The following are projects to be undertaken during the 2008 growing season.

1. Bell pepper transplants were grown using organic materials and methods and inoculated with a mix of rhizobia bacteria, a mix of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, both groups of organisms, or neither group. Additional transplants were grown using conventional materials and methods and not inoculated. The transplants were established in the field and treated with organic materials and methods or with conventional materials and methods. Yields will be determined.

2. An experiment examining manure use in organic production systems for vegetables was continued. Manure was applied to portions of the field and yields of cucumbers, peppers and sweet corn will be determined. This is the fourth year of a four year project. The data will be analyzed after the 2008 growing season.

3. A mix of bacteria and fungi were applied to soil at three levels, 0, 1X and 2X the recommended rate. Sweet corn will be sown in the treated soil and plant development and yield determined.