Sustainable Agriculture Student Research Projects: 2020

Potential of halophyte phytoextraction for saline soil remediation

Sarah-Jane Copeland, 2020

• Key result: Salsola, a salt-tolerant salad green, did not reduce salinity associated with spent mushroom compost application any more than salt-sensitive vegetable crops.

• Poster
• Paper

Effects of laser irradiation, organic fertilizer, and adjuvant on corn and cucumber yield

Nikita Ershov, 2020

• Key result: Both laser treatment and fertilizer improved yields on their own, but benefits were not additive. Laser benefits were only observed in nutrient-poor environments.

• Poster
• Paper

Effect of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract and powder on vegetative growth characteristics and foliar nutrient content of Vitis spp. hybrid cv. L’Acadie Blanc

Rob Hines, 2020

• Key result: Grapevine growth was inhibited by high doses of seaweed powder but not seaweed extract.

• Poster
• Paper

Spent mushroom substrate for water conservation in squash production

Maria Jose Santander Mercado, 2020

• Key result: Mulching with spent mushroom compost retains moisture and boosts spaghetti squash yield.

• Poster
• Paper

Fresh spent mushroom compost mulch effect on bean, broccoli, salsola, and squash growth, weed suppression, and broccoli yield

James Oswald, 2020

• Key result: Spent mushroom compost mulch suppresses weeds but not vegetables.

• Poster
• Paper

Early application of Metarhizium brunneum for management of wireworm in popcorn, Zea mays var. everta

James Reinert, 2020

• Key result: Soil treatment with Metarhizium brunneum fungus before planting did not reduce wireworm survival or improve popcorn yield.

• Poster
• Paper