EXPLORING COVER CROPS TO IMPROVE SOIL PROPERTIES AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION FOR THE RED LAKE NATION

Goal I. Assess several best-bet legume species/mixes for soil-improving contributions and impacts on vegetable production under a high tunnel system (with the Red Lake Agriculture Department) and in an open system (with 4-Directions Development) Objective 1. Quantify soil nutrient changes following cover crop incorporation Objective 2. Evaluate soil health indicators to determine the effects of cover crops Objective 3. Quantify yield and plant N of selected vegetable crops following cover crop productionGoal II. Build relationships with Red Lake partners, the Red Lake Agriculture Department and 4-Directions Development, to conductresearch and outreach that is culturally relevant and practical for Red Lake Nation food producers Objective 1. Utilize crops and methods that are conducive to success for the Red Lake Nation Objective 2. Work with the constraints and interests of Red Lake Nation food producers for research implementation Objective 3. Coordinate with Red Lake partners for outreach to Red Lake communityGoal III. Provide undergraduate student research opportunities and graduate student mentoring opportunities Objective 1. Recruit a cohort of RLNC interns and UMN mentors for each year Objective 2. Provide interns soil, cover crop, and research knowledge and activities at RLNC and UMN Objective 3. UMN mentors support RLNC interns in designing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting research Objective 4. UMN graduate students gain experience in mentoring undergraduate students in a Tribal cultural environment