Pest Control

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Maintaining proper pest control is vital to producing quality crop yields, and there are moreover multiple methods of controlling pest populations with varying environmental implications. Accordingly, integrated pest management (IPM) considers strategies that aim to reduce pest populations in a safe and economical manner. 

These strategies involve the use of pesticides, in tandem with various cultural agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, timing of planting and harvesting, sanitation, and 'natural enemies'. It is key to note that while natural pest control can arise from both living and non-living factors without human involvement, such as weather, or fungi that control a particular pest biological pest control involves human influence, including the use of beneficial insects that assist in controlling pest populations. 

Biological pest control moreover accounts for plant resistance and the use of pesticides. Biological control agents typically involve predators, parasites, and pathogens. These each act with the capacity to reduce, delay, or prevent infestations. Populations of insects that are beneficial to crop wellbeing can be increased by conservation, augmentation, and importation. 

Conservation requires a change in agricultural practices that enables the wellbeing of beneficial species, such as the moderation of pesticides that might harm species that assist in pest control.

Augmentation involves adding 'natural enemies' to the area where crops are grown. They can be bought or reared, and assist in increasing the deaths within these pest populations. 

Importation considers that pest infestations arise as non-native invasive species are introduced to the area. As such, 'natural enemies' can be imported and carefully introduced into these areas as a form of pest control. Methods involving importation must be meticulously monitored to ensure that their introduction does not cause further issues.

In accordance with this, it is pivotal that beneficial insects are protected and conserved. This might be achieved by:

• Increasing one's awareness and education about pests and other organisms.

• Gaining skills in identifying and distinguishing beneficial insects. 

• Minimizing the application of insecticides and similar substances. 

• Using selective insecticides and other mechanisms of pest control that target harmful species.

• Maintaining ground cover and the physical environment of crops. 

• Providing pollen, nectar, and other artificial sources of sustenance for beneficial organisms. 

Certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms function as forms of natural pest control, such as insect-specific viruses that can assist in controlling populations of destructive caterpillars. While particular pathogens have been mass-produced and packaged, most of these strategies have not been readily formulated and distributed as effective microbial insecticides.

If you have any tips or suggestions surrounding pest control, please feel free to share them with us!

Coping with Dry Season Disasters and Phenomena

Coping with Dry Season

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        Dry season in Trinidad and Tobago traditionally runs from February to May, though this can vary. The season is accordingly associated with decreased rainfall, hot temperatures, and dry weather. This results in conditions and issues of water scarcity, fires, drought, reduced air quality, and agricultural loss. During the dry season, it becomes essential to take measures that enable the healthy growth of plants and agricultural yields. This includes methods such as: 

Creating Irrigation Systems 

Irrigation is pivotal for crop growth, and it acts as a means of facilitating the transportation of water in soil. Irrigation systems can be made water efficient through using methods such as the drip irrigation system, which reduces evaporation levels. 

Using Mulch and Crop Covers 

Mulch and crop covers provide a protective layer that shield the earth from direct contact with the sun. This ensures the retention of moisture in the soil, and reduces evaporation. Methods such as composting provide a similar effect while simultaneously offering a sustainable use for food scraps, and a nutritive substance that encourages plant health. 

Planning Planting 

 Crops can be planted in smaller dense areas to facilitate water efficient watering systems, such as hydroponic systems. It further ensures that less water can be used to keep the soil moist. New technologies and innovations, such as vertical farming can assist in this as well. 

Repair Leaks and Maintain Systems 

During the Dry season, a key concern centers on water scarcity. Accordingly, leaks and poorly maintained irrigation systems can result in water wastage and shortages over time. Replacing parts and having regular checks promotes water conservation through reducing the risk of water wastage. 

Using Innovative Water Collection Methods 

Using innovative methods of water collection can assist in ensuring that crops are kept hydrated and healthy. This might include the collection of rainwater, collection of water condensation from air conditioning units, and the recycling and use of filtered greywater from certain domestic uses. 

       There are many methods of collecting, conserving, and responsibly using water, especially when it comes to issues associated with agriculture and crop health during the dry season and drought. 

Please feel free to suggest and comment any other methods that might act against the risks associated with the dry season that can be detrimental to crop health.

Soil

 World Soil Day

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    World Soil Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy soil. Soil degradation persists as a significant issue, with processes such as salinization threatening soil health and ecosystems. Proper soil health is pivotal for healthy agriculture and crops, food security, and environmental sustainability. This includes minimizing the amount of nutrients lost from soil, and ensuring that it is well balanced as an essential resource. Soil hence has several key functions intertwined with agriculture, including:

• the support and structuring of plants
• the regulation of water and air
• nutrient cycling
• pest control
• the maintenance of microhabitats

 Microorganisms in soil such as fungi and bacteria, along with other ground-dwelling organisms are important to the processes that sustain soil, including decomposition, nutrient dispersion, and nutrient cycling. 

What can we do to ensure that our soil is healthy?

• Reduce Soil Compaction

This might involve not walking or placing heavy pressure on wet soil. Densely compacted soil limits the flow of water and air through the soil, and further hinders root growth. This might be achieved through implementing raised garden beds, or having designated walking paths that avoid roots as much as possible. Composting and adding organic matter can also reduce compaction.

• Use Organic Matter and Fertilizers

Using fertilizers that meet the needs of specific soil as required can assist in maintaining a healthy balance of essential substances. Likewise, adding organic matter and using methods such as composting can encourage nutrient diversity, soil quality, and water and air availability through natural processes of decomposition. 

• Add Mulch or Cover Crops

Mulch can be used to protect topsoil from erosion, limit the growth of weeds and pests, and reduce the risk of loss of soil and spread of soil-borne pathogens or plant diseases from movements such as rainfall. Mulch can likewise increase the amount of organic matter and nutrients within the soil as it is broken down.

• Consider Alternatives to Harmful Pesticides

The chemicals used in some pesticides can sometimes do more harm than intended from their use. As an alternative, individuals can consider using water to wash pests away, adding deterrents and medications made from natural oils, or planting disease or pest resistant strains of crops. 

• Engage in Restorative Agricultural Practices

 This might include incorporating practices such as crop rotations which assists in maintaining the nutrients present within soil, and limiting the spread of harmful microbes that cause plant diseases. This can also be done through planting a diverse variety of plants as opposed to monocropping. 

Coping with Rainy Season Phenomena

Coping with Rainy Season

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    Rainy Season presents a set of unique conditions and disaster risks that threaten the wellbeing of human livelihoods. This includes home gardens and crops. 

    Natural phenomena, such as heavy and prolonged rainfall, flooding, and strong winds possess the capacity for destruction. Crops and plant life are particularly vulnerable to weather phenomena since climate and resource availability are central to agricultural sustainability. 

What can Rainy Season phenomena do? ☔

• Flooding can result in the contamination of local bodies of water through dispersing pesticides, waste products, and other potential pollutants via surface runoff. 
• Flooding and heavy rainfall can also result in the loss of nutrients from soil, which disadvantages plant health.
• Harsh weather phenomena, including heavy rainfall and winds, as well as flooding, can result in the loss of harvests and crops as they become damaged or destroyed.
• Adverse weather conditions can also result in the destruction of infrastructure related to crops and agriculture, including plant supports, irrigation systems, and other essential items.
• Poor climate conditions can increase the susceptibility of plants to diseases and ailments.

What can we do to reduce the impacts of Natural Phenomena on plant life? 🌱

• Individuals can devise preparedness and recovery plans that aim to assist in alleviating the impacts of adverse weather phenomena.  
• Trees can provide protection against some of the adverse impacts of environmental phenomena, such as strong winds and rain. They further provide nourishment to soil as their leaves can act as a fertilizer. 
• 'Living Barriers', similar to trees, can be planted to fortify crop protection, reduce water loss through surface runoff, and stabilize soil. This can be achieved through hedges, tall grass, and similar plants.
• Harvesting rainwater during Rainy Season can also be a useful tactic in preparation for drought and hot conditions.  
• Small or domestic crops in pots and containers can be placed in sheltered areas during adverse weather conditions.

Garden Update #1: Seasonal Crops

Seasonal Crops 

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    June to December marks the commencement of the second half of the year, and signifies Rainy Season in Trinidad and Tobago. Accordingly, seasonal crops are often planted in preparation for the end of the year harvest. They usually bare between December and January, even if they are planted a few months too late. These include sorrel and pigeon peas, which are crops synonymous with Trinidad and Tobago Christmas culture. 

• Both of these crops can be easily germinated from seeds saved from prior harvests or purchases. Pigeon peas plants can be hatched from matured peas, as well as from dried pigeon peas. 
• In tandem with this, both plants grow relatively easily and require little maintenance. 
• They can be planted directly into the earth, or in a suitably sized pot or container. 
• They accordingly begin producing flowers that become the produce we collect and use. 
• They usually need to be cleaned or shelled in some way. 
• Harvesting pigeon peas involves opening the pod and removing the individual peas. 
• On the other hand, using sorrel involves peeling the red skin off of the seed pod. 

   

 Sorrel petals and pigeon peas can be used for a variety of cuisines.

Sorrel:

• Sorrel petals or skin can be boiled and seasoned with spices to create a festive Christmas drink. 
• Sorrel skin, either fresh or left over from making Sorrel drinks, can be boiled with sugar and lime juice to make Sorrel Jam.
• Sorrel can be dried and used for teas.
• Sorrel can be preserved as savory local pickles, including Kuchela.

Pigeon Peas:

• Pigeon peas can be cooked in a variety of savory styles, as with any other legume. 
• Pigeon peas can also be frozen or dried for times when it is not in season.

If you have any unique methods of using these produce items, then feel free to comment and share them!