Integrating water and soil management for Hawaii, Pacific Basin
Adopting sound water and nutrient management requires a holistic approach that includes efficient use of water and nutrient resources, maintenance and enhancement of soil health and protection of the environment beyond the farm.
The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service conducted 14 on-farm trials to monitor soil health management strategies and their effects on soil health and crop yields. Through various webinars and on-farm field activities, six Extension faculty and more than 50 producers are now equipped with the knowledge and practical experience in selecting soil health building management practices, providing guidance on how to implement them, and interpreting soil health test data to determine the direction of change (degrading, maintaining or aggrading).
Results of the various on-farm fertilizer trails produced economic and environmental impacts. Field-based evidence showed that using a soil test can reduce fertilizer inputs by as much 25% to 97%. These reductions in fertilizer use represent a substantial reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loading in the field, also reducing potential off-farm contamination without negatively affecting crop yields.
Link to full statement on website: http://landgrantimpacts.tamu.edu/impacts/show/6146