Soil Fertility and Soil Health in Hops

PROJECT SUMMARY

Research in hop production has primarily focused on integrated pest management (IPM) and disease control with very little attention provided to soil fertility and soil health. However, soil fertility and health have consistently been identified by North Central hop growers as a critical area where they need better information for effective management. Our research aims to address this knowledge gap with the following objectives:

  • Document relationships between soil fertility and soil health with hop cone quality and yield
  • Develop sufficiency level values for leaf petiole nitrate in hops specific to the Midwest region
  • Develop educational materials and continue outreach efforts focused on soil health and nutrient management for Midwest hopyards

Our initial research is a small two-year study, which we hope to expand upon. The results of our work will be presented at both the Ohio and Michigan hop conferences and will be published as factsheets.

 

Cooperators, please see link on left for updates and study materials.