Current Warner Grant Projects
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Paul C. and Edna H. Warner Grants for Sustainable Agriculture!
Cost Benefit Analysis of On-Farm Mushroom Spawn Production
University PIs: Erika Lyon (OSU Extension Educator, Harrison County) and Kayla Wyse (OSU Extension Educator, Williams County) Farmer PIs: Janell Baran (Blue Owl Hollow Forest Farm, Newark) and Andy Gedeon (Soul Shine Acres, Athens)
This study will compare the community composition of bacteria, fungi and nematodes that play key functional roles in the soil food web. The study will take place on an organic conventionally tilled field with a 7-year rotation and on an organic perennial pasture. We will track seasonal changes in the bacterial, fungal, and nematode communities. We will also examine whether the soil nutrient parameters measured as part of the Haney Soil Health Test help to explain differences in microbial community composition between our two fields.
Advancing Cucurbit Downy Mildew Management
University PI’s: Andres Sanabria-Velazquez and Francesca Rotondo, (Ohio State Department of Plant Pathology) Farmer PI: Aaron Weaver (Green Field Farms, Wooster)
Downy Mildew is a major foliar disease affecting cucurbit crops that poses major threats to a farm’s bottom line. This study aims to determine the correlation between Downy Mildew detection and environmental factors in Ohio, providing farmers with knowledge about how and when to manage the disease effectively.
Fish By-Products Utilization: Toward Sustainable Aquaculture and Agriculture Venues
University PI: Herbert Quintero (Ohio State Aquaculture Extension) Farmer PI: Michael McGraw (Roothouse Aquaponics, Batavia)
As aquaculture and aquaponics increase in popularity in Ohio, the need for sustainability within these sectors rises. This study will compare the amount of solids and nutrients produced by tilapia in a grow-out system versus largemouth bass in a floating in-pond raceway, so that more sustainable feeding practices and biofertilizers can be developed.
Road Maintenance and its Impact on Local Agriculture
PI’s: Julie Wayman (OSU Extension Educator, Ashtabula County) and Jeff Hattey (Ohio State School of Environment and Natural Resources), and six anonymous Ohio farms.
Brine from the oil and gas industry is often used to reduce dust from unpaved roads in Ashtabula County. This study will examine if using brine on roads impacts soil salinity and sodicity, heavy metal, and radiation levels in surrounding land.
Managing Weeds and Reducing Herbicides with Warm Season Cover Crops in Strawberries
University PI’s: Logan Minter (Ohio State Specialty Crops Extension), Ryan Slaughter (OSU Extension Educator, Ross County), Amanda Perkins (OSU Extension Educator, Pike County), Thom Harker (Research Assistant, OSU South Centers) Farmer PIs: Cameron Way, Steve Hirsch, Fred Weaver, and Brad Babst
Strawberry production can be tedious due to weed growth, resulting in the frequent use of herbicides. Cover crops like annual rye have been used for weed control but have proven ineffective; and many farmers are deciding not to use cover crops at all. This study will demonstrate and document the use of warm season cover crops in strawberry production, so that farmers are aware of the management and economic benefits this practice holds.