Maximize Nutrient Density to Improve Production and Health ... · Nutrient Balancing Potassium...

©2010 Rodale Institute

Dr. Andrew [email protected]

610-683-1444

www.rodaleinstitute.org

2017 Western Colorado Food and

Farm Forum, Montrose, CO

Maximize Nutrient Density

to Improve Production

and Health Outcomes

mailto:[email protected]


J.I. Rodale – Organic Agriculture

Wrote on a blackboard in 1942.

Healthy Soil = Healthy Food =

Healthy People


1970

1970

2000

Connecting Soil

Health to Human

Health

Regenerative Organic Agriculture –

Rodale Institute Research Farm


Regenerative Agriculture

*Founder of Rodale Inc (1942)

& Rodale Institute (1947)

*Popularized the word organic

J.I. Rodale Robert Rodale

*Launched FST in 1981

*Author of numerous

books on organic ag.


It’s Not Only About Yields

It’s About the SOIL!

“To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil.” –

Xenophon, Oeconomicus, 400 B.C.


© Rodale

Mission:

To improve the health and well-being of people

and the planet through organic leadership.

Core values:

1. We empower each other to live our mission

2. Our farm is a destination for inspiration

3. Our research is a catalyst for change

4. We are a clear voice for informed choice

Rodale Institute Mission and Values


Vegetable Production and Marketing


© Rodale

Fresh, locally-grown organic produce at

affordable prices

Members receive a seasonal “share” of

produce each week that can be picked

up at a local community site.

Pay-as-you-go from week to week

instead of paying hundreds of dollars for

the whole season up front.


© Rodale

DelVal Rodale Institute Organic Farming Program


© Rodale

Organic Allentown

http://rodaleinstitute.org/allentown/

Organic Farmers’ Market

Educational Events


© Rodale

A Sweet Solution

The Honeybee Conservancy at

Rodale Institute was started in

2012 in response to the major

health problems that have

decimated the honeybee

population in North America.


© Rodale

St. Luke’s Rodale Institute Organic Farm


Livestock Management and Integration - Models

https://youtu.be/Kw0FeKLhKAA.


© Rodale

Outreach Education

http://rodaleinstitute.org/visit/calendar-of-events/

Workshops

Field Day

Tours

Events

Organic Transition Course

Webpage

Social Media


© Rodale


© Rodale

Conventional

Reduced Till Plasticulture

Organic

Reduced Till Plasticulture

The Vegetable Systems Trial (VST)

• Green manures – Cover Crops

• Compost

• Roller - Crimper

• Organic fertilizers

• Organic pest management

• Synthetic fertilizers

• Herbicides

• Cover Crop

• Insecticides

• Fungicides

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjclvPaicjRAhVESCYKHaHUCVkQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcommunity.com%2Fsharedfiles%2Ffiledetails%2F%3Fid%3D418032149&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNFPDL7_3mrgtkx3nR6MNU8ECR7nGg&ust=1484704545740177




http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjlysKHisjRAhUm04MKHdlBApEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodwholefood.com%2Fbutternut-squash-nutrition%2F&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNHTmihLxETM-Me3ksIlkKkySjvS2g&ust=1484704665881472




http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwibloHNisjRAhWD7CYKHSikDiQQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com%2Fgreenbeansbabyfoodrecipes.htm&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNH49bih7rI9lycJvMCSmwylJZM6Dg&ust=1484704817166905

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwibloHNisjRAhWD7CYKHSikDiQQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com%2Fgreenbeansbabyfoodrecipes.htm&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNH49bih7rI9lycJvMCSmwylJZM6Dg&ust=1484704817166905

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjOppP0isjRAhUGOyYKHaNfCXEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F284823.php&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNGuYOQgXFrcklNDYiWwDUkvIFDwUw&ust=1484704880803132

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjOppP0isjRAhUGOyYKHaNfCXEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F284823.php&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNGuYOQgXFrcklNDYiWwDUkvIFDwUw&ust=1484704880803132

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwihodGri8jRAhVKSSYKHc2kBXEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vegkitchen.com%2Ftips%2Fseasonal-produce-guides%2Flettuce-a-new-spin%2F&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNEZq7pQuw9dZqdHfYjlwemu1Qmplw&ust=1484705015749045

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwihodGri8jRAhVKSSYKHc2kBXEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vegkitchen.com%2Ftips%2Fseasonal-produce-guides%2Flettuce-a-new-spin%2F&bvm=bv.144224172,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNEZq7pQuw9dZqdHfYjlwemu1Qmplw&ust=1484705015749045


© Rodale

Mission: To develop economically viable vegetable production

systems which improve soil, plant, human and planetary health through

the application of regenerative organic management techniques.

Objectives:

1. Measure differences in soil health over time in organic and

conventional vegetable production systems.

2. Measure differences in nutrient density and quality of vegetables

grown under organic and conventional production systems.

3. Measure differences in vegetable crop tolerance to insects,

diseases and weed pressures in organic and conventional

production systems.

4. Measure the link between soil health, plant health and human

health.

5. Measure economic viability and long-term sustainability of each

system over the long-term considering dynamic ecological and

socio-economical patterns.

The Vegetable Systems Trial (VST)


Pioneer in Nutrition Research

Healthy Soil = Healthy Food =

Healthy PeopleDr. Robert McCarrison,

Director of Nutrition

Research, India

1927 - 1935

Hunza


© Rodale

Nutrients and Health

Donald R Davis and Williams 1976

C=chow(control), CG=Chow+Glucose, AS=American Diet

Supplemented, A=American Diet


© Rodale


Davis 2009

80 year changes in maize nutrient content in 45 varieties

released between 1920 and 2001


© Rodale


Davis 2009

Change in fruit and vegetable nutrient status from tests in

1950 and 1999.


Davis et al. 2004, USDA data, Old-1950:New-1999, from Davis. 2009

Soil Health = Plant Health = Human Health

Calcium concentrations in Broccoli (mg/g)1950 1963 1982 to 2002 2003 to 2009

12.9 9.4 5.2 4.4

1996-1997 – 3.4 (Farnham et al. 2000)

Nutrient Decline


Pesticide Action Network North America 2012

Plant Health = Human Health

Source: Economic Research Service with USDA and proprietary data


Plant Health = Human Health

Partnership for Solutions – Johns Hopkins and

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Chronic Disease: Last more than one year, limiting, and requires

ongoing care. Diabetes, cancer, glaucoma, heart disease, aesthma.

• In 2000, 20 million increase from 1996

• Predicted to inflict 25% of Americans by 2020

• 45% are under 44 years of age

• Average healthcare cost per person with chronic disease - $6,032


© Rodale


How can we increase the nutritional quality

of crops?




1. MINIMIZE SOIL DISTURBANCE – reduce tillage;

use cover crops, compost, and mulch; manage

livestock – Keeping not Adding Carbon

2. ENERGIZE WITH DIVERSITY – diversify and

lengthen rotation; use cover crops and compost –

Adding and Diversifying Carbon

3. KEEP THE SOIL COVERED – reduce tillage;

retain residue; use cover crops, compost, and mulch

– Keeping, Adding, and Diversifying Carbon

4. MAXIMIZE LIVING ROOTS – diversify and

lengthen the rotation; use carefully chosen cover

crops; manage livestock –Adding, Keeping, and

Diversifying Carbon

5. INSERT LIVESTOCK – manage animals including

insects for soil –Adding, Keeping, and Diversifying

Carbon

The Brown Revolution Principles

Solving the Carbon Problem

Soil is the Heart

of the System


Interactive Carbon Economy Plants trade carbon to fungi and

bacteria

• Mycorrhizal fungi

• Rhizobium – N fixation

• P-solubilization

• Aggregate formation

– Porosity

– Soil structure

Nematodes and Protozoa eat

bacteria and fungi for N

Microarthropods prep residues

for bacteria

Protozoa can recycle 7 ng N per

gram of soil per day – plant

needs ~0.2 ng



Are organic vegetables higher in nutrient content

than conventional vegetables?

• Maybe?

• Higher concentrations of antioxidants – plant

stress from insect and disease, soil microbes?

• Lower Cadmium concentrations

• Lower pesticide residues

Baranski et al. 2014. British Journal of Nutrition


© Rodale


Role of agricultural practices

1. Conventional crops higher in protein but lower ratio of

essential amino acids to non-essential amino acids.

2. High N use dilutes vitamins and minerals – particularly

vitamin C.

3. High N use reduces glucose which impacts flavor and

vitamin C production.

4. High N use increases nitrates in vegetable crops, leafy

greens.

5. High N use reduces storability or shelf-life.

6. High N use can increase insect and disease.



Soil Tests:

• Chemical analysis

• OM and Total Carbon

• Penetrometer – surface and subsurface compaction

• Aggregate Stability

• CO2 Burst

• Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA)

• Water Holding Capacity

Cornell University Soil Health Test

Haney Soil Health Test – Wards Laboratories

Woods End Laboratories – Fertility and Soil Health Test



Taking penetrometer

readings to measure

surface and sub-surface

compaction

Plant roots can’t penetrate

When psi ≥ 300

From Cornell Soil Health Manual


Cornell Soil Health Test


Nutrient Balancing

pH and Nutrient Availability

H+ OH-


Nutrient Balancing

Cations and Cation Exchange Capacity(CEC)

CEC dependent on clay type and

soil organic matter


Nutrient Balancing

Albrecht Cation% Saturations

60-75% Calcium (Ca)

10-20% Magnesium (Mg)

2-5% Potassium (K)

0.5-5% Sodium (Na)

10% Hydrogen (H)

5% Other Cations

Acres USA


Nutrient Balancing

Calcium

1,500 to 2,000 ppm

Calcium:Magnesium Ratio

4:1 to 7:1

Not mobile in the plant–

needed continuously

during plant growth


Nutrient Balancing

Phosphorus – Phosphate P2O5

Not all readily available

25-50 ppm

In good soil, about half will be

available

Mycorrhizal fungi important

P2O5 Conversion factor =

2.29 (0.437)

Not mobile in soil –

Won’t leach

Will Erode


Nutrient Balancing

Potassium – Potash K2O

2nd most needed element in quantity

125-175 ppm

2-5% base saturation

A lot in the soil but most of it

is not available

K2O conversion factor =

1.2 (0.83)

2:1 Magnesium:Potassium

Need more K if magnesium

is high in the soil


Nutrient Balancing

Magnesium –

100-250 ppm


2:1 ratio Magnesium:Potassium


Nutrient Balancing

Sulfur –

25 ppm


1:10 Sulfur:Nitrogen


Nutrient Balancing

Micronutrients –Zinc – 5 ppm

Manganese – 20 ppm

Iron (Fe) – 20 ppm

Copper (Cu) – 2 ppm

Boron (B) – 2 ppm


Nutrient Balancing


Nutrient Balancing


Nutrient Balancing ppm x 2 = lbs. per acre

lbs. per acre/2 = ppm

2 million pounds of soil per

acre in top 6 inches


Nutrient Balancing

50

125-175

100-250


Nutrient Balancing

304 Mg:48K = 6:1 ratio


Nutrient Balancing


Nutrient Balancing

If 2 tons/acre applied

Ca- 222 (111)

S- 9.6 (4.8)

Fe- 53.5 (26.8)

Mn- 3.3 (1.6)

Cu- 0.19 (0.09)

Zn- 0.66 (0.33)


Nutrient Balancing

Mineral-mineral-plant interactions


Nutrient Balancing - Fertigation

Flowering:

Cell Replication

High Calcium needs

Fruit Production:

Cell Expansion

High Potassium needs



Potassium sulfate – 0-0-50-20S

Applied as a drench, weekly application

throughout the season

Need ~140 lbs./acre so 280 lbs. product

100 day crop / 7 = 14.29 – 2 weeks as

transplants and two weeks at end of crop =

10 weeks. So 28 lbs. per week

Dissolve 1 lb. per 1 gal of water



BORON COMPLEX 3.0% (OMRI)

1 U.S. Gallon • Net Weight 9.22 lbs. • 3.78 Liters • 4.19 Kg. •

Specific Gravity 1.1 • pH: 7.2

I want to add 0.8 ppm so

0.8 ppm x 2 = 1.6 lbs./acre








1.6 lbs. B/Acre x Boron Complex/3%

= 1.6 lbs B/ 0.03 = 53.33 lbs. /acre








1.6 lbs. B/Acre x Boron Complex/3%

= 1.6 lbs B/ 0.03 = 53.33 lbs. /acre

53.33 lbs./acre x 1 gal./9.22 lbs.

= 53.33 lbs./9.22 lbs. = 5.78 gal./acre

5.78 gal./10 weeks = 0.578 gal per week


Nutrient Balancing

Average amounts of minerals in different manure sources (lbs/ton)

From The Biological Farmer, Gary Zimmer – University of Wisconsin Extension Publication A1672

Manure

Source Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Iron Copper Zinc Boron

Dairy 5 2 1.5 0.1 0.01 0.04 0.01

Beef 2.4 2 1.7 0.1 0.03 0.03 0.03

Swine 11.4 1.6 2.7 0.6 0.04 0.12 0.09

Horse 15.7 2.8 1.4 0.3 0.01 0.03 0.03

Sheep 11.7 3.7 1.8 0.3 0.01 0.05 0.02

Chicken 36 6 3.2 2.3 0.01 0.01 0.01


Mid-Season Monitoring

Brix:



Brix:

• Take samples in the middle of the day

• Always take samples the same time

of day

• Don’t sample on shady days

• Samples should be read at ~68 °F

or adjusted (see chart)

• Sharp line indicates high sugar

• Blurry line indicates higher mineral content

• Pike Agri-Lab - a good source for equipment and information



Tissue Test:



Sap Analysis:



Sap Analysis:

Mobile Limited Mobility Non-Mobile

Nitrogen (N) Zinc (Zn) Calcium (Ca)

Phosphorus (P) Boron (B) Silicon (Si)

Potassium (K) Iron (Fe)

Magnesium (Mg) Manganese (Mn)

Sodium (Na) Copper (Cu)

Chlorine (Cl) Molybdenum (Mo)

Sulfur (S) Nickel (Ni)

Mobile and Non-Mobile Plant Nutrients


Creating High Brix Crops

1. pH: Needs to be in proper range

2. Balance soil nutrients – no limitations

3. Feed Potassium – After flowering and during fruit

development

- Applied as drench or foliar

!High Brix does not mean nutrient dense!


References

The Biological Farmer, Gary F. Zimmer

Science in Agriculture, Dr. Arden B. Anderson

Albrecht’s Foundation Concepts, William A. Albrecht by

Charles Walters, ACRES, USA

The Intelligent Gardner, Steve Solomon

Pike Agri-Lab, for testing equipment and information

Date post:	25-Jul-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

Maximize Nutrient Density to Improve Production and Health ... · Nutrient Balancing Potassium...

Documents