achieved by a set of two or three offset wavy or fluted coulters before a planter unit. This zone tillage system generally performs well in soils without a subsurface compaction layer. In many Northeastern soils continuous moldboard plowing has created distinct compacted layers in the soil, often at a depth between 8 and 12 inches. For such soils, deep ripping with zone tillage is necessary for successful cropping. Zone builders are very prominent among growers using zone tillage as a primary land preparation method. They consist of a series of straight leg shanks optimized to disturb the soil in narrow zones where the crops will be planted, and can operate up to 20 inches deep. The optimum depth of ripping depends on how deep the compaction layer is located in the soil. Ideally, the depth of ripping is set to about 2 inches below the compaction layer. Several studies have shown that breaking up this compaction layer can positively affect drainage and promote root growth in the soil. To identify the depth of the compacted layer, a soil penetrometer should be used, which essentially is a metal probe with a pointed tip pushed into the soil. A gauge at the end of the penetrometer shows the resistance measurement as the probe penetrates the soil. In cases where a factory manufactured penetrometer is not available, a simple T shaped metal rod with a pointed tip can be fabricated and pushed into the soil to identify the depth of the compaction layer. The depth of the pan is located at the point where the probe encounters a high resistance before finally pushing thorough the soil layer. You may need to take several measurements in the field to identify the depth and thickness of the compaction layer. What crops are adaptable to Zone Tillage? Generally, many field crops that are planted in rows have been successfully grown with zone tillage. Many large seeded vegetable crops such as sweet corn; pumpkins and dry beans; and transplants such as tomatoes and cabbage have been successfully grown by zone tillage. More research is still needed to finetune zone tillage for small seeded and root vegetables. Page 4 What are the benefits of Zone Tillage? Benefits of zone tillage include: Improved soil quality Organic matter that is burned down by tillage operation is reduced since only a small portion of the field (1/3) is tilled, while the remaining part of the field is left intact. Organic matter is very important for the overall wellbeing of the soil. Soil processes such as nutrient retention, available water capacity, resistance to soil erosion are all related to soil organic matter. Reduction in costs of tillage operations Zone tillage method is cheaper and faster to operate than the conventional tillage method since the entire field is not tilled. This eventually translates to reduced fuel usage and labor costs. Timeliness of operation Zone building especially when done in the fall can facilitate an early spring planting. The water in the field drains down more quickly and the row zones warm up more quickly making it possible to plant earlier. Crop insurance Zone tillage can help the crops withstand extreme weather events such as too wet of a spring or an in-season drought. The row zones, especially if they were ripped, can facilitate better water drainage during very wet periods. During drought periods, crop roots are able to penetrate deeper into the soil through the ripped zones for water and nutrients. What are the challenges inherent in the Zone Tillage system? While the benefits of zone tillage have been highlighted above, there are also challenges that need careful attention for it to work successfully. Continued on page 6

5 Pesticide Credits Available MG = Master Gardener Training Course, CALL AHEAD TO REGISTER! AC = Atlantic Coast Ag Conference and Trade Show Date Title Location / Contact Credits 12/16/2010 IPM MG 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. RCE Middlesex Core 1/11/2011 Farm Safety AC Trump Taj Mahal (See details on page 7) 3-Core 1/11/2011 Greenhouse Floriculture AC 1/11/2011 Peppers AC 1/12/2011 Stinkbugs AC 1/12/2011 Season Extension AC 1/12/2011 Small Fruits AC 1/12/2011 Blueberries AC 1/12/2011 Field Crops AC 1/12/2011 Tomatoes AC Trump Taj Mahal 2-PP2, 2-3A Trump Taj Mahal 3-PP2, 3-1A, 3-10 Trump Taj Mahal 3-PP2, 3-1A Trump Taj Mahal 2-PP2, 2-1A Trump Taj Mahal 2-PP2, 2-1A, 2-10 Trump Taj Mahal 3-PP2, 3-1A, 3-10 Trump Taj Mahal 4-PP2, 4-1A, 4-10 Trump Taj Mahal 3-PP2, 3-1A, /13/2011 Agribusiness AC 9:30 12:00 noon 1/25/2011 Weed Identification MG 1/27/ 2011 Entomology MG 2/10/2011 Small Fruits MG 2/24/2011 Pesticide Safety MG 3/15/2011 Lawn Care MG 4/12/2011 Vegetable Pathology MG Trump Taj Mahal 2-Core 6-PP2, 6-1A 3-PP2, 3-1A, 3-7A 3-3A 6-Core 6-3B 6-1A Page 5

6 Zone Tillage continued from page 4 One of the main challenges is weed control. Typically, after practicing zone tillage for some years, the weed spectrum of your field changes from annual to perennial. You may need to control specifically for perennial weeds to succeed with zone tillage. From field observations, perennial weeds are better controlled in the fall. Leaving the weed control untill spring may be too late and affect the growth and yield of crops. Another possible challenge in zone tillage is coping with heavy residue. High residue planters equipped with row cleaners can help this problem. Getting the right equipment to do the job can constitute a limitation to using zone tillage. Investment in new equipment is often expensive and it may take a long time to recover the costs. Borrowing or renting equipment from neighboring growers or purchasing used equipment may help overcome this challenge. How do I start Zone Tillage? Before you start with zone tillage, make sure you speak to others with experience with these tillage methods. Your local extension educator can help you understand viable operations in your area and even link you with other growers in your region already using these tillage techniques. For more information visit: tillage Or Reduced Tillage Project Team Department of horticulture 121 Plant Science Building Cornell University Ithaca, NY Yeoman Plow Requires less horsepower than most other deep zone till units, and can be less expensive. Shanks can be easily moved on the tool bar for different row spacing needs. Zone builders should be equipped with closing coulters and rolling baskets to break up clods and create a mini-mound over the ripped slot. Maintain low travel speed. Travel speeds of 4-5 mph are optimal. Faster speeds can damage soil structure. Shanks must be preceded by a trash cutting coulter to prevent residue binding on the shank. Row cleaners help move cover crop or other crop residue to improve the planting bed. Images and text from Guidelines for Deep Zone Tillage in Vegetable Production, Cornell University Both liquid and dry fertilizer programs can be used in a zone tillage system. Avoid broadcasting fertilizers. Most if not all fertility needs may be banded at planting. Dry fertilizer openings can deliver most starter needs in a zone till system. Fertility may be supplemented with sidedress applications if necessary. Page 6

7 Upcoming Events Date Name Location Contact December 13-14, 2010 Mon 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Tues 8:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Rutgers On-Farm Manure Composting School Office of Continuing Ed Rutgers EcoComplex Columbus, NJ cpe.rutgers.edu January 5-7, :00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. MANTS Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show Baltimore Convention Center, MD mants.com January 11-13, :30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Atlantic Coast Agriculture Convention and Trade Show Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City, NJ $100 for membership January 13, :00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Nursery / Landscape Conference Delaware Valley College, PA January 25-26, 2011 NJ Plants Nursery/Landascape Trade Show NJ Convention Center Edison, NJ njplantshow.com January 25-26, 2011 Women in Agriculture Challenges and Opportunities Dover Downs Hotel and Casino Dover, DE February 1-3, :00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Hershey Lodge, PA mafvc.org February 8-9, 2011 State Ag Convention Crown Plaza Hotel Cherry Hill, NJ nj.gov/agriculture/ conventions High Soluble Salt Levels in High Tunnels Elsa Sanchez, Associate Professor of Horticultural Systems Management Penn State University Fertilizer Soluble salt level increases have been noticed in the high tunnels at Penn State s High Tunnel Research and Education Facility, regardless of whether inorganic or organic nutrient sources have been used. In the spring of 2008, levels ranged from 0.37 to 9.38 mmhos/cm. Nutrient management in high tunnels can be tricky. High tunnels exclude rain and snow which lead to leaching and may result in a build-up of salts that can negatively affect plant growth. Different crops respond differently to soluble salt levels, with some being more sensitive than others. Monitor the soluble salt levels, place high tunnels in areas with good drainage to promote leaching, avoid over-fertilization, select fertilizers with low salt indexes, and limit the use of organic nutrient sources containing animal manures. Page 7 Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0) Sodium Nitrate (16-0-0) Urea (45-0-0) Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0) Calcium Nitrate Diammonium Phosphate ( ) Manoammonium Phosphate ( ) Superphosphate (0-45-0) Superphosphate (0-20-0) Potassium Chloride (0-0-60) Potassium Nitrate ( ) Potassium Sulfate (0-0-54) Salt Index

8 NJAES Cooperative Extension Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County 930 Spruce Street Trenton, NJ Agriculture Mercer County Grower The Mercer County Grower Newsletter provides the Mercer County agriculture community with local information from Rutgers Cooperative Extension and collaborating organizations which represent the diverse nature of agriculture within Mercer County. The Mercer County Grower Newsletter aims to give you the most up-to-date information on relevant topics. To receive this newsletter via please contact Meredith Melendez by at with the subject line: Mercer County Grower