Biologically based soil fertility systems provide multiple ecosystem and crop production services. These systems rely on organic sources of nutrients (e.g., manure, compost, green manure, and plant and seed meals) to meet crop needs. They can replace some or all of the need for synthetic fertilizer, improve soil quality and productivity, and recycle nutrients that […]
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Because soil organic matter stores both nutrients and water, it is a key to soil quality in both agricultural and forested ecosystems. The overall goal of this research is to help us to understand the factors that preserve organic matter in soils and also understand how soil organic matter levels may be affected by rising […]
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Maine’s agricultural economy is restricted to some extent by short seasons, extremely cold winters and soils that may be erodible, acidic, low in organic matter, underlain with compacted glacial till or with a sandy subsoil that promotes nutrient leaching. In spite of the challenges, Maine has a thriving agricultural sector that has adapted to soil […]
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Profitable production of potato, which continues to be the most important agricultural commodity in the state of Maine, is impossible without successful control of its insect pests. Insecticides do not provide a long-term solution because of the rapid evolution of resistance in the targeted populations. Furthermore, they are largely ineffective in preventing the spread of […]
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Most potato production systems used in the U.S. require high rates of chemical fertilization to maintain yields and frequent chemical sprays for disease control. This project will develop and evaluate nutrient management practices that will reduce the dependence of potato production systems on purchased P and K fertilizers. It will also improve the nitrogen fertilization […]
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Consumer demographics and food preferences present new challenges for farmers who seek to supply high quality, highly nutritional products to consumers, while maintaining economically and environmentally sustainable production practices. This multidisciplinary regional research project helps farmers address these needs. Specifically, we propose to provide farmers new potato varieties to solve production problems and meet consumers […]
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Potato is the top-ranked vegetable crop in the US, and number one vegetable in Maine. The crop is attacked by many diseases, such as common scab. There is an urgent need for managing this disease due to significant economic losses and a lack of consistent and effective control methods. Evidence has shown that some soils […]
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Potato production plays an important role in the state of Maine and significantly contributes to the economy of the United States. Studies are urgently needed to address the management of both airborne and soilborne diseases in potato. This project will involve studying the principle of disease development with changing environments and agricultural production, updating the […]
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This research project has and will continue to lead to sound recommendations for growers and nurseries based on widespread knowledge of adaptability and performance of fruit trees. To remain competitive, apple growers are replacing older, less productive orchards with new ones planted to new varieties with greater consumer appeal, but also with dwarfing rootstocks that […]
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More than 60% of Maine vegetable growers use hoop houses. Primarily the structures are used for the production of summer season tomatoes and/or fall through spring greens production with little crop rotation or cover cropping. Little attention is given to maintaining soil health other than application of typically large volumes of compost or manures. Overtime […]
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