3. Description
I. Type of Operation--------------1
II. Site Selection--------------------1
III. Cultivar Selection--------------3
IV. Orchard Layout & Plan-------4
V. Cultural Practices--------------6-18
VI. Irrigation Plan-------------------8
Preliminary Budget-----------------19
Economic Analysis-----------------21
Works Cited---------------------------23
Table of Contents
4.
5. Organic Blueberry PYO Farm - Description
I. TYPE OF OPERATION
People have lost sight of where their food comes from. An organic blueberry farm that is busy
with bees, pollinators, and butterflies, as well as, birds, lizards, and frogs will demonstrate how
food fits into nature. A demonstration area with educational signage will help kids see how
blueberries are grown from seed to mature harvested plant. Information about the blueberry
bee (Figure 4) will educate the public about this little-known and powerful blueberry pollinator
whose actions make blueberry pollination possible (Pascarella 2007). The display will also show
the soil food web (Figure 5) and how all living things contribute to a successful crop. Financially,
organic blueberries command a higher price, from 20-60 percent more, than chemically-main-
tained blueberries (Krewer et al., 2006). True, organic blueberries require more production costs,
but this may be offset by the higher selling price. A site with minimum topography, full sun, high
visibility, and close proximity to downtown Athens, will create a fun, healthy and easily accessi-
ble family outing location. The site will be graded to drain into the retention pond. The pond will
be planted with many native blooming plants to help clean the runoff and to attract pollinators to
the farm. The existing building on site will contain convenient: restrooms, store, office, cafe, and
a large area for maintenance equipment. Windows into the maintenance area from the cafe will
give little boys the excitement of seeing tractors.
Ripe blueberries will also be sold at the Bishop’s Park Farmer’s Market. Selling at the PYO farm
and at the farmer’s market will introduce more people to the farm. The farm will include 5 acres
of fields, convenient parking and drive, selling area, educational display, picnic area with tables
under the shade of trees, refugia and flower gardens, groves of shade trees, a large enclosed
maintenance and equipment garage. A large colorful sign on Olympic Drive will introduce drivers
to the farm. Butterfly and pollinator gardens will be colorful, fragrant and attractive to visitors,
passersby, and fun for kids.
The location is especially suitable to attracting traffic because it is sited near a busy post office
and is convenient to the loop and Lexington Highway (Figure 1). An additional sign on Lexington
Highway/ Broad Street will create additional interest.
II. SITE SELECTION
The high visibility of the site combined with its close proximity to downtown make this an ideal
location for a pick-your-own organic blueberry farm. The AADT traffic count past the site is
11,500. Visitors will observe the robust health of the blueberry plants, read about the organic
process, see many butterflies and bees, and come away from their visit thinking that growing
organically makes sense because it works with nature. Of the 7.19 acres that make up the site,
1
6. most of it has been cleared of trees. Cleared land is a better option for purchase because it will
be much easier to prepare for the blueberry crop. Additionally, an existing mini rental storage
building would work well as a store/maintenance building. The building is large enough to
house all the equipment needed for the farm. The property is already supplied with lines for gas,
electricity, cable, telephone, and water. The facility is also close to the airport and loop 10.
The site is largely flat, with full sun, north-south orientation (Figure 2) which is best for crops to
maximize sun exposure, and acidic soil which is great for blueberries (Braswell 2004). Pine bark
will be used as a mulch and to build up the height of the beds for better drainage. In studies
done by UGA and UF with Dr. Krewer and Dr. Scherm of UGA, pine bark is a very good mulch
because the pH of the material is low, 4.5 - 5.2, and decomposition rate is slow at one inch per
year (Krewer et al. 2001). In studies done by Dr. Krewer et al., coarse pine bark most effectively
reduced weed populations compared to any other mulch type, requiring less man-hours for weed
control. Of course, less man-hours means a significant savings in labor costs. The better drain-
age created by raised beds, and slower decomposition rate of pine bark also bring down costs of
disease control, and costs associated with replenishing a faster-decomposing mulch. High levels
of organic matter is essential for a healthy blueberry crop (Krewer et al. 2001). Organic matter
provides a desirable environment for mycorrhizal fungal associations that will assist the blueberry
plants to be more drought resistant and to take up more nutrients (Yang 2002) .
The soil, although not tested, because this is a fictional project, has been researched with soil
Figure 1 Site Location
Site Location
Loop 10
Lexington Highway
Downtown
2
7. Figure 2 Aerial View of Site Location
maps, is highly weathered coming from acidic granite and gneiss parent material (USDA). Soil
testing is undoubtably one of the most important things a farmer can do to ensure the crop is
being grown optimally. If this were an actual farm, periodic testing of a working blueberry crop
would hopefully show a pH in the range of 4.5-5.2 and organic matter that makes up, at a mini-
mum, 20 percent of the soil volume. This site has been farmed before, and most of the top soil
has eroded away with conventional practices, leaving a B horizon that is high in clay content.
This type of soil could benefit from the continued addition of organic material to increase the
organic matter and life in the soil. In studies, blueberry yields resulting from using pine bark were
higher than all other mulch types (Krewer et al., 2006). Additionally, pine bark is a common and
inexpensive mulch in Georgia, so it would make sense to utilize it for a mulch on the farm. The
existing soil is acidic and probably in the optimum pH range of 4.5- 5.2 for growing blueberries.
Periodic additions of pine bark will keep the pH in the best range for many years of crop growth.
III. CULTIVAR SELECTION
Vaccinium ashei is native to the Southeast and adapted to the conditions here. This native
blueberry is also a long-lived and fairly trouble-free choice for this farm. Blueberry plants have
an expected crop life of 30 years or more (Fonsah et al., 2005). The plant is rare among fruit
crops in that it tolerates periodic flooding and humidity. It is also an exemplary choice with fewer
3
8. pest problems than other fruits, making them amenable to organic production. Blueberry plants
are very attractive plants with beautiful glaucous foliage, colorful red- to-yellow fall color, pink
springtime blooms, and beautiful fruit. After viewing blueberry fields at Summerfield Organic
Blueberry Farm people may include this plant in their own gardens because it makes an attractive
landscape plant, yet, produces food.
Two different varieties of Rabbiteye blueberry, Vaccinium ashei, that bloom at the same time
are necessary to ensure good fruit set from cross-pollination. Later-blooming varieties combined
with earlier-blooming varieties will extend the season to eight weeks. In organic blueberry trials
the cultivars: Vernon, Brightwell, Powderblue, Tifblue, and Ochlockonee were found to have
superior suitability for the climate in Athens, GA. (NeSmith 2004). An additional suitable cultivar
was developed by UGA called Alapaha. The cultivars of Vaccinium ashei that will be planted
are: Vernon, Alapaha, Powderblue, and Ochlockonee. Vernon and Alapaha bloom at the same
time and mature several weeks earlier than Powderblue and Ochlockonee. Powderblue and
Ochlockonee bloom together and mature several weeks later than Vernon and Alapaha, thereby,
extending the harvest season to at least eight weeks.
Alapaha - was developed by the University of Georgia in 2001. This vigorous, upright cultivar
blooms later but matures earlier than most varieties on the market. The berries are medium-sized,
with excellent color, flavor, and firmness.
Vernon - is another choice cultivar developed by UGA exhibiting large sweet fruit and good
yield. This cultivar is similar to Alapaha in that it is late-flowering and early maturing. Late-
flowering is an important characteristic for our area because a later-flowering variety may escape
a freeze event that could ruin the crop.
Ochlockonee - is a high-yielding, large-berried vigorous and upright shrub. This variety was
developed to extend the season and blooms later than Alapaha and Vernon. An existing 25-year
old shrub is still producing well in South Georgia.
Powderblue - is a suitable pollinizer for Ochlockonee. The bush is a reliable mid-season
bloomer. Powderblue is easy to grow and has high yields. It is highly resistant to fruit cracking
during rains (Fall Creek Farm & Nursery 2007).
IV. ORCHARD LAYOUT
Physical Layout - Five growing areas, 209 feet square will surround the main building. Parking
for 40 vehicles is conveniently located close to the shop and the blueberry fields (Figure 3).
Roadways will be between the growing areas, building, and connect to the main vehicular access
to the street facilitating maintenance, and harvesting. Raised and mounded planting rows will be
12 feet apart, and oriented north-south to take maximum advantage of sun exposure and good air
circulation (Braswell .
Convenient restrooms, office, store, cafe, and maintenance area will all be housed in the existing
rental storage building. A u-shaped drive near the office will facilitate loading. An educational
area will be close to the parking. Flower beds and refugia at the entrance will be an attractive
4
9. Figure 3 Summerfield Farms Organic Blueberry Farm Plan
Retention Pond
with Refugia
Parking
Educational Display
Picnic
Pollinator Garden
(Refugia)
Sign
Field 1
Field 2
Field 3
Field 4
Field 5
Well
Restrooms
Flower Beds/
RefugiaStore
Cafe
Refugia
Maintenance
Building
enticement to come in and pick blueberries. A colorful sign will be visible at the street.
Butterfly and pollinator beds nearby will encourage good pollination . Plants selected for umbel
flowers will attract beneficial insects, like parasitic wasps, good for pest insect control. Another
native plant, Gelsimium rankinii, Swamp Jessamine will be planted around the retention pond
to attract Habropoda laboriosa, the main pollinator for blueberries in Georgia (Pascarella 2007).
The importance of this bee cannot be overstated (Pascarella 1997). It is a small bee, looking
very much like the common European honeybee, but it is a much more effective pollinator for
blueberries. The reason for this is the method with which it accomplishes this task. Blueberry
bees “buzz” pollinate and this action disseminates more pollen than regular honey bee
5
10. Figure 4 Habropoda laboriosa
pollination. Our native bee, Habropoda
laboriosa (Figure 4), does not live very
long in the spring, and most people have
never seen one, but it is the unsung hero
necessary for a successful blueberry
crop in Georgia. Planting other earlier
flowering plants that the bee looks for
during its season will ensure its presence
at the farm.
V. Cultural Practices
Plant Density -The plants will be spaced
six feet apart in the rows and the rows will
be 12 feet apart. This spacing will allow
for unimpeded healthy shrub development
and a minimum of weed control area.
The good air circulation of this spacing
will impede disease development 6x12
spacing there will be 605 blueberry plants
per acre, for a total of 3,025 blueberry
plants (Braswell et al.,2004). Two rows of
one cultivar will be interspersed with one row of the other cultivar. Vernon and Ochlockonee will
planted in greater numbers than Alapaha and Powderblue because of their superior characteristics
(NeSmith S. 2002).
Refugia - Pest insect populations can be reduced by including areas of plants in the Umbelliferae,
Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae families, that bloom when the pest insects are active, and will
foster populations of natural enemies like predators and parasitic insects (Dufour, R. 2000).
Planning refugia so the plants selected encourage beneficial insects and do not harbor significant
populations of pest insects can reduce pest insects in the blueberry crop without resorting to
chemicals. At Summerfield Farm planned refugia will attract parasitic wasps and they will stay
in the area because of the floral nectar source. A study in California demonstrated that beneficial
insects feeding on seeded nectar sources will move up to 250 feet into adjacent crops (Dufour
2001). Plantings can be adjusted to respond to new pests or to increase refugia area if the need
arises. Plantings of Gelsiumium rankii can entice more Habropoda laboriosa to the area because
it blooms when blueberries are blooming and is also an attractant to the bee as a food source
(Pascarella J., 2007). Studies show that large groups of one kind of flower are effective in
attracting more pollinators than individual plants scattered through the refugia. A wide variety
of plants that flower at different times, but having something blooming at all times will keep
pollinators in the garden. For the refugia, the farm will sow a seed blend called, “Good Bug
Blend” from Peaceful Valley Co. designed and shown to attract the widest diversity of predator
and parasitoid insects to the flowers selected (Dufour 2000).
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11. Training System -
Mounded rows with thick coarse pine bark will keep the soil water draining away from the
plants. Sufficiently- draining soil will help prevent “mummy-berry’ a fungus disease amplified
by soggy soil. Raised beds reduce the incidence of all water- and soil-borne diseases (Kuepper
et al., 2004). Thick mulch applied before weed germination suppresses weeds, disease,
moderates soil temperatures, conserves moisture, and supplies slow-release nutrients (Kuepper
et al., 2004). Blueberry roots are shallow and lack root hairs, so are especially vulnerable to
drought stress and mulch keeps the plants healthy (Takele et al., 2007) .
Orchard Floor Management - A succession of winter and summer crops or green manures will
add nitrogen to the crop, and discourage invasive weeds (Miller et al., 1989). Crimson clover,
sesbania, and cowpeas can be grown, cut, and windrowed onto the blueberry rows .
Organic Certification - Before any preparations are made for the crop growers must comply
with requirements of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Make sure all plans are
aligned with the parameters of organic certification.
From Elaine Ingham, Phd
Figure 5 The Soil Food Web
7
12. 8
Figure 6 Drip Irrigation Plan for One Acre
Well
Row Distribution Line
4 mm Drip Tubing to
each Plant
200Feet
Pressure-Compensating
.5 gph Emitters
13. Irrigation System - Drip irrigation will be used to supply water to the crop. A 6 inch well
will handle 300 gallons per minute pump and a 20 horsepower motor. Two inch PVC pipe will
convey the water from the well to the separate planting areas. One inch Pipe will be buried
down the center of every other row with barbed fittings connecting to individual 4 millimeter
tubing and pressure-compensating .5 gph emitters buried 8 inches at each plant (Bryla 2006).
Fertigation can be used with this system which can be a beneficial way to supply nitrogen to
this sensitive crop (Kuepper 2004) . Valves with filters and backflow preventers will be fitted at
the well for each transport line. Soil tensiometers in the field and a Rain sensor near the master
controller will keep irrigation efficient and minimize water waste.
The roof of the building will be equipped to capture rainwater and piped to store it in the
retention pond.
Cultural Control - Several proactive strategies will be employed to keep the blueberry plants
in optimal health and resistant to disease and pest insect activity. First, fostering a healthy and
biologically active soil, second, fostering increased above ground diversity, and third, using
appropriate cultivars for the site’s conditions and climate. Periodic applications of pine bark and
shredded leaves to the soil, and minimizing cultivation near the plant will create a biologically
diverse and active soil. Below-ground diversity is increased in soils with a high percentage of
organic material (Marschner 1998). Soils containing large amounts organic matter tend to limit
plant pathogens (Schneider 1982). Refugia will increase above ground diversity and superior
cultivars have been selected for the site. Where pests have few enemies they reach higher
populations and the potential for damage to the crop can exceed the economic threshold for the
crop. Building in habitat for beneficial organisms will permanently lower the carrying capacity
of the pest. Systems high in above- and below-ground biodiversity tend to be more stable with
the variety of organisms providing internal population control which prevents a pest from
dominating the system. Frost Protection - Blueberries are susceptible to spring frost damage.
Overhead sprinklers conventionally offered frost protection in the past. Unfortunately using
this method encourages fungal disease. Wind machines are being used on some farms for frost
protection on still nights. An organic farm in Georgia had remarkable success using the machine
one harsh spring. The fan should be turned on when the temperature has reached 34 degrees and
when a low of less than 28 degrees is expected. The fan should continue until the temperature
of the air around the plants is 34 degrees. Three thermometers placed in warm, cool, and average
locations in the field, and a hygrothermograph that measures temperature and relative humidity
can aid management decisions when a hygrothermograph chart is consulted. When humidity is
low the wind machine must start at a higher temperature to compensate for evaporative cooling.
Soil Preparation and Testing - The first step and one that should be repeated yearly is
the USDA Soil Quality Test Kit Guide developed by Dr. John Doran and associates at the
Agricultural Research Service’s office in Lincoln, Nebraska. Designed for field use, the kit
allows the measurement of water infiltration, water holding capacity, bulk density, pH, soil
nitrate, salt concentration, aggregate stability, earthworm numbers, and soil respiration. These
are important characteristics of soil health and not tested for in traditional soil tests.. Kits are
being sold by Gempler’s and by Murray FFA in Murray, Iowa.
9
14. A separate traditional lab soil test will also be needed to list nutrient levels, micronutrient levels,
pH, CEC, possible contaminants or heavy metals, and organic percentage of the soil. If any
corrections need to be made for extreme nutrient or pH deficiencies then lime or organic sources
of nutrients need to be applied and mixed into the soil. Testing foliar nutrient levels is sometimes
more telling, so in the summer this test needs to be performed. Two fist fulls of mature leaves
should be washed, dried and evaluated be Extension for nutrient levels and nitrogen (Krewer et
al., 2006).
Blueberries prefer ammonium nitrogen over the nitrate form. At a lower pH the ammonium
form predominates because denitrifying organisms predominate, and nitrates may be quickly
converted to the ammonium form. Nitrate nitrogen is deadly for blueberries. After soil and foliar
testing, weeds and all other plants and their roots must be cleared away beginning in June before
planting. Next, five tons of compost per acre will be worked into fields with a rented Kuhn-El 62
rotovator attachment for the John Deere 790 tractor. For the next month, every 10 days, emerging
weeds should be killed with a harrow (Hall et al.,(1983).
Green Manure for Soil Preparation- To cut down on future weeds and to add nutrients to the
soil a cover crop of inoculated cowpeas and sesbania with a 77/23 ratio will suppress weed
growth in the rows and beds by shading and allelopathy (Simon 1997). Studies show that of
the summer cover crops the annual Sesbania exaltata was superior in weed suppression (Simon
1997). A mixture of Sesbania exaltata and Vigna inguiculata will be inoculated and seeded in
the orchard floor with a Brillion seeder (Creamer et al., 1999). It would be a good idea to time
seeding with forecasted precipitation. This soil preparation is necessary to eliminate, as much
as possible, Bermuda grass, a noxious weed in Georgia and very problematic in blueberry
crops. Studies show it can be controlled by first plowing it under, then growing a thickly sown
and strong growing crop such as cowpeas (McLeod, 1982). While cowpea is also useful for
suppressing all weeds; a thick stand will also smother Bermuda grass (Peaceful Valley, 1988).
Cowpea is also useful in attracting beneficial insects to the site. A scientist in south Georgia,
found that the extrafloral nectaries of cowpea attracted 26 types of wasps (Bugg, pers. com) In
preparation for planting, cowpeas must be inoculated with a rhizobial inoculant called “EL”
which can persist for many years in the soil (McLeod 1982) (Burton and Martinez, 1980).
Another reason for adding sesbania to the mix is that studies have also shown that sesbania
discourages fire ants. Few fire ants were found around the plant even though the plant had aphids
(Kaakeh and Dutcher, 1989). Aphids are frequently farmed by fire ants for their sweet excrement,
and can be a problem in cover crops. An early maturing cowpea (Vigna inguiculata) called
Red Ripper is preferred for its fast growth (Duke, 1981). Both sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) and
cowpea are legumes that will fix nitrogen for the new planting. The mixture should be sown at 50
pounds/acre of cowpeas to six pounds of sesbania. At 90 days the cover crop should be mowed
down and thrown into the beds (Duke, 1981). It will decompose and supply a C:N ratio of 28
and nitrogen at 64 pounds per acre. Since the plant material will not be incorporated into the soil
some of the nitrogen will be lost to the atmosphere. In addition to nitrogen from legumes, cover
crops help recycle other nutrients in the soil. Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K),
calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and other nutrients are accumulated by cover crops
during a growing season (Hoyt, G.D.1987). Mowing will kill 100 percent of the sesbania and 98
10
15. percent of the cowpeas in preparation for planting the blueberry plants.
Bed Forming & Irrigation Installation- After the green manure is mown, smooth the beds
with multiple passes of a rented harrow. Next a rented Frontier Sub-Soiler with Tube and Cable
Laying Attachment will subsoil the middle of the row and lay the pvc irrigation pipe. Workers
will flag where plants will be located, and attach drip lines and emitters for each plant. Next, a
rented one- bottom Frontier Middle-Buster will open the row, and the two-year old blueberry
plants will be planted and the drip lines buried with the emitters at the plant roots. Finally, 50
tons of wood waste per acre, coarse pine bark, will be applied 5-6 inches deep, with a Millcreek
Heavy Duty Mulch Spreader, centered on each plant row and covering a four foot band
(Braswell et al. 2004). These attachments can be used with a John Deere tractor with less than 45
horsepower. The planting beds will be slightly raised, with the added wood mulch raising them
more, to about 8 inches.
One way to keep plants in the best health possible is to improve the physical and chemical
properties of soil they reside in. The ideal is to have soil that is friable with good water holding
capacity. Soil like this is full of life and is water-conserving. Blueberries demand a soil with low
pH (4.5-5.2) and high organic content, but when generous amounts of organic matter is added
the pH of the soil tends to increase. Fortunately the organic matter buffers the pH of the soil,
and blueberries can grow fine in a pH of six. Several organic growers report that additional pH
modification is seldom needed (Kuepper G. et al, 2004) The pH is unlikely to change very much
because of the addition of pine bark which is strongly acidic. Of course to be safe, the compost
added can be sourced with the stipulation that it be tested for pH. According to ATTRA growing
guidelines, compost is good blueberry fertilizer (Kuepper, G. et al., 2004)
The goal of soil management should be to either “maintain or improve the physical, chemical,
and biological properties of soil”, according to organic farming guidelines. In order to do so,
tillage must be minimized so beneficial soil organism habitat is left undisturbed, and mulch must
be applied in sufficient quantity to maintain the biological activity in the soil. After the initial
soil amendment and disturbance, the soil in the beds will be left alone, and only mulched on the
soil surface replicating natural processes. Undisturbed soil organisms produce valuable bacterial
gels and fungal threads that form soil aggregates, and produce humates that hold nutrients and
water. Plant roots to form a symbiotic relationship with the organisms to acquire more nutrients
and water than the plant could acquire on its own ( Yang et al., 2002). These benefits from the
relationship ease the work of the farmer, by reducing inputs previously necessary, but now
supplied by the organisms. The organisms in the soil are like mini farm animals performing
important services for the farmer. Fostering the health of soil organisms should be part of
farming. By doing so, the farmer is saving valuable time by building soil, plant health and
fertility. A combination of green manures and thick organic mulches will keep the life in the soil
rich for the blueberries (Dufour, R. 2001).
Planting - Once the compost is incorporated and after the beds are formed and, flags will mark
11
16. the location of the plants. Plant two-year blueberry plants during the dormant season from mid-
November through February. When planting, spread the roots out into the soil. After planting,
prune half of the top growth to allow the plant to grow a better root system (Braswell et al.,
2004) Apply coarse pine bark mulch with the Millcreek Heavy Duty Mulch Spreader after
planting. A subsequent drip irrigation period will follow if soil moisture is deficient. Crimson
clover will be seeded in the fall with a Brillion seeder.
Growing Season -
Green Manure or Winter Cover Crops- After the blueberry plants are planted and mulched
in late October, a cover crop of crimson clover will be seeded into the orchard floor with the
Brillion seeder. ‘AU Sunrise’ is preferred for its early bloom (USDA). ‘AU Sunrise’ crimson
clover is an early-flowering clover that can be broadcast or drilled in the rows between the
blueberry plants. For maximum cool season coverage, broadcast 20 pounds of inoculated seed
per acre or drill 8-15 pounds of seed per acre (Miller et al., 1989). In North Georgia, plant
September 15 - November 1 (Duke 1981). The clover is a legume cover crop that will add
nitrogen when it is cut and thrown up into the beds. The crimson clover will be mowed in April
and give a C:N ratio of 16 and fix 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Flowers of crimson clover
produce a lot of nectar and are popular with many species of bees (Knight, 1985).
Green Manure or Summer Cover Crops- In the aisles between the blueberry plants a cover
crop will be grown to reduce soil erosion and to return nutrients to the blueberry plants. A mix
of cowpeas and sesbania with a 77/23 ratio will suppress weed growth in the rows and beds by
shading and allelopathy (Simon 1997). (See Soil Preparation for more information.) Cover crops
should be sown after a good rain since it helps with germination. Warm season cover crops need
to be planted after the soil has warmed to at least 60ºF and the likelihood of frost has passed.
This green manure crop can be trimmed high to control growth to allow for visitors to access the
blueberries. Care must be taken to keep sesbania from seeding as it may become a weed, in that
case, sudan x sorghum grass may be a better choice for a summer green manure. The crop will
be mown down in early September, and thrown into the beds, using a modified rotary mower
with a welded metal strip to aim the cut crop into the beds (Diver 2002).
Weed Control Under the Blueberry Plants- A weed-free zone of 4 feet centered under the
blueberry plants will be maintained with hand-hoeing two times a year and mowing three times
a year (Takele et al., 2007) (NeSmith et al. (1995). The periodic application of mulch, and corn
gluten preemergent will reduce weed germination. The possibility of using chickens and weeder
geese for weeding is feasible, but would not be in keeping with organic certification because
of the manure they produce. Throughout history animal manures were used to good effect
with crops. With all the worry about e coli contamination present organic certification rules
do not allow fresh manure on crops. Different organic certification groups that allow manure
application might be looked into if poultry are used for weeding.
Preemergent- In the early spring and late summer/early fall corn gluten meal will be applied
12
17. with a different setting of the Millcreek Heavy
Duty Mulch Spreader. Corn gluten is a preemergent
treatment for weeds. It prevents weed seed
germination, but does not kill pre-existing weeds.
It is also a source of nitrogen at 10% nitrogen and
a source of phosphorous at 1% phosphorous. It is
broadcast under the blueberry plants at 436-871
pounds per acre (Krewer et al., 2001). The timing
of the application will coincide with germination
of summer and winter weeds, and not conflict with
sowing of the cover crops.
Mulch Application- In late winter a 4 inch layer of
chopped leaves will be applied with the Millcreek
Heavy Duty Spreader in a four foot band centered
on the planting beds. This application will cut down
on further weed germination. Every other year
instead of leaves, coarse pine bark will be reapplied
to make up for decomposition every other year at
4 inches deep. The mix of materials will encourage
biodiversity of soil organisms good for plant health
and disease resistance according to the ATTRA
Biointensive Integrated Pest Management manual.
Pruning- In the spring of the first year the flowers must be pruned off of the berry bushes to
conserve energy for growth. In subsequent years only prune after harvest, the dead, broken
branches, and branches not growing upright. Additionally, plants may grow too tall for
harvesting, so at that time take down the plant height to a feasible height for harvest.
Irrigation- Irrigation will be timed by the soil tensiometers and rain sensor. Blueberries need
1.25 inches of water per week in the first year or two of growth (Patten 1998). A study by David
Bryla found that blueberry plants irrigated by buried drip were larger and produced significantly
more whips than drip at the soil surface (Bryla, D. 2006) Mature plants need 6-8 gallons of water
a day. With 605 plants per acre the total water use is 4,840 gallons per day per acre. Young plants
need about half of that amount, but have small root systems that are prone to drought stress.
Newly-planted blueberries only need .5- 1 gallon per day. Generally it works out to irrigation
twice a week when conditions are dry (Himelrick et al. 1999)The small root system of a young
plant combined with the shallowness of the root system in the soil means irrigation cannot be
delayed and must be supplied when needed (Krewer et al. 1998). Mulch really cuts down on
evaporation and conserves water. Drip systems are superior to overhead irrigation in that they:
target the root system, reduce evaporation, cut down on weeds by not watering them, and reduce
occurrence of fungal disease associated with overhead irrigation (Himelrick et al. 1999).
Figure 7 Rabbiteye Blueberry Blossoms
13
18. Irrigation during the growing season produces larger fruit and higher yields. Post-harvest
irrigation increases fruit buds and growth, leading to larger crops the next year. (Himelrick et al.
1999).
Fertility- A hallmark of organic production is the reliance on green manures and mulches to
supply nutrients for the crop. It is well known that chemical fertilizers can harm blueberry
plants, and ideal rates for other plants can kill a blueberry plant. The plants have a low-tolerance
for these fertilizers, and young plants have been killed by over-application (Braswell, J. et al.,
2004).
Additionally, Dr. John Clark at University of Arkansas believes the fertilizer rates used by most
growers to be excessive (Kuepper et al., 2004). Over-fertilization should be avoided because
studies show plants, with an unnatural nutrient imbalance brought on by over-fertilization,
negatively affect pest insect interactions, making the plants more attractive to pests (Phelan, L.
Figure 8 Suggested Rabbiteye Nutrient Levels
From Suggestions for Organic Blueberry Production in Georgia
14
19. 1997) (Daane, K. et al., 1995) Over-fertilization also leads to more disease problems (Schneider
R. 1982).
Before any fertilization, soil tests must verify deficiencies. Soil tests should be taken at the same
time of year every year to correlate results. A good composite sample sampled at a depth of eight
inches should give consistent results. Even if the test shows a slight deficiency, correction with
fertilizers may not be the next step. The farm will rely more heavily on the health of the soil
by relying more heavily on the results of the USDA Soil Quality Test Kit for guidance. Green
manures, corn gluten meal, and mulches will be the main avenues used for plant nutrition. Soil
building with these components, as well as, the secondary exudates of soil organisms, can go
a long way to supplying all the necessary fertilization a blueberry plant needs (Kuepper et al.,
2004).
Nitrogen- Instead of relying on traditional fertilizer application schedules, testing of foliar
nitrogen is a more reliable method to reveal accurate levels of nitrogen in the blueberry plant.
Lab testing for nitrogen that gives a reading of 1.6% or below demonstrates a deficient level of
nitrogen (Krewer et al.,2006) If that were to happen, good results have been achieved with the
use of fertigation and adding fish protein or fish emulsion to the irrigation water (Schwankl et
al. 1992). The product is tolerated well by the blueberry plant. The problem with other sources
of nitrogen used in organic production, such as cottonseed meal, is they may be contaminated
by genetic engineering (GE). Poultry litter may contain arsenic, and even though is allowed
by organic standards, it can wind up leaching into waterways (Miller et al., 2000). It seems
unethical to use a product, even if it is approved by organic standards, that can harm the
environment, so poultry litter is not a possible nitrogen source for this field. Fish emulsion is
not without concern, it can have some heavy metals, especially mercury. A fish emulsion sold,
“Mastery Nursery Fish Emulsion 4-1-1” tested much lower in heavy metals and mercury than
other leading brands of fish emulsion according to the State of Washington Department of
Ecology Fertilizer Database. Fish emulsion used with fertigation will target the blueberry plant
because it will be delivered right to the root system with drip irrigation, and be less likely to
leach away. If deficiencies are found, supplemental fertilization will be supplied first- four weeks
before bud break, and continue, if necessary, with another application six weeks later. A final
application six weeks after that may make up a more pronounced deficiency (Kuepper 2004).
Phosphorus- A deficit in phosphorus is unlikely as blueberries have a very low requirement for
it. More likely is an excess which can cause problems.
Potassium - Once again, a deficit is unlikely, but all major nutrients are commonly added with
an application of fish emulsion (Takele et al., 2007).
Pest Control-
Three strategies should minimze potential pest and disease problems. First, planting appropriate
cultivars for the climate and soil. All the cultivars selected are superior for the Athens area.
Second, increase biodiversity of organisms above ground. This is achieved with planned refugia
15
20. and cover crops that attract beneficial insects. The retention pond will attract larger organisms
like insect-eating bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, that will reduce pest insects in the crop.
Third, increase biodiversity in the soil, by enriching the soil with compost, green manures, and
different types of mulches. This blend of components will foster the widest array of below-
ground organisms which will balance any antagonistic pests and diseases and keep them from
proliferating (Dufour 2001). The rabbiteye blueberry, Vaccinium ashei is a native plant adapted
to the conditions of our area with a minimum of disease and insect problems compared to other
fruit crops that originated in other parts of the world (Kuepper et al., 2004). Additionally, years
of breeding have developed even better, more pest-resistant cultivars.
Sanitation- There are many methods to reduce the probability of pest problems before using
harsher chemical control. Sanitation by workers will ensure that diseased plants and plant parts
will be removed in a timely manner.
Spacing & Site Selection- Spacing needs to give enough room for good air circulation.
At 6 x 12 spacing adequate air circulation is assured. The site was chosen because it is wide-
open with no trees or wind-breaks to stagnate the air, and potentially allow fungus to stay in a
wet environment long enough to inoculate the plants.
Optimum Growing Conditions- It is a well-researched fact that healthy plants, like healthy
people, are able to fight off pests and disease better than stressed plants. Whether by secondary
metabolites that are made in response to pest damage, or by relying on the organisms that live
in symbiosis with the plants, healthy plants have defense mechanisms. The plan for the farm has
been researched with goals to create an optimal environment for robust blueberry plant health.
Figure 9 Tractor and Rotary Mower
16
21. Mulches, green manures, and corn gluten meal will enrich the soil and keep weed competition
down. Refugia for beneficial insect attracting plants will reduce pest insect numbers. Mulches,
too, will attract beneficial insects. Plants will be irrigated to keep them growing and healthy. If
additional nutrition is necessary it will be in a form that works with blueberry plant processes to
optimize nutrition. Good air circulation and cultivar selection will contribute to creating plant
health. Green manures will reduce any soil erosion and leaching of nutrients from the site.
Monitoring, Scouting and Record-Keeping- The best method for finding a pest or disease
problem before it becomes a bigger problem is regular scouting of the fields looking for anything
that is amiss. Any foliage or plant parts that do not appear healthy or are discolored, need to
be analyzed for pest or disease problems, by extension, or by a knowledgeable source. It is
especially important to take detailed records of all events at the farm including: all treatments,
problems, areas of problems, what time of the year pests show up, how the problems are
remedied, and pretty much everything that happens on a day-to-day basis. Record-keeping is
basically a daily diary of your farm. Detailed records are also necessary for organic certification.
Daily monitoring is ideal, but at least once a week may be reality. Patience and careful
observation are critical in distinguishing symptoms and their cause.
Handling Pest Problems- Generally problems can be attributed to one of three causes:
physiological problems, pests, or disease. The second two- pest and disease- tend to be directly
linked to physiological causes, perhaps water imbalance, temperature extremes or extremes in
weather, and/or nutrient imbalance. Determining if there is a physiological basis for the plant
problem, and rectifying that, is usually all that is required to solve a pest or disease problem.
Pests and disease do not develop in isolation they need an unfavorable plant environment, a
stressed plant, and a population of disease organisms. For example, mummy berry is associated
with less-than-ideal drainage. Correcting the drainage problem will go a long way towards
correcting the persistence of disease. Perhaps it has been an extremely wet spring, a scout
would expect to see certain temporary problems associated with this climatic condition. It
would be unwise to treat symptoms caused by a temporary weather pattern which will naturally
resolve when the climate turns drier and hotter. Again, a healthy plant with rich soil and diverse
environment will be able to tolerate adverse conditions better than a plant in a deficient soil and
sterile environment. Working on the health of the soil should be the paramount concern of an
organic farmer.
Refer to your records and use the information you have gathered to determine whether the same
symptoms happened last year or are any way connected to the weather or a farm practice. Once
diagnosed, you need to know, how and if, it can spread, or if it can affect other plants. Can
changing the location of the plant improve the health? Could additional releases of beneficial
insects targeting a pest be of help to correcting the problem? Would better sanitation remove
over-wintering insects? Perhaps figuring out if it its an isolated problem or if it has the potential
to negatively affect many more plants is the most important piece of information to determine
if the pest warrants treatment. Patience, knowledge of the crop, knowledge of the pest, and
17
22. phenology are required to
make accurate decisions for
control.
Pests- Spinosad is an
organically approved pesticide
but it is extremely toxic to
bees, so it will not be used
at the farm, even though it
is approved. Releases of a
beneficial insects or adding
plants to the refugia to attract
a particular beneficial insect
will be employed if necessary.
Insecticidal soaps and oils are
an option to be used at a last
resort. Accurate record-keeping
and a wait-and-see attitude are
skills more advantageous than
a hair-trigger set on immediate
treatment. I have found in my
landscapes after 15 years I
have never had a significant
insect pest problem because
of the biodiversity I have
fostered.
Harvest and Marketing-
Since the plants are two years
old picking can commence the next year. Customers will bring their own containers. If one
arrives empty-handed biodegradable containers made of corn can be purchased. Monitoring of
the crop will alert the crew of impending ripening. When berries turn blue it take 3-5 days to
fully ripen on the plant. Advertisements on the street sign will notify passers-by. Our presence at
Saturday farmer’s markets will give us an additional outlet for advertisement. It is nice to know
that at Summerfield Farm children can pop a sweet blueberry into their mouths without worrying
about scrupulously washing off numerous toxic chemical residues. Good food raised right.
Figure 10 Ladybug eating aphids
23. June
July
August
October
March
May
June
July
September
October
December
Remove weeds, add compost, soil tests
adjust nutrients and/or pH
Remove new weeds every 10 days
Seed refugia, plant retention pond. and
keep watered
Seed green manure
Mow green manure and throw into bed
location, form and smooth raised beds,
install irrigation, plant blueberrries,
prune blueberries, apply pine bark,
irrigate if necessary, sow crimson
clover in aisles
Apply corn gluten meal to beds, Frost
protection if necessary, start irrigation,
pruning if necessary
Mow clover and seed summer green
manure. Refugia seeded, hand weed
under blueberries with hoe, harvest
Mature leaf nutrient analysis, Test for soil
pH, nutrients, physical characteristics,
CEC,. Mow aisles and bed sides, harvest
Harvest, weed with hoe, and mow
Apply corn gluten meal to beds
Mow summer manure close, seed clover
Apply mulch to beds
Tractor, harrow, rotovator
Tractor, harrow, Brillion seeder
Tractor, Brillion seeder
Tractor, modified rotary mower,
subsoiler, Middlebuster
Brillion seeder, harrow, mulch
spreader
Tractor, mulch spreader, wind
machine
Rotary mower, Tractor, Brillion
seeder
Tractor, rotary mower, USDA
Soil Quality Test Kit
Tractor, rotary mower
Tractor, Mulch spreader
Tractor, rotary mower, seeder
Tractor, Mulch spreader
18
IV. CALENDAR OF ANNUAL EVENTS
First Year Installation
Calender Practice Equipment
Annual schedule of operations
Calendar Practice Equipment
24. Preliminary Budget
I. Select Crop
a. Rabbiteye blueberries – Vaccinium ashei
II. Type of Operation
a. Organic pick-your-own farm and a booth at the Bishop Park Farmer’s Market
III. Farm Size
a. Per capita consumption of all forms of blueberries is 0.78 pound/year
according to the book, Introduction to Fruit Crops.
b. Per capita consumption of fresh blueberries in 0.34 pound/year in 2002
according to the USDA.
c. Athens in Clarke County population is 103, 238.
d. Clarke County population is 114,063
e. 0.34 lb/year x 114,063 = 38,781.00 lbs of fruit needed per year
f. Average pounds of fruit produced per six year old mature plant = 14
g. Number of plants per acre = 605 with 6’x 12’ spacing.
h. # of plants per acre 605 x avg lbs of fruit per mature six-year-old plant =
approximately 8500 lbs of fruit per acre.
i. 8500 lbs of blueberries per acre x 5 acres =
42,500 lbs of fruit per 5 acres maximum yield
j. Three year old plants produce 2,800 lbs per acre
k. Four year old plants produce 4,950 lbs per acre
l. Five year old plants produce 6,500 lbs per acre
m. Average of 3-6 year old plant yields is 5,688 lbs per acre
n. Considering this will be an organic operation, that requires more labor for
maintenance, and yields will start low and grow along with the expanding
Athens, Clarke County population, I think 5 acres will be a good size for a
pick-your-own farm.
Information for the above section on yield was acquired from the Mississippi State Uni-
versity Extension Service.
19
25. IV. Acreage Selection
a. I found a 7.19 acre tract that is graded and cleared with a large storage warehouse
previously used for a mini rental storage facility. This warehouse can easily store farm
equipment and a storefront for selling fruit.
b. The land has lines for electricity, water, telephone, cable and gas.
c. The tract is full sun and close to downtown, just off the loop, Lexington Highway, and
the airport.
d. AADT traffic count past the site is 11,500.
e. The planted acreage is 5 acres with 2.19 acres for parking, maintenance building, shop,
and frontage landscaping.
f. The price is 596,000.00 dollars total.
g. Soils in this area have a large proportion of clay and are weathered, and acidic
according to NRCS information on the Southern Piedmont.
h. Tax - An approximately-sized tract of land nearby paid 2,820.67 in taxes to Athens
Clarke County in 2009 or about $400.00 an acre.
i. PYO insurance is $400.00 per year
j. (596,000 + 2820.67 + 400) / 7.19 = $83,341 per acre.
V. Cultivar/ Rootstock Selection
a. The cultivars of Vaccinium ashei I will be planting are:
Vernon, and Alapaha, Powderblue, and Ochlockonee.
b. Vernon and Alapaha bloom at the same time and mature several weeks earlier than
Powderblue and Ochlockonee.
c. Powderblue and Ochlockonee bloom at the same time and mature several weeks later
than Vernon and Alapaha, thereby, extending the picking season to eight weeks.
d. Cultivar information from Fall Creek Farm and Nursery
e. One year old wholesale blueberry plants are $1.53 each and at 605 plants per acre x
5 acres = $4,654 for plants.
20
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