Transition to Organic Partnership Program Workshop Series
Are you looking to increase or improve your organic growing methods? Join UMass Extension and NOFA/Mass as we review and elaborate on growing organically and up to certification standards!
A mixture of in-person and online technical assistance events will be hosted throughout 2024 on the behalf of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). To learn more about the UMass & NOFA/Mass programming, check out the NOFA/Mass TOPP web page. To learn more about the national TOPP program, visit www.organictransition.org.
These workshops are intended for commercial vegetable and small fruit growers.
Fundamentals of Fertility Management
Good soil management is at the core of any agricultural operation. The soil provides the essential nutrients for plant performance. In this workshop, we'll discuss the differences between organic and conventional fertility management, ranging from fertilizer rate of release to crediting nutrient contributions from soil organic matter, and just how much you can rely on a microbial community to help meet fertility needs. We will also discuss how and when to collect a soil sample for soil nutrient testing, how to interpret soil test results, and the differences between a soil fertility test and a soil health test. While the topics are geared towards the needs and interests of organic growers, the information presented will provide familiar reference points for conventional growers exploring a transition to organic.
About the Presenter
Sam Corcoran is the new manager of the UMass Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory. Sam completed her PhD in Plant and Soil Sciences at UMass Amherst. Sam's research background ranges from forage production and manure nutrient management on dairy farms to agrivoltaics on vegetable farms.
