Project Overview
EW08-013
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2008: $53,768.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2011
Region: Western
State: Hawaii
Principal Investigator:
Dr. james leary
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Co-Investigators:
Dr. Brent Sipes
University of Hawaii
Annual Reports
Information Products
(Fact Sheet)
Commodities
- Fruits: general tree fruits
Practices
- Crop Production: conservation tillage
- Education and Training: extension, on-farm/ranch research
- Pest Management: biological control, mulches - living, mulching - vegetative, weed ecology
- Production Systems: transitioning to organic
- Soil Management: green manures, organic matter, soil analysis
Abstract:
Sunn hemp can be used as a green manure cover crop to control weeds, nematodes, and other pests, add nutrients to the soil, and prevent soil erosion. These benefits from sunn hemp act to increase soil health in agricultural fields. Overall, fields cover cropped with sunn hemp exhibit a more robust and complex soil nematode community—a sign of a healthy soil ecosystem. Innovative growers have recognized the benefits of sunn hemp and are seeking seeds and desire collaboration with researchers as these producers integrate sunn hemp into their individual cropping systems.
Project objectives:
- To establish field day demonstrations for maximizing sunn hemp establishment and biomass productivity.
To demonstrate the qualities of sunn hemp as a surface residue.
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.