Climate Smart Agriculture Grant
SOIL HEALTH PROJECTS
See how these farmers are enhancing the soil across Connecticut's farmlands and growing richer produce for Connecticut consumers.
Fort Hill Farm
Fort Hill Farm received an award to support soil steaming for high tunnel vegetable production by funding a Sioux SF-20 Steam-Flo boiler, steam sock and tarp for use at Fort Hill Farm, Massaro Community Farm, and Maple Bank Farm. While data measuring nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels varied across the three farms, all farms showed a consistent decrease in weed pressure within steamed beds, resulting in an estimated 95% reduction in fall weeding hours. Soil steaming also dramatically dropped the incidence of nematode infection at Fort Hill Farm. When done at modest temperatures (140F to 1.5 inches) on prepared beds, there were minimal effects on beneficial soil microbes and soil nutrients. Ultimately, this innovative practice was determined to be an effective way to eliminate plant pathogens and weeds from high tunnel soils at shallow depths.
Hidden Blossom Farm
Hidden Blossom Farm received an award to establish three acres of silvopasture, a portion of which is located on Statewide Important Agricultural Soils. The grant funded the removal of invasive shrubs, vines, and poor-quality trees, which allowed light for pasture grasses while giving native, healthy trees more room to grow. Forages were planted which cattle will eventually graze on. This silvopasture is expected to improve the farm’s climate resilience by reducing soil erosion, sequestering carbon, extending the grazing season, and providing nutritious forages during periods of drought.
Little Ark Farm
Little Ark Farm received an award to install a flexible fencing system through silvopasture and three fallow vegetable fields. The project implements prescribed grazing for the farm’s waterflock fowl, converts annual cropland to non-irrigated forage and cover crops which will build soil organic matter throughout the farm, grows mulch for market garden, and reduces fertilizer usage.
Long Table Farm
Long Table Farm received an award to support “Phase 1” of the establishment of a Solar Community Compost Center, specifically by funding a Ford Lightening Electric Truck, Sittler stationary trommel screen with electric motor, stone for composting pad, and vibratory plate compactor tool rental. This project created a stone pad for storing manure, making compost and potting soil, as well as utilizes solar-powered equipment for manufacturing and delivering compost through the state for the purpose of supporting farm productivity, sequestering carbon, and diverting food waste from landfills (thus reducing CO2 emissions.)
Samad Gardens Initiative
Samad Gardens Initiative received an award to purchase a BCS Compost Spreader, BCS Flail Mower and Quick Hitch, Field Tuff Seed Drill, WORX Leaf Shredder, solarization tarps, and cover crop seed. These attachments will reduce tillage, produce and apply natural mulches, and support multi-species cover cropping. The project increased organic matter, microbial diversity and mass, and crop production yields.