AGR6800 - Practical Applications in Natural Farming

Delivery Options In-person (Maui)

UH Maui College - AACE

Course Description

This course explores the principles of modern Natural Farming (KNF and JADAM) adapted for Hawaiʻi’s unique ecology. By viewing Aloha ʻĀina as an operational methodology, students will learn to break free from the "Barge Tax" and supply chain dependencies. We will focus on transitioning from chemical-heavy, extractive agriculture to a regenerative, biological ecosystem approach that empowers farmer self-sufficiency and revitalizes depleted island soils.

Course Outline

Class 1: The Philosophy of Natural Farming

Class 2: Your Farmʻs Invisible Ecosystem
*Students will take home a Microbial Pest Wash and a Lactic Acid Bacteria concentrate.

Class 3: Nourishing Your Soil Naturally

Class 4: A Natural Approach to Pest Management
*Students will take home a Fermented Liquid Fertilizer, a Liquid Calcium Extract, and a Concentrated Herbal Brew made from lemongrass.

Class 5: Liquid Farm Soap and Natural Pesticides

Class 6: Farm Planning From Seed to Harvest
*Students will take home a Liquid Farm soap.

Learner Outcomes

Differentiate Farming Systems: Understand why Natural Farming achieves ultra-low input costs and total autonomy, in stark contrast to the high costs and external dependencies of conventional and certified organic systems.
Deconstruct the "NPK Mentality": Recognize how synthetic salt fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and heavy tilling destroy biological webs, fungal networks, and long-term soil hydration.
Aloha ʻĀina Methodology: Harness local, zero-waste resources, like ocean water and wild plants, to eliminate shipping overhead and build decentralized island food resilience.
Master Microbial Symbiosis: Explain the "Sugar Exchange" and how plants trade photosynthetic carbon for vital minerals solubilized by bacteria and fungi.
Implement Biological Defense: Utilize native microorganisms to create a living shield that outcompetes pathogens and naturally repels pests.
Optimize Water Quality: Learn to dechlorinate municipal water and utilize efficient irrigation to protect fragile soil ecosystems.
Formulate Local Inputs: Successfully brew foundational biological amendments, including Lactic Acid Bacteria concentrate, Indigenous Microbial Solutions, and a Microbial Pesticide Wash.

Notes

Please bring your own containers (e.g. mason jars) to bring home the Microbial Pest Wash, Lactic Acid Bacteria concentrate, Fermented Liquid Fertilizer, a Liquid Calcium Extract, a Concentrated Herbal Brew made from lemongrass, and Liquid Farm soap that you'll make in the various classes.