Science for Life

The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants. 

Spotlight

Dilmun Hill: boosting yield naturally

The students of Dilmun Hill, Cornell’s student farm, are known for hands-on implementation of novel ideas in sustainable agriculture, and a passion to share their creative experiments with a wide audience.

Installation of contoured, permanent, raised beds at Dillmun Hill Student Farm.

This spring Dilmun Hill student managers and volunteers are installing two innovative no-till food production systems: a contoured, permanent raised bed system for annual crop productions that won’t require any further tillage after the beds have been established, and a no-till forest gardening system for perennials. Conventional tilling practices can leave the soil vulnerable to erosion, especially on hillsides. Both installations target the conversion of marginal, sloped land into long-term, productive crop gardens without the use of pesticides. The students will use organic farming methods, such as heavy mulch applications, cover crops and permaculture principles. Workshops at Dilmun Hill will explore techniques used for the projects, such as bed contouring, swale construction and building a no-till food forest with plums, persimmons, black raspberries, perennial vegetables and herbs.

More about the project

This project is supported by the Towards Sustainability Foundation and the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station.

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