Running head: FARM CONSULTATION PROJECT 1

Michael S. Hoffman

Farm Consultation Project:

Recommendations in Soil Fertility, Crop Rotation, Pest Control, Disease Management, and

Weed Ecology

Stockton University
FARM CONSULTATION PROJECT 2

Farm Consultation Project:

Recommendations in Soil Fertility, Crop Rotation, Pest Control, Disease Management, and

Weed Ecology

Introduction

Creating an adaptive, sustainable, and profitable organic garden can be incredibly

difficult without an in-depth, researched evaluation of multiple aspects. An understanding of

the local soil fertility, educated crop rotations, potential pest and disease threats, and weed

ecology is crucial for such a farm. First and foremost, knowing the general layout, geographic

location, and history of a farm or piece of land is needed. The Stockton organic farm is located

in Galloway, New Jersey. Located in the North East, it resides in the climate zone 6. Continuing,

the first frost date for the farm occurs on October 8th, with the last frost date on May 5th. The

soil within the farm and surrounding is a sand type, with soil organic matter added manually.

Additionally, in regards to the dimensions of the farm, it is 150 feet by 85 feet. Lastly,

surrounding the farm, is clear cut fields, allowing the farm to have optimal sun exposure.

Management of the farm comes from primarily two sources. First, it is operated and

maintained by one paid manager. Secondly, during the fall and spring semesters, students

involved in certain classes help with projects on the farm. Also, student interns and volunteers

learn, experiment, and help maintain the farms. Previously, the farm has grown during the

summer, cherry tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, tomatillos, buckwheat cover crop,

garlic, hops, cold hardy tea, and much more. During the fall, they grow garlic, barley, winter rye,

crimson clover, kale, radish, escarole, and peas. Furthermore, the produce either gets donated

or given out on campus for donations. Most importantly, the goals for the Stockton organic
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farm consist of creating an extension program for small farmers who are doing unconventional

practices and a model for a farm business utilizing a small amount of land. Also, the farm would

like to grow less conventional crops but with high valued plant yields and increase its vegetable

production. In addition, the farm wants a stronger community involvement through workshops

and ways to donate produce.

Soil Fertility

Understanding the soil fertility relevant to the land to which one wants to begin a poly-

culture styled farm is crucial. Interpreting, analyzing, then implementing data from soil tests will

allow proper addition of nutrients from organic fertilizers and the creation of rotating crops and

cover crops. After soil tests, the soil was found at the farm with a pH of 4.69. This is an

extremely acidic soil, far from the ideal threshold of 6.2 to 6.8. The nutrient levels were also

tested. They are as follows: phosphorus was 546 (above optimum), potassium was 90 (below

optimum), magnesium was 134 (barely below optimum), calcium was 361 (very low), zinc was

4.3 (good), copper was 4.68 (good), manganese was 7.65 (good), boron was 0.21 (low), and

lastly, iron was 156.60 (high).

Recommendations to fixing the fertility insufficiencies or over abundance of nutrients is

needed for healthy crops to follow. Fist, adding dolomitic limestone at 125 pounds per 1,000

square feet for a one-time application would help. It would be tilled and forked 6 inches down

into the soil before the first planting. Secondly, with a ratio of 1-0-1, achieving 2 pounds of

nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be mixed into the soil in late April or early May using a

tiller or shovel. Additional nitrogen may be needed after a month or so of planted seeds. This

can be achieved by using a fish emulsion fertilizer with a ratio of 4-1-1. The following year,
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compost and apply a 2-1-1 ratio of alfalfa meal fertilizer to achieve 2 pounds of nitrogen per

1,000 square feet. Then during mid-season, treat soil with 1-0-0 fertilizer. Additionally,

increasing the soil organic matter can be done by continuing composting all non-disease plant

residues and applying the compost to soil before each planting. With proper crop rotations, rest

between rotations, and cover cropping, continued stable levels of soil organic matter will take

hold. Lastly, to reduce erosion from wind, rain, and other weathering factors, maintaining a

healthy soil with incorporated cover crops in portions not being used will allow a stable soil as

well.

Crop Rotation

Rotating crops is vital for a healthy farm. Crop rotations benefit farms in several ways.

This includes, decreased stress on plants from pest and disease threats, improved soil organic

matter, and overall healthier plants. In the maps and table provided, the crop rotations, yields,

planting and harvesting times can be seen. For the past year of 2016 for the spring and

summer season, crops containing Cucurbits, Solanaceae, and a cover crop of buckwheat was

grown. Plants ranging from cucumbers, cantaloupe, eggplants to sweet peppers, cherry

tomatoes, and tomatillos were grown. Cucurbits took up 4,250 square feet, Solanaceae took up

8,500 square feet, and the cover crop took up 3,187.5 square feet. For the fall and winter of

2016, crops ranging in the families of Allium, Brassica, Legumes, and Chenopodiaceae have

been planted. Additionally, cover crops consisting of barley, winter rye, and crimson clover

have been planted. In 2017, for the spring and summer, garlic will cover 2,125 square feet

yielding 100 pounds, cherry tomatoes 850 square feet yielding 2,040 pounds, tomatoes 850

square feet yielding 3,060 pounds, hot peppers 409.5 square feet yielding 409.5 pounds, sweet
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peppers 850 square feet yielding 399.75 pounds, potatoes 850 square feat yielding 2,550

pounds, cucumbers 1,062.5 square feet yielding 3,718.75 pounds, zucchini 1,062.5 square feet

yielding 1440 pounds, and a cover crop of berseem clover. Continuing, for the fall and winter of

2017, a cover crop of winter rye and hairy vetch will take up 6,375 square feet, lettuce 1,593.75

square feet yielding 1,912 pounds, baby mix 1,593.75 square feet yielding 796.88 pounds,

brussel sprouts 1,593.75 square feet yielding 252 pounds, and kale 1,593.75 square feet

yielding 4,781.25 pounds. For the following year of 2018, during the spring and summer, cherry

tomatoes will take up 637.5 square feet yielding 1,147.5 pounds, tomatoes 637.5 square feet

yielding 765 pounds, hot peppers 637.5 square feet yielding 157.5 pounds, sweet peppers

637.5 square feet yielding 549 pounds, eggplant 637.5 square feet yielding 1,020 pounds,

winter squash 1,593.75 square feet yielding 7,171,88 pounds, pumpkin 1,593.75 yielding 1,440

pounds, and a cover crop of berseem clover of 6,375 square feet. For the fall and winter of

2018, 2,125 square feet of garlic will be planted, a cover crop of 7,437.5 square feet of crimson

clover, 1,593.75 square feet of spinach yielding 796.88 pounds, and 1,593.75 square feet of

swiss chard yielding 4,621.88 bunches. Finally, for the year of 2019 in the spring and summer

season, 2,125 square feet of garlic will be harvested yielding 100 pounds, 1,416.67 square feet

of cabbage will be planted, yielding 1,320 pounds, 1,416.67 square feet of brussel sprouts

yielding 198 pounds, 1,416.67 square feet of broccoli yielding 566.67 pounds, 637.5 square

feet of cherry tomatoes yielding 1,147.5 pounds, 637.5 square feet of tomatoes yielding 765

pounds, 637.5 square feet of hot peppers yielding 157.5 pounds, 637.5 square feet of sweet

peppers yielding 549 pounds, 637.5 square feet of potatoes yielding 2,956.25 pounds, and a

cover crop of 3,187.5 square feet of soybeans. For the fall and winter of 2019, a cover crop of
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7,437.5 square feet consisting of buckwheat and hairy vetch will be planted, 2,125 square feet

of beans yielding 1,062.5 pounds, 1,593.75 square feet of lettuce yielding 1,912.5 pounds, and

1,593.75 square feet of baby mix yielding 796.88 pounds.

Crops Planted Harvested Avg. yield

Cucumbers Early spring Throughout summer 3.5 lbs/sq ft

Cantaloupe Early spring Throughout summer 200-600 45 lb

cartons/acre

Zucchini Early spring Throughout summer 6-10 lbs per plant

Winter squash Spring Throughout fall 4.5 lbs/sq ft

Pumpkin Spring Throughout fall 10-30 tons/acre

Cherry tomatoes Early spring Throughout summer 1.8 lbs/sq ft

Tomatoes Early spring Throughout summer 1.2 lbs/sq ft

Hot peppers Early spring Throughout summer 10,000-20,000

lbs/acre

Sweet peppers Early spring Throughout summer 300-600 lbs/acre

Eggplant Early spring Throughout summer 1.6 lbs/sq ft

Potatoes Early spring End of summer/beginning 1.5 lbs/sq ft

of fall

Garlic Late fall Mid summer 20 lbs seeds = 100 lbs

Kale Late summer Throughout fall 3 bunches/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Radish Late summer Throughout fall 100 bunches/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Brussel sprouts Late summer Throughout fall 1 quart per plant

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Cabbage Late summer Throughout fall 40,000 lbs/acre

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Broccoli Late summer Throughout fall 0.4 lbs/sq ft

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Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Peas Late summer Throughout fall 0.2 lbs/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Beans Late summer Throughout fall 0.5 lbs/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Escarole Late summer Throughout fall 1 lb/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Spinach Late summer Throughout fall 0.5 lb/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Swiss chard Late summer Throughout fall 2.9 lbs/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Lettuce Late summer Throughout fall 1.2 lbs/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Baby Mix Late summer Throughout fall 0.5 lbs/sq ft

Or Or
Early spring Throughout spring

Buckwheat Spring End of summer -

Annual ryegrass Spring End of summer -

Soybeans Spring End of summer -

Berseem clover Spring End of summer -

Barley Late summer End of winter -

Winter rye Late summer End of winter -

Crimson clover Late summer End of winter -

Hairy vetch Late summer End of winter -

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Pest Control

Despite soil fertility, understanding and knowing potential pests is important to ensure

high yields and profit for a farm. With the project crops and rotation, three potential main pests

could arise during the various growing and harvesting seasons. The tomato hornworm, cabbage

maggot, and brown marmorated stink bug pose a serious threat to several crops. Starting with

the tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata), this pest has a complete metamorphosis.

Its adults lay eggs on leaves in the spring. The larvae then feed on the leaves and can potentially

grow up to four inches during the late spring and early summer. The larvae can be identified by

a light green body with white U shaped markings along both sides of its body. Once the larvae

matures, it falls to the ground and pupates in the soil, emerging three to four weeks later as an

adult moth. The second generation larvae pupate in the soil overwinter and in the spring,

emerge as adults. Additionally, they mainly attack plants belonging to the Solanaceae family

and specifically tomato plants. Monitoring these pests should consist of checking the farm

every 3 to 5 days, inspecting the plants thoroughly. Handpicking and naturally occurring

predators including, lady beetles, green lacewings, and parasitic wasps help with prevention. If

an outbreak occurs, an organic pesticide of Bacillus thuringiensis can be applied.

Following, the cabbage maggot (Delia radicum) poses a threat to plants in the Brassica

family including cabbage, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Like the tomato hornworm, the

cabbage maggot undergoes a complete metamorphosis. It pupates overwinter only about 1 to

5 inches below the soil surface. Then in the spring, the adults emerge and lay eggs either in the

soil where the base of the plant meets or in cracks in the soil. Eggs only take 3 to 7 days to

hatch into larvae, which the larvae can be identified as legless, light colored and yellow insects.
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They only grow to around one quarter of an inch. The cabbage maggot feeds of the roots of the

plants. Monitoring should consist of using yellow soapy water filled pails placed along the field

edges. Empty the pails every 4 to 6 days and keep record of the captured cabbage maggot flies

to determine if the populations are increasing or decreasing. Since outbreaks of cabbage

maggots are incredibly hard to control and stop, preventive measures should be of upmost

importance. One should avoid plowing fresh weeds, cover crops, or animal manures in the

spring. Cabbage maggots are attracted to rotting organic matter.

Lastly, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a common and

persistent pest in this region. It undergoes simple metamorphosis and at its nymph and adult

stages, are crops most susceptible to damage. The adults lay dormant over winter and emerge

in the spring. Once emerged, they lay eggs under the leaves in late spring and summer. The

adult forms can be identified easily by there shield-shape flat beetle like appearance. Unlike the

previous two pests, this type of stink bug attacks over 170 different kinds of plant species with

several coming from the projected crops at the Stockton organic farm. Furthermore, the use of

black-pyramid pheromone traps and backlight traps can help monitor the population.

Preventable measures can be taken by using essential oils that are encapsulated with slow

dissolving formulations around the crops. Outbreaks of stink bugs can be controlled by spraying

a neem based organic pesticide.

Disease Management

While pest management is crucial, disease management should also be recognized,

prevented, and if needed mitigated properly. The three main potential diseases are powdery

mildew, early blight, and Fusarium. Powdery mildew comes in many types of species, but
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Erysiphe cichoracearum and Sphaerotheca fuliginea are two common types. Powdery mildew

does not require water for germination. Starting with white spots on leaves, it quickly spreads,

covering the leaves with several spores, eventually with the leaves twisting, breaking, and

becoming distorted and brown. The appearance is similar to leaves coated in flour. Also,

powdery mildew thrives in hot and humid environments. Powdery mildew mainly attacks

Solanaceae and Cucurbits families. When monitoring, inspect the plants at the same time when

inspecting for tomato hornworms. Prevention measures consist of avoiding overhead watering

but instead, using drip irrigation, and pruning overcrowded plants. If an outbreak occurs,

applying either a bicarbonate spray or a 1-teaspoon of baking soda to 1-quart of water solution

will suffice.

The second potential disease affecting the Solanaceae family is early blight (Alternaria

solani). Early blight can survive in old plants and debris and spread by wind and rain. Typically, it

prefers moist, warm environments. Starting with circular or irregular dark spots, the disease

spreads, causing the yellowing of the leaf and worsening of dark spots. Eventually, the leaf with

die and if left unchecked defoliation will continue, contributing to major loss of yields.

Monitoring would follow the same guidelines for powdery mildew. Prevention measures should

consist of choosing tomato tolerant varieties such as, Early Cascade, Floramerica, Jetstar,

Manlucie, Supersonic, or Surecrop. Also, if an outbreak occurs, a last resort can be applying a

copper based solution.

Lastly, a fungus known as Fusarium,is an easily spreadable disease as it infects plants

through the soil. Fusarium is a soil-born pathogen causing the term fusarium wilt disease to

take hold. It infects the plant by entering through the root system, stopping the cells from being
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able to transport water and nutrients. Fusarium attacks mainly Allium, Cucurbit, and

Solanaceae families. Monitoring should follow the same guidelines as the previous two

diseases. Preventing Fusarium can be done my adequate rotation and sterilization of the soil.

The use of solarized beds by placing black plastic over areas with full sun for at least a month

will allow any fungus present to be killed. Also, washing any farming equipment containing

contaminated soil is a must. If an outbreak occurs, applying an organic spray known as

Mycostop with sufficient water during application will work.

Weed Ecology

The last and still fundamental management practice is weed ecology. Crabgrass,

lespedeza, and yellow nutsedge are potential main weeds the grow on the farm and pose a

threat to the crops. First, crabgrass is an annual grassy plant that spreads along the soil surface.

It is incredibly tolerant to droughts but is an indicator species of issues stemming from low

fertility and under or overwatering. Crabgrass germinates in May and is a prolific seed

producer. The use of a crabgrass rake can remove small populations, but ultimately,

maintaining proper fertility and healthy plants will ensure plants to outcompete crabgrass

populations. Also, intercropping a living mulch will smother and outcompete crabgrass.

Secondly, lespedeza is a broad-leaf woody perennial plant with a deep taproot. The

seeds can last more than 20 years in soil. Additionally, it flowers July to October and is drought

tolerant, reaching heights up to 5 to 6 feet tall. Performing controlled burns in September

before seeding is an excellent way of controlling populations. Also, organic herbicides such as,

apple cider vinegar or clove oil and even frequent mowing helps.
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Lastly, yellow nutsedge is a perennial sedge with a tuber root system and a clear

indicator of poor drainage on the farm. Its seeds rarely germinate and spread through tubers

and rhizomes. Also, the roots of the sedge can survive overwinter and emerge over three

consecutive years. Due to the root system, mowing is ineffective, but increasing plant density

through cover cropping and living mulches can help with reducing competition. Furthermore,

using vinegar based organic herbicide applications, aerating the soil for better drainage, and

even grazing from chicken and ducks all help with reducing populations of yellow nutsedges. In

the end, if proper adherence to the proposed outline is kept, the Stockton organic farm will find

itself in the next several years continuing to becoming the ideal model of an efficiently ran

small-scale sustainable farm.

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References

http://davesgarden.com/guides/freeze-frost-dates/index.php?q=08205&submit=Go

http://rci.rutgers.edu/~soilslab/FertProducts/fertproddisplay.php

http://www.preen.com/weeds/nj

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/weeds/search.asp?s=yellow+nuts+edge&submit=Go%21

https://blackboard.stockton.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1063732-dt-content-rid-
3959394_1/courses/XLS10201680/14.%20Weed%20Ecology%20and%20Mgmt.pdf

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-19-w.pdf

http://www.gardensalive.com/product/is-nutgrassnutsedge-driving-you-
nuts/you_bet_your_garden

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/smallacreage/crops-guides/vegtables/cantaloupe-
honeydew/

http://www.harvesttotable.com/2010/04/vegetable_crop_rotation/

http://greyduckgarlic.com/How_Much_Garlic_Should_I_Buy.html

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/smallacreage/crops-guides/vegtables/hot-peppers/

http://veggieharvest.com/vegetables/brussels-sprouts.html

http://www.aces.edu/dept/com_veg/covercrops.pdf

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/winter-squash-growing-3/

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/average-yield-sweet-pepper-84863.html

http://www.stopbmsb.org/managing-bmsb/ipm-for-the-brown-marmorated-stink-bug-part-2/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/tomato-hornworms-in-home-gardens/

http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/pest-profiles/pests/cabbage-maggot

http://www.almanac.com/pest/powdery-mildew
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http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-
gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/fungal-spots/early-blight-of-
tomato.aspx

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/controlling-fusarium-wilt.htm

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/fusarium-wilt/