August
31
2015

Four Additional Demonstration Plots Planted

Since our last report, four additional demonstration plots have been planted, bringing the total to five. Two were planted each with a single variety of corn, and another was planted with three different varieties of corn, with several rows of beans as well. Two separate 18’x18’ plots were planted with moringa trees. The area hasn’t had rain in about two weeks, and the team recently had to water the moringa trees, which were not heavily mulched and were starting to wilt. However, an inspection of the corn, which had been heavily mulched, revealed that even without rain for so long, the soil was still damp underneath the mulch!

We were disappointed to learn that cows invaded our first two plots of corn. Fortunately, they ate mainly the tops of the plants, and we are hopeful that most of the crop will grow back. We have installed a temporary fence to secure these plots against animals, and are working with Sesa Mu (a local university student group committed to assisting farmers with improved techniques) to install a permanent, robust fence.