Integrating Fermented Organic Solutions and Precision Agriculture for Enhanced Soil Health and Sustainable Cacao Production in Puerto Rico

Commodities

Practices

Our proposed solution focuses on three main components:

1. Biol and Humus Production and Application:

   • Biol Production: Biol is an organic, nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer made from locally sourced materials, including donkey or goat manure, coffee grounds, ash, molasses, and green plant residues. Molasses not only provides energy for the cacao trees but also serves as a food source for beneficial soil microbes. By recycling farm waste and using natural ingredients, we aim to create a sustainable nutrient source that enhances microbial life and soil organic matter. We will produce biol in 45-gallon fermentation tanks initially, scaling up to 250-gallon tanks as the project progresses.
   • Ground Injection of Biol and Humus: We will use a UTV-mounted system with battery-operated pumps to inject biol and humus directly into the soil at depths of 6-18 inches. This method ensures that nutrients are delivered efficiently to the root zone, reducing runoff and nutrient loss, especially on our farm’s steep slopes. By injecting these organic fertilizers into the ground, we expect to see a significant increase in microbial activity, which will improve nutrient availability and help our cacao trees better resist diseases and environmental stresses. Additionally, we will continue foliar applications of a humus, coffee grounds, ash, and molasses mix to provide supplemental nutrition.
   • Scientific Basis: The effectiveness of our nutrient management strategy will be monitored through regular soil and nutrient testing. We will measure key soil health indicators, including organic matter content, microbial activity, and nutrient levels, to track improvements over time. Our goal is to create a replicable model for sustainable nutrient management that can be adopted by other small-scale farmers in tropical regions.

2. QR Code Technology for Precision Agriculture:

   • QR Code System Implementation: To increase efficiency and data accuracy, we will tag all 650 cacao trees with QR codes. These codes will link to a cloud-based database where we can record nutrient applications, soil health data, and yield information. Workers will use tablets to scan the QR codes and input real-time data directly into the system. This technology will reduce the risk of data loss, streamline our record-keeping, and enable us to make informed decisions about nutrient management and tree care.
   • Long-Term Benefits: By tracking each tree’s performance, we will be able to identify high-yielding trees that can be cloned and underperforming trees that may need additional care or replacement. The data collected will also allow us to analyze the impact of our nutrient management practices and adjust them as needed to maximize productivity. We are committed to the long-term maintenance of this system and will allocate funds from increased revenue to cover future costs.

3. Outreach and Knowledge Sharing:

   • Workshops and Field Days: To share our findings and promote sustainable practices, we will host workshops and field days in collaboration with local experts from the Moca Agriculture Extension Office, the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez (UPR RUM), the International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF), and the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS). These events will provide hands-on training on biol production, ground injection techniques, and the use of QR code technology. Participants will learn how to implement these practices on their own farms, contributing to the wider adoption of sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico.
   • Educational Materials and Online Resources: We will create step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and educational publications to share our methods and results. These resources will be made available online, ensuring that farmers who cannot attend in person can still benefit from our research. By engaging with the broader agricultural community, we hope to inspire other farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices and improve the resilience of their crops.

Why This Solution Will Work

Our proposed solution is grounded in scientific principles and practical, hands-on experience. We have already observed the challenges of nutrient loss and soil degradation on our farm, and we believe that a combination of organic nutrient management and precision agriculture technology can address these issues effectively. By increasing microbial life in the soil through biol injections, we will enhance the soil's ability to retain nutrients and support healthy plant growth. This, in turn, will reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and improve the overall sustainability of our farm.

Our farm's current practices, such as the avoidance of pesticides, herbicides, and harmful fertilizers, demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. The proposed project builds on this foundation by integrating advanced techniques and modern technology. We are confident that our approach will not only benefit our farm but also serve as a model for other cacao and crop growers in the region.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved Soil Health: We anticipate an increase in soil organic matter, microbial activity, and nutrient availability, leading to healthier and more productive cacao trees.
• Higher Cacao Yields: By optimizing nutrient management, we expect a 10-15% increase in cacao yields.
• Economic and Community Impact: Our project will support local job creation and provide training opportunities for farm workers, equipping them with valuable skills in sustainable agriculture. The outreach component will benefit the broader farming community, promoting practices that enhance soil health and resilience to climate change.

Commitment to Sustainability

The purpose of this project is to create a sustainable nutrient management system that improves soil health, reduces environmental impact, and increases farm productivity. We believe that by investing in our soil and using nature-based solutions, we can build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.

Collaboration and Support

Collaboration with the Moca Agriculture Extension Office, UPR RUM, IITF, and TARS will provide us with access to fruit tree experts, soil scientists, and irrigation specialists. These partnerships will enhance the technical rigor of our project and ensure that we are using the most effective and up-to-date methods.

By integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology, our project represents a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture. We are committed to continuous improvement and look forward to sharing our journey with the community, contributing to the collective knowledge and well-being of farmers in Puerto Rico and the Southern region.

Methodology:

Our project aims to address the critical challenge of nutrient-depleted soils and inefficient nutrient management in cacao farming by implementing a comprehensive, data-driven approach that integrates biol production, ground injection of organic fertilizers, foliar application, and precision agriculture technology.

Step 1: Biol Production and Fermentation

1. Biol Ingredients: We will produce biol using farm waste materials, including donkey and goat manure, molasses, ash, and green plant residues. The inclusion of molasses not only provides an energy source for the plants but also serves as food for soil microbes, enhancing microbial activity.
2. Fermentation Process:
   • Initial batches will be prepared in 45-gallon tanks, allowing for controlled monitoring of microbial activity and nutrient content. The fermentation process will last for 6-8 weeks.
   • Once the process is well-established, we will scale up to 250-gallon tanks, of which we currently own one. Additional tanks will be acquired as needed, ensuring a continuous supply of biol.
3. Monitoring Parameters: We will track temperature, pH, and nutrient levels throughout fermentation to ensure optimal conditions for microbial growth. Microbial analysis will be conducted periodically to evaluate the effectiveness of the fermentation process.

Step 2: Ground Injection of Biol and Humus

1. Application Method:
   • Initial Setup: We will use a 25-gallon UTV-mounted tank to apply biol to the root zones of our cacao trees, injecting the solution 6-18 inches deep to maximize nutrient absorption. As the project progresses, we will upgrade to 50-75 gallon UTV tanks with battery-operated pumps for more efficient delivery.
   • Injection Schedule: Biol will be injected at key growth stages, such as flowering and pod development, to support healthy tree growth. We will conduct applications once a week for the first month, then transition to bi-weekly treatments.
2. Complementary Humus Application: In addition to biol injections, we will apply a humus mixture (comprising humus, coffee grounds, ash, and molasses) both foliarly and as a ground injection. This ensures a well-rounded nutrient profile and boosts microbial life in the soil.

Step 3: Foliar Application of Humus, Coffee Grounds, and Ash

1. Application Details: We will continue our current practice of applying the humus, coffee grounds, and ash mixture foliarly to provide an immediate nutrient boost to the cacao trees. This will complement the ground injections, ensuring that the plants receive nutrients both through the roots and the foliage.
2. Timing: Foliar sprays will be conducted early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid leaf burn from the sun. Applications will follow the same schedule as the ground injections.

Step 4: QR Code-Based Precision Agriculture System

1. Implementation: All 650 cacao trees on our farm, currently identified with traditional tags, will be re-tagged with QR codes. These QR codes will link to a cloud-based database, such as Google Sheets, etc.
2. Data Collection: Farm workers will use smartphones or tablets to scan each QR code and input data on:
   • Nutrient applications (date, type, and quantity)
   • Soil health indicators (pH, organic matter, moisture levels)
   • Crop yield measurements (number of pods, weight of harvested cacao)
   • Tree health observations (signs of disease, growth patterns, stress indicators)
3. Training and Data Management: Workers will be trained on data entry and system maintenance, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. The QR code system will enable us to track the impact of our nutrient management practices in real time, allowing for data-driven adjustments.

Step 5: Soil Health and Yield Measurements

1. Soil Analysis: We will conduct soil tests at the start of the project and at regular intervals (every 6 months) to measure improvements in soil organic matter, nutrient levels (NPK), pH, and microbial activity. These tests will help us assess the effectiveness of biol and humus applications.
2. Yield Tracking: We will record cacao yields per tree, noting the number of pods and total weight of beans. Baseline data will be established before the project begins, and yield increases will be tracked over time.
3. Microbial Life Monitoring: We will conduct microbial assays to measure the increase in beneficial soil microbes, correlating this data with nutrient uptake and tree health.

Step 6: Collaboration and Technical Support

1. Moca Agriculture Extension Office: We will collaborate with the Moca Agriculture Extension Office for technical assistance. Their experts in fruit tree management, soil science, and irrigation will provide guidance on optimizing our practices and troubleshooting challenges.
2. International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF): Collaboration with the IITF and their cacao working group will give us access to research on cacao crop resilience and best practices for soil conservation.
3. Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS): We will leverage TARS resources at UPR RUM to enhance our understanding of sustainable cacao farming.

Data Analysis and Evaluation

1. Baseline and Progress Comparisons: We will compare soil health metrics and cacao yields against baseline data collected before project implementation. Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine the significance of any observed improvements.
2. QR Code System Efficiency: We will evaluate the efficiency of the QR code system in managing data, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring long-term usability. Feedback from farm workers will be collected to refine the system.
3. Outreach and Knowledge Sharing: Results will be shared through workshops, field days, and educational materials, benefiting other cacao farmers in Puerto Rico. We will also document our findings for publication in agricultural journals and present at regional conferences.

What We Are Measuring:

• Soil Health: Organic matter content, pH, nutrient levels (NPK), and microbial activity.
• Crop Yield: Number of pods per tree and total weight of harvested cacao.
• Tree Health: Growth rates, disease occurrence, and resilience to environmental stress.
• Nutrient Efficiency: Effectiveness of biol and humus applications in improving nutrient uptake.

Expected Outcomes and Impact

This methodology will address the problem of nutrient depletion and inefficient nutrient use by promoting sustainable and precise nutrient management. The project will lead to healthier soils, increased cacao yields, and improved tree resilience, enhancing the sustainability of our farm and providing a replicable model for other cacao growers in the region.

Our integration of organic practices with precision technology and strong community collaboration will contribute to the long-term viability of cacao farming in Puerto Rico, supporting both environmental and economic resilience.