Research Opportunity: Legume Cover Crops in High Tunnels
The University of Minnesota and University of New Hampshire are partnering to conduct on-farm research about the performance of legume cover crops in high tunnel vegetable rotations. The goal of this project is to enable high tunnel growers to reduce their dependence on purchased composts and manures by using nitrogen-fixing legume cover crops to support soil fertility, productivity, and sustainability.
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On-farm trials
Cover crop trials will take place starting in 2024-25. To participate in the trials, you will select one or more of the "best bet" cover crop species and plant it in one bed or area of your high tunnel. You can choose whether you prefer to plant a cover crop in fall (for example, after a summer cucumber, pepper, or tomato crop) to grow overwinter, or plant in spring (for example, after a winter spinach crop). The research team will provide seed, guidance, and all supplies needed for collecting and mailing samples.

"Low barrier" farmers will:
  • Plant one bed or a part of a bed (8 bed feet minimum area) to a cover crop in the fall of 2024 or spring of 2025
  • Collect a sample of soil and a sample of cover crop biomass to mail to the research team
  • Fill out a short questionnaire to provide feedback on how well the cover crop performed for you
  • Receive a free soil test and personalized consultation to interpret your soil test results and develop strategies for future nutrient management in your tunnel
  • Optional: low-barrier farmers will have opportunities to join check-in webinars with other farmers participating in the trial to ask questions and compare experiences
"Focus farmers" will:
  • Plant one bed each of two different cover crops, and choose an area to monitor as a non cover-cropped control in the fall of 2024 or spring of 2025
  • Provide the research team with photos of your cover crop as it grows
  • Allow a graduate student to collect soil and biomass samples in your high tunnel
  • Monitor the yield of the following vegetable crop in your cover crop and control beds
  • Fill out a questionnaire and participate in a phone call to provide feedback on how well the cover crop performed for you
  • Receive a free soil test and personalized consultation to interpret your soil test results and develop strategies for future nutrient management in your tunnel
  • Receive a $300 honorarium on completion of the trial

A webinar for potential field trial participants was held on March 5, 2024. You can view a recording of the webinar at this link.
Are you interested in participating in an on-farm trial?
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