Star Democrat
July 17, 2018
by Kayla Rivas
Tim Rosen explains his crop research on Delmarva regarding ditches, the Agri Drain Box, and buffers.
The Conservation Technology Information Center’s 11th annual Conservation in Action Tour brought those passionate about the latest farming technologies and innovative soil conservation efforts to the Eastern Shore from July 10 to July 11.
The Conservation in Action Tour is held in a different state every year, with this year focusing on Talbot County. Maryland Grain Producers Association Executive Director Lindsay Thompson assisted in planning the tour.
“The Hutchison Brothers’ advanced nutrient management practices in field paired with innovative drainage water management practices ensure that the water leaving their farm is as clean as possible,” Thompson said. “They are a prime example of how successful production and conservation can coexist.”
Bobby Hutchison addresses the crowd at his farm during the Conservation in Action Tour.
Hutchison Bros. hosted approximately 130 visitors around 3 p.m. on Wednesday July 11. The session was divided into two parts, with one crowd gathering indoors to listen to Bobby Hutchison, Executive Vice President at Ecosystem Services Exchange, Alex Echols and Director of Agriculture & Restoration at ShoreRivers, Tim Rosen.
The 3,400-acre cash grain and vegetable cropping business is owned by Bobby Hutchison, brothers Richard and David Hutchison, son Travis Hutchison and nephew Kyle Hutchison.
The management of nitrogen was a central talking point of the tour’s visit at Hutchison Bros. Discussion leaders also educated the audience on bioreactors, buffer strips, sub-irrigation, and computer technologies that assists in calculating appropriate amounts of nutrients based on soil type.
Rosen said some crop research is being tested on Delmarva. As staff scientist at Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy (now ShoreRivers), Rosen’s prior published research explains how ditches in the Choptank Landscape lower the water table and intercept high nitrate groundwater.
Alex Echols explains the latest farming technologies and conservation efforts.
Through installation of buffers, surface water, sediment, and phosphorus can be controlled, Rosen said. The research suggests using hydrologic modifications to treat nitrate-nitrogen. Rosen also demonstrated how an Agri Drain Box can be used to divert water to a wood chip bioreactor. A bioreactor trench is dug about three to feet deep, with bioreactor costs ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000, Rosen and Echols said.
“I’ve been able to see how progressive Maryland farmers are in their work to clean up the Chesapeake Bay,” Former President of the National Association of Conservation Districts Lee McDaniel said. “We’re very fortunate in Maryland because we have local government and state and other partnerships as well all working together to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.”
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