A production survey of sugarmakers
A summary of the current state of maple production in New England is based on surveys returned from approximately 163 sugarmakers in April, 2009.
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A Summary of Research to Improve Vacuum in Maple Tubing Systems
Research conducted at the University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center over several years to explore a variety of methods to potentially increase sap yields from tubing systems through modifications of the lateral/dropline portion of the sap collection system.
A Survey of Sugar Maple Nutrition in Vermont and Its Implications for the Fertilization of Sugar Maple Stands
Can fertilization of sugar maple stands lead to increased diameter growth, better crown conditions, and/or added sugar production? The effectiveness of fertilization depends in large part on soil nutrition.
Alternative fuels for evaporators
Wood chips, wood pellets, and used vegetable oil can all be used to fire properly adapted evaporators. Each has advantages and challenges.
Are used maple spouts and new spouts equal?
Research results from experiments on sap yield using new and used spouts.
Avoiding equipment trouble
Common problems with sugaring equipment and how to avoid them.
Changes In Sap Yields From Tubing Systems Under Vacuum Due To System Aging
This research was designed to examine age-related losses in sap yield in tubing systems operated under vacuum, and to explore different strategies to reduce tubing microbial contamination induced sap yield losses.
Comparison of the “Small” Spout with the Traditional 7/16″ Spout
The “small” spout, 19/64″ or 5/16″ in diameter, has been widely available to maple producers since the mid to late 1990’s as a “healthy” alternative to the traditional 7/16″ spout. While now in general use by producers in some regions, particularly those collecting sap by vacuum, the utility of these smaller spouts is still questioned by many sugarmakers, particularly those collecting sap by gravity. This article will review several studies conducted at the University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center comparing 7/16″ spouts with small spouts (for the purposes of this article, 5/16″, and 19/64″ will be considered equally as “small” spouts).
Conducting and understanding experiments in maple operations
Research studies must follow certain rules in order for the findings to be valid. This column discusses a few of these simple rules: comparison of treatment vs. control, replication, dealing with natural variation, and statistical validity.
Energy use in maple operations
A summary of a presentation on energy efficiency in maple production.