I just returned from field days at Rodale Institute and purchased
a roller crimper to have on island in time for our conference
and demonstration October 11,12,2008
What is a roller crimper?
(Kumulani Organic Farm)
Its a piece of equipment that is mounted on the front of the tractor
that rolls and crimps every seven inches a cover crop into a living
mulch.
As it rolls and crimps the cover crop down a coulter (disc)then
slices through the cover crop enabling the farmer to plant starts
or seeds, without disturbing the soil with destructive tilling.
The system we are looking to develop here on the island using this
tool will be utilized on four foot raised vegetable beds growing a
cover crop to fix nitrogen in the soil and also aid in weed
suppression, in support of growing a vegetable crop.
With the rising cost of off farm inputs this direction will aid
in saving money on those costly inputs and in supporting our
small farmers in their practice to be more diversified while
adding important biology in the building their soil structure.
We know a soil that is fertile from mineral balance and biology will
have a structure that will support the growth of a vital plant for us
to eat and be healthy.
It is our intention to support the development of small diverse farms
that utilize regional resources to strengthen and sustain vitality in
its production of local grown produce.
Having a system in place that builds and maintains the vitality of multiple eco systems in our environment will strengthen our farmers ability to farm sustain-ably into the future.
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