Sheet mulch being placed over kikuyu grass to expand a vegetable garden.Mulch is a layer of decaying organic matter on the ground. Mulch occurs naturally in forests; it is a nutrient rich, moisture absorbent bed of decaying forest leaves, twigs and branches, teeming with fungal, microbial and insect life. Natural mulch stores the nutrients contained in organic matter and slowly makes these nutrients available to plants. Mulch also protects soil from desiccation by the sun and wind, as well as from the erosive effects of rain and run-off.

Mulch forms a necessary link in nutrient cycling vital for our soils. When mulch is absent for whatever reason, the living soil is robbed of its natural nutrient stores, becomes leached and often desiccates. Natural terrestrial environments without a litter layer are usually deserts. Non-desert plants grown in bare soil require constant fertilization, nutrient additions, and water, not to mention the work required to keep the soil bare.

The LITTLE FIRE ANT (Wasmannia auropunctata) has been found on a (mauka) Captain Cook Coffee Farm. Please join entomologist, Rob Curtiss, ant specialist, Cas Vanderwoude, and other farmers on Oct. 30, 2012 at the Kona Cooperative Extension Service Conference Room from 3-5 PM.

There will be an over view on Little Fire Ant and then questions will be taken following the presentation. Seating is limited (75), so please be prompt. If you are unable to make the Coffee Talk (hosted by KCFA, CTAHR and HDOA), please come down to the Makapueo Pavilion on Nov. 10. Rob and I will be there with some LFA information. In working with Cas, Rob and HDOA, future LFA workshops will be held. Dates and times will be announced.

Hamakua North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative has
 affordable farm land available for lease.

Lot sizes from 5 to 20 acres
$150 per acre/per year+$300 admin fee
Irrigation water available
Long term lease expires 2033
No residential use allowed

Must meet Department of Agriculture qualifications.

For further information contact: 

Hamakua N. Hilo Ag Coop - Lori Beach
(808) 775-1107  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."
www.hamakuaagcoop.org