Evaluating Impacts of Transplant Media on Plant growth and root Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities

Trial involves using various organic fertility sources and evaluating seedling and adult plant performance, and following the soil microbial communities after field transplanting. Fertility sources included vermicompost, thermophilic compost, alfalfa meal, sesame meal, compared with pure peat-perlite and SunGro mix. Soil communities differed at the start, became more homogenous after transplanting. Yields did not siginifiacntly differ between treatments, though sesame meal had the earliest fruit. A Rangarajan ar47@cornell.edu 607-255-1780

Organic Greenhouse Tomato Yield and Profitability

The goal was to grow certified organic greenhouse tomatoes on farm, and compare costs and returns to conventional tomatoes. Data will be collected for 2 seasons to see if lower costs and higher organic premiums will offset lower yields. H.C.Wien hcw2@cornell.edu 607-255-4570

Heirloom Tomato Variety Trial in a Certified Organic High Tunnel

The goal of this project is to evaluate performance of heirloom tomato varieties in a high tunnel, for yield and disease. Will be compared to conventional hybrids in high tunnel. J Reid. jer11@cornell.edu, 315-536-5123

The Effect of Soil Tilth on Weed Control by Cultivation

The objectives of this investigation were to determine the effects of soil compaction, amendment with compost, and fineness of the seedbed on the ability of cultivators to destroy weeds. Significant effects of soil condition on weed density and biomass were expressed as interactions between soil condition, seedbed condition and type of cultivator. This confirms that the soil conditions affect performance of cultivators, but indicates that the effect depends on the type of cultivator used and the fineness of the seedbed.