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| Project Name: | Cover Cropping for Reducing Soil Nitrogen Following Seed Corn Production in the Kaiaka-Waialua Watershed |
| ASO Log No.: | 02-211 |
| Start/End Date: | March 2002 to July 2003 |
| Federal Funds: | $40,000.00 |
| Matching Funds: | $43,500.00 |
| Contractor: | John McHugh Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF) 2343 Rose Street Honolulu, HI 96819 Phone: (808) 848-2074 Fax: (808) 848-1921 |
| Background/ Overview: |
Non point source pollution from agricultural fertilizers is a concern in the Kaiaka-Waialua watershed, considered a water quality limited segment. Crop production practices in the watershed include bare ground fallow, causing erosion during periods of heavy rainfall. Soil nitrogen residues left from previous crops can move with the soil into nearby water bodies during rainy periods. |
| Objectives/Goals: | To determine if two types of grass cover crops can be effective in reducing soil nitrogen in an agricultural cropping system that currently uses bare ground fallow as a pest management tool. |
| Methods Employed: | • Implement soil nitrate management via cover cropping • Collect soil samples, analyze soil nitrate, and construct database • Increase farmer, student and public knowledge of water quality issues and best management practices through technology training and application |
| Pollutants of Concern: | Nitrogen and phosphorous |
| Watershed: | Waialua, Kiikii, Poamoho, Kaukonahua, Paukaulia, Opaeula, Helemano, Anahulu, Kawailoa, Kawaiiki, Loko Ea and Keamanea Watersheds, island of Oahu |
| Size of Project: | 8 field sites |
| Affected Water Bodies: | Kaiaka and Waialua Bay; Paukawila, Kiikii, and Anahulu Streams |
| Deliverables: | • Waialua High School students’ scientific
paper located at www.chtar.hawaii.edu/sustainag/Downloads/McHugh.pdf • Hard copies of Powerpoint presentations |
