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Planning for Organic Conversion in Taro in Molokai, Hawaii, USA
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| Overview | Using cover crops, intercropping and other techniques of organic farming to grow taro (Colocasia esculenta) to determine economic sustainability and improved soil quality. |
| Scale | Subsistence Farm |
| Location | Hoolehua, Molokai (21º 15' N, 157º 05' E) |
| Elevation | Sea Level |
| Climate | Tropical Rainforest (Af, Am) |
| Agricultural Region | Plantation Agriculture (G) |
| Population Density | 7-17 Persons/square kilometer |
| Principle Crops | Taro (Colocasia esculenta) |
| Domestic Animals | N/A |
| Soils | Udic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols and Ultisols; Inceptisols (X3) |
| Natural Vegetation | Broadleaf Evergreen Trees (B) |
| Ecoregion | Rainforest Province Constantly humid, broadleaf evergreen forest (Tr3) |
| Basic Principles addressed | Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, Conserve Resources, Diversify, Maximize Long-Term Benefits |
| Page Author and Date | James A. Boswell, 2001 |
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Taro is an important food staple to Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike. It is tied to Hawaii's rich culture and the mystique of the islands. Crops are grown in lo'i's (patti's) for those fortunate enough to live next to streams; and for the rest of us, on cultivated lands. Taro is planted into bare soil; or plastic mulch is used to reduce weed infestation and conserve moisture. Taro is typically irrigated using T-tape. Weed control is accomplished with the application of Goal as a post emergent, followed up with Roundup as a spot treatment up until the canopy fills in. |
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Mono-cropping pineapple for 35+ years left the land in poor shape, e.g. acidic pH values (< 5), compacted soils, soils lacking in organic matter, high nematode populations, etc. Overall, land was unproductive for lengthy periods unless the farmer (s) had the resources to add soil amendments. Adopting techniques, e.g. cover crop management, crop rotation, biological systems, etc. will help to prevent the negative affects of plantation agriculture on the land. |
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Use Renewable Resources Planting of sun hemp (Crotolaria spp.) as a green manure crop to provide nitrogen and incorporate for its organic matter. Taro crop residue to be incorporated into the soil for recycling of nutrients and organic matter. Minimize Toxics Hot water dip treatment (6 minutes in water held at 120º F) to disinfest for taro root aphids. Use of micro sprinklers (assimilate rain) for aphid control. Planting of annual and perennial flowers to attract predators, parasites, etc. Conserve Resources Conserve Soil through the use of cover crops with tropic lalo paspalum (P. hieronymii) mixed white clover (Trifolium repens), or big trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), or desmodiums (D. spp.). Also use upright erythrina (E. variegata) for windbreaks. Conserve Water through the use of drip irrigation. Conserve Capital utilizing family members to reduce labor cost inputs (obtain tax credits for family members). Diversify Biota- Initial rotation of crops to be completed after fourth year (to determine overall sustainability of organic conversion). Include at a later point in time, intercropping systems between beds. Economics- Produce value added products, e.g. poi, kulolo, flour, etc. Develop a modified CSA with no consumer commitment... Maximize Long-Term Benefits Increase the quality of life by promoting harmonious family relationships. Improve soil "tilth." |
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