Day 23: UPRM EEA-Lajas Organic Farm, Dr. Bryan Brunner (Pt. II)

"Coqui frog on the farm" Feared in Guam loved in Puerto Rico!

So today we headed back to the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez EEA-Lajas Organic Farm to finish where we left on our last visit. The days activities consisted of harvesting fresh legumes by hand and then harvesting and collecting data for the sweet potatoes that were grown as part of the tire experiment.



When we arrived at the experimental station the first thing we did was have a look at our sweet potato towers made of tires that we constructed on the first weeks visit. Overall they seemed to be doing okay even though they were watered sparsely. We also were able to see how the sweet potatoes cuttings we planted directly into the hay stacks were doing. These didn't survive because of the lack of watering but if they were watered properly most likely they would still be okay. The hay stacks dont retain the water as well as the soil in the tires. Though the hay stacks didnt make and the tires werent thriving it was still good to see the results.





After checking that out we headed to the rows of nitrogen fixing legumes which were ready for harvest. After a quick demonstration on how to harvest by Dr. Brunner we began cutting and harvesting. Overall in wasnt that tough but that was because we were all working hard at the job. In the end we harvested two rows of the legumes and filled up one trailer. Job done!





















The last thing we did for the day was harvest sweet potatoes and collect information and the experiment results. The experiment was to see if the sweet potatoes produce higher yields in tire towers instead of in the ground. Basically the idea was that the tire towers would produce more since they created more area in a given area than in the ground. So we dug up the sweet potatoes and started counting. We categorized the sweet potatoes into commercial yield and non-commercial yield. A total of 3 repetitions were planted - each consisting of 3 different planting methods (3 tires, 5 tires and conventional). Data collection revealed that there was no significant difference among the three different methods of planting that was used. It was also mentioned that because the beds werent watered as much as they were supposed to be it might of limited the size and amount of the yields. Dr. Brunner said next time he does this experiment he will set up a drip irrigation system so the plants will recieve proper watering. In the end the experiment was a success and we were able to conclude our work at the farm!



















Before we said our farewells to to the farm we stopped by the local frappe (smoothie shack) and had some smoothies! The Frappe shacks here in Puerto Rico are awesome and you could tell because they were always busy. Lastly we said our farewells to Dr. Brunner and headed back home! :D