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A SUSTAINABILITY STUDY: NEW JERSEY SOIL COPPER LEVELS RESULTING FROM COPPER FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS

Applied Research

Meredith Melendez
Agricultural Agent
RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Ewing

Abstract

     Vegetable producers rely on copper compounds for the prevention and suppression of plant diseases.  During recent growing seasons growers questioned if the use of copper affected plant health and soil microbial activity.  Research shows that soil copper levels above 130ppm with 6.5 or higher pH can cause toxicity symptoms.   This project set out to determine if New Jersey soil copper levels are high enough to cause reduction growth and microbial activity. Fifteen farms were sampled for soil copper levels, ten of the farms are certified organic and five use conventional growing methods.  Soil samples were taken from spayed and non-sprayed areas of each farm.  Soil samples were analyzed at the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory for macro and micro nutrients (including soluble copper), soil pH, and organic matter content and soil microbiological activity using the Solvita respiration test.  NRCS evaluated soil samples for total copper levels utilizing the PXRF scanner. Soil copper levels were lower than the growers had expected with a high of 27.61ppm soluble copper and a low of 2.22ppm of soluble copper. Several farms participating in this project had historical use of copper fungicides in excess of 30+ years.  There was no direct correlation to historical use and higher than average soil copper levels.  All farms that used copper fungicides had an increase in soil copper levels.  The Solvita test was used to evaluate microbiological activity in three farm soils.  This test showed that in the three farm soils copper was not a limiting factor in biological activity.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: M.V. Melendez, J. Heckman, S. Murphy, F. D'Amico, S. L. Shinn
  1. Melendez, M. Senior Program Coordinator, RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, New Jersey, 08648
  2. Heckman, J. Extension Specialist, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08901
  3. Murphy, S. Director, Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory, New Jersey, 08901
  4. D'Amico, F. Herbicide Biologist, FMC Agricultural Solutions, New Jersey, 08628
  5. Shinn, S. Global R&D Herbicide Group Leader, FMC Agricultural Solutions, New Jersey, 08628