Monday, March 23, 2009

Tour of Mr. Roop's Farm


Thursday Glenroy and I went to visit Mr. Roop's farm in Freeport
Thursday we went to visit Mr. Roop's farm in Freeport
He has 3 acres on land that was formerly used for sugar cane cultivation that he has developed into a very productive farm growing a wide range of crops. 

He has used soil remediation techniques including widespread drip irrigation, use of chicken manure for fertilizer, intercropping, and row cropping with berms that create lovely, healthy crops.
The intercropping and use of select crops for his specific soil types reduces pests, increases beneficial insects and takes advantage of the irrigation techniques he has developed including a built on site pond, (complete with alligators!!) and strategic drainage system.


It was interesting to note that right next to his property is another plot that is not actively being tended. The species here include bamboo and kudzu vines. These vines grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) per day in hot humid weather and are very aggressive and opportunistic. Suffice to say, this is a cause for concern for Mr. Roop, as well as a potential problem as this species becomes more wide spread. There is no commercial use for kudzu and it does not make for good animal fodder as the vines are too sinuous.

Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Roop for a lovely afternoon and for your hospitality!
More information about the work Mr. Roop is doing, and additional photos are available upon request.

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