ijll EPA PRIA2 Grant Fact Sheet 2011 Grantee: Michigan State University Demonstration of Strip Cultivation to Reduce Herbicide Use in North-Central and North-Eastern Perennial Fruit Production Funding Awarded: $141,343 Overview J Non-chemical Weed Management/Cost Management/Novel Cultivation Technologies Herbicide use in perennial fruit production is costly and results in pollution of watersheds, the reduction of non-crop habitat for pollinators and other beneficial arthropods, as well as damage to perennial crops. The goal of this project is to reduce or eliminate herbicide use in North-Central and North-Eastern US perennial fruit production through the demonstration and delivery of strip cultivation systems, an integrated pest management technique Strip cultivation will transform "weeds" into a dynamic, functional part of orchard and vineyard agro-ecosystems. The project aims to establish strip cultivation research and demonstration sites at cooperating Michigan apple and grape farms, and measure how adoption of strip cultivation impacts soil fertility and arthropod mediated ecosystem services. Michigan State University will collaborate with apple and grape growers, New AgNetwork, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Grower's Network, National Grape Cooperative/Welch's, and the Michigan Grape and Wine industry. Objectives Demonstrate novel non-chemical weed management technologies for temperate North Central and North Eastern apples and grapes Determine the economic costs and benefits of novel technologies Determine the impacts of novel cultivation technologies on pesticide use, pest management programs, soil fertility, and tree/vine health Optimize project impact through delivery of project findings to apple and grape growers Research . mmm HIT r llrarr' Research/Demonstration plots will be established at an apple farm and a wine grape vineyard. Ground cover management on half the research plots will consist of strip cultivation while the other half will be managed using the grower-standard, herbicide-based program. A wide range of parameters will be measured throughout the course of the study including: soil fertility, weed density and biomass, tree/vine vigor and yield, and pest and beneficial arthropod abundance. Economic costs will be monitored through detailed grower worksheets with partial budgets calculated for the use of both herbicide and cultivation applications. EPA's Environmental Stewardship Branch promotes environmental stewardship to protect human health and the environment through information exchange, education and promotion, technical assistance, and grant opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.ena.gov/Pestwise/ ------- Knowledge Transfer The project seeks to fill the knowledge gap by providing conventional growers with data that directly compares grower standard herbicide practices and strip cultivation. • A project webpage will be initiated and regularly updated with program progress. (http://www.opm. msu.edu/?cat=97) • Extension presentations will be given throughout the life of the project. • Grower field days will be hosted at both demonstration sites in the second year of the project. • A webinar will be presented in the second year of the project. • Extension bulletins will be produced and distributed in the second year of the project. Desired Outcomes The primary expected outcome will be an anticipated 75-100% reduction in herbicide use on perennial fruit farms that adopt strip cultivation. Use of "weeds" as cover crops or green manure is expected to reduce pesticide and nutrient run-off, increase soil carbon sequestration and water holding capacity, and increase the ecosystem services associated with beneficial arthropods. Up to 176,000 acres of tree fruit and 73,000 acres of will be vineyards impacted by the adoption of strip cultivation. Project will continue past the two-year funding through maintenance of the project website. EPA's Environmental Stewardship Branch promotes environmental stewardship to protect human health and the environment through information exchange, education and promotion, technical assistance, and grant opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.ena.gov/pestwise/ ------- |