This second semester of sustainable agriculture has been focusing on why we do various things a specific way such as sustainable farming techniques: intensive plant spacing, using certified organic inputs, etc… While we have learned about why we grow organically and use specific inputs on the farm, we have observed how we could improve the farm even more. We have also been influenced with ideas from guest speakers, a number of documentaries, and Mr. Stewart to determine a final project that can benefit the community as a whole or specifically the sustag farm.
For my final project I have chosen to address the flooding issue that occurs on the low part of the farm. Currently there is not a lot of drainage on the farm to keep the water flowing. In result, the flooding occurs which disrupts the growth of plants primarily in the C beds on the east side of the farm. During rainy seasons that we have had the past couple of years also sinks those beds and takes away topsoil. The water runs down the orchard and stands in puddles in the C beds and the back south east corner of the farm. To help with the flooding problem I have started to dig trenches for the water to runoff away from the plant beds and paths. Along the fence between the farm and the orchard is where water will start to develop which will make its way towards the exterior of the farm. The water will then go through a French drain pipe so it can drain out near the tennis courts.
-Andrew Reinhard
No comments:
Post a Comment