Groff Farm Event
During Lancaster County Water Week, Binkley & Hurst visited the Steve Groff Farm near Holtwood, for an event on June 6th, coordinated and funded by The Alliance of Chesapeake Bay and Stroud Water Research. There was much to learn about the projects that are helping clean Lancaster County’s waterways.
Steve Groff shared his knowledge of No Till farming and Cover Crop Innovation and how these techniques help enhance soil quality and conservation. Steve’s farm consists of 225 acres of land used for the growth of a variety of crops.
When speaking about the benefits of Cover Crops – and the importance of retaining healthy Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the soil, several crops recommended by Steve are; Hairy Vetch, Winter Peas and several types of clover. Other common crops used in rotation include varieties of Turf Gra and Rye. The benefits of these crops include promoting pest-suppreion, soil and water quality, nutrient cycling efficiency,and cash crop productivity.
Recently Steve has designated 20 acres for the growth of hemp on his farm. It is a labor-intensive proce beginning with rolling down, or “crimping” the cover crops. Crimping significantly reduces the need for herbicides. With the use of GPS, the placement of hemp plants are straight and precise. The plants are transplants, meaning they were grown from seed and the seedlings are being transplanted to the fields. Approximately 1,760 seeds are used per acre and a drip irrigation system is used to allow a slow and steady watering proce, which will mitigate any water usage of the cover crops.
Pennsylvania, more specifically Lancaster County, was the “capital” of hemp in the 1700s. William Penn saw the value and the great potential for the commonwealth to grow hemp. It was grown for over 260 years until the 1930s, when it became caught up in the reefer madne scare.
Hemp has many useful benefits; more than just medicinal. Along with CBD and hemp oils, the plant fibers are also used to produce rope, paper, clothing and textiles. It’s also used in insulation and as biofuel.
