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Research and Demonstration Projects
Demonstration projects provide an opportunity for growers to implement a recommended practice on a small scale, allowing them to weigh the costs and benefits of the new practice against their standard practices. Having seen the results on their own farm, growers can then make an informed decision about implementing the new practice on a larger scale.
Since the beginning of the Agricultural Stewardship Program, many of Suffolk County’s leading growers have participated in voluntary on-farm demonstration projects. The number of requests for information continues to rise. Growers from each of the commodity groups represented on Long Island have expressed interest in getting involved. Commodity groups currently participating in these programs include potato/vegetable, nursery, greenhouse, sod, tree fruit and vineyard.
In addition, research experiments continue to be conducted at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC) in Riverhead to develop improved management practices specifically for Long Island growers.
Current and Past Demonstration Projects Include:
- Evaluation of fertilizer and pesticide application rates as it relates to crop yield and quality
- Effect of slow release nitrogen fertilizer application in nursery stock and vegetable crops
- Evaluation of reduced rates of fertilizer application on the growth of ornamental plants
- Investigation of genetic resistance to reduce pesticide use
- Study of under trellis living mulch in vineyards to reduce herbicide use
- Use of parasitic wasps for control of whiteflies in commercial poinsettia production
This program is funded by the
Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program.May 2008
