CRA’s conservation planner, Paul Spies was next on the line
up with a warm welcome and wit for the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Josh
McGrath, a soil fertility specialist with UMD extension. As some of you may know, CRA has been
promoting a cutting edge precision Ag technology called “Greenseeker.” Dr. McGrath is a resident expert
in Greenseeker technology and is compiling data for CRA’s Greenseeker pilot
project. Essentially, the
technology reads exactly how much nitrogen is needed for each corn plant in a
farmer’s field as the farmer is applying fertilizer. Greenseeker communicates to a variable rate fertilizer
applicator which does it’s best to apply only what is needed. There is a little disconnect between
the two technologies at this point, but CRA’s pilot project may help to make
application more precise.
Dr. McGrath’s point: if
farmers can optimize their fertilizer use from the start—down to the plant!—then we won’t have to spend as much money
retroactively remediating our nutrient load issues from the agricultural sector
i.e. riparian buffers, cover crops, grass swales, etc. It’s a win/win/win: farmer’s spend less, produce more food,
and reduce nutrient runoff.
Keeping farms profitable and well managed is a goal for CRA, because it
will help keep our water clean.
Precision agriculture is a science-based way to get there.
For that reason, you won’t be surprised to learn that this
year’s Riverkeeper Award went to our very own Chino Farms and Blue Stem Farming
Operation! Dr. Harry Sears, Evan Miles,
and their team of dedicated staff have done a fantastic job exemplifying
stewardship through precision farming and progressive land conservation. As the Chester Riverkeeper, David
Foster, pointed out, it might be why Foreman’s Branch—the largest creek on
Chino—showed a noteworthy resurgence in this past year’s river report card
while other creeks declined.
But make no mistake, Chino Farms has been employing cutting edge
stewardship, research, and agriculture for many years. CES is fortunate to have become a part
of that commitment and is proud and excited that Chino and Blue Stem have
received such a prestigious award!
Mike Hardesty is Assistant Director of the Chesapeake Semester at CES.
To learn more about the Chester River Association visit:
To learn more about Chino Farm’s and CRFRC visit their website at http://www.washcoll.edu/ces/chesterriverfieldresearchcenter/.
