Non-Chemical Weed Management Workshop Highlights from Manati, Puerto Rico
Live workshop demonstrations: best-fit technology & specialized techniques
Bringing regenerative farming practices into existing production spaces builds soil health, diversifies farmer income streams & supports growing more healthy food crops. Healthy soils & regenerative agriculture practices build food security & disaster resilience here in Puerto Rico.
Thanks to everyone who attended the Sustainable Agriculture Workshop in Manati, Puerto Rico! We had a great turnout for a great day of training & peer-to-peer learning!
This bilingual workshop focused on sustainable agriculture strategies well-suited to Puerto Rico. We focused on non-chemical weed management, cover crop production, harvest technology, harvest strategy, and local sourcing of agricultural inputs & materials.
Our heartfelt appreciation to all the participants & faciliators who made this workshop possible!
Workshop presentation sessions. Live translation provided by AlterEgo, PR
We held a workshop at Hacienda Esperanza in Manati, home to local non-profit Para La Naturaleza. The topic was "Non Chemical Weed Management Techniques." Experts from the National Center for Appropriate Technology, Para La Naturaleza, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, local business experts, and Ridge to Reefs gave presentations on these topics. Participants engaged in live demonstrations & peer-to-peer learning.
Appropriate techonology & specialized equipment for Puerto Rican small farms
Many of the producers currently engaged in farm soil health regeneration with the On-Farm Trials Project came to share their experience & learn from each other and the presenting experts. The On-Farm Trials project is focused on regenerative production agriculture systems in Puerto Rico. Regenerative systems include: crop diversification, nitrogen fixing cover crops, green manure species, reduced tillage regimes & on-farm production of non-chemical fertilizers and other agronomic inputs.
Calling chocolate lovers! This is a beautiful cacao pod growing in Puerto Rico.
Francisco Arroyo of Motocultores, LLC and Dr. Joachim Chong from University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez gave live demonstrations on Cover Crop Termination Techniques as well as Reduced Tillage Techniques. Participants experienced using a Flail Mower and Power Harrow for preparing soil areas for planting.
Francisco Arroyo of Motocultores demonstrating specialized small farm equipment
Dr. Joachim Chong and Francisco Arroyo demonstrating equipment use
Phal Mantha from Ridge to Reefs gave a practical demonstration on non-chemical herbicide alternatives. Participants experimented with techniques for making their own broad spectrum, non-selective herbicides utilizing D-Limonene, plant based essential oils, and citric acid. Participants learned about effective application techniques, timing, and application rates.
Workshop presentations were given by Andy Pressman from NCAT, Phalgun Mantha and Ricardo Liquet-Gonzales rom Ridge to Reefs, translated by Guillermo Cordero from AlterEgo
Thanks to all facilitators, attendees, volunteers & funders who made this workshop possible!
Funded by USDA NRCS Grant # NR213A750013G006.
Special thanks to:
Guillermo Cordero from AlterEgo, who donated professional Spanish-English translation services.
Gustavo Arroyo, who donated agricultural expertise, time and served amazing coffee.
Para la Naturaleza, who hosted the workshop space and PLN staff Salvador Coleman and Carlos Torres Baez who assisted with the workshop.
Dr. Joachim Chong of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez is an expert in biochar & production of bio inputs from local waste (hello, upcycling into agriculture income!).
Francisco Arroyo of Motocultores, LLC, provided expertise and training in Walk-Behind Tractors and the use of Small Farm Implements in Puerto Rico.
All the workshop attendees, including our On-Farm Trials project partners, other local farmers, home gardeners & community members who came out to spend their day exploring non-chemical regenerative agriculture techniques.
Coordinating the workshop were Andy Pressman and agriculture specialists from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
Coordinating staff from Ridge to Reefs were Phal Mantha, Director of Agriculture and Sustainability, and Ricardo Liquet-Gonzalez, Puerto Rico Project Coordinator for Ridge to Reefs.