By Dr. Leslie Simpson, Contributor
California red worms used in Vermi-composting of coffee beans. - Contributed
INTRODUCTION
Studies on organic farming are part of the research activities of the Natural Resources Management (NRM) Section of the CARDI, Jamaica Unit. These studies are intended to provide information to organic producers on important aspects such as composting, managing soil fertility and producing important local commodities such as callaloo, pepper, cowpea, sorrel and corn under organic conditions. They will also develop the experience of the researchers in organic farming.
COMPOSTING STUDIES
The objective of these studies is to compare the nutrient composition of compost made from different raw materials using the pit and heap composting methods. In this component, various bi-products of agricultural production and agricultural industries of Jamaica are utilized in appropriate mixes to produce compost. The bi-products of agricultural production used in this study include coffee husk, citrus pulp, callaloo trimmings, fresh cow and goat manure, filter press mud, and grass and leaf trimmings. Data is being collected on appropriate mixes of these by-products to produce the best quality of compost.
An important component of the composting studies is Vermi-composting using California red worms. This process has been demonstrated on the field station using coffee beans as the substrate. This method produced compost which has been used in the production of hot pepper seedling resulting in healthier transplants than those from commercial potting mixtures.
ORGANIC PRODUCTION PLOTS
This component involves the production of organic plots of local commodities which will be grown in sequence in the cropping area in collaboration with the Jamaica Organic Agricultural Movement (JOAM). To date demonstration plots of callaloo and 'Scotch Bonnet' hot pepper have been grown utilizing compost prepared in the other studies. The pepper has produced well using only compost and organic manure. The callaloo grew very slowly with organic manure and was severely affected by various leaf chewing pests. The callaloo plots have been replaced by sorrel. Organic callaloo may require the development of a variety that is not dependent on high levels of fertilizer nitrogen for rapid growth. Trap cropping may also be necessary to assist in pest control. This component is providing valuable information on the required practices for the growth of these crops under organic conditions.
Dr. Leslie Simpson, Soil Scientist and Head of Natural Resources Section, CARDI Jamaica Unit.
