Use of Cover Crops with Medicinal Herbs in North Hawaii

View the project final report

• 2011 annual report

Commodities

• Agronomic: oats
• Additional Plants: herbs

Practices

• Crop Production: cover crops, irrigation, organic fertilizers, tissue analysis
• Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research, youth education, technical assistance
• Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, new enterprise development, marketing management, value added
• Pest Management: row covers (for pests)
• Production Systems: agroecosystems, holistic management, organic agriculture
• Soil Management: organic matter, soil analysis, soil chemistry
• Sustainable Communities: leadership development, employment opportunities

This project has three main components, all with the goal of increasing the viability of and employment opportunities on small family farms in North Kohala:

1. Research the difference in tropical herb potency with the use of cover crops applied three different ways.

2. Hire youth to assist in farm operations for all phases of the project.

3.Create a value-added medicinal tea that will be sold at a farmers' market.

Findings for this project will be demonstrated at a Field Day and publicized via Cooperative Extension.

1. Determine the optimum stress conditions for medicinal plant growth for five tropical medicinal plants.

2.Provide additional income for small family farms through the marketing of tropical medicinals.

3. Provide local youth with inspiration and knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices through paid farm internships.