The rich, black soils of Huron County, Ohio, are perfect for OARDC's
Muck Crops Branch the oldest location in the branch system. It is here in the heart of
fresh market vegetable country that Ohio State scientists study lettuce, radishes, parsley
and other leaf and root crops.
In 1948, a group of area producers called the Golden Rule Association
purchased and donated 15 acres of muck soil near Celeryville to the Ohio Agricultural
Experiment Station (now OARDC) for use as an experimental farm. The soil here is almost 80
percent organic matter. Green, leafy vegetables thrive in these fields.
Ohio's muck crop growers face unique problems. The specialized crops
and the soil experience diseases, insects and weed growth uncommon to other areas of the
state. Scientists overcome these challenges with new cultural practices and management
techniques. Seed quality, transplant production, stand establishment, fertility, weed
control and cultivar evaluation are important areas of research.
Area growers use transplants to lengthen the growing season and improve
stand uniformity over direct seeding. The branchıs 800-square-foot greenhouse is used for
transplant production research. Tray types, growing mixes, fertilizers and seed vigor are
tested. Over 200 lines and cultivars of lettuce, celery and other crops are grown each
year for transplanting into variety evaluation plots.
Entomologists who conduct work at the branch are also trying to produce
healthy vegetable crops with fewer chemical insecticides. Research is conducted on insect
life cycles, minor use pesticides and integrated pest management methods.
With as many as five crops grown on each acre in a single season, disease management can
be challenging for growers. Harmful nematodes and other disease-producing soil-borne
organisms flourish when several different crops are planted in the same field during each
growing season.
Plant pathologists study the chemical and biological control of these
organisms. Scientists have found that resistant cultivars are one of the best approaches
to protecting crops from disease and they keep the environment healthy.
The Muck Crops Branch is dedicated to improving fresh market vegetable
production. Local producers as well as muck crops growers from around the state and the
Midwest continually seek information from the branch to assist them with their
production decisions. Branch neighbors and others provide land, labor and other resources
when needed to help ensure that this valuable research continues.