First time monitoring of the plant areas

Despite the festivities, we have worked in the week of March 26 until April 2, carrying out the first monitoring of the results of the development of the trees and vegetables planted with the Groasis Ecological Water Saving Technology. A few days ago, I sent the first monitoring report Project Zero Hunger by 2030, I summarize activities carried out during this week:

Monday, March 26

AREA 1 – PITAYAS

The leader of this area is Jesucita. The group consists of 21 members, who received 105 Waterboxx® plant cocoons with Tahiti lemon. The property is square, approximately 40x40 meters, without trees, and only intended for the Waterboxx®. In the front, coffee crops are observed. The property is located on a slope of medium length. Current average weather is around 23°C, and it is rainy season.

Recommendations and/or observations in Pitayas:

  • Flatten the soil below the Waterboxx® on the slopes that are very inclined;
  • Perform clearing, planting throughout the farm to avoid the presence of pests;
  • Preventive fumigation against worms (alcohol, soap, chili);
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil. It is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • Use the Growsafe Telescoprotexx plant protector, in order to protect the lemon plants.

AREA 2 – HERRADURA 

The leader of this area is Erledy. The group consists of 10 members. In total, 51 passion fruits (50 in Waterboxx® + 1 control) were planted. The property is approximately 25 x 50 meters, and has the following tree species: guano, guava, ash, coffee. There is rain in this area. The current temperature is 24°C. The ground is not completely flat, it has certain inclinations.

20180326 Taking data in La herradura from the Waterboxx plant cocoon

Taking data in La Herradura

Recommendations and/or observations in Herradura:

  • Equalize the soil below the Waterboxx® as the slopes are very inclined;
  • Perform clearing, plating throughout the farm to avoid the presence of pests;
  • Preventive fumigation against worms (alcohol, soap, chili);
  • Do not fertilize at the moment, we have made a fertilization after sowing and in some boxes too much fertilizer is noticed;
  • In the case of the Maracuya, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves.

AREA 3 – RUIZ

It is the smallest group with 6 members and 30 Waterboxx® plant cocoons were delivered. The leaderof this area is Osvilda. The species they chose was papaya. The current temperature is 20°C and were are in a period of constant rain. The ground is flat, without greater inclinations.

Recommendations and/or observations in Ruíz:

  • Perform clearing, plating throughout the farm to avoid the presence of pests;
  • Make drainage to avoid floods, due to the presence of rains characteristic of the season;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of the Papaya, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves.

Tuesday, March 27

AREA 4 – YUNGA

The leader of this area is Ana María. In Yunga we have two species of fruit trees: avocado and lemon. There are 16 members with a total of 80 Waterboxx® plant cocoons, divided into two properties. The first estate (box number 436 to 470) is next to the road with slight inclinations and a dimension of approximately 16x25 meters. Here they have banana and corn cultivation. The second property is next to the school (box number 471 to 515) with a dimension of 1/2 hectare with medlars, mango trees and guabo. The temperature is 23°C, and it still rains in this area.

Recommendations and/or observations in Yunga:

  • Flatten the soil below the Waterboxx® plant cocoon on slopes that are very inclined;
  • Preventive fumigation against worms (alcohol, soap, chili);
  • Perform manual pruning to leaves that are in poor condition;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Avocado, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves;
  • In the case of Lemon, we recommend to use 2 Growsafes because those plants are big and growing very fast. They can use the Growsafes that were reserved for the Avocados.

AREA 5 – ALTILLO 

The leader of this area is Nery, there are 12 members who received 60 Waterboxx® plant cocoons and 61 small trees (30 avocado + 1 control group avocado + 30 lemons).They have a very well adapted property, with slight inclinations, of approximately 1/2 hectare with certain guava trees. Although there is still rain, the days are very sunny with a temperature of 25°C.

Recommendations and/or observations in Altillo:

  • Flatten the soil below the Waterboxx® plant cocoon on slopes that are very inclined;
  • Make drainage to avoid floods (specially in avocado), due to the presence of rains characteristic of the season;
  • Preventive fumigation against worms (alcohol, soap, chili);
  • Perform manual pruning to leaves that are in poor condition;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Avocado, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves;
  • In the case of lemon, we recommend to use 2 Growsafes because those plants are big and growing very fast. They can use the Avocado Growsafe.

AREA 6 – YACUANAS BAJO

The leader of this group is Ana Rubi, and the group consists of 10 members. There are 50 Waterboxx® plant cocoons delivered together with 51 small trees (24 avocados + 1 avocado control group + 26 Tahiti lemons). It is a very notorious group, since the first day of the socialization they have been very involved with the project. They have followed all our instructions and is the only group that, considering that their property is too steep (high hill) and with loose (slippery) ground, have placed protection fences against rains and other factors that affect the boxes and their saplings. The size of the property is approximately 20x100 meters. It has a few trees, which serve as a shade before the inclement sun. The weather is very warm - 28°C - and rain are already scarce. They have planted 3.5 pounds of peanuts to nourish the soil and take advantage of the space of the place.

Recommendations and/or observations in Yacuanas Bajo:

  • Preventive fumigation;
  • Perform manual pruning to leaves that are in poor condition;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Avocado, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves;
  • In the case of Lemon, we recommend to use 2 Growsafes because those plants are big and growing very fast. They can use the Avocado Growsafe. Panoramic view from below of the site in Yacuanas Bajo, the small seedlings that are observed are peanuts.

Wednesday, March 28

AREA 7 – ELVECIA

The leader is of this area is Aurelia. The terrain is approximately 30x40 meters, flat without inclinations. It is a land with corn cultivation. There is a lot of sun, it is hot and there is little rain. There are 13 members with 66 maracuya trees (65 in a Waterboxx® plant cocoon + 1 control group).

Recommendations and/or observations in Elvecia:

  • Preventive fumigation (garlic+chili+onion) three times per week;
  • Perform manual pruning to leaves that are in poor condition;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Passion fruit, we recommend not use the Growsafe because the leaves are squeezed and shrivel;
  • Passion fruits need tutor because those plants need to grow right and up.

AREA 8 – GONZALO 

The leader of this area is Sandra, with a group of 13 members. 65 Waterboxx® plant cocoons and 66 seedlings have been delivered (65 + 1 control group). The property is inclined, approximately 100x50 meters with corn cultivation and native trees such as pendo and coal that provides shade and will serve as a tutor for maracuya. Additionally, they have planted 20 pounds of peanuts (2 seeds) to nourish the soil and take advantage of spaces between Waterboxx® plant cocoons.

Recommendations and/or observations in Gonzalo:

  • Flatten the soil below the Waterboxx® plant cocoon on slopes that are very inclined;
  • Make drainage to avoid floods, due to the presence of rains characteristic of the season because there are flooded plants and this prevents them from growing and developing;
  • Small plants present buds;
  • Preventive fumigation (garlic+chili+onion), three times per week;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree. Place 100 gr of compost directly to the plant;
  • In the case of Passion fruit, we recommend not  use  the Growsafe because the leaves are squeezed and yellow;
  • Clean the white caps.

AREA 9 – PALIZADA

The leader of this area is Hermilda. The property is next to the road and is flat, with a dimension of 10x90 meters approximately. There are orange trees to provide shade. The group is made up of 18 members. In total, there are 90 Waterboxx® plant cocoons, and 91 Passion fruit seedlings (1 control group) were delivered.

Recommendations and/or observations in Palizada:

  • Preventive fumigation (garlic+chili+onion), three times per week;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Passion fruit, we recommend not use the Growsafe because the leaves are squeezed and yellow;
  • Passion fruits need a tutor because those plants need to grow up and right.

Thursday, March 29

AREA 10 – TARABITA 1

We find the news that Tarabita 1 have new leader. This is Sandra, who has been very committed to the project. In Tarabita 1 there are 25 members, divided into two properties: The first property is next to the road and is 90% flat, small inclinations. Here, Waterboxx® plant cocoons with the numbers 1 - 50  have been planted with Tahiti lemon trees. In addition, there is a lemon control group Tahiti. Total 51 trees of lemon Tahiti. On this property, a deteriorated Milano tomato crop was found. It was very hot day, with a temperature higher than 26°C.

Recommendations and/or observations in Tarabita 1 – first property:

  • Preventive fumigation (garlic+chili+onion);
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Lemon, we recommend to use 2 Growsafes because those plants are big and growing very fast.

The second property is one of the places with the highest number of pests (crickets, slugs, butterfly worm, toad, scorpions, ants) that I have observed in all the sidewalks. This is because the farm has corn and chickpea that are very attractive crops for pests. This second group is made up of 16 participants. They have received 80 Waterboxx® plant cocoonsand are divided into: 3 Avocados, 21 Lemons, 56 Papayas. Additional, they have 2 Papaya Control groups.

Recommendations and/or observations in Tarabita 1 – second property:

  • Perform clearing, plating throughout the farm to avoid the presence of pests;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Lemon, we recommend to use 2 Growsafes because those plants are big and growing very fast. They can use the Growsafes of papayas;
  • In the case of the Papaya and Avocado, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves. 

AREA 11 – TARABITA 2

The leader of this group is Daris. This group has 16 participants. In total, 80 Waterboxx® plant cocoons have been delivered with 81 seedlings: 40 lemons + 40 avocados + 1 avocado control. The property is very steep, which prevents access for those who are not used to walking these hillsides. There is rain, humidity, and the temperature lies around 24 ° C.

Recommendations and/or observations in Tarabita 2:

  • Perform manual pruning to leaves that are in poor condition;
  • Preventive fumigation;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Lemon, we recommend to use 2 Growsafes because those plants are big and growing very fast. They can use the Growsafes of Avocados;
  • In the case of Avocado, we conclude that Growsafe will not be used because it withers the leaves.

Monday, April 2

AREA 12 – HATO VIEJO

Hato Viejo is one of the places with the most difficult access. After an hour and half by car, we must walk approximately 35 minutes to reach the top of the mountain where the little school is located, and where the Blackberry trees were planted. Hato Viejo is part of the Indigenous Reservation of Caquiona, an autochthonous village and Yanacona, proud of its roots. The leader of Hato is Adela, and they have 21 participants. 105 Waterboxx® plant cocons and 106 plants of Mora Castilla have been delivered. The rainy season will be present until June, with temperatures below 10 ° C. The property has an approximate dimension of 100x100 meters and with slight inclinations.

Recommendations and/or observations in Hato Viejo:

  • Flatten the soil below the Waterboxx® plant cocoons on slopes that are very inclined;
  • Make drainage to avoid floods, due to the presence of rains characteristic of the season;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • In the case of Mora, we recommend to use Growsafe because those plants need a lot of protection of water.

20180402 Panoramic view of the property in Hato Viejo

View of the property in Hato Viejo

AREA 13 – GABRIELAS

In Gabrielas there are 16 beneficiaries divided into two groups. The first group is 10 minutes from the main road. It is a very steep property, where there is a corn crop. The ground is very inclined, and has an approximate dimension of 10x15 meters. The rainy season is present and the temperature drops to 12°C. The second group is a slightly inclined property of the same dimensions as the previous one. There are no trees. Excess rainfall of the season and temperatures between 12 and 13°C. They have received 80 Waterboxx® plant cocoons with mulberry trees Castilla. Additional, a control group.

Recommendations and/or observations in Gabrielas – both groups:

  • Flatten the soil below the Waterboxx® plant cocoon on slopes that are very inclined;
  • Perform clearing, plating throughout the farm to avoid the presence of pests;
  • Make drainage to avoid floods, due to the presence of rains characteristic of the season;
  • Preventive fumigation against the cricket;
  • Fertilization, with the aim of improving the soil, it is necessary to add substrate or any type of fertilizer available in the area and thus provide greater water retention, permeability and good drainage for the tree;
  • Position the white cap well inside the grooves, because it crushes the stem;
  • In the case of Mora, we recommend to use Growsafe because those plants need a lot of protection of water.

April 2 to 10

After the first monitoring, we summarize that Aguacate, Limón Tahiti, Papaya and Maracuyá grow and develop perfectly, fulfilling each of the characteristics of the Groasis Waterboxx® plant cocoon. We maintain communication via telephone with the leaders. There will be a replanting of Mora Castilla in both Gabriela and Hato Viejo. Therefore, I will travel to Popayan for the acquisition of the seedlings. In the same way, in the first monitoring, a certain number of Waterboxx® plant cocoons presented damages, so during this week, we have returned the Waterboxxes.

Tuesday, April 10

We started the reseeding in Hato Viejo. The beneficiaries awaited us anxiously. The land was ready, they had made all the recommendations given: to equalize the land, cleanliness, especially drainage due to the continuous presence of rain. Once finished, we went to the two properties that correspond to Gabriela. The interest to stay in the project maintained in the groups. We count that with all the recommendations given, there are no problems with the Mora Castilla in these sidewalks. A second monitoring was carried out from April 23 to 27, 2018. These will be published soon!