Guidelines for use of the UF Community Farm - Teaching Site
1. The UF Community Farm coordinators will oversee the use of land area and classroom facilities at the farm. A land use application is required for use of field space. The proposal will be reviewed by the coordinators prior to implementation. Modifications may be suggested to ensure successful management. Planning deadlines need to be met in order to insure efficient operation of the facilities.
Fall Use: May 1st
Spring Use: October 1st
Summer Use: February 1st
2. A weed control plan that utilizes the mechanical and chemical methods is available at the farm and will be arranged through the user and coordinators prior to establishing plots. Any additional weed control measures i.e. hand weeding, required are the responsibility of each user. Plot areas should be checked weekly and appropriate weed control measures taken. This will insure that the farm area is in acceptable shape for all visitors.
3. Arrangements must be made by each user for the removal or incorporation of the biomass from plots. Two compost bins are available on-site.
4. Machinery is primarily for use by teaching farm personnel. Exceptions will be made for users that have qualified personnel. The oil in all machinery must be checked prior to each use.
5. An additional variety of tools and instruments are available for use at the farm; some safety training may be required for first time users. All tools need to be returned to their place of origin after each use. All storage areas are to be kept in and neat and orderly fashion.
The resources available include:
· A wide variety of hand tools including hoes, shovels, rakes, soil samplers etc.
· Manual sprayers and fertilizer spreaders
· Mini-rhizotrons
· Soil moisture blocks
· Soil tensiometers
· Soil water infiltration apparatus
· Leaf area index meter
· Microscopes
· The classroom is equipped with video projection, Skype and laptop capabilities
6. Use of the classroom and lab area will be scheduled through . The facilities must be left in a clean and orderly fashion after each use. Land use deadlines must be met if regular use is requested.
7. For all instructional activities or tours of the farm, instructors wishing to bring classes to the farm need to schedule at least one week in advance via email
8. We encourage the use of the farm by many different courses/instructors across campus We request that instructors include a course fee to help defray basic operational costs at the farm.
It is our intent to make the use of the teaching farm a valuable, enjoyable, and productive experience for a diverse group of users. We feel that these guidelines will help to achieve this goal. As always, your input is welcome!