Location: Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research
Project Number: 2040-43000-018-004-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2015
End Date: Aug 31, 2021
Objective:
Develop integrated cropping systems that will improve the economic viability
of small farms in a tropical environment.
Approach:
The project will work with farmers in two disparate regions of the Hawaii Island to quantitatively determine the yields of different cropping systems in relation to soil quality and climatic factors. These cropping systems are based on the utilization of “by-products” from one agricultural activity as an input to another crop cycle. Determine the impact of a cover crop, cattle grazing, papaya cropping system on soil fertility, plant nutrient status, pest control, yields and fruit quality in the lava rock soils of the Puna district. Evaluate current and historical cropping systems on former sugar cane lands in the aged, volcanic soils of the North Kohala district, including sampling and analysis of the soil quality, yields and crop quality, and byproducts. Evaluate the suitability of agricultural by-products from diverse cropping systems as feed for livestock and/or aquaculture. Provide outreach and recommendations on cropping systems suitable for varying combinations of farmer interests, soil and climate types.
