_edited.jpg)
Our 2018 Research Project Findings
Background Information
Our project consisted of three plots to explore garden techniques, improve pollinator habitat, and improve soil health.
•Plot 1: Conventional tillage with added irrigation, planted May 1.
•Plot 2: Ground tilled and burned Spring of 2017 resulting in very little soil coverage through the winter. One application of a 2.5% glyphosate mixture was sprayed weeks before planting and planted no-till with a cordless drill on May 8. No irrigation was used.
•Plot 3: Ground was a hay field consisting of fescue, orchard grass, and weeds. Two applications of a 2.5% glyphosate mixture was sprayed weeks before planting and planted with a cordless drill on May 22. No irrigation was used.
What We Learned
Average Growth Rates
Throughout the season, we measured each plant in every plot to get the average growth rate of each species. Â In Plot 3, every species grew faster than the other two plots.
Soil Temperatures
We used a probe thermometer to compare soil temperatures across each plot. Â Plot 3 recorded the lowest temperature at each reading, therefore producing the best conditions for plant growth.
Conclusions
•All plots received less than 1.5 inches of rainfall from June-July. Plot 1 was the only plot that received additional water.
​
•Plot 2 was viewed as a failure due to weed overgrowth and a lack of moisture, mainly due to minimal soil coverage.
​
•Plot 3 shows the importance of keeping the soil covered and planting a diverse polyculture of seeds so that they can work together for nutrients and moisture conservation.
