HomeMy WebLinkAboutSoil, Manure, + Irrigation plans 7.31.2025Addendum Good Hope Farm Soil Management and Conservation
Good Hope is committed to responsible soil stewardship, ecological
preservation, and sustainable farming practices.
Soil management practices at Good Hope are grounded in science and
conservation. Soil testing will be conducted every three years using the
Modified Morgan method, and whenever possible only organic fertilizers are
applied —and only as needed —based on those soil test results. Nutrients when
needed are applied exclusively when crops are actively growing, and never on
saturated or frozen soils ensuring minimal runoff potential and maximum
absorption by crops. Records of all soil amendments and applications will be
maintained as part of our nutrient management plan. All floral and vegetable
cultivation is confined to the existing garden site.
In terms of animal husbandry, Good Hope employs rotational grazing through
a managed hay feeding system. Our animals are only out from 8 am until
sunset (with seasonal fluctuations). When inside stalls the animals are housed
with impermeable flooring- cleaned regularly. Outside in the paddocks,
animals are moved regularly within the paddocks to ensure manure is
distributed evenly and no single area is overburdened. Hay feeding areas are
tated in tandem with paddock use, and any excess hay residue i
ros collected
and composted to prevent smothering of vegetation or buildup of organic
material in sensitive areas.
Manure management at Good Hope is executed with rigor and care following a
comprehensive set of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Our goal is to
protect soil and water quality, support plant and animal health. Animal manure
is collected from stalls every day or other day depending on the season and
from pastures regularly. All collected manure and pine shavings are composted
in accordance with best industry practices relying largely on parasitic fly
predators and natural traps to disrupt fly breeding and support soil health.
Collected manure will be stored on a concrete pad to prevent nutrient runoff
and leaching into groundwater. All storage areas are carefully sited with
appropriate setbacks from wetlands and water sources.
In addition we are exploring the ability to utilize a 308 BIOvator, or similar in -
vessel composting system to further process animal waste efficiently and
minimize odors and pathogens. This enclosed, aerobic composting unit
accelerates the decomposition process and maintains internal temperatures
above 13o°F for several days —conditions that meet pathogen reduction
standards and produce a stable, high -quality compost.
Regardless of the methodology used, the finished compost would be applied to
our vegetable and floral cultivation areas only during the active growing
season, based on soil test results and crop nutrient requirements. Nutrients are
never applied to frozen or saturated soils.
Good Hope relies primarily on sustainable, organic practices and natural pest
control methods. However, in limited cases where pest pressure endangers
crops or animals, their use maybe necessary. In such instances, applications
are handled with utmost care and in full compliance with best industry
practices. Our approach is rooted in Integrated Pest Management with careful
pest monitoring. If needed, only targeted, reduced -risk products are selected.
We actively support beneficial insects through native pollinator plantings and,
when needed, augment ecological balance through the seasonal releases of
commercially- raised beneficial species.
Good Hope will utilize a preexisting, low -impact irrigation system installed
during its previous flower and vegetable production years. This system, limited
to lawns, pastures and cultivated zones, is limited to pasture grass areas or
drip -based watering, greatly reducing water consumption and overspray or
runoff. Automated for efficiency with conservation in mind, the system
incorporates early morning watering, plant -specific delivery, and automated
weather -based skips based on atmospheric conditions. This approach supports
crop vigor, conservation and soil integrity.
Through these practices, Good Hope ensures that its agricultural use remains
not only environmentally responsible, but also aligned with the region's goals
for habitat protection, water quality, and sustainable land stewardship. We are
in contact with local representatives of the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC) and will continue to consult with them to review, update, and
strengthen our farm plan as needed to reflect evolving best practices and
regulatory guidance.
Prepared For: Good Hope Farm, Yarmouth Port, MA
Prepared By: Natasha Brahmst May 29, 2025, Updated July 31, 2025