Nature’s Finest Organic BlueberriesHand-Selected by You

Summerfield Farm

Description

I. Type of Operation--------------1

II. Site Selection--------------------1

III. Cultivar Selection--------------3

IV. Orchard Layout & Plan-------4

V. Cultural Practices--------------6-18

VI. Irrigation Plan-------------------8

Preliminary Budget-----------------19

Economic Analysis-----------------21

Works Cited---------------------------23

Table of Contents

Organic Blueberry PYO Farm - Description

I. TYPE OF OPERATION

People have lost sight of where their food comes from. An organic blueberry farm that is busy with bees, pollinators, and butterflies, as well as, birds, lizards, and frogs will demonstrate how food fits into nature. A demonstration area with educational signage will help kids see how blueberries are grown from seed to mature harvested plant. Information about the blueberry bee (Figure 4) will educate the public about this little-known and powerful blueberry pollinator whose actions make blueberry pollination possible (Pascarella 2007). The display will also show the soil food web (Figure 5) and how all living things contribute to a successful crop. Financially, organic blueberries command a higher price, from 20-60 percent more, than chemically-main-tained blueberries (Krewer et al., 2006). True, organic blueberries require more production costs, but this may be offset by the higher selling price. A site with minimum topography, full sun, high visibility, and close proximity to downtown Athens, will create a fun, healthy and easily accessi-ble family outing location. The site will be graded to drain into the retention pond. The pond will be planted with many native blooming plants to help clean the runoff and to attract pollinators to the farm. The existing building on site will contain convenient: restrooms, store, office, cafe, and a large area for maintenance equipment. Windows into the maintenance area from the cafe will give little boys the excitement of seeing tractors.

Ripe blueberries will also be sold at the Bishop’s Park Farmer’s Market. Selling at the PYO farm and at the farmer’s market will introduce more people to the farm. The farm will include 5 acres of fields, convenient parking and drive, selling area, educational display, picnic area with tables under the shade of trees, refugia and flower gardens, groves of shade trees, a large enclosed maintenance and equipment garage. A large colorful sign on Olympic Drive will introduce drivers to the farm. Butterfly and pollinator gardens will be colorful, fragrant and attractive to visitors, passersby, and fun for kids.

The location is especially suitable to attracting traffic because it is sited near a busy post office and is convenient to the loop and Lexington Highway (Figure 1). An additional sign on Lexington Highway/ Broad Street will create additional interest.

II. SITE SELECTION

The high visibility of the site combined with its close proximity to downtown make this an ideal location for a pick-your-own organic blueberry farm. The AADT traffic count past the site is 11,500. Visitors will observe the robust health of the blueberry plants, read about the organic process, see many butterflies and bees, and come away from their visit thinking that growing organically makes sense because it works with nature. Of the 7.19 acres that make up the site,

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most of it has been cleared of trees. Cleared land is a better option for purchase because it will be much easier to prepare for the blueberry crop. Additionally, an existing mini rental storage building would work well as a store/maintenance building. The building is large enough to house all the equipment needed for the farm. The property is already supplied with lines for gas, electricity, cable, telephone, and water. The facility is also close to the airport and loop 10. The site is largely flat, with full sun, north-south orientation (Figure 2) which is best for crops to

maximize sun exposure, and acidic soil which is great for blueberries (Braswell 2004). Pine barkwill be used as a mulch and to build up the height of the beds for better drainage. In studies done by UGA and UF with Dr. Krewer and Dr. Scherm of UGA, pine bark is a very good mulch because the pH of the material is low, 4.5 - 5.2, and decomposition rate is slow at one inch per year (Krewer et al. 2001). In studies done by Dr. Krewer et al., coarse pine bark most effectively reduced weed populations compared to any other mulch type, requiring less man-hours for weed control. Of course, less man-hours means a significant savings in labor costs. The better drain-age created by raised beds, and slower decomposition rate of pine bark also bring down costs of disease control, and costs associated with replenishing a faster-decomposing mulch. High levels of organic matter is essential for a healthy blueberry crop (Krewer et al. 2001). Organic matter provides a desirable environment for mycorrhizal fungal associations that will assist the blueberry plants to be more drought resistant and to take up more nutrients (Yang 2002) .

The soil, although not tested, because this is a fictional project, has been researched with soil

Figure 1 Site Location

Site Location

Loop 10

Lexington Highway

Downtown

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Figure 2 Aerial View of Site Location

maps, is highly weathered coming from acidic granite and gneiss parent material (USDA). Soil testing is undoubtably one of the most important things a farmer can do to ensure the crop is being grown optimally. If this were an actual farm, periodic testing of a working blueberry crop would hopefully show a pH in the range of 4.5-5.2 and organic matter that makes up, at a mini-mum, 20 percent of the soil volume. This site has been farmed before, and most of the top soil has eroded away with conventional practices, leaving a B horizon that is high in clay content. This type of soil could benefit from the continued addition of organic material to increase the organic matter and life in the soil. In studies, blueberry yields resulting from using pine bark were higher than all other mulch types (Krewer et al., 2006). Additionally, pine bark is a common and inexpensive mulch in Georgia, so it would make sense to utilize it for a mulch on the farm. The existing soil is acidic and probably in the optimum pH range of 4.5- 5.2 for growing blueberries. Periodic additions of pine bark will keep the pH in the best range for many years of crop growth.

III. CULTIVAR SELECTION

Vaccinium ashei is native to the Southeast and adapted to the conditions here. This native blueberry is also a long-lived and fairly trouble-free choice for this farm. Blueberry plants have an expected crop life of 30 years or more (Fonsah et al., 2005). The plant is rare among fruit crops in that it tolerates periodic flooding and humidity. It is also an exemplary choice with fewer

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pest problems than other fruits, making them amenable to organic production. Blueberry plants are very attractive plants with beautiful glaucous foliage, colorful red- to-yellow fall color, pink springtime blooms, and beautiful fruit. After viewing blueberry fields at Summerfield Organic Blueberry Farm people may include this plant in their own gardens because it makes an attractive landscape plant, yet, produces food.Two different varieties of Rabbiteye blueberry, Vaccinium ashei, that bloom at the same time are necessary to ensure good fruit set from cross-pollination. Later-blooming varieties combined with earlier-blooming varieties will extend the season to eight weeks. In organic blueberry trials the cultivars: Vernon, Brightwell, Powderblue, Tifblue, and Ochlockonee were found to have superior suitability for the climate in Athens, GA. (NeSmith 2004). An additional suitable cultivar was developed by UGA called Alapaha. The cultivars of Vaccinium ashei that will be planted are: Vernon, Alapaha, Powderblue, and Ochlockonee. Vernon and Alapaha bloom at the same time and mature several weeks earlier than Powderblue and Ochlockonee. Powderblue and Ochlockonee bloom together and mature several weeks later than Vernon and Alapaha, thereby, extending the harvest season to at least eight weeks.Alapaha - was developed by the University of Georgia in 2001. This vigorous, upright cultivar blooms later but matures earlier than most varieties on the market. The berries are medium-sized, with excellent color, flavor, and firmness.Vernon - is another choice cultivar developed by UGA exhibiting large sweet fruit and good yield. This cultivar is similar to Alapaha in that it is late-flowering and early maturing. Late-flowering is an important characteristic for our area because a later-flowering variety may escape a freeze event that could ruin the crop.Ochlockonee - is a high-yielding, large-berried vigorous and upright shrub. This variety was developed to extend the season and blooms later than Alapaha and Vernon. An existing 25-year old shrub is still producing well in South Georgia.Powderblue - is a suitable pollinizer for Ochlockonee. The bush is a reliable mid-season bloomer. Powderblue is easy to grow and has high yields. It is highly resistant to fruit cracking during rains (Fall Creek Farm & Nursery 2007).

IV. ORCHARD LAYOUT

Physical Layout - Five growing areas, 209 feet square will surround the main building. Parking for 40 vehicles is conveniently located close to the shop and the blueberry fields (Figure 3). Roadways will be between the growing areas, building, and connect to the main vehicular access to the street facilitating maintenance, and harvesting. Raised and mounded planting rows will be 12 feet apart, and oriented north-south to take maximum advantage of sun exposure and good air circulation (Braswell .

Convenient restrooms, office, store, cafe, and maintenance area will all be housed in the existing rental storage building. A u-shaped drive near the office will facilitate loading. An educational area will be close to the parking. Flower beds and refugia at the entrance will be an attractive

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Figure 3 Summerfield Farms Organic Blueberry Farm Plan

Retention Pondwith Refugia

Parking

Educational Display

Picnic

Pollinator Garden(Refugia)

Sign

Field 1

Field 2

Field 3

Field 4

Field 5

Well

Restrooms

Flower Beds/Refugia Store

Cafe

Refugia

Maintenance Building

enticement to come in and pick blueberries. A colorful sign will be visible at the street. Butterfly and pollinator beds nearby will encourage good pollination . Plants selected for umbel flowers will attract beneficial insects, like parasitic wasps, good for pest insect control. Another native plant, Gelsimium rankinii, Swamp Jessamine will be planted around the retention pond to attract Habropoda laboriosa, the main pollinator for blueberries in Georgia (Pascarella 2007). The importance of this bee cannot be overstated (Pascarella 1997). It is a small bee, looking very much like the common European honeybee, but it is a much more effective pollinator for blueberries. The reason for this is the method with which it accomplishes this task. Blueberry bees “buzz” pollinate and this action disseminates more pollen than regular honey bee

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Figure 4 Habropoda laboriosa

pollination. Our native bee, Habropoda laboriosa (Figure 4), does not live very long in the spring, and most people have never seen one, but it is the unsung hero necessary for a successful blueberry crop in Georgia. Planting other earlier flowering plants that the bee looks for during its season will ensure its presence at the farm.

V. Cultural Practices

Plant Density -The plants will be spaced six feet apart in the rows and the rows will be 12 feet apart. This spacing will allow for unimpeded healthy shrub development and a minimum of weed control area. The good air circulation of this spacing will impede disease development 6x12 spacing there will be 605 blueberry plants per acre, for a total of 3,025 blueberry plants (Braswell et al.,2004). Two rows of one cultivar will be interspersed with one row of the other cultivar. Vernon and Ochlockonee will planted in greater numbers than Alapaha and Powderblue because of their superior characteristics (NeSmith S. 2002).

Refugia - Pest insect populations can be reduced by including areas of plants in the Umbelliferae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae families, that bloom when the pest insects are active, and will foster populations of natural enemies like predators and parasitic insects (Dufour, R. 2000). Planning refugia so the plants selected encourage beneficial insects and do not harbor significant populations of pest insects can reduce pest insects in the blueberry crop without resorting to chemicals. At Summerfield Farm planned refugia will attract parasitic wasps and they will stay in the area because of the floral nectar source. A study in California demonstrated that beneficial insects feeding on seeded nectar sources will move up to 250 feet into adjacent crops (Dufour 2001). Plantings can be adjusted to respond to new pests or to increase refugia area if the need arises. Plantings of Gelsiumium rankii can entice more Habropoda laboriosa to the area because it blooms when blueberries are blooming and is also an attractant to the bee as a food source (Pascarella J., 2007). Studies show that large groups of one kind of flower are effective in attracting more pollinators than individual plants scattered through the refugia. A wide variety of plants that flower at different times, but having something blooming at all times will keep pollinators in the garden. For the refugia, the farm will sow a seed blend called, “Good Bug Blend” from Peaceful Valley Co. designed and shown to attract the widest diversity of predator and parasitoid insects to the flowers selected (Dufour 2000).

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Figure 4 Habropoda laboriosa

Training System - Mounded rows with thick coarse pine bark will keep the soil water draining away from the plants. Sufficiently- draining soil will help prevent “mummy-berry’ a fungus disease amplified by soggy soil. Raised beds reduce the incidence of all water- and soil-borne diseases (Kuepper et al., 2004). Thick mulch applied before weed germination suppresses weeds, disease, moderates soil temperatures, conserves moisture, and supplies slow-release nutrients (Kuepper et al., 2004). Blueberry roots are shallow and lack root hairs, so are especially vulnerable to drought stress and mulch keeps the plants healthy (Takele et al., 2007) .Orchard Floor Management - A succession of winter and summer crops or green manures will add nitrogen to the crop, and discourage invasive weeds (Miller et al., 1989). Crimson clover, sesbania, and cowpeas can be grown, cut, and windrowed onto the blueberry rows .

Organic Certification - Before any preparations are made for the crop growers must comply with requirements of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Make sure all plans are aligned with the parameters of organic certification.

From Elaine Ingham, Phd

Figure 5 The Soil Food Web

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Figure 6 Drip Irrigation Plan for One Acre

Well

Row Distribution Line

4 mm Drip Tubing to each Plant

20

0 F

ee

t

Pressure-Compensating.5 gph Emitters

Irrigation System - Drip irrigation will be used to supply water to the crop. A 6 inch well will handle 300 gallons per minute pump and a 20 horsepower motor. Two inch PVC pipe will convey the water from the well to the separate planting areas. One inch Pipe will be buried down the center of every other row with barbed fittings connecting to individual 4 millimeter tubing and pressure-compensating .5 gph emitters buried 8 inches at each plant (Bryla 2006). Fertigation can be used with this system which can be a beneficial way to supply nitrogen to this sensitive crop (Kuepper 2004) . Valves with filters and backflow preventers will be fitted at the well for each transport line. Soil tensiometers in the field and a Rain sensor near the master controller will keep irrigation efficient and minimize water waste.The roof of the building will be equipped to capture rainwater and piped to store it in the retention pond.

Cultural Control - Several proactive strategies will be employed to keep the blueberry plants in optimal health and resistant to disease and pest insect activity. First, fostering a healthy and biologically active soil, second, fostering increased above ground diversity, and third, using appropriate cultivars for the site’s conditions and climate. Periodic applications of pine bark and shredded leaves to the soil, and minimizing cultivation near the plant will create a biologically diverse and active soil. Below-ground diversity is increased in soils with a high percentage of organic material (Marschner 1998). Soils containing large amounts organic matter tend to limit plant pathogens (Schneider 1982). Refugia will increase above ground diversity and superior cultivars have been selected for the site. Where pests have few enemies they reach higher populations and the potential for damage to the crop can exceed the economic threshold for the crop. Building in habitat for beneficial organisms will permanently lower the carrying capacity of the pest. Systems high in above- and below-ground biodiversity tend to be more stable with the variety of organisms providing internal population control which prevents a pest from dominating the system. Frost Protection - Blueberries are susceptible to spring frost damage. Overhead sprinklers conventionally offered frost protection in the past. Unfortunately using this method encourages fungal disease. Wind machines are being used on some farms for frost protection on still nights. An organic farm in Georgia had remarkable success using the machine one harsh spring. The fan should be turned on when the temperature has reached 34 degrees and when a low of less than 28 degrees is expected. The fan should continue until the temperature of the air around the plants is 34 degrees. Three thermometers placed in warm, cool, and average locations in the field, and a hygrothermograph that measures temperature and relative humidity can aid management decisions when a hygrothermograph chart is consulted. When humidity is low the wind machine must start at a higher temperature to compensate for evaporative cooling.

Soil Preparation and Testing - The first step and one that should be repeated yearly is the USDA Soil Quality Test Kit Guide developed by Dr. John Doran and associates at the Agricultural Research Service’s office in Lincoln, Nebraska. Designed for field use, the kit allows the measurement of water infiltration, water holding capacity, bulk density, pH, soil nitrate, salt concentration, aggregate stability, earthworm numbers, and soil respiration. These are important characteristics of soil health and not tested for in traditional soil tests.. Kits are being sold by Gempler’s and by Murray FFA in Murray, Iowa.

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A separate traditional lab soil test will also be needed to list nutrient levels, micronutrient levels, pH, CEC, possible contaminants or heavy metals, and organic percentage of the soil. If any corrections need to be made for extreme nutrient or pH deficiencies then lime or organic sources of nutrients need to be applied and mixed into the soil. Testing foliar nutrient levels is sometimes more telling, so in the summer this test needs to be performed. Two fist fulls of mature leaves should be washed, dried and evaluated be Extension for nutrient levels and nitrogen (Krewer et al., 2006).Blueberries prefer ammonium nitrogen over the nitrate form. At a lower pH the ammonium form predominates because denitrifying organisms predominate, and nitrates may be quickly converted to the ammonium form. Nitrate nitrogen is deadly for blueberries. After soil and foliar testing, weeds and all other plants and their roots must be cleared away beginning in June before planting. Next, five tons of compost per acre will be worked into fields with a rented Kuhn-El 62 rotovator attachment for the John Deere 790 tractor. For the next month, every 10 days, emerging weeds should be killed with a harrow (Hall et al.,(1983). Green Manure for Soil Preparation- To cut down on future weeds and to add nutrients to the soil a cover crop of inoculated cowpeas and sesbania with a 77/23 ratio will suppress weed growth in the rows and beds by shading and allelopathy (Simon 1997). Studies show that of the summer cover crops the annual Sesbania exaltata was superior in weed suppression (Simon 1997). A mixture of Sesbania exaltata and Vigna inguiculata will be inoculated and seeded in the orchard floor with a Brillion seeder (Creamer et al., 1999). It would be a good idea to time seeding with forecasted precipitation. This soil preparation is necessary to eliminate, as much as possible, Bermuda grass, a noxious weed in Georgia and very problematic in blueberry crops. Studies show it can be controlled by first plowing it under, then growing a thickly sown and strong growing crop such as cowpeas (McLeod, 1982). While cowpea is also useful for suppressing all weeds; a thick stand will also smother Bermuda grass (Peaceful Valley, 1988). Cowpea is also useful in attracting beneficial insects to the site. A scientist in south Georgia, found that the extrafloral nectaries of cowpea attracted 26 types of wasps (Bugg, pers. com) In preparation for planting, cowpeas must be inoculated with a rhizobial inoculant called “EL” which can persist for many years in the soil (McLeod 1982) (Burton and Martinez, 1980). Another reason for adding sesbania to the mix is that studies have also shown that sesbania discourages fire ants. Few fire ants were found around the plant even though the plant had aphids (Kaakeh and Dutcher, 1989). Aphids are frequently farmed by fire ants for their sweet excrement, and can be a problem in cover crops. An early maturing cowpea (Vigna inguiculata) called Red Ripper is preferred for its fast growth (Duke, 1981). Both sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) and cowpea are legumes that will fix nitrogen for the new planting. The mixture should be sown at 50 pounds/acre of cowpeas to six pounds of sesbania. At 90 days the cover crop should be mowed down and thrown into the beds (Duke, 1981). It will decompose and supply a C:N ratio of 28 and nitrogen at 64 pounds per acre. Since the plant material will not be incorporated into the soil some of the nitrogen will be lost to the atmosphere. In addition to nitrogen from legumes, cover crops help recycle other nutrients in the soil. Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and other nutrients are accumulated by cover crops during a growing season (Hoyt, G.D.1987). Mowing will kill 100 percent of the sesbania and 98

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percent of the cowpeas in preparation for planting the blueberry plants.

Bed Forming & Irrigation Installation- After the green manure is mown, smooth the beds with multiple passes of a rented harrow. Next a rented Frontier Sub-Soiler with Tube and Cable Laying Attachment will subsoil the middle of the row and lay the pvc irrigation pipe. Workers will flag where plants will be located, and attach drip lines and emitters for each plant. Next, a rented one- bottom Frontier Middle-Buster will open the row, and the two-year old blueberry plants will be planted and the drip lines buried with the emitters at the plant roots. Finally, 50 tons of wood waste per acre, coarse pine bark, will be applied 5-6 inches deep, with a Millcreek Heavy Duty Mulch Spreader, centered on each plant row and covering a four foot band (Braswell et al. 2004). These attachments can be used with a John Deere tractor with less than 45 horsepower. The planting beds will be slightly raised, with the added wood mulch raising them more, to about 8 inches.

One way to keep plants in the best health possible is to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil they reside in. The ideal is to have soil that is friable with good water holding capacity. Soil like this is full of life and is water-conserving. Blueberries demand a soil with low pH (4.5-5.2) and high organic content, but when generous amounts of organic matter is added the pH of the soil tends to increase. Fortunately the organic matter buffers the pH of the soil, and blueberries can grow fine in a pH of six. Several organic growers report that additional pH modification is seldom needed (Kuepper G. et al, 2004) The pH is unlikely to change very much because of the addition of pine bark which is strongly acidic. Of course to be safe, the compost added can be sourced with the stipulation that it be tested for pH. According to ATTRA growing guidelines, compost is good blueberry fertilizer (Kuepper, G. et al., 2004)

The goal of soil management should be to either “maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil”, according to organic farming guidelines. In order to do so, tillage must be minimized so beneficial soil organism habitat is left undisturbed, and mulch must be applied in sufficient quantity to maintain the biological activity in the soil. After the initial soil amendment and disturbance, the soil in the beds will be left alone, and only mulched on the soil surface replicating natural processes. Undisturbed soil organisms produce valuable bacterial gels and fungal threads that form soil aggregates, and produce humates that hold nutrients and water. Plant roots to form a symbiotic relationship with the organisms to acquire more nutrients and water than the plant could acquire on its own ( Yang et al., 2002). These benefits from the relationship ease the work of the farmer, by reducing inputs previously necessary, but now supplied by the organisms. The organisms in the soil are like mini farm animals performing important services for the farmer. Fostering the health of soil organisms should be part of farming. By doing so, the farmer is saving valuable time by building soil, plant health and fertility. A combination of green manures and thick organic mulches will keep the life in the soil rich for the blueberries (Dufour, R. 2001).

Planting - Once the compost is incorporated and after the beds are formed and, flags will mark

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the location of the plants. Plant two-year blueberry plants during the dormant season from mid-November through February. When planting, spread the roots out into the soil. After planting, prune half of the top growth to allow the plant to grow a better root system (Braswell et al., 2004) Apply coarse pine bark mulch with the Millcreek Heavy Duty Mulch Spreader after planting. A subsequent drip irrigation period will follow if soil moisture is deficient. Crimson clover will be seeded in the fall with a Brillion seeder.

Growing Season - Green Manure or Winter Cover Crops- After the blueberry plants are planted and mulched in late October, a cover crop of crimson clover will be seeded into the orchard floor with the Brillion seeder. ‘AU Sunrise’ is preferred for its early bloom (USDA). ‘AU Sunrise’ crimson clover is an early-flowering clover that can be broadcast or drilled in the rows between the blueberry plants. For maximum cool season coverage, broadcast 20 pounds of inoculated seed per acre or drill 8-15 pounds of seed per acre (Miller et al., 1989). In North Georgia, plant September 15 - November 1 (Duke 1981). The clover is a legume cover crop that will add nitrogen when it is cut and thrown up into the beds. The crimson clover will be mowed in April and give a C:N ratio of 16 and fix 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Flowers of crimson clover produce a lot of nectar and are popular with many species of bees (Knight, 1985).

Green Manure or Summer Cover Crops- In the aisles between the blueberry plants a cover crop will be grown to reduce soil erosion and to return nutrients to the blueberry plants. A mix of cowpeas and sesbania with a 77/23 ratio will suppress weed growth in the rows and beds by shading and allelopathy (Simon 1997). (See Soil Preparation for more information.) Cover crops should be sown after a good rain since it helps with germination. Warm season cover crops need to be planted after the soil has warmed to at least 60ºF and the likelihood of frost has passed. This green manure crop can be trimmed high to control growth to allow for visitors to access the blueberries. Care must be taken to keep sesbania from seeding as it may become a weed, in that case, sudan x sorghum grass may be a better choice for a summer green manure. The crop will be mown down in early September, and thrown into the beds, using a modified rotary mower with a welded metal strip to aim the cut crop into the beds (Diver 2002).

Weed Control Under the Blueberry Plants- A weed-free zone of 4 feet centered under the blueberry plants will be maintained with hand-hoeing two times a year and mowing three times a year (Takele et al., 2007) (NeSmith et al. (1995). The periodic application of mulch, and corn gluten preemergent will reduce weed germination. The possibility of using chickens and weeder geese for weeding is feasible, but would not be in keeping with organic certification because of the manure they produce. Throughout history animal manures were used to good effect with crops. With all the worry about e coli contamination present organic certification rules do not allow fresh manure on crops. Different organic certification groups that allow manure application might be looked into if poultry are used for weeding.

Preemergent- In the early spring and late summer/early fall corn gluten meal will be applied

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with a different setting of the Millcreek Heavy Duty Mulch Spreader. Corn gluten is a preemergent treatment for weeds. It prevents weed seed germination, but does not kill pre-existing weeds. It is also a source of nitrogen at 10% nitrogen and a source of phosphorous at 1% phosphorous. It is broadcast under the blueberry plants at 436-871 pounds per acre (Krewer et al., 2001). The timing of the application will coincide with germination of summer and winter weeds, and not conflict with sowing of the cover crops.

Mulch Application- In late winter a 4 inch layer of chopped leaves will be applied with the Millcreek Heavy Duty Spreader in a four foot band centered on the planting beds. This application will cut down on further weed germination. Every other year instead of leaves, coarse pine bark will be reapplied to make up for decomposition every other year at 4 inches deep. The mix of materials will encourage biodiversity of soil organisms good for plant health and disease resistance according to the ATTRA Biointensive Integrated Pest Management manual.

Pruning- In the spring of the first year the flowers must be pruned off of the berry bushes to conserve energy for growth. In subsequent years only prune after harvest, the dead, broken branches, and branches not growing upright. Additionally, plants may grow too tall for harvesting, so at that time take down the plant height to a feasible height for harvest. Irrigation- Irrigation will be timed by the soil tensiometers and rain sensor. Blueberries need 1.25 inches of water per week in the first year or two of growth (Patten 1998). A study by David Bryla found that blueberry plants irrigated by buried drip were larger and produced significantly more whips than drip at the soil surface (Bryla, D. 2006) Mature plants need 6-8 gallons of water a day. With 605 plants per acre the total water use is 4,840 gallons per day per acre. Young plants need about half of that amount, but have small root systems that are prone to drought stress. Newly-planted blueberries only need .5- 1 gallon per day. Generally it works out to irrigation twice a week when conditions are dry (Himelrick et al. 1999)The small root system of a young plant combined with the shallowness of the root system in the soil means irrigation cannot be delayed and must be supplied when needed (Krewer et al. 1998). Mulch really cuts down on evaporation and conserves water. Drip systems are superior to overhead irrigation in that they: target the root system, reduce evaporation, cut down on weeds by not watering them, and reduce occurrence of fungal disease associated with overhead irrigation (Himelrick et al. 1999).

Figure 7 Rabbiteye Blueberry Blossoms

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Irrigation during the growing season produces larger fruit and higher yields. Post-harvest irrigation increases fruit buds and growth, leading to larger crops the next year. (Himelrick et al. 1999).

Fertility- A hallmark of organic production is the reliance on green manures and mulches to supply nutrients for the crop. It is well known that chemical fertilizers can harm blueberry plants, and ideal rates for other plants can kill a blueberry plant. The plants have a low-tolerance for these fertilizers, and young plants have been killed by over-application (Braswell, J. et al., 2004). Additionally, Dr. John Clark at University of Arkansas believes the fertilizer rates used by most growers to be excessive (Kuepper et al., 2004). Over-fertilization should be avoided because studies show plants, with an unnatural nutrient imbalance brought on by over-fertilization, negatively affect pest insect interactions, making the plants more attractive to pests (Phelan, L.

Figure 8 Suggested Rabbiteye Nutrient LevelsFrom Suggestions for Organic Blueberry Production in Georgia

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1997) (Daane, K. et al., 1995) Over-fertilization also leads to more disease problems (Schneider R. 1982). Before any fertilization, soil tests must verify deficiencies. Soil tests should be taken at the same time of year every year to correlate results. A good composite sample sampled at a depth of eight inches should give consistent results. Even if the test shows a slight deficiency, correction with fertilizers may not be the next step. The farm will rely more heavily on the health of the soil by relying more heavily on the results of the USDA Soil Quality Test Kit for guidance. Green manures, corn gluten meal, and mulches will be the main avenues used for plant nutrition. Soil building with these components, as well as, the secondary exudates of soil organisms, can go a long way to supplying all the necessary fertilization a blueberry plant needs (Kuepper et al., 2004). Nitrogen- Instead of relying on traditional fertilizer application schedules, testing of foliar nitrogen is a more reliable method to reveal accurate levels of nitrogen in the blueberry plant. Lab testing for nitrogen that gives a reading of 1.6% or below demonstrates a deficient level of nitrogen (Krewer et al.,2006) If that were to happen, good results have been achieved with the use of fertigation and adding fish protein or fish emulsion to the irrigation water (Schwankl et al. 1992). The product is tolerated well by the blueberry plant. The problem with other sources of nitrogen used in organic production, such as cottonseed meal, is they may be contaminated by genetic engineering (GE). Poultry litter may contain arsenic, and even though is allowed by organic standards, it can wind up leaching into waterways (Miller et al., 2000). It seems unethical to use a product, even if it is approved by organic standards, that can harm the environment, so poultry litter is not a possible nitrogen source for this field. Fish emulsion is not without concern, it can have some heavy metals, especially mercury. A fish emulsion sold, “Mastery Nursery Fish Emulsion 4-1-1” tested much lower in heavy metals and mercury than other leading brands of fish emulsion according to the State of Washington Department of Ecology Fertilizer Database. Fish emulsion used with fertigation will target the blueberry plant because it will be delivered right to the root system with drip irrigation, and be less likely to leach away. If deficiencies are found, supplemental fertilization will be supplied first- four weeks before bud break, and continue, if necessary, with another application six weeks later. A final application six weeks after that may make up a more pronounced deficiency (Kuepper 2004).

Phosphorus- A deficit in phosphorus is unlikely as blueberries have a very low requirement for it. More likely is an excess which can cause problems.

Potassium - Once again, a deficit is unlikely, but all major nutrients are commonly added with an application of fish emulsion (Takele et al., 2007).

Pest Control- Three strategies should minimze potential pest and disease problems. First, planting appropriate cultivars for the climate and soil. All the cultivars selected are superior for the Athens area. Second, increase biodiversity of organisms above ground. This is achieved with planned refugia

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and cover crops that attract beneficial insects. The retention pond will attract larger organisms like insect-eating bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, that will reduce pest insects in the crop. Third, increase biodiversity in the soil, by enriching the soil with compost, green manures, and different types of mulches. This blend of components will foster the widest array of below-ground organisms which will balance any antagonistic pests and diseases and keep them from proliferating (Dufour 2001). The rabbiteye blueberry, Vaccinium ashei is a native plant adapted to the conditions of our area with a minimum of disease and insect problems compared to other fruit crops that originated in other parts of the world (Kuepper et al., 2004). Additionally, years of breeding have developed even better, more pest-resistant cultivars.

Sanitation- There are many methods to reduce the probability of pest problems before using harsher chemical control. Sanitation by workers will ensure that diseased plants and plant parts will be removed in a timely manner.

Spacing & Site Selection- Spacing needs to give enough room for good air circulation. At 6 x 12 spacing adequate air circulation is assured. The site was chosen because it is wide-open with no trees or wind-breaks to stagnate the air, and potentially allow fungus to stay in a wet environment long enough to inoculate the plants.

Optimum Growing Conditions- It is a well-researched fact that healthy plants, like healthy people, are able to fight off pests and disease better than stressed plants. Whether by secondary metabolites that are made in response to pest damage, or by relying on the organisms that live in symbiosis with the plants, healthy plants have defense mechanisms. The plan for the farm has been researched with goals to create an optimal environment for robust blueberry plant health.

Figure 9 Tractor and Rotary Mower16

Mulches, green manures, and corn gluten meal will enrich the soil and keep weed competition down. Refugia for beneficial insect attracting plants will reduce pest insect numbers. Mulches, too, will attract beneficial insects. Plants will be irrigated to keep them growing and healthy. If additional nutrition is necessary it will be in a form that works with blueberry plant processes to optimize nutrition. Good air circulation and cultivar selection will contribute to creating plant health. Green manures will reduce any soil erosion and leaching of nutrients from the site.

Monitoring, Scouting and Record-Keeping- The best method for finding a pest or disease problem before it becomes a bigger problem is regular scouting of the fields looking for anything that is amiss. Any foliage or plant parts that do not appear healthy or are discolored, need to be analyzed for pest or disease problems, by extension, or by a knowledgeable source. It is especially important to take detailed records of all events at the farm including: all treatments, problems, areas of problems, what time of the year pests show up, how the problems are remedied, and pretty much everything that happens on a day-to-day basis. Record-keeping is basically a daily diary of your farm. Detailed records are also necessary for organic certification. Daily monitoring is ideal, but at least once a week may be reality. Patience and careful observation are critical in distinguishing symptoms and their cause.

Handling Pest Problems- Generally problems can be attributed to one of three causes: physiological problems, pests, or disease. The second two- pest and disease- tend to be directly linked to physiological causes, perhaps water imbalance, temperature extremes or extremes in weather, and/or nutrient imbalance. Determining if there is a physiological basis for the plant problem, and rectifying that, is usually all that is required to solve a pest or disease problem. Pests and disease do not develop in isolation they need an unfavorable plant environment, a stressed plant, and a population of disease organisms. For example, mummy berry is associated with less-than-ideal drainage. Correcting the drainage problem will go a long way towards correcting the persistence of disease. Perhaps it has been an extremely wet spring, a scout would expect to see certain temporary problems associated with this climatic condition. It would be unwise to treat symptoms caused by a temporary weather pattern which will naturally resolve when the climate turns drier and hotter. Again, a healthy plant with rich soil and diverse environment will be able to tolerate adverse conditions better than a plant in a deficient soil and sterile environment. Working on the health of the soil should be the paramount concern of an organic farmer. Refer to your records and use the information you have gathered to determine whether the same symptoms happened last year or are any way connected to the weather or a farm practice. Once diagnosed, you need to know, how and if, it can spread, or if it can affect other plants. Can changing the location of the plant improve the health? Could additional releases of beneficial insects targeting a pest be of help to correcting the problem? Would better sanitation remove over-wintering insects? Perhaps figuring out if it its an isolated problem or if it has the potential to negatively affect many more plants is the most important piece of information to determine if the pest warrants treatment. Patience, knowledge of the crop, knowledge of the pest, and

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phenology are required to make accurate decisions for control.

Pests- Spinosad is an organically approved pesticide but it is extremely toxic to bees, so it will not be used at the farm, even though it is approved. Releases of a beneficial insects or adding plants to the refugia to attract a particular beneficial insect will be employed if necessary. Insecticidal soaps and oils are an option to be used at a last resort. Accurate record-keeping and a wait-and-see attitude are skills more advantageous than a hair-trigger set on immediate treatment. I have found in my landscapes after 15 years I have never had a significant insect pest problem because of the biodiversity I have fostered.

Harvest and Marketing- Since the plants are two years old picking can commence the next year. Customers will bring their own containers. If one arrives empty-handed biodegradable containers made of corn can be purchased. Monitoring of the crop will alert the crew of impending ripening. When berries turn blue it take 3-5 days to fully ripen on the plant. Advertisements on the street sign will notify passers-by. Our presence at Saturday farmer’s markets will give us an additional outlet for advertisement. It is nice to know that at Summerfield Farm children can pop a sweet blueberry into their mouths without worrying about scrupulously washing off numerous toxic chemical residues. Good food raised right.

Figure 10 Ladybug eating aphids

June

July

August

October

March

May

June

July

September

October

December

Remove weeds, add compost, soil testsadjust nutrients and/or pH

Remove new weeds every 10 daysSeed refugia, plant retention pond. and keep watered

Seed green manure

Mow green manure and throw into bed location, form and smooth raised beds,install irrigation, plant blueberrries, prune blueberries, apply pine bark, irrigate if necessary, sow crimson clover in aisles

Apply corn gluten meal to beds, Frost protection if necessary, start irrigation,pruning if necessary

Mow clover and seed summer green manure. Refugia seeded, hand weedunder blueberries with hoe, harvest

Mature leaf nutrient analysis, Test for soil pH, nutrients, physical characteristics, CEC,. Mow aisles and bed sides, harvest

Harvest, weed with hoe, and mow

Apply corn gluten meal to beds

Mow summer manure close, seed clover

Apply mulch to beds

Tractor, harrow, rotovator

Tractor, harrow, Brillion seeder

Tractor, Brillion seeder

Tractor, modified rotary mower, subsoiler, MiddlebusterBrillion seeder, harrow, mulch spreader

Tractor, mulch spreader, wind machine

Rotary mower, Tractor, Brillion seeder

Tractor, rotary mower, USDA Soil Quality Test Kit

Tractor, rotary mower

Tractor, Mulch spreader

Tractor, rotary mower, seeder

Tractor, Mulch spreader

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IV. CALENDAR OF ANNUAL EVENTSFirst Year Installation

Calender Practice Equipment

Annual schedule of operations

Calendar Practice Equipment

Preliminary Budget

I. Select Crop a. Rabbiteye blueberries – Vaccinium asheiII. Type of Operation a. Organic pick-your-own farm and a booth at the Bishop Park Farmer’s MarketIII. Farm Size a. Per capita consumption of all forms of blueberries is 0.78 pound/year according to the book, Introduction to Fruit Crops. b. Per capita consumption of fresh blueberries in 0.34 pound/year in 2002 according to the USDA. c. Athens in Clarke County population is 103, 238. d. Clarke County population is 114,063 e. 0.34 lb/year x 114,063 = 38,781.00 lbs of fruit needed per year f. Average pounds of fruit produced per six year old mature plant = 14 g. Number of plants per acre = 605 with 6’x 12’ spacing. h. # of plants per acre 605 x avg lbs of fruit per mature six-year-old plant = approximately 8500 lbs of fruit per acre. i. 8500 lbs of blueberries per acre x 5 acres = 42,500 lbs of fruit per 5 acres maximum yield j. Three year old plants produce 2,800 lbs per acre k. Four year old plants produce 4,950 lbs per acre l. Five year old plants produce 6,500 lbs per acre m. Average of 3-6 year old plant yields is 5,688 lbs per acre n. Considering this will be an organic operation, that requires more labor for maintenance, and yields will start low and grow along with the expanding Athens, Clarke County population, I think 5 acres will be a good size for a pick-your-own farm.

Information for the above section on yield was acquired from the Mississippi State Uni-versity Extension Service.

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IV. Acreage Selection

a. I found a 7.19 acre tract that is graded and cleared with a large storage warehouse previously used for a mini rental storage facility. This warehouse can easily store farm equipment and a storefront for selling fruit. b. The land has lines for electricity, water, telephone, cable and gas. c. The tract is full sun and close to downtown, just off the loop, Lexington Highway, and the airport. d. AADT traffic count past the site is 11,500. e. The planted acreage is 5 acres with 2.19 acres for parking, maintenance building, shop, and frontage landscaping. f. The price is 596,000.00 dollars total. g. Soils in this area have a large proportion of clay and are weathered, and acidic according to NRCS information on the Southern Piedmont. h. Tax - An approximately-sized tract of land nearby paid 2,820.67 in taxes to Athens Clarke County in 2009 or about $400.00 an acre. i. PYO insurance is $400.00 per year j. (596,000 + 2820.67 + 400) / 7.19 = $83,341 per acre.V. Cultivar/ Rootstock Selection

a. The cultivars of Vaccinium ashei I will be planting are: Vernon, and Alapaha, Powderblue, and Ochlockonee. b. Vernon and Alapaha bloom at the same time and mature several weeks earlier than Powderblue and Ochlockonee. c. Powderblue and Ochlockonee bloom at the same time and mature several weeks later than Vernon and Alapaha, thereby, extending the picking season to eight weeks. d. Cultivar information from Fall Creek Farm and Nursery e. One year old wholesale blueberry plants are $1.53 each and at 605 plants per acre x 5 acres = $4,654 for plants.

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