Quantifying Winter Squash Crop Inputs for the Evaluation As a Niche Crop in North East Iowa On Corn Stalk Residue.

With the increase in the demand for local food production in the Midwest, discussions were held with local grocery store chains about potential fresh vegetable markets a beginning farmer could enter.  The types of squash to be grown were based on what the grocery stores offered.  The varieties of squash being studied were determined by the fruit characteristics that the markets were observed to be demanding as well.  The overall goal will be to establish a baseline of crop inputs for the purpose of commercial production if squash production is chosen to be grown.

The squash inputs were studied on plots measuring 625 square feet each.  The plots supported a previous corn crop for the 2011 season. The nutrient levels were quantified by a soil test taken at the time of planting.   The squash were direct seeded by hand in a grid pattern.  The grid pattern enabled the use of only cultivation for managed weed control.  If the need arises pesticides will be applied to the plot.  Harvest will be done by hand and quantified by fruit quality.

The data points being tracked were chosen based on variables that would assist in estimating the baseline inputs for a commercial production system.  Areas of data collection will be taken in:  fertilizer levels, planting date, days to emergence, days to fruit set, fruit quantity, fruit size, weed pressure, insect pressure, and pathogen pressure, quality of fruit, and ultimately amount of saleable fruit.