Publications

This publication summarizes frequently asked questions and answers for the cottage food producers and on-farm home processors. It includes definitions of common terms as well as guidance and recommendations surrounding manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling, and selling of foods or food products produced by the Maryland cottage food businesses and on-farm food processors. Authors: Angela Ferelli-Gruber, Neith Little, and Shauna Henley; Title: Frequently Asked Questions for Value-Added Producers (EBR-2022-0635)

Dollar spot is a common fungal disease that affects turfgrass, particularly high-maintenance ones like golf courses. It can also damage athletic fields and home lawns. The disease is caused by several species of the fungal pathogen Clarireedia spp. which infects the turfgrass through leaf tissue. Dollar spot appears as circular or oblong discolored spots, about the size of a silver dollar, with brownish-tan color. It can affect various turfgrass species, with creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass being highly susceptible, while tall fescues, perennial ryegrasses, and Kentucky bluegrasses are moderately susceptible. Zoysiagrass and bermudagrass are less susceptible but can still be damaged under favorable conditions. The disease thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C and 30°C) with high humidity and prolonged leaf wetness. Effective management includes using resistant cultivars, proper irrigation, fertility management, mowing practices, rolling, topdressing, and dew removal, as well as biological and chemical control methods. Fungicides are commonly used, but they should be rotated to prevent resistance development. Integrating these practices helps prevent and reduce the severity of dollar spot outbreaks on turfgrass. Author: Fereshteh Shahoveisi; Title: Turfgrass Diseases: Dollar Spot (FS-2023-0665)

In the second year of the project, researchers returned to the same field and mesocosm sites to evaluate the results of planting native species after Phragmites eradication. The results have led to several preliminary implications for restoration. Authors: Eric Buehl, Andrew Baldwin, Hope Brooks, Sylvia Jacobson, Karin Kettenring, Melissa McCormick, and Dennis Whigham; Title: What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? Year 2 (EBR-2023-0652)

Extension educators are tasked with providing programs that meet the needs of their respective communities. One way to measure the current community assets and opportunities for growth is through needs assessments. A needs assessment is a tool that measures the interests and identifies gaps in current program offerings. It can also be used to check the status of ongoing programming in a community. The 4-H Needs Assessment Tool Kit is an extension manual that gives insight into using the materials and offers templates that can be adapted for various stakeholder groups. The documents contained in the Tool Kit have been tested in rural, urban, and suburban communities. Authors: Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Ashley Travis, and Rachael Bayer; Title: University of Maryland Extension (UME) 4-H Needs Assessment Tool Kit Overview (FS-2022-0636)

This hand-held guide provides information on how to identify and differentiate common pigweed species in Maryland including: Palmer amaranth, Spiny amaranth, waterhemp, and redroot/smooth pigweed. Authors: Kurt Vollmer and Ben Beale; Title: A Guide for Identifying Pigweed Species Commonly Found in Maryland (EB-2023-0654)

This factsheet will help you estimate the size and number of solar panels needed to meet your electrical demand. Review this factsheet to learn how to assess your electrical loads, identify solar energy levels, and correlate your electrical demand to solar production. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Working on Solar Design and System Sizing (FS-2023-0655)

Pigweeds are annual weeds that can cause significant problems for Maryland farmers. Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are two pigweeds that are especially troublesome, and have been designated as noxious weeds by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Therefore, it is required that these two species be actively managed to prevent their spread and resulting negative impacts on Maryland agriculture. To the untrained eye, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp can appear similar to each other and to other pigweed species. However they can be easily distinguished from one another by looking at some key botanical characteristics. Becoming familiar with these species allows for earlier detection, and as a result, improved management practices. Authors: Kurt Vollmer, Ph.D., and Ben Beale; Title: Keys to Identifying Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp (FS-2023-0653)

Yellow, green, and giant foxtail are the three most common weedy foxtail species in Maryland. Knowing the differences between foxtail species and look-alike grassy weeds can assist with identification, and the selection of effective weed management strategies. Title: Know Your Foxtails (FS-2023-0658); Authors: Dwayne D. Joseph, and Leo Kerner

Woodlands in low-lying areas of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore may be vulnerable to flooding and saltwater intrusion as sea levels rise. This fact sheet presents information about the options available to landowners whose woodlands may be affected. Authors: Dr. Kate McClure, and Agnes Kedmenecz; Title: Losing Your Trees to the Sea? (FS-2022-0645)

This publication details the link between financial stress and mental health outcomes in the agricultural population. Implications for agricultural service providers are discussed. Title: Clients’ Financial Issues Are Intertwined with Mental Health (EBR-2022-0647); Authors: Nicholas Warnick, Dr. Alexander Chan, and Shannon Dill