UDC - CAUSES 08 Muirkirk Agricultural Experiment Stationdocs.udc.edu/causes/research/Research Farm Annual Report 2015.pdf2.12 Suburban Propane 20 2.13 Pavilion 20 3. Crop Production

Reported by:

Mr. Che Axum

Mr. Alemayehu B. Waggie

Mr. Yao Afantchao

January 2016

UDC - CAUSES Muirkirk Agricultural

Experiment Station

2015 Annual Report

08 Fall

UDC Research Farm | 12001 Old Baltimore Pike | Beltsville, MD 20705 1

Table of contents

Ser. # Title and subtitle Pages

1. Introduction 2

2. Continued Constructions and improvements 5

2.1 Operations of constructed Hydroponics hoop houses 6

2.2 Refrigeration Room 7

2.3 Aquaponic Hoop House improvements 8

2.4 The Solar Cool Cube 10

2.5 Rain Water Harvesting Technique 10

2.6 Fish Smoker Room 11

2.7 The soil sample preparation Lab 13

2.8 The Training Trail Building Improvement 14

2.9 Electrification System activities 15

2.10 Generators 18

2.11 Solar Cool Cube 19

2.12 Suburban Propane 20

2.13 Pavilion 20

3. Crop Production 21

3.1 Seedling Production 21

3.2 Plant Sampling Methodologies for yield estimation 23

3.3 Harvests Crop yield estimates data 24

3.3.1 Ethnic crops planted and yield estimates 24

2.3.2 Beans Production harvest and yield estimates 26

3.3.3 Rice crop production Trial 27

3.3.4 Sweet Potatoes Production Trial 28

3.3.5 Ethiopian Crops, herbs and spices 30

3.3.5.1 Ethiopian Teff Crop Trial 30

3.3.5.2 Ethiopian Holy (Sacred)Basil (Besobila) 31

3.3.5.3. Ethiopian Hot Pepper (Mitmita) Trial 32

3.4 Specialty Crop Grant 33

4. Hydroponics Production System 36

4.1 Nutrient Film Technique 36

4.2 Bat0 (Drip) Buckets 37

4.3 Float Pool 38

4.4 Ebb and float pool System 39

4.4.1 Nursery System 39

5. Aquaponic Production System 40

5.1 Incidents at Aquaponic System production system 40

5.2 Aquaponic Crop Production System 40

5.2.1 Crop production activities in Small Aquaponic Hoop House 42

5.2.2 Large Aquaponic Hoop house crop production 43

6. Bio-intensive Demonstration Boxes 44

7. Crop Donation in 2015 45

8. Bread for the city orchard Production 48

9. Urban Forestry Trial 49

10. Beekeeping Trial 50

11. Ground Maintenance activities 50

12.. Well performing Crops and vegetables 50

13. Activities and program 60

14. Suggestions for improvement 62


1. Introduction This report covers the activities carried out on Muirkirk Agricultural Research Farm in 2015. The University of the District of Columbia’s Muirkirk Agricultural Research Farm has a 143 acres of land of which 12-acres of land are used for various grant projects, educational classes and demonstrations. The grant projects include a Specialty Crop Project from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which entails vegetable production, Aquaponic production, hydroponics production, and community outreach. The Ethnic Crops grant from the Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Program (SARE), funds the production and marketing of various West African native crops. This report includes yields of specialty and ethnic crops grown on the farm that includes yield data. It also includes the construction and installation of infrastructures that enhances and facilitates the research activities at the farm. The Aquaponic and Hydroponics Systems - These are one of the major projects launched in the year 2014 and continued in the year 2015 installed by different companies. The Aquaponic system was installed by the Burdette industries Inc., while the Hydroponics system is installed by Mr. Peter Forbes - a private entrepreneur. The trials of both systems is underway at the farm intensively on the and in progress though there are constraints in proper functions of the systems. The Smoker House - The fish smoker house installation has also started in the parts of the Administration building that is completed towards the end of 2015 and early 2016. Electrification Systems - Electrification is one of the major activities conducted on the research farm. Hence, the electrical systems connection to different facilities is successfully underway. The solar well and heating systems for the buildings on the farm started working effectively in the year 2015. The solar well was fully operational this year in the fields as well as in the hoop houses by using drip irrigation systems. However, connection of the power to the Aquaponic trail and newly constructed Aquaponic hoop houses is still underway. Refrigerators - In order to facilitate the cooling system on the farm, two refrigerators were installed in 2014. The refrigerators installed in the Administration building were used to store harvested vegetables and fruits effectively this year, too. In addition the Solar Cool Cube was installed in 2015 adjacent to the Administration building in order to enhance the cooling system on the farm. Purple Mountain Organics Inc. - is a major contractor of UDC/CAUSES Muirkirk Agricultural Research Farm working with the Orchard and vegetable research and production system. One of the major research activities conducted by Purple Mountain Organics is the USDA-funded rice production trial in 2014 and 2015; the yield of which is included in this report. On top of these, Purple Mountain Organics is working on the production of sweet potatoes. Hence, the contractor produced an abundant sweet potato crop this year and the yield is included in the report too. The contractor is also involved in growing different vegetables in the field.


Whatever is grown by the contractor is used by the Bread for the City, by UDC/ CSA, 5 A Day CSA and by the community. Urban Forestry -The urban forestry trial that started in 2014 is still underway. The tree species planted are growing successfully though we have not yet colleted full data to analyze. Generators - For power emergency situations, two generators were installed on the research farm to avoid discrepancies in power utilization on the facility in situations of power outage. On top of these, the Suburban Propane project started in 2015 is mostly completed is supplementing the heat to the existing energy system. For these purposes, four big Suburban Propane tanks were installed around the hoop houses of the farm. Electrification system installation - The Electrification System installation has been underway since 2014 by Reliable Electrical Services Tech. Inc. (REST - INC.), under Mr. Sam T. Johns. Much of the work was completed this year. The electrification system installation included: the hoop house, solar water well, gas line hook-up, solar energy for the equipment shed building, roof top water harvesting from the equipment shed building, electrification of five hoop houses by solar energy, electrification of the Aquaponic hoop houses in front of the trail container, electrification of the food processing section of the fish smoker house and the electrification of the Solar Cool Cube. Rain Water Harvesting and conserving System from Roof Top - The Reliable Electrical Services Tech. Inc. installed the solar system on the tool shed to harvest rainwater from the roof top this year. It connects the harvested rainwater flow system from the tool shed to the ground tank for use on the eastern side. Crop production system - the farm grows varieties of crops in different seasons of the year in the field, hoop houses and in bio intensive boxes. There is a seedling hoop house where seedlings are grown for transplanting. Several seedlings are grown and transplanted in the fields, hoop houses and in bio intensive boxes. Figure 1.


Approximate layout of Muirkirk Agricultural Experiment Station

The above picture is a satellite image superimposed with color-coded shapes representing the various structures on the property. The yellow shapes indicate production areas (fields); the green shapes are growing enclosures, such as the hydroponics greenhouse. The red shapes are buildings such as the classroom, Administration building and sheds. Not shown are three new hoop houses, two for the Aquaponic systems and one for a new hydroponics system.

Some of the key areas of the farm are labeled as: 1. Ethnic Crops, 2. Hoop Houses, 3. Training Trailer, 4. Micro greens Hoop House, 5. Seedling Hoop House, 6. Aquaponic Hoop House, 7. Hydroponics Greenhouse, 8. Bio-intensive Demonstration Boxes, 9. Fenced Area, 10. Rice Research Field (managed by Purple Mountain Organics), 11. Sweet potatoes field (managed by Purple Mountain Organics), 12. Sweet potatoes and Urban Forestry Area, 13. Orchard Plantations (managed by Purple Mountain Organics)

2. Continued Construction and Improvements on the farm in 2015

Construction and improvements that began in 2014 continued effectively in 2015. Several new facilities were constructed and/or installed on the farm over the last two years.

Aquaponic Production System - Improvements were made to the two Aquaponic facilities installed in the greenhouse and small hoop house this year. Although functional, the company is still working on additional improvements. Both Aquaponic production systems hold a total combined water volume of 1,200 gallons in the four tanks with two fish tanks in each house. Several improvements were made to the system that include automatic fish feeder in both, trough for growing vegetables in the small hoop house, construction of new micro greens gutter and installation of fertigation systems for both Aquaponic production systems.

The Solar Well - system constructed in 2014 became effectively operational this year, supplying drip irrigation lines in the hoop houses and fields successfully.

Maintenance - The education and training trailer is maintained internally and externally this year and facilitated with new furniture and is ready for training purposes.

New Furniture - The renovated Administration building is facilitated with new furniture and is ready for training purposes.

Smoker House - The construction of smoker house as parts of the improvement in the Administration building was completed by the end of December 2015 as projected. Solar Cool Cube - The solar Cool Cube system is under construction this year.

2.1. Operations of the constructed hoop houses

Aquaponic Facilities - Three new hoop houses were constructed last year. Two of the new hoop houses are built near the container for Aquaponic system while the other one is for a new hydroponics production system built around the Solar Well System. In addition, one trailer with


a new Aquaponic production system is installed around the Administration building along with two new hoop house for Aquaponic system demonstration purposes as shown below in Figures 2 and 3. However, the construction of the Aquaponic system in the demonstration trailer is underway. Hence, the two hoop houses built for Aquaponic vegetable growing were not used this year.

Figures 1 and 2: Aquaponic Hoop houses and Production trailer The new hydroponics hoop house constructed in 2014 is fully used to grow vegetables this year. Mr. Ambrose is leading the hydroponics production system contractor for the farm. He planted different varieties of vegetables.

Figure 4. Hydroponics Production System Hoop House

2.2 Refrigeration Room Improvements were made to the Administration Building where two new refrigeration rooms were installed in 2014 to keep harvested vegetables and fruits cool as shown in Figure 5. The refrigerators were effectively used this year.


Figure 5. Refrigeration Rooms

2.3. Aquaponic System Improvement work The existing Aquaponic system in the Small Hoop House is improved where four troughs were installed to grow vegetables in with automated water supply to the troughs. An automated fertigation system is also installed in order to grow vegetables on beds on both sides.

Figure 6. Improved Aquaponic System in the Small Hoop House

Figure 7. Improved Aquaponic System in the Large Green House


2.4. The Solar Cool Cube

The Solar Cube is installed around the Administration building this year in order to enhance the cooling system on the farm. It is a 40 metric cube solar Cool Cube off-grid self contained cold chamber.

Figure 8. Solar Cool Cube

2.5 Rain water harvesting technique

As shown below, a solar panel is installed on top of the tool shed building connected to the rainwater harvest tank and/or Cistern. This tank contains approximately. This is an additional source of water for the farm to clean farm implements.

Figure 9. Rainwater harvesting tank


2.6. Fish Smoker Room Additional improvements were made to the Administration Building where the Fish Smoker Room is located. Additional equipment was installed adjacent to Refrigeration Room.

Figures 10 and 11. Fish smoker room under construction

Figures 12 and 13. Fish smoker room finishing work

Figure 14: Completed fish smoker room Figure 15. Smoker Room Electrification system


2.7 The soil sample preparation Lab The soil sample preparation Lab is constructed in the Administration building as shown below.

Figure 16. Soil Sample Preparation Lab

The office space of the building was also improved with a new floor and renovated bathrooms as shown in figure 15 below.

Figure 15. Improved Office Area


2. 8 Training trail building improvement Improvements were made to the training trail where the corridor was totally changed and interior and exterior of the building painted and repaired.

Figure 18. Improved training trail

2.9 Electrification system installation on the farm Mr. Sam Johns a contractor {Reliable Electrical Tech. Inc. (REST - INC)} has been working on the Electrification of the farm since 2014. He was working on all electrification systems that included 1. Solar Water Wells; 2. Gas line hook up to heating units in hoop houses; 3. completion of equipment building by solar energy; Rainwater harvesting by solar system from the equipment shed/building; 4. Electrification of 5 hoop houses by solar power; 5. Electrification of the two Aquaponic hoop houses adjacent to the trailer for Aquaponic system installation. 6. Electrification of food processing section of the Smoker room; 7. Electrification of supply Solar Cool Cube.

Figures 18-19. Pumping system installation to the Solar Well


Figure 20. Solar Well

Figure 21. Solar Panel connection to the Rain water harvesting Tank/Cistern

Figures 22-23. Solar Panel Installation for the Solar Cool Cube


2.10 Generators Two generators were installed at the farm for emergency power outages. One was installed between the micro greens and seedling hoop houses as shown in Figure 16 below. The second was installed behind the Administration building for the refrigerators and Aquaponic system.

Figure 24. Back Up Generator

2.11 Solar Cool Cube

Figure 25. Solar Cool System


2.12 Suburban Propane

Figure 26. Suburban Propane Installation

2.14 Pavilion An event pavilion was constructed in 2014 within the fenced area near the orchard and is effectively used this year as shown in Figure 27 below.

Figure 27. Pavilion


3. Crop Production

Different vegetable and fruits crops were grown at Muirkirk Agricultural Research Farm in 2015, the major players being UDC Staff and Purple Mountain Organics LLC. Bread for the City is involved in the growing of different fruits in the Orchard site and also work with Purple Mountain Organics in the field.

3.1 Seedling Production As some of the crops, particularly in bio-intensive boxes, in the hoop houses and in the fields, are hand-transplanted, seedling production is one of the important functions of the farm. Table 1 below lists the information available of the crops started on the farm in the seedling hoop house. These doesn't include that are directly bio-intensively planted in the hoop houses and in the fields in summer and fall seasons.

Table 1. Seedling Production

Date Seeded Crop Variety Number of

Trays Number of Seedlings

3/11/15 Kale Toscano 5 250 3/11/15 Swiss Chard Bright lights 5 250 3/11/15 Mustard Greens Red Giant 5 250 3/11/15 Red Romaine Lettuce Red Rosie 5 250 3/11/15 Leafy Asian Greens Mizuna 5 250

3/11/15 Heirloom Tomatoes Solanum lycopersicum 6 300 3/12/15 Kale Red Russian 5 250 3/12/15 Hybrid Pac Choi Joy Choi 5 250

3/12/15 Hybrid Saladette and Sauce Tomatoes Golden Rave F1 6 300

3/23/15 Hybrid Saladette and Sauce Tomatoes Grandero F! 4 200

3/11/15 Red Leaf Lettuce Ruby Sky 7 350 3/23/15 Sweet Tai 4 200 3/13/15 Asian Basil Ocimum basilicum 3 150

3/13/15 Red Butterhead Lettuce Sky Phos 7 350

3/13/15 Kale Red Russian 5 250

3/13/15 Hybrid Leafy Asian Greens Red Komatsun F1 5 250

3/18/15 Collards Champion 5 250 3/19/15 Collards Morris Heading 16 800 3/20/15 Collards Morris Heading 6 300

3/20/15 Hybrid Saladette and Sauce Plum Regal F1 4 200

3/20/15 Hybrid indeterminate Mountain Magic 1.5 75


Tomatoes 3/20/15 Hybrid Broccoli Arcadia F1 22 1100 3/20/15 Leafy Asian Greens Tatsoi 4 200

3/20/15 Hybrid Greens, Pac Choi Red Choi F1 4 200

3/20/15 Red Oakleaf Lettuce Oscarde 7 350 3/31/15 Collards Morris Heading 5 250

08/05/2015 Hybrid Kabocha winterSqaush Winter Sweet F1 OG 5 250

08/06/2015 Hybrid Butternut Winter Squash JWS 6823 F1 PMR 5 250

08/06/2015 Hybrid Kabocha Winter Squash Confection F1 5 250

08/14/2015 Hybrid Kabocha Winter Squash Winter Sweet F1 OG 4 200

08/14/2015 Hybrid Butternut Winter Squash JWS 6823 F1 PMR 6 300

09/03/2015 Hybrid Leafy Asian Greens Red Komatsuna F1 4 200

09/03/2015 Kale Toscano 6 300 09/04/2015 Collards Champion 4 200 09/04/2015 Lettuce Leonardo 3 150 09/04/2015 Leafy Asian Greens Red Komatsuna F1 3 150 09/09/2015 Kale Toscano 5 250 09/09/2015 Leafy Asian Greens Red Komatsuna F1 2 100 09/09/2015 Collards Champion 2 100 09/09/2015 Spinach N/A 2 100 09/09/2015 Swiss Chard N/A 2 100

Total 216 10,725

3.2 Methodology of sampling plants for yield estimation The approach used to collect sample for yield estimate was by using sample areas. Ms. Adeola Kemi, a UDC CAUSES intern, performed the yield estimates by taking up to five sample areas in a row or plot bed. In each sample area, areas one square feet of plants was harvested, weighed and recorded. This method bases estimations on harvests taken from specific sample areas. On the farm, sample areas were marked with flags in the hoop houses or in the field.

The method worked for both vegetables and or crops that are transplanted in a row or

bed. By the same method, we marked for bio-intensively planted vegetables in the hoop houses and fields. Designating sample plants at different locations along each row also helps account for differences in the soil (particularly compost content) in the estimates. There are however, several difficulties with this approach. Depending on the number of different varieties, the number of rows, and the number of different varieties within a row, this method can be fairly labor intensive and tedious. Samples have to be kept in different containers and


carefully labeled. Data can also be misleading if one of the sample plants dies, or if unauthorized people harvest from the sample plants. Using sample areas is another way to calculate yield and harvest estimates. Instead of marking individual plants as samples, spaces of a row area designated, all with same area. For example, one row may have three spaces of three square feet each marked off for sampling. This method works well in rows where the crop is direct seeded or broadcast. A benefit of this method is that you can get a direct yield estimate in pounds per unit area. For the harvest estimation, you’d have to know the total area planted, which can sometimes be harder to measure than counting the number of plants. For the sake of accounting for variations in soil in a row or field, the larger the planting area, the more sample areas needed to get more accurate estimations. Again, unauthorized harvesting of plants within the sample area is a problem. Close attention has to be paid to the spacing of each crop. For example, in one row the spacing may be 8, 10, 12 inches, while in the next row of the same crop, the spacing is18 inches. Data from these two rows cannot be used together to calculate estimates; they must be used separately to calculate two different estimates. In other words, the results from such sampling are dependent on plant spacing. For increased ease in using this method, plant spacing should be consistent per crop.

Several plants of each variety grown in the hoop houses were designated as sample plants. These plants were harvested several times during the season and their yields recorded. Harvest and yield estimates were calculated using the information from the sample areas marked. The following table lists the harvest estimates in pounds and the yield estimate in pounds/acre though due to lack of information and/or not available. Harvest and yield estimates are affected where most of the vegetables harvested are not documented and also were not harvested on regular basis that causes over maturity and blossoming. Insects and pests are the major constraints of production and productivity of the farm. However, with all these constraints it was tried to collect the following data.

3.3 Harvests and Crop Yield Estimate Data of 2015 As experience indicates, it was quiet difficult to obtain the right yield of the crops grown on the farm as crops are harvested by different people at different times without record. However available harvest data was compiled and recorded as much as possible. 3.3.1 Ethnic Crops yield estimates from sample areas.


Table 2. PLOT 1. Ethnic crops planted/ harvested in 2015 on area of (150x31 = 4650 sq. ft.) Row Crop Variety Date

seeded Date planted

Planted area Sq. Ft

Yield Lbs/Sq. ft

Estima-ted yield Lbs

Esti-mated yield/acre

1 Purple Garden Egg

Solanum Sp. 3/11/2015 6/8/2015 450 9.89 4450.5 21309

2 Suhum Sweet

C. Chanese 3/11/2015 6/8/2015 450 15.64 7038 33533

3A Okra N/A 3/12/2015 6/8/2015 225 N/A N/A N/AN

3B Okra Cameroon

N/a 3/13/2015 6/8/2015 225 N/A N/A N/A

4-6 Garden Egg S.aethiopicum

3/11/2015 6/8/2015 1350 10.12 13662 21970

7 Denya C. Chanese 3/11/2015 6/8/2015 450 8.74 3933 19597

8 Togovi C. Chanese 3/11/2015 6/8/2015 450 N/A N/A 11893

9 Fofo Hot C. Chanese 3/11/2015 6/8/2015 450 5.52 2484 18666

10 Fiakuku C. Chanese 3/11/2015 6/8/2015 450 8.51 3829.5 37662

11 Chocolate Bonnet

C. Chanese 3/12/2015 6/8/2015 450 17.48 7866 N/A

12 Aubergine Burkina

Solanum Sp. 3/13/2015 6/8/2015 450 11.27 5071.5 24447

13 Bhut C. Chanese 3/24/2015 6/8/2015 450 8.05 3622.5 17576

14-16

Gboma S. Marco Carpon

3/15/2015 6/10/2015 1350 11.27 15214.5 24745

Gboma Fruit

" 3/16/2015 6/10/2015 1350 8.05 10867.5 17576

17 Waterleaf Talinum Traingula

3/17/2015 6/13/2015 450 12.19 5485.5 26430

18 Sawa Sawa (Hibiscus)

Hibiscus Sabdarifa

3/18/2015 6/13/2015 450 5.98 2691 12884

Hibiscus Bads

Hibiscus Sabdarifa

3/19/2015 6/13/2015 450 13.34 6003 28742

19 Kitely Solanum Anguivi

32/20/2015

6/13/2015 450 1.38 621 3130

20 Mixed Hot peppers

C. Chanese 3/22/2015 6/13/2015 450 N/A N/A

21 Jama Jama Solanum Scbrum

3/23/2015 6/27/2015 450 7.36 3312 14272

22A Jute Corchous-Olitorious

3/24/2015 6/25/2015 225 9.66 2173.5 20648

22B Avuvo Celosia Argentea

3/25/2015 6/25/2015 225 7.59 1707.8 18418

Source: Adeola Kemi


Table 3. 2015 ETHNIC CROPS RECORDED YIELD IN Lbs

Source: Mr Yao Afantchao

3.3.2 Beans Production by Purple Mountain Organics Inc. Varieties of beans were planted in the stated plots as shown on the table below. The varieties of beans grown are black beans, Tiger Beans, Jacobs Beans, and Arikara. The yield estimates from these beans is 42,148.0 lbs. as indicated on the following table. These information is obtained from the samples taken by Adeola Kemi.

CROP YIELD PER CROP (LBS.)

GBOMA 505

JUTE 6.67

WATERLEAF 315

AUBERGINE 190

PURPLE EGGPLANT 24

OKRA 190

JAMMA JAMMA 39

CALLALOO 14

GARDEN EGG 400

HIBISCUS 96

AVUVO 12

AMARANTH 8

FOFO HOT 106

FIAKUKU 69

CHOCOLATE BONNET 185

MIXED HOT 50

SUHTUM SWEET 15

DENYA 106

TOGOVI 75

CAYENNE 25

BHUT 88

Total 2,518.67


Table 4. Estimated bean yield Plot Crop Variety Planted

area in Sq./Ft

Actual yield in Lbs/Sq.Ft

Estimated yield in Lbs.

Estimated yield in Lbs/Acre

2 Beans Black Beans

248x45 11160

2.231 24898 4790

3 Beans Tiger Eye Beans

118x33 = 3894

1.541 6001 3304

4 Beans Arikara 107x30 = 3210

1.38 4430 2971

5 Beans Tiger Eye 118x30 = 3540

0.851 3540 1817

6. Beans Jacobs Cattle Beans

110x27 = 2970

1.104 3279 2395

Total 42,148.0

Source: Adeola Kemi

3.3.3 Rice Crop Production Trial Purple Mountain Organics continued working on a rice trial investigating the effect of different watering tape depths and variety on yield. The two varieties used were Duborskian and Koshihikari. For more information on this project, contact Mr. Nazirahk Amen of Purple Mountain Organics Inc. Table 5. Plot 7 Rice yield 2015 by Purple Mountain Organic INC. (158'x188' = 29704 Sq. Ft) Row Crop Variety Planted area in

Sq. Ft Estimated yield in Lbs/Sq. Ft

Estimated yield in Lbs.

Estimated yield in Lbs./Acre

1-6 Rice Duborskian N/A 1.7 4333

7-12 Rice Duborskian N/A 1.59 3452

13-18 Rice Koshiakari N/A N/A N/A N/A

19-24 Rice Koshiakari N/A N/A N/A N/A

Source: Adeola Kemi Figure 28: Rice Crop Trial Table 6. Rice Crop Yield in 2015 (as reported by Purple Mountain Organics Inc.)


Ser. #

Actual Harvest weight in Lbs.

1 Koshihikari 721

2 Dborskian 535

3 HD297 48.22

4 Blue Bonnet 146

5 Hmong Sticky 38.2

6 C4 67.48

Total 1,555.90

Source: Purple Mountain Organics Inc.

3.3.4 Sweet Potato Trial Purple Mountain Organics also investigated the effect of different types of mulches on sweet potatoes. In total, they produced 3,842 lbs. of sweet potatoes, the largest harvest for any crop on the farm. Volunteers from Bread for the City helped to harvest the potatoes. Most of the production was given to Bread for the City and some are taken by the community. Table 7. Plot 9 Sweet Potatoes Yield Estimates of 2015 By Purple Mountain Organics (240x100 =24000 Sq. Ft) Row Crop Variety Yield estimates in

Lbs/Sq. Ft Estimated Yield in Lbs/Acre

Leaves Tubers Leaves Tubers

1-8 Sweet Potato

Covington 1.2 13 2560 29237

9 Sweet Potato

Beavergard 1.0 16.2 2065 40140

10-11 Sweet Potato

Murasaki 2.2 12.5 4839 30229

12-13 Sweet Potato

Burgundy 5.0 10.0 11067 23952

14 Sweet Potato

Orleans 5 12.0 11067 27090

Total 31598 150648

Source: Adeola Kemi


Table 8. Plot 10 Sweet Potato yield estimates of 2015 by Purple Mountain Organic s (320'x125' = 40000 Sq. Ft) Row Crop Variety Yield Estimates in Lbs./Sq.

Ft Yield Estimates in Lbs/Acre

Leaves Tubers Leaves Tubers

1-3 Sweet Potato Orleans 5.0 12.0 11067 27090

4-6 Sweet potato Covington 1.2 13.0 2560 29337

7-11 Sweet Potato Murasaki2.2 2.2 125.0 4839.0 30229

12-17 Sweet Potato Covington 1.2 13.0 2560 29237

18-19 Sweet Potato Orleans 5.0 12.0 11067 27090

20-23 Sweet Potato Burgundy 5.0 10.0 11067 23952

Total 43160 166934

Source: Adeola Kemi

Table 9. Total yield of Sweet Potatoes by Purple Mountain Organics Inc. in 2015

Ser. # Sweet Potato Variety Actual harvest weight in Lbs

1 Covington 11450.50

2 Bureaugard 652

3 Burgundy 5045.5

4 Orleans 2790.5

5 Murasaki 3100

Total 23,038.50

Source: Purple Mountain Organics Inc.


3.3.5 Ethiopian Crops trial 3.3.5.1 Ethiopian Teff Crop Production trial The scientific name for Teff is Eragrstis tef or Maskal Teff which got its name from Greek, to mean "the grass of love". It is an ancient grain(cereal crop) that became a staple food in Ethiopia. It is a fine grain and has a variety of colors, from white and red to dark brown. It predominantly grows in Ethiopia and thrives even in a difficult climates. Teff has an excellent balance of amino acids, high in protein, calcium and iron. Ground into flour, Teff is used to make the traditional bread, injera - a flat, pancake-like, fermented bread that complements the exotic spices found in the regional food. It can also be ground into flour to make a gluten free flour alternative and can be used to make pie crusts, cookies, breads and an assortment of other baked goods. Teff is known for its nutritional value. This crop is trialed on the farm in the biointensive box which is 8 ft. x 4 ft. area and showed a good performance though hit by rain and some of the seeds shuttered. It was harvested and got approximately 1 .0 lbs. The Teff planted on the farm and seed harvested is shown in the following figures.

Figure 29. Teff Crop Trial in the bio-intensive box Figure 30-31. Teff seed harvested


3.3.5.2 Ethiopian Holly Basil (Bessobilla) trial It is one of the Ethiopian sacred basil harvested in wild for centuries, hand picked and sun dried with purple flower and distinct smell makes Ethiopian sacred basil unique. It is one of the important spices grown on farms. It is a small shrub with purplish stems. The leaves have a spicy pungent aroma that is used as incense. Fresh Besobila (sacred basil) is used to season Shiro legumes dips, pasta and grains. It is also used in Berbere (pepper) blending. Lightly toasted over a clay griddle or iron skillet, dry basil leaves are left to cool then ground to fine powder. It is used to flavor meat sauces. As literature indicates it is aromatic, sacred plant native to India, Malaysia and Siri-Lanka. This is one of the commonly spices grown in Ethiopia for flavoring purposes. It is mostly used with making pepper flours and for seasoning butter and milk. The trial started on the farm in 2013 and continued up to 2015. The seedling was started in the hoop house and transplanted in the bio-intensive boxes on the farm as well as around the Ethnic crops, rice trial field and on rows in the field and the performance was excellent. It is observed that lots of bees are attracted to its flowers. Figure 32-33. Holly (Sacred)Basil Trial Pant grown on the farm


3.3.5.3 Ethiopian Hot Pepper (Mitmita) Trial -It is one of the chili peppers that belongs

to the large family Solanaceae and the broad genus capsium. It a staple spices blend of Ethiopian cuisines. The growing of Ethiopian hot Pepper (Mitmita) started on the farm in 2015 this year in bio-intensive box, in the Small Aquaponic hoop house, in hoop house # 2 as well as in the field . The performance was very good. From the small Aquaponic hoop house 30 lbs was harvested from these plants by different people at different times. The seedling was started in the seedling hoop house from which it was transplanted to the field, bio-intensive box, and hoop houses. The germination rate was 100% and the seedlings were also good. It could not tolerate the fall and winter weather and it all died.

Figure 34. Ethiopian Hot Pepper (Mixmixa) trial plant grown in the hoop house. Figure 35. Ground Ethiopian Hot Pepper

3.4 Specialty Crops Grant - This is a grant offered by USDA in order to grow different vegetable crops on the farm. These are shown on the following tables.

Table 10. Plot 8 Specialty Crop yield estimates of 2015 (100x50 =5000 Sq. Ft) USDA Grant planted in the field. Row Crop Variety Date

planted Area planted in Sq. Ft

Estima-ted yield in Lbs/Sq. Ft

Total Estimated Yield in Lbs

Estima-ted yield in Lbs/Acre

1a Watermelon

06/15/2015

180 7.0 1260

1b Ethiop-ian Holy Basil

06/15/2015

90 5.2 468 16106

2 Tomato Saladette and Sauce

06/17/2015

300 6.2 1860 13628

3 Tomato Herloom 06/17/2015

180 12.8 2304 14867

4 Tomato Saldette and Sauce

06/17/2015

300 6.2 1860 13628


5 Bell pepper

06/15/2015

300 2.13 639 14371

6-7 Okra 06/15/2015

600 9.0 5400 20483

8 Potato 0617/2015

300 N/A N/A N/A

Total 2,250 13,791 93,083

Table 11. Fall Crops Planted in the Hoop Houses and 2015 yield estimates Location

Crop Variety Date Seeded

Date Planted

Area Planted in SQ. Ft

Estimated yield in Lbs/Sq. Ft

Total estimated yield in Lbs

Estimated yield in Lbs /Acre

HH 1 Mustard Red giant 09/09/2015

Direct seeded

270 7 1890 16848

Spinach Bloom-sdale long-standin-g

09/09/2015

Direct seeded

270 5.3 1437 12884

Beet N/A N/A Direct seeded

270 10.4 2808 24778

Leafy Asian Greens

Red Komat-suna

09/04/2015

Direct seeded

135 2.7 364.5 13780

Arugula 09/09/2015

Direct Seeded

27 1.5 405 7462

HH 2 Mustard Red Giant

09/09/2015

Direct seeded

267 6.5 1735.5 15858

Leafy Asian Greens

Red Komat-suna

09/09/2015

Direct seeded

801 6 4806 14867

HH 3 Turnips N/A 09/16/2015

Direct seeded

264 16.6 4402 35928

Kale Toscano 09/16/2015

Direct seeded

528 2.5 1320 6194

Pac Choi Joi Choi N/A 09/09/2015

66 12 792 30229

Lettuce Leonar-do

N/A N/A 198 4.5 990 11398

Swiss Chard

Rainb-ow N/A N/A 396 16 6336 39644

Arugula Rocket N/A N/A 132 9 1188 22795

H, Early Carrot

Nelson 09/09/2015

Direct seeded

264 27 1848 64422

Total 30322 353015


Table 12. Summer Crops yield HH 1 Crop Variety Date Planted Area

planted Yield in Lbs/Sq. Ft

Total yield Lbs/Sq.Ft

Estimated yield in Lbs/Sq Ft

Swiss Chard

Bright Light 04/06/2015 270 6.5 1755 15362

Round Radish

Easter Egg 04/06/2015 540 5.1 2754 11398

Collard Champion 05/13/2015 270 9.3 2511 22300

Mustard Red Giant 04/23/2015 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Lettuce N/A 04/29/2015 N/A N/A N/A N/A

HH 2 Kale Toscano 04/09/2015 264 7.3 1927.2 17344

Kale Red Russian 04/10/2015 132 5.2 686.4 12389

Collard Morris Heading

03/31/2015 264 8.5 2244 19822

Pac Choi Joi Choi 04/14/2015 21 12 252

Romaine Lettuce

N/A 04/14/2015 30 5.3 159

Beets N/A 05/13/2015

HH 3 Tomato Solanum lycopersicum

03/27/2015

Bunching Onion

04/06/2015 272 7.4 2012.8 17450

Carrot Nelson 04/06/2015 270 27 5290

Arugula 04/06/2015

Oakleaf Lettuce

04/06/2015 90 5 450

Sweet Basil 04/27/2015

HH 4 Sunflower 04/28/2015 1056 23 24288 23043240

Collard Morris Heading

03/19/2015 264 6.2 1636.8 14867

Beans Tiger Eye 07/23/2015 396 6 2376 13628

Beans Yellow Beans 07/23/2015 39 6 312 18831

Tomato Saladette and Sauce

05/27/2015 379.5

Kabocha Winter Squash

Confection F1 08/06/2015 270

Butternut Winter Squash

JWS 6823 F1 08/06/2015 270

Total 42503.2


4. Hydroponics Production System Hydroponics is described as growing plants with nutrients and water and without soil. It is a way of growing plants with their roots directly in water. Hence, plants more directly feed on food being introduced directly to the roots with out soil. The root system is hanged directly in the nutrient solution. It can be enclosed within a container or trough which is filled with a substrate (a replacement of soil). The substrate may consist of many different types of materials such us pebble, sand, sawdust or rock wool. All substrates must provide good water holding capacity to be porous for gas exchange. The roots grow within the substrates to secure the plant within the container or trough. The required nutrients mixed with water is delivered to the plant root. In this system of production there is no weeding, soil and compost work. It is part of the Specialty Crops grant provided for the establishment of hydroponics crop production systems. The different techniques used to grow plants in the hydroponics system are described below.

4.1. Nutrient Film Technique The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system uses multiple pipes inclined at a small angle to provide a continuous flow of nutrient rich water to the roots of the plants. A large reservoir contains the water while a pump sends the water to the high end of the system. By gravity the water moves along the pipes into an end pipe, which leads back into the reservoir. This system is useful for growing lettuces and herbs, and other crops with relatively small root systems. See Figure 63.

Figure 29. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System

Figure 30. Hydroponics Glass hoop house

4.2. Bato (Drip) Buckets This method uses buckets and a series of “injectors” or drip lines, to water each bucket individually, allowing for the production of tall crops with large root systems. Tomatoes and cucumbers were grown using this method. See figure 31 below.


Figure 31. Bato Bucket System

4.3. Float Pool A float pool is essentially a large basin of water. The water inside the basin is circulated using submersible pumps to evenly distribute the nutrients in the water. Large pieces of foam with holes cut into them hold the crops and float on top of the water. The roots then extend into the pool and receive nutrients via the water. This method was mainly used to produce leafy green vegetables.

. Figure 32. Float Pool System


4.4. Ebb and Flow Pool System The ebb and flow pool periodically waters the crops by flooding the basin then allowing it to drain. A pump pulls water from the reservoir into the basin, and the water exits the basin and back into the reservoir through drain holes at the bottom. Many different crops can be grown using this system, though care must be taken to use only crops with similar water needs at one time. A timer controls the ebb and flow schedule.

4.4.1 Nursery System The nursery is used to start seeds and works like the ebb and flow system. Once the seedlings are grown and ready to transplant they are transferred to one of the other Systems to be grown for production. The nursery was used to grow different types of vegetables of any kind. the farm has an experience of growing lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, collards, Swiss Chard etc.

Figure 33. Ebb and Flow System . Table 13. Lettuce harvest from Both hoop houses in 2015 Month Quantity UDC/CSA Sale Visitor Composted

July 2015 2075 200 300 170 1405

August 2600 250 580 300 1550

September 2700 - 740 205 1755

October 2550 - 600 105 1845

November 2020 - 100 - 1920

Total 11,945 450 2,320 780 8,475

This is reported by Mr. Ambrose Agosse who is working on the two Hydroponics production system on the farm. He stated that there was a plan to produce 4500 lettuce/month of lettuce in 2015. He stated that this plan was not met due to the shortage of materials to finish in


establishing the system. He indicated that he produced 11,945 lbs. of lettuce out of which 450 is for UDC/CSA, 2320 heads of lettuce for sale, 780 for visitors and 8,475 have gone bad and added to compost. Mr. Ambrose indicated that the sale of 2320 heads of lettuce for $2320 was invested into the production system again. Mr. Ambrose commented that one of the major reasons for the failure of the plan was:

Lack of facilities such as AC and heating system for the hoop houses;

Lack of access to the Farm site at the beginning of the production system;

Lack of access to markets/clientele that can boost production and productivity;

Lack of materials to complete in building the hoop house for growing crops.

5. Aquaponic system Crop Production The Aquaponic system is one of the new research system established Muirkirk Agricultural Research farm that started in 2014. The Aquaponic system of the farm is a process of growing fish in a tank. Aquaculture is known as fish or shellfish fish farming that refers to breeding, rearing and harvesting of fishes and plants in all types of water environment including ponds, rivers, lakes and ocean. Aquaculture includes the production of seafood from hatchery fish to shellfish which are grown to market size in tanks, ponds, cages and raceways. It also includes productions of ornamental fish for the Aquarian trade and growing plant species used in range of food, and pharmaceutical, nutritional,, and biotechnology products. If you connect the fish tank water (fish waste) to water hydroponics system plants get an automatic food supply of almost everything they need to grow from the fish water and in turn the plants filter the water for the fish. The fish waste from the tank helps to grow different vegetables and/or crops organically. Plants grow fast because they get rich alive nutrient

The Large Green House and the Small Hoop House are used for the Aquaponic system demonstration activities on the farm that started in 2014 with two fish tanks in each building with different sizes. The large Green House contains the large Fish Tanks while the Small House contains smaller Fish Tanks. In 2015 these two Aquaponic Systems were under maintenance. However, there were a total number of 1500 Tilapia Fishes in the large Green House since May 20, 2015. Later on 750 fishes were moved from Tank # 2 to the Tanks in the Small Hoop Houses. In tanks located in the Large Green there were 893 fishes and 443 in the Tanks in the Small hoop House until December 21, 2015.

However, due to Temperature failure 550 fishes in Tank #1 and 343 fishes in Tank # 2

and a total number of 893 fishes in the large Green house were dead.. There are approximately 104 in Tank # 1 and about 325 in Tank # 2 and a total number of 429 fishes in the Small Aquaponic System, , while we have none in the large one now.


There were similar system problems observed since the establishment of the Aquaponic System on the farm. There were two incidents of fish death on the farm. On November 21, 2014 the dead fishes counted were 182 and on December 21, 2015 the counted number of dead fishes were 893 due to temperature failure in the winter. On top of these there were frequent death of fishes, either through going into the drainage systems, dying in fish Tanks (dead fish floating), and jumping out of the Tanks and die for unknown reasons.

5.1 Incidents in the Aquaponic System in 2015 Since May 20, 2015 of the arrival of the 1500 small fishes on the farm the following

number of fishes were found dead either through going into the drainage system, inside the tank or by jumping out of the Tanks or found dead in the tank in both Aquaponic Systems. This is shown on the table below.

Table. 14. Fishes found dead in both Aquaponic Systems since May 20 - Dec. 30 2015

Date recorded Large Aquaponic System /Greenhouse

Small Aquaponic System /Small Hoophouse

Comment

05/28/2015 168 - Small fishes drained into drum filter

05/29/2015 12 - Drained

08/21/2015 2 -

09/08/2015 4 -

09/14/2015 5 -

09/23/2015 1 -

10/09/2015 8 -

10/13/2015 13 -

10/15/2015 - 9

10/20/2015 1 -

10/21/2015 - 2

10/22/2015 - 8

10/23/2015 - 6

10/25/2015 21 1

10/26/2015 15 1

10/28/2015 - 2

10/29/2015 - 3

10/30/2015 1 3

11/02/2015 1 -

11/03/2015 - 2

11/04/2015 - 2

11/05/2015 - 6

11/06/2015 - 5

11/10/2015 - 3

11/16/2015 - 5


11/20/2015 1 -

12/07/2015 - 3

12/18/2015 - 2

12/21/2015 893 3 Temperature was down 55 and 54.5 degree Fahrenheit and all died. Tank #1-550, Tank # 2-343 Fishes

12/27/2015 - 3

12/28/2015 3

01/ 4 - 7

Total 1146 72

The major problems observed is a lack of a technical knowledge to handle the problems

that were frequently occurring be it heating or water system.

5.2. Crop production in Aquaponic system Raised beds and pots with rocks/pebbles were prepared in the Aquaponic system in the

Small hoop house. Different crops were planted in raised beds and in pots filled with pebbles and rocks for demonstration. Fish waste was used to water and grow the crops. Vegetable seedlings planted in the raised bed (soil) performed much better than the vegetables planted in the pots filled with small rock/pebbles. Oak leaf Lettuce, Collard Greens, peppers, Mustard Greens, and kale. There are several improvements made to Aquaponic system on the farm much better than the previous installation. Gutters were installed in the large Aquaponic system with automated water system while 4 troughs were installed in the Small Hoop house Aquaponic system with automated watering system again that is functional at this time. The an automated fertigation system are installed in both Aquaponic production system.

5.2.1. Crop productions in the small hoop house Aquaponic system In the small hoop house Aquaponic system, different vegetables were grown, in this

Aquaponic production system, Collards, Kale, Lettuce, Jalapeno peppers, Pimento and Ethiopian Hot peppers were planted and grown by using fish waste. The farm tried to grow in pots with pebbles and on composted soil beds established on both sides of the hoop house. 25 pounds of Ethiopian hot peppers was harvested at different times by different people. Similarly, 20 lbs of Lettuce, 25 pounds of Collard greens and 20 pounds of Kale 15 pounds of mustard greens were harvested by UDC/CSA, 5 A Day CSA and visitors.


Figure 34. Aquaponic Production System7

Using the fish fertigation system some vegetables and spices were grown in the small Aquaponic system. A total of 127.0 lbs. were harvested from the Aquaponic small hoop house. This is shown on the following table. Table 15. Crops harvested from the Small Aquaponic System Ser. # Crops grown and harvested in Small hoop house Aquaponic system

Name of crop Harvested weight in Lbs

1. Lettuce 20.0

2. Bell pepper 22.0

3. Collards 25.0

4. Ethiopian Hot pepper (Mitmita) 25.0

5. Mustard Greens 15.0

6. Kale 20.0

Total 127.0

5.2.2 Aquaponic production system in the large Green House Micro greens were grown in the Green House Aquaponic production system. These micro greens are leafy vegetables that are harvested and consumed before they are fully grown. A micro greens production system was installed at the farm in 2013 where there are 7 levels of gutters on which composted soil is added for growing vegetables, This production work continued in 2015. Crops grown include Radish greens, Collards, and Kale.


Figure 36. Micro greens Production

6. Bio-intensive Demonstration Boxes

The bio-intensive demonstration boxes were used this year to teach participants of the Urban Agriculture Certificate Program the basics of bio-intensive agriculture. One demonstration was of “double digging” and another of planting on the diagonal. Various crops were grown in the boxes including basil, onions, Jerusalem artichoke, corn, peppers, tomatoes, long yard beans, cucumber and various leafy vegetables. A total of 150 pounds of different crops was harvested this year. This is shown on the following table. Table 16. Crops harvested from the Bio-intensive Boxes Ser. # Crops grown and harvested in bio-intensive boxes

Name of crops grown Crops harvested in lbs.

1. Tomatoes 35.0

2. Longyard/Asparagus/ beans 20.0

3. Cucumber 29.0

4.. Bush Beans 20.5

5. Collards 25.0

6. Water Melon 13.0

7. Sage 1.20

8. Thyme 0.50

9. Corn 3.23

10. Basil 0.50

11. Snap peas 3.0

Total 150.90


Figure 37. Bio-intensive demonstration

7. Crop Donation in 2015 Specialty crops grown on the farm funded by USDA program are used as a source of food supply for the community in the District of Columbia. The farm has produced a lot of crops as shown in the crop production and yield data in this report. The major recipients of donations from the farm in 2015 were Bread for the City, UDC/CSA, 5 A Day CSA, DC Central Kitchen, UDC Staff and community members. This is shown on the following table. Out of 7,600.83 pounds produced on the farm 2981 lbs. was donated to UDC/CSA, 1001,85 to 5 A Day CSA, 1081 Lbs. to Bread for the City, 2490.88 Lbs. to UDC Staffs. DC Central Kitchen also came to harvest crops from the farm as you can see it on the table of donations. Donations given to the community include those given to employees, volunteers, and participants of the Harvest Days hosted at the farm. The information obtained from the harvest form folder shows the following different crops that totals to7600.83 lbs.


Table 17. Donations of crops in 2015 is shown on the following table Ser # Crop UDC/CSA 5 A -Day-

CSA UDC staff or community

Bread for the city

UDC Kitchen

Wt. in lbs Wt. in lbs Wt. in lbs Wt. in lbs Wt. in lbs

1. Sweet Potatoes 241.0 71.0 1881.0 157.0 15.0

2. Squash 952.8 35.0 - - -

3. Swiss chard 120.5 75.5 171.69 49.0 5.0

4. Kale 90.8 42.0 102.74 366.0 2.0

5. Turnips 49.5 37.0 15.5 - -

6. Mustard Greens 10.0 12.5 124.0 42.0 -

7. Collard Greens 87.0 103.0 10.0 9.0 2.0

8. Asian Greens 27.7 6.0 1.75 30.5 -

9. Tomatoes 354.8 149.0 - 71.0 -

10. Spinach 15.0 10.0 - 8.0 -

11. Cucumber 17.0 27.0 - - -

12. Arugula 45.5 13.0 31.7 7.5 -

13. Lettuce 32.5 26.0 120.5 8.0 -

14. Carrots 151.5 73.0 10.0 225.0 -

15. Bush Beans 63.5 22.75 - 13.0 -

16. Scallions/Spring onion

32.0 7.5 6.0 50.0 -

17. Onion 7.0 1.5 6.0 - -

-18. Radish 51.0 13.0 - - -

19. Beets 42.0 31.5 - 6.0 -

20. Asparagus Beans 23.0 9.5 - - -

21. Bell Pepper 71.0 58.5 2.0 - -

22 Okra 76.2 37.0 - - -

23. Blackberries 22.5 10.0 - N/A -

24. Egg Plant 50.5 7.6 - - -

25. Corn 1.0 2.25 - - -

26. Water Melon 34.0 10.0 - - -

27. Sage 3.5 0.75 - - -

28. Basil 5.25 14.0 - 8.0 -

29. Cabbage 8.0 - - - 6.0

30. Pac Choi 38.0 17.5 5.0 17.0 -

31 Pepper (Eth.) Hot 2.0 14.0 3.0 - -

32 Asparagus - - 14.0 -16.0

33 Menzuna 16.0 7.0 - 14.0 -

34. Asian Pears 219.0 50.5 - N/A -

35. Broccoli 2.0 7.0

36 Rice 18.0 - N/A

Total 2,981.0 1,001.85 2,490.88 1,081.0 46.0

Grand total 7600.83


7.1 FY2015 Bread for the City Harvest from Muirkirk Agricultural Research Farm

Bread for the city harvested various vegetables from Muirkirk Agricultural Research Farm from different locations (hoop houses and fields.) as shown in the following table. These harvest is besides the harvest from the Orchard. Table 18. Bread for the harvest from the farm from different locations Date Crop Harvested Location

Harvested Weight in Lbs

4/20/15 Asparagus Orchard 14

5/6/2015 Kale Field 338

8/3/2015 Onion HH3 25

8/3/2015 Carrots HH3 93

8/3/2015 Tomatoes HH3 7


8/5/2015 Carrots HH3 54

8/18/2015 Onions HH3 25

8/18/2015 Basil HH3 8


8/18/2015 Carrots HH3 78



9/24/2015 Beans HH4 13

9/30/2015 Sweet Potato Leaves

Field 157

10/26/2015 Mustard HH1 15

10/26/2015 Spinach HH1 14

10/26/2015 Leafy Asian Green HH1 6.5

10/28/2015 Arugula HH1 7.5

10/28/2015 Beets HH1 6

10/28/2015 Leafy Asian Greens HH2 3

10/28/2015 Swiss Chard HH3 26

11/2/2015 Spinach HH1 2

11/2/2015 Leafy Asians Greens

HH2 12

11/2/2015 Mustard HH2 9

11/9/2015 Swiss Chard HH3 23

11/9/2015 Spinach HH1 6

11/9/2015 Mustard HH1 8

12/16/2015 Kale HH1 3

12/16/2015 Mustard HH1 10

12/16/2015 Kale HH2 15

12/16/2015 Leafy Asian Green HH2 9

12/16/2015 Menzuna HH2 14

12/16/ 2015 Pac Choi HH2 17

12/16/2015 Lettuce HH2 8


12/16/2015 Collard Greens HH2 9

12/16/2015 Kale HH3 10

Total 1109.0

8. Bread for the City Orchard Bread for the City funds the orchard at the farm. On this space apples, Asian pears, various berries, and other crops are produced. The area is managed by Purple Mountain Organics. There are currently 12 rows of apple trees of the varieties: Crimson Gold, Enterprise, Gold Rush, and Crimson Topaz. In total there are 364 apple trees. Volunteers with Bread for the City pick most of the fruit and the fruit is donated to the organization. In total this year, 1,640 pounds of apples were produced for Bread for the City. The following table lists the documented harvests of several crops grown in the orchard. By far, Bread for the City is the largest recipient of crop donations from the farm. They harvested approximately 14005. 5 lbs. During the growing season, volunteers with Bread for the City come to harvest from the orchard as well as the other areas of the farm. Below is a list of most of the crops harvested by Bread for the City. For more specific data, contact Ms. Tef and Zachari Curtis, employee of the Bread for the City. Table 19. FY15 Bread For the City Harvest from Orchards. Lists and dates of crops Harvested from the Orchards at UDC Farm

Strawberries Blueberries Raspberries Blackberries Asian Pears Apple

Date Wt. in lbs

Date Wt. in lbs

Date Wt. in lbs

Date Wt. in lbs

Date Wt. in lbs

Date Wt. in lbs

5/18/15 15 6/22/15 12 6/23/15 1 6/23/15 1 7/29/15 146 9/2/15 29

5/20/15 31 6/23/15 4 6/25/15 6 6/25/15 4 8/13/15 96 9/14/15 24

5/27/15 89 6/25/15 3 7/1/15 14 7/1/15 1 8/19/15 208 9/23/15 209

5/28/15 58 7/1/15 7 7/6/15 13 7/6/15 19 8/20/15 162

5/29/15 43 7/6/15 1 7/8/15 4 7/8/15 23 9/3/15 147

6/1/15 32 7/8/15 3 9/9/15 1 9/14/15 202

6/8/15 7 7/16/15 3 7/11/15 57 9/22/15 360

6/22/15 2 8/6/15 4 7/13/15 35 9/23/15 1203

6/23/15 1 8/8/15 7 7/15/15 33 9/24/15 408

7/1/15 4 8/12/15 13 71/16/15 54 10/5/15 373

7/8/15 3 8/18/15 12 7/20/15 66

7/9/15 4 9/2/15 5 7/22/15 58

7/11/15 6 9/23/15 1 7/27/15 64

7/13/15 5 7/29/15 18

7/16/15 8 8/3/15 27

7/20/15 8 8/5/15 5

7/27/15 6 8/6/15 23

7/29/15 3 8/8/15 18


8/3/15 1 8/12/15 7

8/5/15 1 8/18/15 1

8/8/15 1

8/18/15 10

9/2/15 15

9/14/15 19

9/23/15 24

10/22/15 12

10/26/15 33

11/2/15 10

Sub-Total 451 27 86 515 3305 262

Grand-total

4646

Table 20. Summary of 2015 Harvests from Orchard by BFC

9. Urban Forestry Trial

Urban forestry is the art, science and technology of managing trees, forests and natural systems in and around cities, suburbs, and towns for the health and well-being of all people. It is a careful care and management of urban forests , i.e., tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. Grey and Deneke describe urban forestry that it is the management of trees for their contributions to the physiological, sociological, and economical well-being of the urban society. It was further stated that urban forestry deals with woodlands, groups of trees, individual trees and where people live. Currently on the farm is an on-going project concerning urban forestry management established for the purpose of training and education. Specifically, the project compares various watering methods and their ability to encourage deep taproot growth. The watering methods tested include the Grouses Waterbucks, Gator Bags, and manual watering with a water hose.

Crop Harvested Amount

(lbs)

Apples 262 Asian Pears 3305 Blackberries 515 Blueberries 27 Strawberries 421 Raspberries 86 Total 4646


Figure 35. Urban Forestry Experiment

10. Beekeeping Trial Six beehives were installed for demonstration and research at the farm in 2014 and is still working in 2015 too. Among six hives three of them are large, two are medium sized, and one is small . The focus was to establish the colony and in the future to use the hives as an educational and research tool. This research continued in 2015 too.

10. Grounds Maintenance Mr. Roy Lycorish and Mr. Alemayehu B. Waggie performed the regular upkeep of the site especially grassy areas and the facilities in general at the farm. Their activities include mowing grasses , trimming bushes, shrubs and trees, weeding, applying compost to beds, and cleaning and organizing the classroom, Administration Building and storage areas.

12. Well performing vegetables and crops - There are some varieties of crops grown

on the farm that had a good yield in the last two years. These are as follows:

Ace F1 Sweet Sunrise California Wonder Jalepeno


Tomatoes:

BHN 268 Celebrity Supreme Mariana Plum Great White

Primo Red Yellow Plum Yellow Grape

Eggplant and Squash

Gretel F1 Sweet Dumpling Tip Top


Okra and Basil

Clemson Spineless Okra Purple Basil Sweet Basil

Watermelon

Sugar Baby Early Moonbeam

Broccoli and Zucchini

Purple Peacock Costata Romanesco


Cucumber

Marketmore

Mustard Greens and Kale

Red Giant Siberian Kale Toscano Kale

Collard Greens, Asian Greens, and Spinach

Morris Heading Tatsoi Bloomsdale Longstanding


13. Activities and Programs One of the goals of the farm is to engage and educate the community on urban agriculture and nutrition. Throughout the year several groups were invited to the farm for tours, classes, and special programs. Among them were school groups, 4-H participants, UDC faculty and students, as well as members of the local community.

Figure 36. Students Harvesting Carrots

4-H- Over the summer, participants in the 4H program held an overnight camping trip in the orchard. Other 4H events were also held in the orchard area throughout the year as well. Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program - The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program initiated in 2014 and held some classes and workshops at the farm. Topics included hydroponics, biointensive agriculture, and growing nutrient rich food. Community Harvest Days - In 2014 the farm hosted two Harvest Days during which members of the community were allowed to come in and harvest food for themselves.

Figure 37. Participants Harvesting from the field


14. Suggestions for Improvement

Labeling

An issue encountered at the farm was the lack of or improper labeling of crops in the hoop houses and fields. This presented a problem for data collection purposes because the crops, more specifically their varieties, were not always accurately documented. In the future, care should be taken to correctly and visibly label all crops, particularly different varieties that look alike. Label apple varieties to ensure better data collection by Bread for the City.

Data Collection The following are problems that affected data collection on the farm in 2014:

Unreported harvests

Unrecorded plantings, lack of information

Missing or wrongly labeled crops.

All plantings, harvests, and input applications should be recorded same day. Data collection is far more difficult and inaccurate when done retroactively. All appropriate data fields should also be recorded.

Spacing

Crops should be planted at proper spacing. The tomatoes in particular were planted too close together which made access to the fruits more difficult and may have even decreased the yields and increased disease.

Manpower

With the development and fast growth of the different projects such as Aquaponic system, Hydroponics system, Urban Forestry, expansion of farm plots and construction of many Hoop Houses on the farm research station, researchers, skilled laborers and seasonal workers are required for research, demonstration, and commercial production. The farm used UDC interns for hydroponics system and urban forestry activities. The farm frequently used volunteers for seeding, planting seedlings, weeding and harvesting crops, though finding volunteers at the required time was the major issue on top of the lack of experience, knowledge and skills in crop production.

Equipment A vehicle for transporting harvested crops and materials around the farm is needed in order to increase time efficiency and decrease labor input. Equipment necessary for harvesting crops, such as crates, boxes, and clippers are also needed.

Documents

UDC - CAUSES 08 Muirkirk Agricultural Experiment Stationdocs.udc.edu/causes/research/Research Farm Annual Report 2015.pdf2.12 Suburban Propane 20 2.13 Pavilion 20 3. Crop Production