Alternative Sustainable Practices for Selected Crops in Puerto Rico

Project Overview

ES97-033
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 1997: $10,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $15,000.00
Region: Southern
State: Puerto Rico
Principal Investigator:
Miguel F. Monroig
University of Puerto Rico

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Fruits: bananas, general tree fruits

Practices

  • Crop Production: conservation tillage
  • Education and Training: extension, technical assistance
  • Pest Management: cultural control, integrated pest management, mulches - killed, mulches - living, precision herbicide use, sanitation, mulching - vegetative
  • Production Systems: general crop production
  • Soil Management: organic matter, soil quality/health
  • Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

    Abstract:

    The project trained agricultural professionals, producers and other groups in the use of sustainable practices for coffee and starchy crops. Those practices were gathered from farmers, agronomists, ecologists, conservationists and others and printed in two abbreviated compendiums to be distributed among this clientele. The major goal was for coffee and plantain farmers to adopt the sustainable practices for the preservation of the environment, for economic benefits and for social justice for the people of the mountain region of Puerto Rico. Compendiums were prepared and are available for distribution. Adoption of sustainable practices have already increased by forty five percent.

    Project objectives:

    1.To stimulate agricultural professionals, producers and other groups to get involved and aware of alternative sustainable practices for coffee, starchy crops, and general agriculture production.
    2.To collect sustainable practices in the referred subject matter among farmers, agricultural professionals and interested institutions.
    3.To prepare three abbreviated compendiums containing such practices.
    4.To distribute the information among the above mentioned clientele.
    5.To follow up the adoption of those practices.
    6.To enhance our sustainable agriculture strategic and training plans.
    7.To prepare materials available for other countries and Spanish audiences in the United States.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.