Demonstration and validation of vermicompost-based fertilizers and substrates in greenhouse production as an organic nutrient source that returns animal waste to plant production while reducing nutrient leaching to the environment

This project will work with three commercial vegetable, herb, and ornamental transplant producers to determine if vermicompost-based fertility programs are effective at reducing nutrient runoff and determining factors necessary for success with vermicompost. The operations are diverse in terms of location (MI, NY, PA), crops produced, and environmental conditions. In cooperation with these producers we will determine baseline and final nutrient run-off data (year 1 and year 3), develop and test strategies for vermicompost-based fertility (year 2) and develop nutrient management plans. Outreach efforts will use the results from these diverse operations to aid organic and in-transition containerized plant producers to reduce nutrient loading while optimizing plant performance and yield.