Project Overview
Commodities
- Agronomic: grass (misc. perennial), peanuts
- Animals: bovine
Practices
- Animal Production: feed/forage, pasture renovation
- Production Systems: holistic management
Proposal summary:
Drought conditions in pastures cause stress to forage, animals,
and farmers. With every percentage increase in soil organic
matter (SOM), pasture land has the ability to hold 25,000
additional gallons of water per acre (US Forest Service,
2015). Furthermore, every percentage increase of SOM can
provide up to 30 pounds of available nitrogen per acre (US Forest
Service, 2015). In order to allow greater soil water
holding capacity and extend the grazing season, different
tropical pasture forages will be evaluated in combination with
biodynamic farming practices.
Since different forages occupy different areas of the
rhizosphere, it is hypothesized that Brachiaria hybrid
‘Mulato II’ and perennial peanut (Arachis pintal) will
offer forage later into drought conditions and grow
synergistically together. By utilizing biodynamic farming
practices in combination with these forages, it is hypothesized
that soil health, plant vigor, and drought tolerance will be
improved. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that biodynamic
farming practices will strengthen the “life force” of the forage
thus contributing to the health and vitality of the animals.
Biodynamic practices have been utilized for over 100 years and
provide an innovative approach to solving many of the problems
faced by farmers and ranchers. Biodynamic practices have
the potential to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides which can lead to improved health of the
applicator. Biodynamic agriculture also demonstrates how to
become a better steward of the land and grow through connecting
with nature.
Project objectives from proposal:
Objective 1 of this project is to evaluate the establishment of
Brachiaria hybrid ‘Mulato II’ and Arachis
pintal, perennial peanut with and without biodynamic
practices.
Objective 2 is to assess soil health parameters.
Objective 3 is to measure plant sap of ‘Mulato II’ and perennial
peanut in order to determine the health and productivity of
forages within each treatment.
Objective 4 is to educate farmers on Kauai and throughout the
state of Hawaii about biodynamic practices.
The first educational objective of this project is to inform
farmers how to improve tropical pasture management and soil
health utilizing the forages ‘Mulato II’ and perennial peanuts
through workshops, a factsheet, articles, and the project annual
and final report.
The second educational objective of this project is to raise
awareness and teach farmers on Kauai about biodynamic practices
including techniques for mixing and applying preparations,
utilizing manure to make on-farm compost, and the benefits this
method has for advancing sustainable agriculture.