By Leah Page | Development Director
Thanks to your support, two agronomy students from the University of Lenbe, Aline and Jean, began internships at SOIL this past February. Throughout the spring semester, Aline and Jean have been working hard at the SOIL farm conducting their agricultural experiments.
The experiments were designed by Jean and Aline to test the use of compost in commonly-farmed crops here in Haiti. Their first experiment, testing the effect of applying SOIL compost to corn, is expected be ready for harvest around the second week of May. The students will then evaluate the yields from the different experimental plots and present a report on their findings to SOIL and to their University. The second test has - so far - been a bit more troublesome. The first planting of “pitmi” (sorghum) seeds were eaten by ants! The students have decided to replicate their experiment on a plot of land at the University of Lenbe to see if they can avoid the pest problem without the use of chemical insecticides.
With the hands-on experience and scientific data gained during their internship, they will be well-equipped to help local farmers increase their productivity.
Many Benefits
“The training helps the students finish out their education and move from studying theory to actually having hands-on practice. They work on an experimental project and produce a final report that is not only helpful, but also required for their course work and graduation. For SOIL we get to see the value of our compost in action in the experimentation, and more people learn about our activities and the use of EcoSan in sustainable agriculture.” -- Job Etienne, Interim Agriculture Director, SOIL Cap-Haitien
Stay involved:
We hope that you will stay connected with their progress by joining SOIL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. After Aline and Jean’s internship draws to a close, SOIL will be offering new internships for additional students next semester.
And if you’re interested in continuing to support SOIL’s sustainable farming research and outreach efforts, we have exciting news for you! All donations to SOIL will be matched $1 for $1 through May 10th. Help us meet the growing demand for SOIL’s programs in Haiti!
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