MPT says it’s an innovation-themed program.
Owings Mills, Md. (KM). This week’s edition of “Maryland Farm and Harvest” on Maryland Public Television will spotlight innovations in agriculture; one of those innovative farms is Raemelton Farm in Adamstown.
The owners of the farm grows more than 300 varieties of ornamental trees. “They have a unique method of drip irrigation that actually can optimize the amount of water they’re giving to each of their trees,” says Sarah Sampson, the producer and director of “Maryland Farm and Harvest.”
She says this drip irrigation process insures that each tree gets an adequate amount of water to grow. “So they use electronic sensors that are below the trees,” says Sampson. “And what that allows them to do is actually measure how much water that the tree is taking up through the root.”
It makes sure that the tree isn’t getting too much water, or too little water. “It allows the trees to grow very consistently,” says Sam,Sampson. “He actually can speed up or slow down the growth of the trees based on how much water he gives them.” “He” is farmer Steve Black, who says the portioning out water is good for his bottom line.
University of Maryland scientist John Lea-Cox is testing this new irrigation sensor control as a way to reduce water usage and lessen the impact of the farm on the environment, according to a news release about the program from MPT.
The program featuring Raemelton Farm will air on Tuesday, December 11th at 7:00 PM on MPT. After it’s broadcast, this episode of “Maryland Farm and Harvest” will be available for viewing on MPT’s website, MPT.org.
This show is in its 6th season on MPT. Sampson says it’s attracted a large number of viewers, including those who live in urban and suburban areas; and many say they’ve learned a lot of about farming. “One of the consistent things we hear no matter who is e-mailing us or calling us is we’re teaching them something that they didn’t know; or they’re surprised by the diversity of agriculture in Maryland; or that they’re surprised by the technology that’s involved in farming today,” she says.
“We educate people through introducing them to farmers. So, every segment is kind of profile of these particular farmers,” says Sampson. “The show is about farming, but it’s also about the people who are growing the food, raising the animals and producing these food products that we eat.”
By Kevin McManus