How to improve soil fertility under declining bush fallows is a major problem for farmers across Solomon Islands. Land is under increasing pressure. Three KGA partners are currently testing soil fertility improvement methods using organic farming approaches. The methods are
- glircidia ( a legume tree coppiced for nitrogen rich mulch)
- vetiver grass (a contour erosion control plant that also provides good mulch to build soil organic matter)
- mucuna (or velvet bean – a vigorous ground cover planted as a legume fallow – it rapidly improves the soil fertility
- animal manures – small amounts of pig or chicken manure make a big difference to soil fertility
- composting – adding organic matter back to the soil using compost made from local organic materials
The methods – all proven already at various farmer schools and lead farmers – are being demonstrated to local farmers through their local networks.
For more information on these trials and methods please contact Andrew Nanau at Kastom Gaden.
