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Preventing erosion of muck soils by reducing tillage in onion production

Preventing erosion of muck soils by reducing tillage in onion production

Summary

Activity on this project has been delayed one year for the the following reasons.

April 2007 was one of the wettest springs on record, and planting was delayed. The onion grower cooperators were unable to dedicate the time required to effectively set up minimum tillage strips in such a challenging spring.

The Oswego County grower cooperators decided to take the time to spend the 2007 year to adopt their conventional onion seeder to plant into minimum tillage. This portion of the project was to be covered by another grant. Unfortunately, these growers did not meet the requirements of this grant and dropped out of the project.

Another grower cooperator from Elba was picked up. Going into the 2008 season, we have two grower cooperators lined up with fall cover crops established, and plans are to evaluate growing direct seeded and transplanted onions in reduced tillage systems.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Objectives and Performance Targets were delayed one year (see summary).

Accomplishments/Milestones

As mentioned above, this project was delayed one year due to extreme conditions in the fall for cover crop establishment and in the spring during planting. Our original grower cooperators from Oswego County dropped out, but we have a new grower cooperator on board in Elba.

Both growers have consulted with Cornell reduced tillage experts Anu Rangarajan and James Capron for equipment adaptation and fabrication and fertility adaptations. Both growers have established cover crops to set up the minimum tillage strips in 2008.

Project Content Page

2007 Annual Report

Project Number: ONE07-072
Type: On Farm Research/Partnership Project
Region: Northeast
SARE Grant: $9,996

Coordinator:

Christine Hoepting
Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program
12690 Rte. 31
Albion, NY 14411
Phone: 585-798-4265
E-mail: cah59@cornell.edu

Participants:
Matt Mortellaro
Onion Grower
Mortellaro & Sons
6550 Transit Road
Elba , NY 14058
Phone: 585-548-2228

Anusuya  Rangarajan
Associate Professor
Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell University
121 Plant Science , Cornell University
Ithaca , NY 14853
Phone: 607-255-1780
E-mail: ar47@cornell.edu

Phil Vigneri
Onion Grower
P. Vigneri & Sons
5929 Oak Orchard Road , Box 122
Elba , NY 14058
Phone: 585-757-2593
This project and all associated reports and support materials were supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.