Project Overview

Reports

Commodities

• Additional Plants: flowers, greenhouse, native plants

• Agronomic: potatoes

• Animal Products: dairy

• Ecosystem: Ecosystem

• Fruits: apples, peaches

• Pollinators: habitat

• Vegetables: beets, brassicas, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucurbits, eggplant, garlic, greens (leafy), greens (lettuces), leeks, onions, peas (culinary), peppers, radishes (culinary), sweet corn, tomatoes

Target Pests

Practices

• Pest Management: biological control, cultural control, decision support system, economic threshold, eradication, habitat modification, mechanical control, monitoring/scouting, pesticides, precision pesticide use, prevention, weed ecology

• Animal Production: watering systems

• Crop Production: fertigation, greenhouses, high tunnels or hoop houses, irrigation, nutrient management, pollination/pollinator health/habitat, water management, water storage

• Natural Resources/Environment: drift/runoff buffers, wetlands

Climate change is causing unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, compelling growers to adopt climate adaptation strategies. Irrigation ponds are an effective method for ensuring water access during droughts. Beginning farmers, who often have higher debt and less wealth than established farmers, are particularly vulnerable to adverse climate conditions. By applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to irrigation ponds, farmers can sustainably manage pest populations, maintain productive agricultural systems, and adapt to climate change. Education on IPM for irrigation ponds equips them with the necessary knowledge to sustain their critical water sources, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, lower maintenance costs, and enhance farm resilience.

A survey we conducted indicated 87% of respondents with irrigation ponds face issues with algae, aquatic weeds, terrestrial weeds, or invasive species. These problems can arise from nutrient-rich water runoff into the pond from agricultural or local watershed sources. Such overgrowth reduces pond productivity by clogging pumps and emitters, increasing sediment build-up, decreasing pond depth, and lowering water quality. IPM principles applied to irrigation ponds can maintain pond productivity and longevity.

Irrigation pond IPM involves regular monitoring to identify pest species and assess populations. Early detection is crucial to prevent uncontrollable outbreaks. Biological controls, including adding barley straw bales into ponds and introducing fish can manage nuisance algae blooms and excessive weeds. Cultural practices, including planting native plant buffers, capture nutrient-rich runoff and reduce bank erosion. Mechanical controls like aeration can mitigate algae blooms, while naturally derived pond dyes inhibit photosynthesis of submerged aquatic weeds. Nutrient remediation options, like adding biochar, binds to excess nutrients. Chemical controls, like copper-containing herbicides require permits from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, making IPM a vital strategy to reduce chemical use.

Funding for this project will support outreach events, workshops, and on-farm visits for pond IPM consulting. A Public Service Technician will be hired for assistance with the project. Closed captioning will be added to recordings to increase accessibility, and two factsheets will be translated. Funds will also purchase native plants and seed mixes for establishing vegetative pond buffers at the UConn Plant Science Research and Demonstration farm and a beginning farmer’s site. A planned publication will recommend best practices based on water quality and plant establishment data.

This grant will develop a pilot program to integrate pond IPM into existing Extension programs or establish a standalone program. The program aims to ensure all aspiring farmers have equal opportunities to acquire IPM knowledge and skills, promoting diversity and innovation within the farming community. Addressing barriers such as lack of access to resources and educational disparities, this project will contribute to the agriculture industry’s resilience by encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices and new technologies.

Educate beginning farmers on irrigation ponds and IPM

Train stakeholders on aquatic invasive species ID and management

Advance accessibility of programs to diverse stakeholder groups

Connect beginning farmers with pond management professionals

Build awareness about vegetation buffers and bank erosion