Welcome to Terp Farm!
At the end of May, UMD dining staff got the opportunity to check out the Terp Farm, a sustainable farming operation. Just 15 miles down the road from the College Park campus, staff stepped onto 200 acres of farm land at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center’s Upper Marlboro facility. The Terp Farm is situated on 2 acres of land provided by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It was started 3 years ago, and continues with its mission to provide vegetables for four seasons at dining halls, Green Tidings the dining food truck, and food-insecure members of the campus and College Park community.
The Lay of the Land
Once on the farm, staff went on a tour with Guy Kilpatric, the Lead AgricultureTechnician, and Allison Lilly, The Sustainability and Wellness Coordinator. They saw the greenhouse where seeds are planted in small Containers and shielded from the harsh environment until they sprout. Some seedlings currently growing include: Basil, lemon basil, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, Next they visited the high tunnels, These look similar to a green house, but are built on a track. This provides more control of the elements on plant growth, Finally they stepped out into the field to see the plants final growing space. Here, Guy introduced them to his “3 Cs” of maintaining a sustainable farm.
Guy’s 3 Cs:
Compost, Cover crop, and Crop rotate!
Compost is a substance made from decomposed and recycled organic material. It is rich in nutrients needed for healthier soil and crops and helps the soil hold onto moisture. One tour member asked how she could combat the sandy textured soil that is common in Maryland. The answer, Compost! Compost adds more structure to a sandy soil and helps it hold onto moisture.
Cover crops are a natural way to protect crops from pests, both large and small. This method works by creating a border of plants that grow tall and thick, like pea and rye plants, around the plants you want to grow. For larger critters like deer and rabbits that may be looking for a tasty meal, this coverage keeps them from seeing the more desirable plants. As tour members walked along the crop rows, they were unable to see the next row of crops 20 ft. away because cover crops were shielding them from view. For smaller insects that may be tempted to nibble on your wanted crops, cover crops provide even better protection. Insects move horizontally across fields. With cover crops bordering more desired plants, the insects must first get through cover crops. With short lifespans and a longer journey to go, there will be less damage to your plants.
The final C! While it may be tempting for us to plant our carrots in the same space because they grew so well there the previous year, it is important to rotate different types of crops around the field. Crop rotations helps limit soil erosion, increases soil fertility, and increases crop yield. Along with this, it can help control pests and diseases. Changing plant location reduces pests by:
- Interrupting pests life cycle
- Interrupting pests habitat
Following the 3 Cs can help maintain a happy, healthy sustainable farm.
Thank you UMD dining staff for visiting Terp Farm, and we hope to see you again!!