Grant: Engage Grants Program

Canada geese (Branta Canadensis) cause considerable damage to urban parkland and cropland each year. Goose populations have increased over 20% per year in the last 30 years, which has put increased pressure on landscapes that are important for human activity. Despite the growing problem, there are no effective control methods that work over a variety of landscape types. A new compost product, Meeker's Magic Mix (MMM), may pose a solution for areas sustaining heavy goose damage. Many users have reported that after treating land with MMM, Canada geese seem to avoid the area. The product is unique due to this potential dual fertilizer/deterrent function but also because it solves a waste issue by combining the waste of aquaculture and pulp mill operations (sawdust). MMM has been shown to be comparable to other fertilizers in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus content and is well below guidelines for heavy metals and thus can safely be applied to sites that will be used by both humans and animals immediately after application. The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of MMM as a goose deterrent and to measure its effects on soil health and fertility. The study will consist of acoustic and survey monitoring of plots treated with: 1) MMM, 2) another organic compost, 3) no treatment. Each plot will be monitored for 5 days before application and for 8-10 weeks after treatment. During this time, the number of geese present in each plot will be monitored and compared among treatments and to the pre-treatment time period. Soil cores will be taken before and at intervals after treatment and will be tested for soil microbial biomass. A greenhouse experiment where different application rates are applied to corn (Zea mays) will be performed to test for both plant and mycorrhizal fungal growth. If proven effective, MMM could become a widespread combination fertilizer/goose deterrent product that would be beneficial for both agricultural and human-recreational industries.