Concurrent to developing our vermicompost program to increase our production volume, we’ve conducted field trials to test its efficacy. Last winter we planted 400 of new dapple dandy and flavor king pluot trees behind our packing shed. All the trees were treated with our thermophilic compost and other organic nutrients to ensure healthy growth and development. Ninety trees also received an application of vermicompost directly into the root zone while being planted. All trees have been monitored for growth. After one full season of growth those treated with vermicompost are taller and more robust.
We’ve also looked at how vermicompost application can help trees with poor performance and stunted growth. In 2012 we planted about 1,200 peach trees on 6 acres that we acquired from a neighbor. Most of these trees have grown very well with the exception of about 200 trees that were planted on a portion of the field that had been flooded. The trees in this area are markedly stunted in height and branch count. We applied vermicompost to these trees and they are improving for the first time in both height and branch growth.
Encouraged by these results on our own farm and by numerous articles published about the benefits of vermicompost on soil health, pest management, and crop productivity, we are excited to expand our operation in 2016. This year we hope to double our production area. We presently have about 400 feet of windrows and are working on adding an additional 200 feet right now.
We have some plans for new trials this year as well. More problem trees and areas on the farm will be treated with vermicompost. Our new acreage will receive applications of vermicompost and thermophilic compost in sequence so we can take advantage of the unique properties of both types of biology in order to build soil health before we plant.
Christophe will be busy in the lab conducting biological and chemical tests. We want to be able to tailor our vermicompost for specific crops and their needs as well as to work on developing biology in our vermicompost to fight specific disease problems.
We’ll keep you updated on our vermicomposting progress and trials as they happen.