Learning Center Workshops on 8/13/09

The Organic Weed Management Learning Center at the San Juan Basin Research Center will be hosting a set of workshops on Thursday, August 13th from 4-7:30 pm. They will include a Soil Analyses workshop by Dr. Phil Shuler beginning at 4 pm followed by an update on the techniques and data collection from this summer and then an introduction to the web-based resources available for participants during dinner. We have 14 different types of Organic Weed Management for Market Gardens being studied this summer. We’ll also take a look at our variety trials for potatoes, sunflowers, tomatoes and peppers.

Please RSVP to Beth LaShell

Corn Gluten Meal

Picture taken on July 7, 2009. Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) was applied at a rate of 1500 lb/acre on June 9th

Corn Gluten Meal Facts:

By-product of corn milling process
Pre-emergent herbicide that is effective in stopping or inhibiting root formation
Contains 10% Nitrogen
Must be applied after seeds have germinated or use transplants

Corn Gluten Meal Observations
Extensive moisture can reduce effectiveness

Organic CGM not available

Has become very expensive in the past couple of years

Beware of corn gluten feed versus corn gluten meal. Feed will not work.

Resources:

Corn Gluten Meal Research Page: http://www.hort.iastate.edu/gluten/

Black Plastic

These pictures were taken on June 9th and July 7, 2009

Black Plastic Facts:

3’ x 50’roll - $7.44 ($.05 per square foot )
4 mil plastic
Not biodegradable
Puncture resistant

Available at most local stores

Black Plastic Observations:

Was not affected by rains in June.

Can use garden staples to secure edges

Seedlings emerged very quickly

OWM - Garden Bio-film

These pictures were taken on July 7 and June 9th, 2009

Bio-film Facts:

•5 x 30 ft roll $16.95 ( $.04 per square foot )
•100% biodegradable and compostable mulching film that is made from cornstarch and other renewable resources
•Begins to decompose in 50-60 days, biodegrading 95% after about 90 days depending on environmental conditions. It can be tilled into the soil at any time during the season

Bio-film Observations:

- Can be difficult to lay because it tears easily. Must secure edges with dirt because garden staples tear fabric.

- Wind can increase size of planting slits.

- Only 3 feet wide so once buried, only get about 2 feet of coverage

Mini-Workshops very successful

The five mini-workshops held on June 4th and June 19th were very well attended. Participants enjoyed the hand on activities and the ability to interact with the instructors as well as other participants

OWM Mini Workshops on June 19th

The San Juan Basin Research Center will be hosting another set of Organic Weed Management Workshops on Friday, June 19th from 8 am until 1 pm.

Soil Analysis with Dr. Phil Shuler from 8-10 am
Methodology- OWM Technique demonstrations:from 10-11:30
Measuring efficacy of weed control methods- 11:30-12:30

Email me at beth.lashell@colostate.edu or leave a message at 385-4574 to sign up for one or all of the workshops.

The research market garden has 14 different organic weed management techniques. We applied Corn Gluten Meal this week and made a pass with the Glaser Wheel Hoe. We'll be doing flaming and horticultural vinegar applications next week.

Seedlings coming up

On May 26th, Fort Lewis College Agriculture students finished planting all 14 of the OWM plots. Four replicates of beans, beets, corn, broccoli and cabbage were planted in each 80 foot row using 4' centers. On June 3rd the first seedlings began to emerge.