Michigan potato growers have a long history of having a sustainable mindset. For decades, multiple committees of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC), researchers at Michigan State University (MSU), and other industry partners have worked together to push forward research projects that help growers be more sustainable by creating high quality, high yield varieties that are more disease resistant, drought resistant, and use lower amounts of inputs.
Soil health jumped to the forefront of MPIC’s research list back in 2011. With the help of the Department of Entomology at MSU and dedicated researcher and professor George W. Bird, Michigan potato growers, and others, the research project became real.
Now, MPIC is being recognized for these efforts with the second annual Hero Award, presented by the G.W. Bird Family Foundation for Environmentally Sound Agriculture for soil health and water conservation efficiency.
Soil Health
This research began with initial soil samples taken in 2012, and over the following decade, growers focused on increasing cover crop and compost use, reducing chemical inputs, and reducing tillage.
This took place over 68 sites in 17 commercial potato fields across two Michigan counties.
Samples taken in 2022 showed that available water holding capacity, soil organic matter, and active carbon had increased in every one of the 68 sites. Nearly all of the fields showed a reduction in root-lesion nematodes, as well.
“This work benefits the not only the potato industry, but the consumers who reap the benefits of enjoying Americas favorite nutrient dense vegetable, the potato,” said Kelly Turner, executive director, Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
Water Conservation Efficiency
In 2020, the state’s Water use Advisory Council received full funding for their recommendations, which included more focus on conservation and efficiency education and training, and is being accomplished through a collaboration with USDA, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development, the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), and MSU Extension. The recommendations also included improvements to operations, data collection, and modeling.
The 2022 recommendations, however, have yet to be funded, and there is still room for discussion on how budget dollars within the Dept. of EGLE will be spent over the coming year. These recommendations include developing a pilot program — the Michigan Agricultural Irrigation Water and Energy Efficiency Program — that improves water and energy efficiency by “evaluating and retrofitting existing irrigation systems, measuring the improved water, energy use, and crop yield efficiency, and estimating the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emission and cost savings,” said the report.
The retrofit would include at least 10 center pivot irrigations systems and be evaluated annually to measure improvements. This project would also be used to determine irrigation best management practices.
“Michigan potato farmers, the vast majority on family farms, view water and soil as their most precious resources,” Turner said. “They have every incentive to make sure both are plentiful and clean for years to come.
Future projects
MPIC hopes to have a mobile irrigation assessment laboratory available in the near future. Though it was not part of the recommendations, the commission is optimistic about the project’s future.
The research committee has 10 research projects wrapping up for 2023 using direct funding of over $185,000, all of which ties directly into sustainability. The call for proposals for next year’s research projects is currently open, and the 2024 proposals for funding will be selected in January. The commission expects to have an increased expenditure in this area annually, as a testament to its commitment.
“The potato growers are proud to be the recipients of this award, as validation for the work they have done for decades and are committed to continuing,” Turner said. “It’s nice to be recognized for a job well done and for being pioneers and leaders in these areas.”
George W. Bird, in collaboration with his family, colleagues, and students, established the G.W. Bird Family Foundation in 2022.
Photos: Michigan Potato Industry Commission
Other Articles
