IPM Video Series

Roller Crimper

Check out several short videos on IPM topics (stay tuned for more!):

 

How to Measure Soil Moisture: Tensiometer Demonstration

 

In this video, we're diving into the fascinating world of tensiometers, a crucial tool for monitoring soil moisture levels and deciding when to irrigate your crops. Imagine a tensiometer as a giant root in your field, with a ceramic tip and a water-holding cylinder. When the soil dries up, water from the cylinder flows through the ceramic tip into the soil, reducing the pressure gauge, signaling the need for irrigation. Conversely, if there's excess water, it moves into the cylinder, increasing the tension on the gauge, indicating there's enough moisture.

How to Measure Soil Moisture: Tensiometer Installation

 

In this video, we'll walk you through the installation process of a tensiometer for measuring soil moisture in the active root zone of cranberries. The video covers each step, from taking a soil core to identifying the right depth for installation, preparing the probe, filling the reservoir with water, and securely installing the ceramic tip into the soil. You'll also see how to backfill the hole and connect the probe to the telemetry unit. This comprehensive guide ensures a successful tensiometer installation for precise soil moisture monitoring in cranberry cultivation.

Managing Downy Mildew in Grapes

 

The video delves into the critical issue of Downy Mildew in grapes, a disease with origins localized to the northeastern United States but now a global concern. To identify if your grapes are affected, it's essential to monitor weather conditions, particularly wet and humid weather, which provide a fertile environment for the disease. Forecasting models that consider temperature and humidity can help predict the risk. If you're growing susceptible grape varieties, extra vigilance is required.

Roller Crimping for Cover Crop Management

 

In this video, we explore the use of cover crops and a unique farming technique known as roller crimping. Cover crops are essential for maintaining soil health and preventing erosion in New England's farming systems. These crops, such as rye and wheat, serve as a natural mulch, contributing to soil fertility and moisture retention.