Innovative Sustainable Farming Practices for Specialty Crops at Asawana Farms

Commodities

• Agronomic: other
• Vegetables: greens (leafy), okra, sweet potatoes, other

Practices

• Animal Production: manure management, parasite control
• Crop Production: application rate management, cover crops, fertilizers, foliar feeding, multiple cropping, organic fertilizers
• Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, mentoring, on-farm/ranch research, workshop
• Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture
• Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, soil stabilization
• Pest Management: biological control, integrated pest management, mulching - vegetative, mulching - plastic, row covers (for pests)
• Production Systems: organic agriculture
• Soil Management: composting, organic matter, soil analysis
• Sustainable Communities: community development, community services, food access and security, food sovereignty, local and regional food systems, new business opportunities, partnerships, public participation, urban agriculture

Asawana Farms, an organic farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, aims to enhance soil health, manage pests and weeds sustainably, and increase profitability in specialty crop production. With technical support from AfriThrive, we’ll implement eco-friendly practices like cover cropping, composting, and organic pest control. Our approach includes planting cover crops (clover and rye) to improve soil and suppress weeds, using beneficial insects and organic pesticides for pest management, and adding compost to boost soil nutrients. Designated plot trials will allow us to gather data on soil health, pest and weed levels, crop yields, and economic impact.

To share these practices, Asawana Farms will host workshops, a farm tour, and publish findings in local agricultural channels. This outreach will benefit Maryland-based immigrant farmers, especially those cultivating culturally significant crops, providing them with a replicable model of sustainable farming. Expected outcomes include healthier soils, reduced environmental impact, and improved profitability, supporting Northeast SARE’s mission for resilient, sustainable agriculture.

The primary objectives of this project at Asawana Farms are to improve sustainable practices in specialty crop production, enhance farm productivity, and increase profitability through eco-friendly soil and pest management. Each objective is structured to yield measurable outcomes and provide replicable insights for other small-scale farmers in the region.

1. Enhance soil health and fertility through cover cropping and composting
   Objective: To increase soil organic matter and nutrient availability by implementing cover crops (clover and rye) and organic composting.
   Measurement: Evaluate changes in soil organic matter, nutrient levels, and water retention capacity across treated and untreated plots over one growing season.
   Expected Outcome: Improved soil health that enhances crop resilience, yield quality, and long-term productivity.
2. Reduce pest pressure using organic pest management techniques
   Objective: To lower pest populations and reduce synthetic pesticide reliance by introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs and parasitic wasps) and testing organic pesticides (such as neem oil).
   Measurement: Assess pest population levels and crop damage before and after the introduction of natural pest control methods. Track input costs for pest management to evaluate cost-effectiveness.
   Expected Outcome: Effective, sustainable pest management that minimizes chemical use and health risks while maintaining crop quality and yield.
3. Evaluate economic impact on farm income
   Objective: To increase farm income through sustainable practices by enhancing crop yield and quality while reducing input costs associated with synthetic chemicals.
   Measurement: Compare input costs, yield, and quality from previous seasons to measure changes in farm profitability.
   Expected Outcome: Increased income from high-quality, sustainably grown produce that meets consumer demand and supports the farm’s economic viability.
4. Share knowledge and practices with the local farming community
   Objective: To expand the adoption of sustainable practices by educating other small-scale farmers on soil and pest management techniques tailored for specialty crops.
   Measurement: Host at least two workshops, conduct a farm tour, and share results with 25 or more local farmers, including pre- and post-workshop surveys to assess knowledge gain and interest in adoption.
   Expected Outcome: Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable practices within the regional farming community, fostering a more resilient local food system.