Project Undertaken by:
The Ministry of Resourcesand Development
Republic of the Marshall Islands
With Technical Assistance tram:
The University of Oregon M icronesia
and South Pacific Program
Report Prepared and Submitted by:
Kevin Finney	 Alexander Laukon
Technical Assistant	 Extension Agent and
UOMSPP Project Manager
Arno Farm
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Jimmy Joseph, Chief of Agriculture for the RMMI
Ministry of Resources and Development for his support and assistance with this project,
Thanks too to Jackie Kijrik, Chief of Programs and Project Development who kindly
leant office space and his computer for the preparation of the project report.
We would also like to acknowledge the generous logistical assistance leant to this
project by the staff of the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, including Beyone
Jorlanging, Manager of the Arno Fisheries Project and Wakaley Aini, operator of the MV
Jolok, and his crew who provided transportation, carried and delivered supplies and
offered other valuable assistance to the project. For their Marshallese spirit of cooperation,
komol tata.
Finally, thanks to the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and
International Affairs for their financial support of the project.
Finney. Laukon; 1993	 Arno Farm: Reptanting for Self-Reliance

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
The Marshall Islands, once self sufficient in food production, have become
dependent on imported foods. In addition to the economic problems created by this'
situation, the Marshallese people suffer a high incidence of malnutrition and diet-related
diseases.
In an effort to address these problems, the Ministry of R&D, Agriculture Division
has developed its Replanting for Self-Reliance Program with the following goals:
• Promote opportunities for increased production of basic staple crops.
• Promote higher yielding varieties of root crops and improved fruit tree varieties.
• Provide training and technical assistance in the crop scheme.
Toward these ends the Arno farm was chosen as one of the nurseries and
distribution points for plant materials. The RIM Ministry of Resources and Development
requested technical assistance for the project from the University of Oregon Micronesia and
South Pacific Program and a technical assistant was assigned to the project for a three
month period, June-September 1993.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Arno farm team, composed of the farm manager, the MSPP technical assistant
and three Job Training Program workers were supervised by the Chief for Agriculture in
Majuro. During the project period, the team accomplished the following:
• Farm Plan - The team located cultivated areas, ditches and buildings on the farm. Beds
and fields which were developed during the project period were measured and the
plan, included in Appendix A, was drawn up.
• Farm Inventory - Supplies and equipment were inventoried. See Appendix B.
• Nursery Project - Planting Taro, Banana and Breadfruit - 2,346 taro setts, 486 banana
eyes and 295 root cuttings of breadfruit were planted. A list of varieties planted is
included in Appendix C.
Food Plant Distribution - Although all of the nurseried food plants were not ready for
distribution at the end of the project period, some plants were distributed during the
three months. A list of distributed plants is included in Appendix C.
Pesticide Identification and Disposal Project - The pesticides stockpiled at the farm
Finney, Lan kon; 1993 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
ii Executive Summary
were identified and placed in labeled plastic bags for shipment to the Environmental
Protection Authority in Majuro. A list of the pesticides is included in Appendix B.
• Vegetable Seedling Production and Distribution - Seeds of eight varieties of vegetables
were sown and some of the seedlings were distributed to the community. Some
recommendations for improving this aspect of the farm project are included in the
Recommendations. Appendix C contains a listing of the vegetable plants produced
and their distribution.
• Annual Seed Sowing Schedule - A schedule was developed for producing vegetable
seedlings on a four month cycle, facilitating distribution of seedlings to community
members. The schedule is contained in Appendix D.
Soils Information - The soils of the Arno farm were researched and investigated. A
description of the soils present and some suggestions for managing them are
included in Appendix E.
• Mixed Garden Bed Development - In order to have a garden bed in which mixed
gardening could be demonstrated, we developed a large bed based on the compost
pit method.
Garden Pit Development Instructional Leaflet - A flyer was made explaining how to
prepare a pit for planting bananas or other food plants. The flyer illustrates the
process and has accompanying Marshallese text. A copy of the flyer is included in
Appendix F.
• Fertilizer Information - Three tons of fertilizer chemicals were identified and
inventoried and instructions for their use were compiled. The instruction sheets are
included in Appendix G.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made based on information gathered during
the project period:
• Focus efforts on nutritious plants - The vegetable distribution program should focus on
crops such as bele, chili peppers, pumpkins and kang kong which supply nutrients
that are known to be lacking in the local diet.
Signage for the Arno farm - A sign at the gate should identify the farm as a public
project. Another sign near the gate will tell when the next plant distribution is
scheduled. Other signs will label plant varieties in the fields.
Barter plant starts for needed indigenous fertilizers such as cocomtt husks and
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
	 Finney, Lau kon; 1993
Executive Summary
Establish a policy of mulching fields - Will improve the soil, decrease the need for
irrigation and weeding and will set an example of good gardening practices.
Establish a policy of not burning organic wastes on the farm - Will provide organic
material for soil improvement and again, will set an example of good gardening
practices.
Stockpile organic materials - Will provide readily available source of husks, fronds,
compost, and other materials for use in planting pits and soil improvement projects.
Plant markinenjojo (Vigna marina) as a cover crop in unused fields - Will improve the
organic matter content of the soil and increase the available nitrogen.
Replace the roof of the shade house - A transparent acrylic or fiberglass roof will
protect the seedlings heavy rains and reduce leaching of the germinating soil.
Establish a policy for pesticide use and provide training for appliers - Will reduce the
likelihood of contaminating the groundwater, from which atoll residents get much of
their water.
Detail equipment or crews to the Arno farm - Will allow for most efficient use of
equipment and manpower.
• Facilitate intra-atoll travel by extension agents - Providing access to boats and vehicles
or providing gasoline with which to barter for transportation will enable extension
agents to improve their outreach and distribution programs.
Require monthly reports of extension agents - Will encourage proactive thinking and
planning on their part and, will facilitate budgeting and supply and equipment
provisioning.
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-RelianceFinney, Laukon;
manures - Will help to supply the farm with needed organic material and will raise
awareness of the use of indigenous soil-enriching materials.

TABLE OF CONTENTS`
I. Introduction and Background '	 1
II. Methodology	 2
	
III:	 Accomplishments	 3
IV. Recommendations	 7
V. References	 11
	
VI	 Appendices	 13
A. Plan of the Arno Farm
	
15
B. Inventory of Equipment and Supplies 	 19
C. Arno Farm Food Plants - Planting and
Distributions, July-September 1993 	 23
D. Annual Schedule for Vegetable
Plant Distribution	 27
E. The Soils of the Arno Farm	 31
F. Instructional Flyer: How to Develop a Garden Pit	 3
 Fertilizer Mixes and Application
	
39
Finney, Laukon; 1993
	
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
As a result of many political, economic and sociological factors, the people of the
Marshall Islands, once self sufficient in food production, have become dependent on
imported foods. Storms, pests, diseases and irregular rainfall can result in low production
or complete loss of traditional food crops such as breadfruit and people must rely on on
rice, canned meats and other imported foods. At the same time the importance of the home
garden as a food source and the consumption of locally-produced, traditional foods has
decreased.
In addition to the economic problems created by this situation, the Marshallese
people suffer a high incidence of malnutrition and diet-related diseases. A recent analysis
of the diet of Marshallese children on Arno atoll indicates that over 40 % of children under
15 suffer significant malnutrition, (Calf, 1993). Iron and vitamins are typically lacking in
the diets of these young people. Among older Marshallese people diabetes is common.
The Replanting for Self-Reliance Program
The Ministry of R&D, Agriculture Division has identified three goals for its
Replanting for Self-Reliance Program:
• Promote opportunities for increased production of basic staple crops and
vegetation.
• Promote higher yielding varieties of root crops as well as improve fruit tree
varieties.
• Provide and conduct training and technical assistance in the crop scheme.
Toward these ends the Arno farm was chosen to be one of the nurseries and
distribution points for plant materials shipped to the Marshall Islands from Kosrae in the
Federated States of Micronesia. The Arno farm will plant, raise and then distribute several
varieties of banana and breadfruit plants, and both Colocasia and Xanthosorna taros.
The RMI Ministry of Resources and Development requested technical assistance for
the project from the University of Oregon Micronesia and South Pacific Technical
Assistance Program for a three month period, June-September, 1993.
The Arno Farm
For the past several years the Agricultural Division of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands Ministry of Resources and Development (R&D) has operated a demonstration farm
on Arno Island, Arno Atoll. The farm was developed in the late 1980s with the assistance
Finney, Laukon; 1993	 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Introduction and Background/ Methodology
of agriculture aide workers from Taiwan. During this period papayas and vegetables such
as tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins and cabbage were grown.
The Taiwanese left the Arno farm after a few months. By 1993 much of the original
equipment on the farm was in a state of disrepair: the irrigation pump, tractor, small tiller,
pickup truck and generator were not in working order.
During the development of the farm and the period when it was managed by the
Taiwanese the farm had a staff of several Marshallese workers in addition to the two
advisors. Current staffing includes one extension agent/ farm manager and three Job
Training Program OTPA) youths who worked during the June-August 1993 school
vacation.
METHODOLOGY
Structure of the Project Team
The technical assistant lived on the Arno farm for the duration of the project. He
worked with his counterpart, the Farm Manager, on a daily basis setting goals, identifying
needs, planning and working in the fields. The Arno Farm team also included a staff of
three jTPA workers who provided additional person power for the work on the farm.
The TA/Farm Manager team reported to the Chief of Agriculture who worked in the
Majuro office of the Ministry of Resources and Development. The Chief scheduled transfer
of plant materials from the Laura farm, obtained supplies and provided technical support.
Work Schedule for the Project
The Arno farm team began the project by identifying the equipment and supply
needs for the farm. Preparation of beds for vegetable and traditional food plants
proceeded between shipments of banana, taro and breadfruit cuttings and the flurry of
planting which they required. Work on other projects such as the inventorying of
pesticides and development of an instructional materials was carried out during lulls in the
planting and on days when the weather precluded field work.
About sixty per cent of the project time was spent in hands-on work in the fields
planting, digging, weeding and watering. The remaining time was dedicated to
equipment repair, planning, record keeping and other projects described below.
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self- Reliance	 Finney, Laukon; 1993
Accomplishments
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Orientation and Inventory
The project began with a week of orientation meetings in Majuro. The technical
assistant toured the Laura farm and met with the Ministers and other officials associated
with the project. He also met with staff and volunteers working on the Home Gardening
project through the Ministry of Social Services.
Hands-on work at the Arno farm began in the second week with tours of the
community and the farm. Supplies and equipment were inventoried and the TA was
briefed on the history and operations of the farm. Several immediate needs for equipment
or repairs were identified and communicated to the Agriculture Chief. An inventory of
equipment, supplies and materials at the Arno Farm is included in Appendix B to this
document.
Farm Plan
As there was no plan of the farm which showed the locations and extent of
buildings, plantings and fields, and because mapping can be an important tool for land use
planning, it was decided that a plan would be drawn up. Most of the measurements for
the farm plan were taken during the first month of the project. The TA worked one-on-one
with the JII A workers to locate fields, planting beds, large trees, ditches and buildings on
the farm. Beds and fields which were developed during the project period were measured
and recorded by the TA and the Farm Manager near the end of the three months. The plan
was drawn up by the TA with support from the R&D Division of Lands and Surveying.
Nursery Project- Planting Taro, Banana and Breadfruit
The nurserying aspect of the project was begun when the taro and banana starts
from Kosrae were sent to the Arno farm from the storage area at the Laura farm. A list of
varieties planted at the Arno farm for nurserying is included in Appendix C.
Taro
Before the taro beds were planted the large diesel tiller was used to till the area.
Typically, the soil in these areas was six inches of dark gray very sandy loam over a subsoil
of pink coral sand. Over the past few years coconut husks had been incorporated into the
soil in some parts of the beds and the soil was noticeably more loamy in these areas. The
large weed clumps were raked out of the bed and then the large tiller was used to pile the
topsoil into long beds. Planting holes were made in the bed using a heavy iron pipe, the
taro setts were placed in the holes with the bottom of the sett buried three to four inches
deep. The holes were filled in by hand and and each sett was watered using a plastic cup
and a bucket. A total of 2,346 setts of Colocasia and Xanthosoina taro were planted.
Banana
Banana plants were received in two conditions; as unsprouted eyes and as bareroot
sprouted eyes with one to two feet of top growth. The unsprouted eyes were trimmed of
any soft or rotten tissue and then set in two to three inch deep trenches. The trenches were
Finneu, Laukon; 1993 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Accomplishments
filled in, the eyes were watered and the bed was covered with coconut fronds as a moisture
conserving mulch. Four hundred and thirty-seven banana eyes were planted in this way.
The bed for the sprouted banana eyes was prepared by tilling and raking to remove
weeds and then making six inch deep furrows. The sprouted eyes were placed in the
furrows and the soil was brought in around them. The sprouted eyes were watered in with
a cup and bucket. The young banana plants, shipped without soil and with their tops
untrimmed, suffered considerable stress as a result of this method of handling and
planting. None of the plants died but their growth was slow. A total of 49 bananas of the
Manila variety were planted as sprouted eyes.
Breadfruit
Two hundred and ninety-five breadfruit root cuttings were planted in two beds on
the Arno farm. The first bed, located south of the farmhouse, was tilled and weeded and
then raked out somewhat level. The root cuttings were placed end to end in two inch deep
furrows and then covered lightly with soil. Coconut fronds were laid over the bed to help
retain moisture and the bed was watered by hand. Heavy rains fell two weeks after the
cuttings were planted and the bed was flooded to a depth of several inches. Many of the
cuttings floated out of the soil and had to be replanted. Some of the cuttings were set into
the soil at an angle with one end protruding to test whether this traditional method would
yield better results. To date none of the cuttings has sprouted.
The second breadfruit bed, which contains 68 cuttings of the Fokeke variety, was
developed in the field west of the farmhouse. The second bed was tilled and weeds were
raked out, and then the root cuttings were set into the prepared bed at about a 20° angle
with four to six inches of cutting protruding from the soil. The cuttings were watered and
left unmulched.
Pesticide Identification and Disposal Project
When the Taiwanese agricultural aide workers departed the. Arno farm they left
behind a large stockpile of pesticides. The TA and Farm Manager discussed the use of the
chemicals on the site and raised two arguments for not using them: the farm is intended to
serve as a demonstration of sustainable farming techniques and the use of pesticides is
incompatible with that goal; and, any chemicals used on the farm could soon be leached
through the sandy soil into the groundwater. In addition any attempt to dispose of the
chemicals on site by burying them could also result in groundwater contamination. The
situation was discussed with the Agriculture Chief and it was decided to identify and
inventory`the chemicals and ship them to the Environmental Protection Authority in
Majuro for disposal.
The pesticides were identified and placed in labeled plastic bags for shipment to
Majuro. Unfortunately we were unable to complete the disposal of the pesticides before
the end of the project period. A list of the pesticides at the Arno farm is include in the
inventory of equipment and supplies in Appendix B.
Vegetable Seedling Production and Distribution
From the Laura farm we obtained seeds of cabbage, cantaloupe, cucumber, bell
pepper, eggplant, pumpkin; tomato and watermelon. The seeds were sown into plastic bag
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
	 Finney, Laukon; 1993
Accomplishments
containers which held about 750 ml of screened field soil. The pots were held in the shade
house while they germinated. Two weeks after the seeds were sown heavy rains fell for
several days and several of the crops sustained heavy losses as seedlings were drowned or
physically damaged by the force of the rains. This event supports the argument for
covering the shade house with a solid, transparent roof. It will be very difficult to reliably
produce crops of seedlings on the Arno farm without an area where the seedlings can be
protected better than they are at present. Appendix C contains a listing of the vegetable
plants produced.
Despite the problems with the weather, we produced an adequate number of
seedlings to provide plants for future seed for the farm and we were able to make some
plants available to the Arno community.
The distribution aspect of the vegetable project was not as successful as it should
have been. The farm is not well known throughout the atoll as a source of plant material
and it is likely that many people do not have access to the farm's distribution program
because of transportation problems. Some recommendations for improving this aspect of
the farm project are included in the Recommendations section below.
Annual Seed Sowing Schedule
We determined that in order to promote vegetable gardening we should try to have
vegetable starts available to people throughout the year. We developed a schedule,
contained in Appendix D, for producing vegetable seedlings on a four month cycle. The
rainfall patterns were taken into account and distribution dates are scheduled to fall during
the wetter months of the year.
The schedule calls for dividing the vegetables into those which are ready for
transplanting into the garden in about a month and those which require more time for
growth. According to this scheme, the seeds of the two groups of vegetables are sown at
different times in order that they will be ready for transplanting at about the same time.
This kind of production planning will facilitate distribution because community members
can get garden-ready seedlings of all varieties with only one trip to the farm. In addition,
having all the seedlings ready at one time will be an advantage for the Farm Manager who
can distribute all varieties in each trip through the atoll's outer communities.
Mixed Garden Bed Development
In order to have a garden bed in which mixed gardening could be demonstrated, we
developed a bed based on the compost pit method. The bed was laid out with dimensions
of eight feet by 84 feet. The site was first tilled and the large weed clumps were raked out.
The topsoil layer, about six inches deep, was removed and set aside and then the coral sand
subsoil was excavated to a final depth of about two feet. The sand was piled to the side of
the trench. Coconut husks were laid in the bottom of the wide trench with their inner,
concave surface facing up to help hold moisture. Next a layer of dead coconut fronds was
laid on the husks and covered with a thick layer of breadfruit leaves and other vegetable
debris. Lastly, a layer of Vigna marina (markinenjojo) vines about one foot thick were
placed on the other vegetable debris and sea cucumbers were added. The removed topsoil
was then screened and placed on top of the markinenjojo. The bed was planted with
bananas interplanted with pumpkin, cucumber and canteloupe.
Finney', Laukon; 1993
	 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Accomplishments
Garden Pit Development Instructional Leaflet
We made plans to go to Ine island to deliver plants from the farm to the councilmen
there for distribution to the community. We recognized that we would not be able to
advise individuals personally about how to prepare a bed for the plants and decided to
prepare a flyer which would provide the information. The Marshallese text for the simple
leaflet was written by the Farm Manager and the illustrations were done by the technical
assistant. Ishamu Labin in the R&D Agriculture Division office in Majuro helped with final
wording and production of the flyer. A copy of the leaflet is included in Appendix F.
Fertilizer Usage Information
There are over three tons of fertilizers, left by the Taiwanese aide workers, stored at
the Arno farm. The chemicals were identified and inventoried and instructions for their
use were compiled. The instruction sheets explain how to prepare mixes of the fertilizers
for specific purposes and how to apply them. The instruction sheets are included in
Appendix G.
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
	 Finney, Laukon; 1993
The following recommendations are made based on information gathered during
the project period. It is our belief that implementation of these recommendations will
improve the efficacy of the Replanting for Self-Reliance program.
Focus efforts on nutritious plants
The vegetable distribution program is intended to promote the growing of
vegetables by atoll residents. Currently, crops of low nutrient value such as eggplant and
cucumbers are included in the program. In order to better address the nutritional needs of
the atoll residents, the program should focus on crops such as bele, pumpkin and chili
peppers (for leaves) which supply nutrients which are known to be lacking in the local diet.
The bibliography to this report contains several references (Euselio; Rody; Sommers),
which provide information on the nutritional values of crops. The nutritionists at the
Ministry of Health and Social Services are also a valuable resource and can help identify,
appropriate crops.
Facilitate intra-atoll travel by extension agent
The food and vegetable plant distribution programs are hampered by the inability of
the extension agent/farm manager to travel between the communities of the atoll.
Providing access to boats or vehicles or to fuels with which to barter for transportation will
enable extension agents to improve their outreach and distribution programs.
Establish a policy for pesticide use
The large stockpile of pesticides stored at the Arno farm underscores the need for a
policy regarding the use of pesticides in Division of Agriculture projects. Pesticides are not
generally available to the atoll residents and therefore their use on a demonstration farm is
inappropriate. Use of this chemical technology also raises the very real likelihood of
pesticide contamination of the local water supplies. Coarse, sandy atoll soils allow quick
movement of surface water into the groundwater and contamination of a well could
happen very quickly. If it is determined that pesticides are to be used on the Arno farm,
they should be applied only by someone trained in pesticide safety and application.
Signage for the Arno farm
The Arno farm is not well-known throughout the atoll as a source of plants. A sign
at the gate should identify the farm as a public project and describe its mission. Another
sign near the gate which tells when the plant distribution is scheduled would help to raise
awareness of the program.
The plantings in the fields should be labeled with small signs so that community
members can compare and become familiar with the varieties offered. When people
become familiar with the varieties they can help to provide the Agriculture Division with
information about the performance of specific varieties in home gardening situations.
Finney, Laukon; 1993
Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIQNS
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Recommendations
Barter plant starts for needed indigenous fertilizers
Presently plant starts are distributed free of any charge, although they are produced
at considerable cost. By asking community members to bring coconut husks, sea
cucumbers, or other locally available fertilizers to the farm in exchange for their plant
starts, the community can be more involved in the farm and the farm manager will get
some much needed help. Such a system will help to supply the farm with needed organic
material and will also raise awareness of the use of indigenous materials for enriching the
soil.
Establish a policy of mulching fields
The current practice of planting out seedlings, trees and food plant starts without
mulching them results in more water stress, more weeding and more watering than is
necessary. Mulching with coconut husks and fronds or compost will improve the soil,
decrease the need for irrigation and weeding and will set an example of good gardening
practices.
Establish a policy of not burning organic wastes
The traditional burning of organic wastes in coconut plantations results in a loss of
nitrogen and a decrease in the organic matter content of the soil. This practice is not
appropriate for a demonstration farm where soil improvement is an important
responsibility. By composting all vegetable matter, the farm will gain organic material for
soil improvement and will set an example of good gardening practices.
Stockpile organic materials
The soil improvement projects and planting bed development projects which are
ongoing on the farm require large volumes of organic material: coconut husks and fronds,
markinenjojo vines, breadfruit leaves, etc. These materials are not always available in the
quantities required when a project is being undertaken. By stockpiling these materials
when they are available, soil improvement and composting projects could go on at all
seasons.
Plant markinenjojo (Vigna marina) as a cover crop
The indigenous vine, markinenjojo is a nitrogen-fixing plant which grows well on
poor, sandy soils. If the fields which are not being used were tilled and planted to
markinenjojo and then tilled periodically the soil would be improved much more rapidly
than it will be under the current cover of coarse clumpy grasses. The cover could be
established by planting stem cuttings or seeds. Seeds could be obtained through a trade-for
seedlings program, as the plant is common on the atoll and seeds can be gathered easily.
Replace the roof on the shade house
Heavy rains two weeks after planting took a heavy toll of vegetable seedlings during
the project period, causing a loss of 50% of some varieties. A transparent acrylic or
fiberglass roof will protect the seedlings heavy rains, and will also reduce leaching of the
germinating soil mix. If the vegetable seedling distribution program is to become effective
in the community it must be a reliable source of plants. Present conditions make it difficult
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance	 Finnen, Laukon; 1993
Recommendations
to reliably raise a crop of healthy seedlings.
Detail equipment or crews to the Arno farm
When equipment breaks down or is not available on the Arno farm it should be
borrowed for an appropriate period of time from the Laura farm. The recent breakdown of
the tiller used to weed the taro rows at the Arno farm resulted in the loss of many work
hours as the weeding had to be done by hand. Similarly, assigning Laura farm employees
to the Arno farm for a few days to help with projects there may allow for the most efficient
use ofemployees.
Require monthly reports of extension agents
A simple report form which requires the agents to answer questions about their
activities and their plans and supply needs will help greatly in the planning and budgeting
process. It will also encourage pro-active thinking and planning on the part of the agents
and will improve supply and equipment provisioning.
Finney, Laukon; 1993
	
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
10
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance 	 Finney, Laukon; 1993
REFERENCES
Calf, Judith, UNICEF Nutritionist with the Ministry of Social Services. Interview, Majuro,
June 29, 1993.
Euselio, J., ed., (1986). Agriculture, Food and Nutrition in the Pacific Islands, University of`
the South Pacific, School of Agriculture and UNICEF, Suva, Fiji.
Homsky, Shaul,1989. Papaya Development in the Marshall Islands: Report on a Mission in
October-November 1989, Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Center for International
Agricultural Development Cooperation, Tel Aviv.
Laird, William E., 1989. Soil Survey of the Islands of Airik, Arno, Majuro, Mili, and Taroa, 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, SCS, USDA, US Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.
Lambert, Michael, ed., 1982. Taro Cultivation in the South Pacific, Handbook #22, South
Pacific commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Jinuna, Jones J., 1987. Low Cost Family Garden, Micronitor, Majuro, Republic of the
Marshall Islands.
Joseph, Jimmy, 1991. "Marshall Islands," in Agricultural Extension in Asia and the Pacific,
Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo.
Rody, Nancy, 1981. New Pacific Nutrition, Nutrition Education and Training Program,
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Saipan.
Sommers, Paul, n. d. The UNICEF Home Gardens Handbook, reprinted  March, 1985 by
the Peace Corps Information collection and Exchange.
Sproat, M. N. and Migvar, Leo, 1968. How to Plant Coconuts, Agricultural Extension
Circular Number 7, Dig ision of Agriculture, Department of Resources and
Development, Trust Territory of the Pacific. Islands, Saipan, Mariana Islands.
Finney, Laukon; 1993
	
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
12
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance 	 Finney, Laukon; 1993'
13
APPENDICES
A. Plan of the Arno Farm
B. Inventory of Equipment and Supplies
C. Arno Farm Food Plants - Planting and
Distributions July-September 1993
D. Annual Schedule for Vegetable
Plant Distribution
E. The Soils of the Arno Farm
F. Instructional Flyer: How to Develop a
Banana Pit
G. Fertilizer Mixes and Applications
Finney, Laukon; 1993 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance

Finney, Laukon; 1993
	
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance

Finney, Laukon; 1993 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Appendix A: Plan of the Arno Farm
ARwlO FARM
A .LO LSIALID, AR11O ATOLL.	_PiFl' eK. -2 ,.t S.
RLR1Eüx OF THE rocts4.4.1. ISUN.1p5

Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-ReFinney, Laukon; 1993

Appendix B Inventory o
Inventory of Equipment and Supplies on the Arno Farm
September, 1993
Generator
Tiller'
Tiller
Irrigation pump
Utility vehicle
Yes	Diesel
Yes Diesel
Yes Gasoline
No	 Diesel
No GasolineToyota
Description	Number	Comments
Shovels	 11
Rakes 5
Wheelbarrow large 2
small	1
Hoes 4
Picks '	 1 Also have 2 extra pick heads
Sprayer backpack
Sprayer small
There are about 2900 Kilograms of fertilizer stored in the warehouse at the Arno
farm. There are roughly equal amounts of the following types.
Ammonium Sulfate - "white salt" - has absorbed water and hardened.
Potassium Chloride "red salt" - somewhat hardened
Superphosphate "gray flour" remains powdery and easily spreadable
Finney, Laukon; 1993' A rno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Appendix B: Inventory of Equipment and Supplies
Inventory of Pesticides on the Arno Farm
September, 1993
Size	Form
	 Chemical
10 450g 85% Powder
500g	85% Powder
500g 75% Powder
21	120g 80% Granules
40 100g 0.5% Powder
100g	45% Powder7
4 500g 35% Powder
20	250g 75% Powder
900g 65% Powder
1kg	50% Powder
1kg 19.5% Powder
27 500m1 43% Liquid
1 liter	50% Liquid
1 liter 45% Liquid
1 liter	44% Liquid
1-Naphthyl-N-Methylcarbamate (Trade name: Sevin)
1-Naphthyl-N-Methylcarbamate (Trade name: Sevin)
Tetrachloro-lsophthalonitrile
Metaldehyde (a molluscicide)
Rat Poison (probably warfarin type)
Triphenyltin Acetate (Trade name: Brestan, a fungicide, algicide,
molluscicide) QUITE TOXIC
1 Bis (P-Chlorophenyl) 2,2,2 Trichloroethanol (Trade name:
Kelthane, an acaricide)
Dimethyl Ester of Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid
Zinc Ethylene Bis Dithiocarbamate
Methyl 1-(Butylcarbamoyl)-2 Benzimisazole Carbate
2,4 Dinitro-6-Octylphenyl Crotonate; 2,6 Dinitro-4-Octylphenyl
Crotonate and Nitrooctyl Phenol(principally Di-Nitro)
(Trade names: Dinocap, Arathane, a fungicide and acaricide)
2-Chloro-2,6 Diethyl-N-(Methoxymethyl) Acetanilide
S-(1,2 Dicarboethoxyethyl) 0-0 Dimethyl-Phosphorodiethoate
(Trade name: Malathion, an insecticide)
0-Ethyl-O-P-Nitrophenylthionobenzenphosphonate
0,0-Dimethyl-S-(N-Methylcarbamoylmethyl) Phosphorodithioate
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance 	 Finney, Laukon; 1993
APPENDIX C:
Arno Farm Food Plants - Planting and`
Distributions: July - September 1993
Finney, Laukon; 1993 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance

I Appendix C: Arno Farm Food Plants - Planting and Distributions
Arno Farm Food Plants - Planting and Distributions:
July - September 1993
Plant Number Planted	Number Distributed
Banana "Lacatan"
Banana "Manila"
Taro (Colocasia and Xanthosoma)
Breadfruit
Vegetables
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Cucumber'
Bell Pepper
Eggplant
Pumpkin
Tomato
Watermelon
60(38)*
100
100(55)*
50
50(35)*
26
50(32)*
50(39)*
*Note: Heavy rains two weeks after sowing caused the loss of many seedlings. For those
varieties which were most affected numbers sown are shown above with the number of
surviving seedlings shown in parentheses.
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-RelianceFinney. Laukon; 1993

Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Annual Schedule for Vegetable
Plant Distribution
Finney, Laukon; 1993-

29Appendix D: Annual Schedule for Plant Distribution
Annual Schedule for Vegetable Plant Distribution
In order to provide vegetable seedlings for distribution throughout the year, an
annual schedule for sowing and distribution should be developed and followed. The
vegetables which are currently part of the distribution program have been used for this
schedule and the difference in their rates of growth have been considered. The vegetables
have been divided into two groups; Group I includes the more slowly developing types
such as tomato, bell pepper, watermelon and cabbage, and Group II includes those types
which more .quickly reach transplanting size such as pumpkin, cantaloupe and cucumbers.
The schedule shown below suggests that Group I seeds be sown in the latter half of
January and that Group II seeds be sown in the first half of February. The seedlings
produced will be ready for distribution in the first part of March. This six-week seedling
production and distribution cyde can be repeated three times or more each year in order to
encourage and support year-round vegetable gardening.
Sowing and Distribution Schedule
Ī' JAN FEB MAR APR MAY "	 JUN ; JUL AUG	SEP OCT	NOV	DECi
Sow Group I
Sow Group II
Distribute
; L_
Sow Group I
Sow Group II
Distribute
( I
i i
Sow Group I
Sow Group II ;
Distribute ,
1	 '
€...;.:
;
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-RelianceFinney, L.aukon; 1993

APPENDIX E:
The Soils of the Arno Farm
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-RelianceFinney, Laukon; 1993

Appendix E: The Soils of the Arno Farm
According to the recent USDA Soil Conservation Survey, (Laredo, 1989) the original
soils of the Arno farm are of the Ngedebus series, primarily the Ngedebus loamy sand,
dark surface phase. These soils tend to be excessively well drained and have a moderate
water capacity (0.08-0.10 cm/cm) in the upper horizon. Soil reaction is from slightly add to
alkaline values as high as pH 8.4. Organic matter content is low, from 10 -15%. Typically
about six inches of these darker, richer soils lay over a subsoil of nearly sterile light colored
coral sand.
The soils on the farm vary from those on the eastern side which have been cultivated
and improved by the addition of organic matter, to those on the western end which are
much poorer and more gravelly and support a broken cover of coarse grasses, Cigna
marina (Markinenjojo), and native shrubs.
Soils such as those at the Arno farm, fast draining, sandy soils low in organic matter,
tend to be low in nutrients, particularly nitrogen and potassium. As Laredo recommends,
the best management strategies for these soils are those which maintain or increase the
organic matter content. Mulching, green manuring and composting should be increased in
farm practices to improve the soil. The use of nitrogen-fixing plants for cover cropping and
green manures can help to improve the level of available nitrogen. Potassium levels in the
soil can be raised by burying coconut husks and by using them as a mulch whereever
possible. When husks are burned, the ashes should be returned to the field to replace
potassium.
Minerals such as iron, copper, zinc and manganese also tend to be lacking in atoll
soils such as those at the Arno farm. Chelated micronutrients or foliar sprays of mineral
salts can be used to supply these elements but such practices are not available to most atoll
residents and may not be appropriate for a demonstration farm. Marine fertilizers,
available on the atolls, might also be used as a source of micronutrients. Seaweed, fish
scraps and waste and sea cucumbers should be used to the greatest extent possible.
Finney, Laukon; 1993 	 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance

Finney, Laukon; 1993
	
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Instructional Flyer: How to Develop a Garden Pit
APPENDIX F:

t I)J _
^UlnittlW0
 h	l^'Jj-,lltWjtltlllTtLIĪLĪ^- 	. .	.	
._	..
.q t5,äui6tītc_nt711 1U=C.a, t u q1ilf_ih th=itKILEN .jINO KIBIJI RO E0: =1,1=1
Appendix F: Instructional Flyer; How to Develop a Garden Pit 	 37
KILEN KEBOJE RON IM WEWEN KALIBINI INE I N
BINANA EO.
LAJRAK IN BWIDEJ KILMEJ IM BWIDEJ-
MOJ E0.
(^^Il.i^iit	 ma' 	lit_ilY^^7tc il} ut ut- it-n1alU	tlt tīu°tIk (t1
KILEN KIBIJI RO EO EM EN EINWOT IN:
-Bwidej kilmej eo en bed turun
wot ron eo.
-Mwilalin in ron eo en 2'.
-Aitokan ron eo en 2'.
-Debakbak in ron eo en 2'.
u Id "Iw
 tg td INd Iltd11 11( UI au tJ,U,=Lqtt tll I^nita-illta 1.
I t19= t
.tltaIIIJN=.
t-rn Incül_11(°JI I Jtt=
•     
MENOKNOK KO REN BED ILOAN RON EO:
-Lal-tata bweo in waini kab cans ko
rejela lejjo.
-Ion-tok kimej in ni.
-Lon-tok jidik aolep kinds menoknok
--1141.111=ll	
`
w=.9 lluul,
L	ll1 WW_I''11'' , ^^. • •
^►:	^^'^ti^rf%'4.,	A
a u1=U=;,- m	in	Lt_ni^1	III	t11.1U-
- nt-til	111	111`II
mor. itl^.Ill^i ,I1111 1^11	^ lal!-111	. t11 -IIiJ1(_.III-°Jii c
-Lon-tok bar jidik markinjojo, marbele
kab marlap .
-Lon-tata kibwe in bao im pigs. Em bar me
men in mour in lojet ko einwot
jibenben im majkedel.
.l►  
Li=ut u ' 2tJ IT Ti1TMUI1J _^ ^ t ^11ī Ū
^ ^► n ^..v«i._-...
^-lCya,'JCs  
KEJEBLAK BWIDEJ KILMEJ NON LOAN RON
EO.
^	t1=71
iulīt -iītIīlWīū 'Int 411j1	
111-111^ q ..
r īY qI ūi°ulE
KALIBINI INE IN •BINANA EO EM EN EINWOT
IN ILO PIJA IN ILAL.
I ,1 -L	I-nj=
=111,=.111_191-'
.^. 111 I0=- It: ^.=Jti-11t- .
ENIN;EJ AOLEPEN KILEN IM WEWEN KALIB BINANA.
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-RelianceFinney, Laukon; 1993'

Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
Fertilizer Mixes and Applications

Appendix G: Fertilizer Mixes and Application	 41
Fertilizer Mixes and Application
There are three types of fertilizers stored on the farm:
• White (looks like salt) - the nitrogen fertilizer
21% Nitrogen, soluble in water, probably ammonium sulfate
• Gray (looks like flour) - the phosphorous fertilizer
18% phosphate, not soluble in water, probably superphosphate
• Red (looks like red salt) - the potassium fertilizer
60% potassium, soluble in water, probably potassium chloride
While the fertilizers can be used separately, they are probably best used as a mix. A
good general mix for the Arno farm soils is:
2 parts (handfuls or cups, etc.) white fertilizer
1 part gray fertilizer
2 parts red fertilizer
Mix the three fertilizers together well and apply the mix at the rate of one handful
per small tree, two handfuls for trees over 5 feet tall or, for crops in rows, one handful for
each 5 to 10 feet of row.
For composting, the following mix will speed the breakdown of vegetative material
such as leaves, coconut husks, etc.:
3 parts white fertilizer
1 part gray fertilizer
1 part red fertilizer
Mix the three fertilizers together well and apply evenly over the material to be
composted, one handful for every three wheelbarrows of green manure or one handful for
each wheelbarrow load of coconut husks.
• These mixes can be made up in any quantity, from a few handfuls to a
wheelbarrow full. However, the red and white fertilizers will absorb water and harden in
time so it is probably best to mix only what can be used in a day.
For feeding transplants and seedlings the white and red fertil
in water. For five gallons of water add:
1/4cup white fertilizer
1/4 cup red fertilizer
zers can be dissolved
Finney, Laukon; 1993	 Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance
42	 Appendix G: Fertilizer Mixes and Applications
Mix the fertilizers well with the water and let sit for at least ten minutes to dissolve.
The fertilizer solution can be applied with a watering can or with a cup. Apply the solution
at the rate of one cup per vegetable transplant or one gallon per transplanted tree or large
plant. For seedlings in pots, apply the solution using a watering can. If you put more than
1 / 4 cup of each fertilizer in five gallons of water you may burn the plants.
There is also a supply of iron sulfate fertilizer in the warehouse. It is a dark brown
powder, stored in white plastic jars. Iron is often lacking in atoll soils and plants show a
lack of iron by getting yellow between the veins. Lime trees are especially susceptible to
low iron.This iron fertilizer is intended to be applied to the leaves of the plants as follows:
Mix 2 teaspoons or 1 / 2 tablespoon of iron sulfate powder in one gallon of water.
Put the mixture in a sprayer and apply to the leaves of the plants. Spray them
enough that the mix runs off the leaves. .
Remember, fertilizers can move through the ground and into the water in your
wells so don't overuse them!
Arno Farm: Replanting for Self-Reliance 	 Finney, L.aukon; 1993