Benefits of Silicon Nutrition for Crop Health

Sunn Hemp as a Cover Crop

Joseph Heckman, PhD, Extension Specialist in Soil Fertility, Rutgers University

Silicon naturally occurs as an abundant mineral in many soils. However, it is only
sparingly available for plant uptake. Field and greenhouse studies have demonstrated that many crops benefit when soluble silicon sources are applied to soils. Enhanced
uptake of silicon by plants on amended soils can help to protect crops from some diseases and insect pests. Our research at Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station has found that increased uptake of silicon is effective in protecting pumpkin, wheat, Kentucky bluegrass, and dogwood from powdery mildew disease. Silicon uptake also helps protect plants against injury from European Corn Borer. Learn about the benefits
of Sunn hemp, and recommended practices for success.

Sunn Hemp is a tall growing legume capable of fixing up to 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre over a period of four months if planted in late May. Learn about the benefits of Sunn hemp, and recommended practices for success. The recommended seeding rate is about 30 to 40 pounds per acre.

Weed Suppression, Nitrogen Availability, and Cabbage Production Following Sunn Hemp or Sorghum-sudangrass

Silicon and Soil Fertility

Need Nitrogen? Grow Sunn Hemp Cover Crop

Protecting Your Farm From Extreme Weather

Savanna Shelnutt, Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY

As the climate changes, we anticipate that there will be more intense bursts of precipitation, more frequent droughts, and an increase in untimely frosts. We will discuss climate change projections for Long Island and potential impacts on plant phenology and pest incidence. Additionally, we will explore management strategies for addressing these challenges and funding sources to complete projects related to extreme weather preparedness.

Composting on Your Farm

Emily Lindback, Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County

Turn your residual plant and animal waste into a valuable soil amendment, compost! This presentation will focus on windrow composting and give an overview of the scientific process of composting, feedstocks ratios, how to monitor your compost pile’s progress, and applying compost on-farm. Local growers will share their experiences.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculants on Yield Nutrient Acquisition of Sweet Corn on Long Island, New York

Emily Lindback, Ag. Stewardship Specialist, CCE of Suffolk County

Arbuscular mycorrihizal fungi (AMF) are fungi that have a mutualistic relationship with most agricultural crops including corn. The fungi colonize plant roots and spread hyphae into the soil, increasing surface area in the soil as well as the plant's absorption potential of nutrients and water. In return, AMF recieve photosynthates, sugar, from the plant. AMF are found naturally in soil, but recently commercial AMF products have become popular. This study tested 3 commercial mycorrhizal fungi products and two nitrogen rates in sweet corn on Long Island to determine if AMF provide any benefits to the grower or the environment. The effect of AMF on nitrate leaching will also be discussed.

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Keeping it Covered: Maximizing Cover Crop Benefits in a
Diverse Cropping Rotation

Kristen Loria, Extension Support Specialist, Cornell Sustainable Cropping Systems Lab

Cover Crops have the potential to improve soil health and productivity, reduce input costs and minimize harmful environmental externalities on your farm. However, the many choices for crover crop species and their management can be hard to navigate, especially on a diversified farm. We will talk about selecting the best cover crops based on your farm goals and constraints, and highlight new resources and decision support tools from the Northeast Cover Crops Council to help guide your cover cropping decisions.

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