Managing the Soils That Nourish Us

Dr. Leon Young

While working with the Association of Pindu & Pungu in Soyo, Angola, Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer Dr. Leon Young (pictured above inspecting nitrogen-fixing nodules at the roots of bean plants) focused on issues of soil regeneration. He devised a locally appropriate guide for better soil conservation via increased incorporation of legume crops inoculated with rhizobium (a soil bacterium that assists in fixing nitrogen‑ an essential element for plant growth) and an itinerary of mixed organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments that reduce soil erosion and increase production.

Charlene Nash

Visiting the horticulture farm of Bernardo Lucas in Mozambique, Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer Charlene Nash sought to improve the farm’s soil through improved composting practices and land preparation management. Nash demonstrated proper compost building techniques through the layering of fresh and dried materials, and the monitoring of compost temperature to produce maximum benefits to crops and soils. Nash also focused on teaching the basic foundation of soil science, helping the farmers understand how producing nutrient rich soils can result in nutrient rich and healthy crops.

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Matilde D’Urzo

Soil scientist Matilde D’orzo provided support to Centro de Formacao Agro-Pecuaria de Siloe, an agricultural training center for youth in Mozambique, helping the center to address the problem of poor soil quality that was impeding production. Since Matilde’s visit, the center has applied new techniques and best practices. As a result, farmers increased the number of production cycles per year from two to three – thereby increasing production from 6 to 13 metric tons of vegetables and lowering their input costs by 33% over a one year period. According to Jose Barreras Marin, the head farmer at the center, better management of soils has also improved their ability to manage another strategic natural resource; when asked about the impact of new soil management techniques on the center’s agricultural potential, Jose stated, “Improved soil management has helped us decrease our need of another precious resource – water. We have now been able to increase biomass in our soil, which improves water retention and makes us less dependent on irrigation.”

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The development of conservation strategies is a crucial tool utilized by F2F volunteers to ensure long-term improvements to food production.  One host, one volunteer, one assignment at a time, Farmer-to-Farmer provides volunteer technical assistance to address the challenges of agricultural production.  By addressing soil conservation, Farmer-to-Farmer leaves a lasting impact on the long-term preservation of this essential natural resource.

Read more articles celebrating 30 years of F2F on Agrilinks.