Field Development Handover document

Group Leader: Kaushik BilimoriaTeam leader: Eugenia HuttonTrekkers: Jeremy Eastham, Jiajun Zhang, Luke Breen

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Table of ContentsTable of Contents

The Reason for Field Development 3Background of Farm Ed Business 3

Goals 4Project Progress 5

Test Farm at the Cambodian Landmine Museum 5Blueprint 6Outline of Blueprint Construction 6Combinations 7Living Fence and Other Crops 8

Contact With Stakeholders 9CE SAIN 9Cambodian Landmine Museum - Bill Morse 9HURREDO 9ADDA 10Henry Friedlander 10

Future Actions and Recommendations 11What Field Dev Left Unfinished 11

Leads to Chase 12CE SAIN 12HURREDO 13ADDA 13

Leads Not to Chase 13World Vegetable Centre 13Other Useful Resources 14

Guide to the Drive 14Conclusion 15

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Summary Action Points 16Actions for CE SAIN 16Actions for The Cambodian Landmine Museum 17

Goals for Next Month 18

The Reason for Field Development

Background of Farm Ed Business

End State App

FarmEd is a unique technology-based, consultancy service and permaculture farming design that brings agricultural expertise to smallholder farmers, to create a food supply chain that is smarter, more efficient and more profitable.

Utilising cognitive computing, FarmEd is a tech based platform that is able to receive relevant data inputs from the farmer comprising of soil type, pH levels and current practice. This information is combined with data on the current import and export market, weather data and historical farming data. This is fed through an algorithm and returns a tailored, permaculture blueprint to the farmer.

Previously: Consultancy Reports

The basic idea of consultancy reports was to go to a farm, analyse it in terms of soil quality and type, land information (drone view, layout, projected harvest), and provide a report containing these results and suggestions to improve the farm. The issue that was raised with the consultancy report was the value proposition and

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scalability. Farmers will purchase this report but it contained mostly all written information. Therefore the value farmers can gain from the report is limited by their ability to understand the information in the report. Similarly, the consultancy report scalability is limited by the need to have an individual responsible for writing up the consultancy reports and then translating this into khmer.  The blueprint’s inherent value is the fact that it is directly designed to increase yields and efficiency. When tied to the workshop, this provides farmers with the tools and skills to improve their farms. The blueprint will be a component of the app; all the work done now is relevant for the application.

Current StateBlueprintThe blueprint aims to implement permaculture techniques and therefore increase yields and crops variety within Cambodian farms. It has been developed specifically for Cambodian conditions based on market analysis data. Techniques such as companion planting, continuous cropping and integrated pest management are utilized within the blueprint. The blueprint is based on a model in India (India Practice folder) which has seen massive success. It has enabled smallholder farmers to grow 20+ varieties of organic vegetables, 300 days of a year with a constant production of ~100kg/day on just 1 acre of land. This blueprint design was implemented on a demonstration plot in Fiji in July and is in the process of being scaled. A small test farm is being established to demonstrate a proof of concept of permaculture techniques in a Cambodia specific context.

First, a baseline assessment must be conducted on the land to determine the land conditions and current crop details. A blueprint is then generated, tailored specifically to the information provided about the farm. This way, each blueprint is different from the next, and designed to make the most of that farm.

The blueprint itself is a set of documents showing how to set out beds on the land, what crops to plant in the beds, where to plant the crops, and when to plant. Crops within the blueprint can be tailored based on farmer preference. The blueprint provides information on how to prevent pests from destroying crops, such as which plants can be used to repel pests and where to put them.

The blueprint aims to implement several agricultural techniques:

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companion planting: requires multiple crops to be planted in the same bedcontinuous cropping: the beds can be harvested one at a time or in phases to provide year round harvest as opposed to a twice-a-year harvest of the whole farmliving fence: push crops are planted around the plot to repel pests away from the plot

integrated pest management: planting crops in close proximity that benefit each other in the pest management sense, e.g. plant mint near lettuceThe farm’s ecosystem is considered in the blueprint as well. The balance of nutrients is taken into account when choosing which crops should be planted in each bed. This minimises the need for soil additives and nutrient injections. Further information: Blueprint Portfolio - CE SAIN

Workshops

Workshop will be run to educate farmers. People learn best by practice, this way it is ensured that they fully understand the importance of the practices that are advised. Workshop function alongside blueprints by helping farmers understand the instructions contained in their personalised blueprint and allowing them to develop the skills required to implement it. Workshops would be held at demonstration plots to demonstrate the benefits of companion planting, continuous cropping and integrated pest management. These workshop are an educational support tool for the blueprint There will be a fee attached to the workshops, which will be dependent on several factors. At this point no concrete plans has been established for a workshop session, however the Market Analysis team have found strong interest from farmers, gathering 40 EOIs for workshops.

Goals

The two primary goals for the Field Development team over the course of the December project were:

Obtaining 1 acre of land that can be utilised as a test plot. Commencing development of ¼ acre of the test plot land. Development of a preliminary permaculture blueprint that is to be tested

and implemented at the test plot.These goals were used to direct the progress of the FarmEd project in Siem Reap.

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Project Progress

Our monthly goals formed the outline of what was to be established over the course of the FarmEd December project, which consisted of the blueprint and the Test Farm.

Test Farm at the Cambodian Landmine MuseumThe test farm was setup to allow the blueprint to be implemented in a real world situation so the conditions and plants outlined by the blueprint could be tested and observed.  This allows for more refinement of the blueprint for Cambodia. The test farm also allows for workshops to be conducted at its location in the future. This is extremely valuable as it provides an opportunity to educate farmers on the permaculture concepts, which ensures that people fully understand the concepts they are implementing and the importance of these practices. It also provides farmers with an opportunity to view the blueprint in action and also how it is set up, ensuring a full understanding of the blueprint as a whole. Workshops function alongside blueprints to demonstrate the concepts of companion planting, continuous cropping and integrated pest management.

A baseline assessment of the farm was conduction which included testing the soil quality and stability, and extensive photography of the topographical features, surrounding treeline, and other points of interest on the land.  This information can be found in the initial assessment folder.

The construction of the Test Farm at the Cambodian Landmine Museum, which is still underway, has provided a tangible demonstration of the FarmEd goal of designing a sustainable farm. This feeds into the future idea of workshops which can be held at the test farm and, ultimately, the final application product which will create a tailored blueprint for a farmer’s farm.

The work completed on the farm to date is: Design developed for the farm beds (Plot2&3 Schematic) Plots 2 and 3 ploughed (see test farm implementation folder) Bed layout marked on plot 3. Trenches dug on plot 3.

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Trenches double as walkway between beds and way to drain water from the farm to prevent flooding.

Test farm implementation log for more detail + a comprehensive set of images can be found here (Test Farm Implementation -> Media folder).

An additional collection of images from the baseline assessment (initial) photos can be found here (Initial Assessment -> Media).

Blueprint

The blueprint (Field Dev's Team Blueprint Design) was developed to test various techniques such as companion planting, continuous cropping and integrated pest management. The vegetables used in the blueprint were heavily determined by the data provided by the amazing market analysis team. The data includes which vegetables are in demand, crops farmers are currently growing, and analysis of the supply chain (currently where restaurants and hotels are receiving their produce). This data was then used in the creation of companion planting combinations (Companion Properties).

The blueprint also outlines various conditions that we could test such as different types of trellising  and the concept of companion planting. In summary the blueprint is to find the most optimal planting combinations and conditions based on permaculture concepts so we can better tailor a blueprint to Cambodian farmers.  Outline of Blueprint Construction Initial Construction

o Conducted a baseline assessment of the land including soil data, plot dimensions, and drone images. This can be found at: Data and Records -> Initial

Assessment. o Schematic diagrams were produced showing the layout of the farm in a

more simple form (including labels), and beds were drawn on plots 2 and 3 (these were decided to start on since they are smaller plots) at the desired widths of 1.5m, path width between long edges of 0.8m, and path width of 2m between short edges. These specifications resulted in 10m long beds on plot 2, and 12m long beds on plot 3 (desired length is around 10m).

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o Read through all the companion planting information available on the drive (Agriculture Resources -> Companion Planting).

o Formulated 6 combinations of plants that seem viable to be planted in a single bed and sent it to the Paisley twins (Lisa and Zoe) for feedback (the first draft is here). This version is based on the assumption that both plots 2 and 3 will be used. It tests the combinations in different soil, bed and trellis conditions. The vegetable combinations were chosen on two criteria:

o The compatibility being planted in close proximityo Their pest management properties

o The spacing required by each plant between plants of the same type and plants of differing types was recorded and used to determine the layout of the beds.

First Refinement o Following the feedback provided by the twins who suggested edits for the

planting companions, the combinations were improved, and the number reduced to 5.

o At this time, the market analysis team had collated enough data (Crop Profile

for Field Dev) to provide the field development team with information on the most common crops that farmers are currently growing , such as morning glory,  as well as the market value of many of these crops.

o Furthermore, the market analysis teams supply chain analysis determined what crops are not currently being activity grown by farmers in the Siem Reap region. These crops, such as potatoes, carrots, lettuce are often imported.  

o From this data, the combinations were modified to include more of these popular or desired crops, and two new ones were created, increasing the number to 7.

o The concept of the living fence was investigated further and a design consisting of coconut trees, mango trees, sweet potatoes, and lemongrass was created based on pest management properties, and crop popularity. The first version of this can be found here: Plot Layout on Satellite.

o Due to resource acquisition setbacks, it was decided to reduce the blueprint model to plot 3 only.

Second Refinement

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o Further feedback was received from the twins on spacing requirements, for example ensuring the smallest spacing within the bed , such as garlic being the smallest at 15cm in bed 2, is maintained between the crops. From this feedback changes were made to the blueprint that are reflected in the final version.

o Around this time, irrigation (Irrigation Setup - Drip and Micro Sprinkler) and compost (Compost Designs) systems and types were investigated. A design for each was chosen and written into the final version of the blueprint.

Combinations

The various combinations tested were a compilation of local and imported crops. The latter can potentially be grown in Cambodia, as is the goal of testing the blueprint. The combinations included a mixture of different types of crops/vegetables. All combinations look to have a legume (L), root vegetable (R) , a leafy/bushy above ground vegetable (LA) or a crawler/trestle (C) vegetable. and a herb which often have pest management properties (H).     First

o Beans (L), carrots (R), cabbage (LA) and rosemary (H).o Carrot is an often an imported vegetable.

    Secondo Tomatos (LA), basil (H), garlic (H/R) and eggplant (C).o both basil and garlic are herbs. The reason for including both was because of

basil’s complementary value to tomato, and garlic as it produces a strong odour which detracts pests.

o Tomatoes and garlic are less commonly grown in Cambodia, hence are imported.

     Thirdo Peas (L), cauliflower (LA) , radish (R), spinach (LA) , potted dill (H) and

potted rosemary (H).o Cauliflower and spinach was found to be more commonly grown by farmers

in Siem Reap.     Fourth

o Chives (H) , bok choy (LA) , cucumber (C)  and carrot (R). o Bok choy, cucumber were found to be commonly grown locally. Carrot is

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typically imported.     Fifth  

o Peas (L), Chinese cabbage (LA) , onion (H/R) , pot mint (H), rosemary(H) and MorningGlory (LA).  

o Morning Glory is a commonly grown vegetable in Cambodia. Onion is typically imported.

o Onion, pot mint and rosemary are herbs. Onion repels cabbage looper, and attracts onion and bulb flies. Pot mint benefits cabbage as its strong aroma repels pests that feed onsurrounding plants.

     Sixtho Corn (C), beans (L), beets (R), spring onion (H) and pot nasturtiums. o Corn and spring onion are grown moderately in Cambodia.  Seventho Okra (C), carrot (R) ,chilli (H) and Morning Glory (LA). o Chilli and morning glory are popular locally grown crops.

Living Fence and Other Crops

The living fence will include Marigold and lemongrass. Marigold, a flower, repels insects and root-attacking worms. The trees to be planted around the plot have been chosen as mango trees and banana trees. There is the potential for dragon fruit trees as well. Mango is included as it is a commonly consumed fruit, plus yields very quickly. Banana and dragonfruit are included, as the latter is commonly consumed, and the former is easy to grow. The lotus flower thrives in water, and will be used as the water plant to grow in the trenches/pond.

Contact With Stakeholders

CE SAINIn late November 2017, Field Development team contacted the Centre of Excellence for Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition, requesting to establish connection with CE SAIN Farm Manager, Panha Pok.  The team was referenced on Mr. Mao Manel, who is the program manager of CE SAIN and is based in Phnom

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Penh. A meeting was arranged to meet him in Phnom Penh for the 6/12/17. The meeting was positive and the potential for collaboration at one of CE SAIN technology park was raised. Jimmy attended the meeting and explained to CE SAIN the app potential as well. They were interested in the app and expressed interest in trialling it when it is ready. After the meeting, further information about the blueprint (Blueprint Portfolio - CE SAIN) was sent. A skype call was had on the 19/12/17 and Mr Manel agreed to the potential of having 3 x 10 metre beds at the Siem Reap technology park, and that the blueprint would be worked on in collaboration. CE SAIN preliminary agreed to cover the cost and operational cost of this collaboration. On the 21/12/17 the Field Development team visited the Siem Reap Technology park. The farm manager, Mr Panka Pok showed us the land the team could use. The offer was 4 x 10 m beds space.  There is irrigation system that the team could connect to, a greenhouse of seedlings that the team can potential use. Mr. Panka Pok wanted a more detailed plan for the land and said to consult Mr Mao Manel in terms of the MOU.

Cambodian Landmine Museum - Bill Morse

References to the test farm throughout this document all regard the land and provided to the team at the Cambodian Landmine Museum. A memorium of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Project Everest and the Landmine Museum regarding the use of land at the museum. Currently, we have a good relationship with Bill and he is glad to see his land being put to use. Clear communication with Bill is important so that he is aware of the progress. Tia, the manager of the landmine museum, ploughed the land for us and knows the local area very well. Previously, it was mentioned by Bill that Tia can source Bamboo from the local village at a low price, which can be used to for adding bed structure if needed at the farm. It was mentioned by HURREDO that the soil at landmine museum is not optimal for vegetable growth. After consultation with the twins, they suggested to still trial vegetable growth with no additions to the soil. Other beds can have the addition of compost, mulch, silt soil or organic fertiliser to see the additions effects on soil quality and vegetable growth.

HURREDO

In late December 2017, FarmEd Cambodia successfully met with the Human

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Resource and Rural Economic Development Organisation. Established contact with the team leader, Kim Yon and informed him on FarmED’s change in direction from consultancy to blueprints and workshops. Kim highlighted concerns with the blueprint in regard to spacing of the plots and the different harvest times of the crops in the bed. Information on hybrid and open pollination seeds was provided, including that Hybrid seeds  create crops with seeds that are unable to be transplanted back into soil. However, open pollination seeds can be but they have less optimal yields and more susceptible to pests. information on the  locations to acquire additional soil was also provided. HURREDO and World Vegetable centre, worked together to established the current farm area at the Landmine Museum. Mr Kim informed us that soil was added to the farm area and was acquired in local village. He said that sandy soil at the site is not optimal for vegetable growth as nutrients are not well maintained in the soil. Tia, the manager of the landmine, was mentioned to have contacts in the local village for acquiring silt soil. However, over phone call Tia expressed that this is no longer a possibility. This lead should still be clarified in person as there was some confusion over the phone.The issue of having no agricultural technicians to maintain the farm when Project Everest is not in country was emphasised as a massive concern. Overall Kim is looking forward to seeing the results of the blueprint implementation on the test farm and is open to the potential of collaboration and knowledge sharing in future.

ADDAIn late December 2017 , FarmEd Cambodia successfully met with the Agricultural Development Denmark Asia who set up a visit to 3 farms in the Okakikroam Village. Surveys, soil pH and texture tests were carried out at each farm. The data collected from the farm visit provided a valuable insight to farms outside the Siem Reap Province. ADDA was very interested in the blueprint concept and look forward to collaborating in the future in regards to the blueprint and workshops.  

Henry Friedlander

Mr Friedlander comment in a post Eugenia made in the Siem Reap Agriculture Network

Facebook group. He was communicated with over Facebook Chat. Mr Friedlander is an American, who has started his own agriculture store in Cambodia in Phnom

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Penh which imports irrigation supplies from China and fertiliser from America. He is the president of Agriculture Soil Solutions LLC, a company that makes organic fertiliser out of seafood waste. He has established a government task force called TFARDC which aims to develop policies helps smallholder farmers gain access to resources such as irrigation, fertiliser, education, seeds and more. Mr Friedlander has a Bachelor in Agriculture, plus a degree in Civil Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. He is partner with Mr. Bunthai, who owns a big agriculture store in Siem Reap. After telling Mr Friedlander about the FarmEd project, his partner and him offered the team free seeds.  However, after visited Mr Friedland and Mr Bunthai on 20/12/17, and telling them about the test farm at the Landmine Museum and how the pH was 5-5.5 he suggested to not plan until the soil pH is increased to 6 -6.5. To do this he suggested adding quicklime and letting the soil increase in pH.

Future Actions and Recommendations

What Field Dev Left Unfinished

CompostingA design for the compost (chicken wire connected to posts with trap material covering) was decided on. Location of compost site was also determined (Figure 2). Grass was removed from around the farm to move to compost site. However, materials to construct the compost have not been acquired and neither was the gathering of food scraps to add to the compost. The GL for January 2018 has been asked to start a compost bin in-house for this purpose.

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Figure 2: Birds Eye View of the Farm

Irrigation A design for irrigation has been formulated (several options are available), but again, no supplies for this have been acquired. Appropriate materials have been found and are referenced at Agriculture Resources -> Suppliers -> Asia Irrigation. The most basic form of irrigation in this case is drip line irrigation, using only one section of PVC pipe and a lot of cheap plastic drip line. The current irrigation plan is shown in Figure 3. The purple square in the bottom left corner represents the tap, the thick purple line down the left represents PVC pipe, and the thin purple line is the drip line.

Figure 3: Irrigation PlanPlantingA comprehensive blueprint layout (Field Dev's Team Blueprint Design) has been developed with several companion planting combinations. Seeds for these have

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not been acquired, but several suppliers are known and their prices and location are referenced in the “Agriculture Resources -> Suppliers” folder. This blueprint is for plot 3 only. The seeds need to be sown in the continuous cropping fashion. The basic principle of continuous cropping is to plant a section of the bed, wait a short period of time (a few days), and plant the next section, and so on. The advantage of this is that each section can be harvested when it is ready instead of all at once, allowing produce to be harvested more frequently than is traditional in Cambodia.

Plot 3

A soil additive is recommended to be turned into the soil before planting. Biochar and lime are the two cheapest options (aside from the compost on the land, but this will take time to produce). Additional soil is not required as the beds are raised enough using the soil dug from the trenches. The current leads for biochar are: Sela Chan has a contact that provides him with biochar; rice factories will typically sell rice husks in large bags for 500riel (this needs to be burned though), Puok village was suggested by a local farmer. Lime can be found at the Asia Irrigation Store (see agriculture resources - suppliers). However Henry Friedlander noted that not all lime in Cambodia is the current type. It should react/bubble when added to water.

Leads to Chase

CE SAIN Currently Field Development team is still in the process of communicating with CE SAIN in terms of potential partnership in the future. CE SAIN have several technology parks throughout Cambodia , including Siem Reap and Battambang, which are open to both public and private sector. These technology parks are design to test and improve sustainable agriculture intensification. CE SAIN are looking into similar techniques to what is being investigated in the blueprint such as companion planting and integrated pest management.  The goals between CE SAIN and FarmEd are heavily aligned as both strive to see smallholder agriculture practices improve and become more efficient.  A late collaboration partnership was developed in the last day of project. The team has become creating a plan for the

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land at the technology park (Data and Records -> CE SAIN farm).  Hence this relationship is important to maintain especially with the possibility of establishing a test farm in one of their technology parks.  

HURREDOCurrently Field Development team is still in the process of communicating with HURREDO in terms of potential partnership in the future. HURREDO is highly networked to farmers in various locations and was successful in the past with setting up meetings with groups of farmers. Being highly networked allows them to have knowledge about agricultural issues in the area. They also have potential access to a demonstration plot where they conduct nutrition classes. The goals between HURREDO and FarmEd closely align in regard to sustainable farming practices, food security and livelihood improvement and food nutrition.

ADDA  ADDA is an important connection for future sales of the blueprint. ADDA is an NGO organisation that has big influence in the Oddar Meanchey Province and allowed both FarmEd to visit farms the Okakikroam Village. ADDA was receptive to the blueprint model and was interested in having blueprint developed for farmers. Hence, once blueprint prototype is ready for selling, ADDA is an organisation that could assist in rolling out the model.

Prom BunthaiDue to his connections and business, Mr Bunthai is an extremely valuable stakeholder. He should be kept up to date on where the project is up to. If resources, contacts with other farmers, or agricultural advice are needed, he is the man to ask.

Leads Not to Chase

World Vegetable CentreThe World Vegetable Centre is an international NGO dedicated to alleviating poverty and malnutrition through increased education in production of nutritious and health - promoting vegetables. Originally listed as a potential contact as their goals are parallel with ours in removing food insecurity, as well as their contact

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with middle - high income farmers etc. were unreceptive to blueprint model as it stands. However they did provide advice on the blueprint such as removing carrots, potatoes, and others. Advice received from the twins recommended these were retained as the purpose of the test farm is to test whether these vegetables are able to be grow. Nothing to be gained in the near - future at this point. Further information in meeting minutes in World Vegetable Folder (Meeting Minutes World

Veg).

Other Useful Resources

Optimal crop conditions - Crop conditions

Guide to the Drive

In the Field Development folder on the Drive, it is organised accordingly:

Folder/Subfolder Description

Agriculture Resources

Contains information on what agriculture resources are required by the team.

Companion Planting

Documents describing companion planting.

Suppliers Information on some suppliers and what they have in stock and at what prices

Contacts Summary documents of stakeholder engagements. Contacts are mutual to Field Dev and Market Analysis. Can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HHkLpbXpvCQ6X-Zwhm_EgNdiMr7l3mBe(at the same directory level as Field Dev and Market Analysis)

Data and Records Most of the work is contained here.

Blueprint Design

All the documentation that was created for the blueprint specific to the farm at the Landmine Museum.

Folder created for the initial work done for CE SAIN farm

CE SAIN farm All available information on the newly acquired land at the CE SAIN Technology Park. This includes photos, and a plan for the land.

Initial Assessment

All info on the baseline assessment conducted at the Landmine Museum before commencing farm building.

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Media Photos from the day, including drone pictures.

Test Farm Implementation

Here, all activity on the farm at the Landmine Museum is documented.

Media Photos from the farm to show progress of test farm.

Goals Contains a spreadsheet on our monthly, weekly, and daily goals.

Handover Documents

Contains this doc!

Impact Assessment

Brainstorming and documents on the impact of FarmEd in Cambodia

Media Script for video. Media that doesn’t fit into other folders.

Risk Assessment Risk assessment documents for various activities.

Conclusion

In summary, the December field development team has created an initial blueprint with combinations based on the data collected by the market analysis team. The blueprint was further revised several times according to feedback from Zoe and Lisa Paisley, the agriculture specialists in Fiji. A quarter of an acre test farm plot at the Cambodia Landmine Museum was set up for the blueprint to be implemented and tested. Initial setup of the plot primarily included the formation of the plot beds and digging of the drainage trenches, which will double as walkways. Potential collaboration with several key stakeholders was explored through stakeholder meetings. CE SAIN have expressed a major interest in collaborating with FarmEd as not only do their goals closely align with FarmEd’s, they are already testing similar concepts that are incorporated into the blueprint. This includes the concept of companion planting and integrated pest management. On the last day of project, Field Development negotiated with CE SAIN for them to provide a plot of land at the Siem Reap technology park to test the blueprint prototype.

Massive progress was made by the December field development team, however there are large strides still to be made. The blueprint needs to be implemented on the test farm plot, firstly at CE SAIN and then at the Cambodian Landmine

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Museum. The blueprint model can be iteratively developed from data further obtained from the market analysis team in regards to supply and demand of vegetables. The bed structure and layout is concrete, however the crop combinations and arrangement within the beds can be subject to change, along with the plants in the living fence. This can be refined through results obtained from the test farm and feedback from Zoe and Lisa Paisley.

The aspects of compost, irrigation and additional soil need to be further investigated and made concrete as soon as possible. A compost system is extremely important as a continual supply of compost is required for the test farm operation. As compost is an organic method for enriching the soil and moisture retention. A small initial composting pile (of grass) has been started at the Landmine Museum, however more work is needed to turn it into a fully functional composting system.

Irrigation is another matter of high importance as plants require adequate water supply for soil infiltration and plant growth. An initial plan of how the irrigation system could be structured has been investigated along with the tentative pricing for such a system.

The soil quality of the beds at the Landmine Museum can be improved in terms of pH, nutrient balance, and texture. Only a preliminary investigation has been undertaken to assess the availability and the viability of adding additional soil to the test farm at the Landmine Museum such as silt soil or ‘river soil’, which Mr Friedlander expressed can be obtained from the Tonle Sap Lake. The issue with adding soil is that farmers often won’t be able to do this themselves. Hence, improving the soil quality by adding lime, compost and planting to add nutrients is a more viable method, however it is a slower process. These aspects need to be addressed to allow progression of the test farm at the Landmine Museum. Once the test farms is established, the blueprint model can be iteratively improved and concreted into an highly effective product that will improve agricultural practices within Cambodia.

Summary Action Points

The field development team in December developed a lot of last-minute leads in

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the final week of project. The following list is to summarise the information contained in this document and to further clarify what the January 2018  team should action.

Actions for CE SAIN Develop the Test Farm at the Siem Reap Technology park. A lot of the details about the relationship between CE SAIN and Project

Everest will be attempted to be sorted out before the January FarmEd teams arrive.

o The land currently has approximate beds sizes of 1m wide and 5m long.

o Mr Panha Pok. expressed that once he has a more finalised plan for the land, he would be able to prep the land for us including making the beds into the team’s desired length (1.5m wide by 10m). This needs to be confirmed, and should be before the January Team steps in.

o The blueprint that is currently being developed by the December Field Development team needs to be implemented at the CE SAIN plot. The exact crops that will go into the blueprint need to be determined, however a layout has been developed. The twins are able to provide advice on which crops should be prioritised.

o CE SAIN has seedlings for some but not all vegetables. Hence, vegetables that CE SAIN do not have seedlings for, FarmEd will have to source. Mr Bunthai is an option in this regard.

Actions for The Cambodian Landmine Museum Step 1: Start compost

o Begin collecting food waste scraps for composting at south house. More information can be found on composting in the drive. Compost is a good natural way of increasing soil fertility. Ciaran is helping out with this.

Step 2: Turn lime into the beds to increase pH. Quick lime is preferred. o Lime was found at the Asia Irrigation Store (Agriculture resources ->

suppliers). Due to the nature of the retail industry in Cambodia, there is the

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possibility of regular lime being sold as quicklime. To test this, pour some of the lime into water. If the lime simply mixes, then it is regular lime. If there is a reaction, then it is quicklime. If it does not react it will not be as effective at increasing the pH according to Henry Friedlander

o Mr Bunthai and Mr Friedlander are considering importing lime from Vietnam which they expressed is the correct ‘quicklime’ that reacts.

o Monitor the pH in the beds to ensure pH is increasing.o If enough quicklime can be sourced, Bill may appreciate being asked

to plough the rest of his land to have lime turned into the rest of the land.

o Keep in mind that quicklime takes several months to work. o Note that quicklime is also called burnt lime (since it is regular lime

that has been baked) Step 3: Follow up BioChar lead

o Sela Chan has a contact that provides him with biochar (talked about in plot 3 information)

Step 4: Acquire Seeds from Mr. Bunthai. o Plant once pH of soil at Landmine Museum is improved. However,

could plant a test bed with no additions to have a control/comparison bed.

o Begin planting Step 5: Set up Irrigation

o Irrigation system for museum needs to be further refinedo Water pressure at the taps along the farm area need to be checked

for pressureo If irrigation is going to be developed, Bill needs to be consulted

regarding the team’s use of the water supply.

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Goals for Next Month

Overall, there are two paths the new team need to develop. Number one is the CE SAIN test farm. Number two is the Cambodian Landmine Museum. This option should not be discounted. Bill has offered the Field Development FarmEd a lot of area to experiment with it. This can be further  developed as an area to further test aspects of the blueprint, as the land offered by CE SAIN is significantly smaller. Furthermore, the advantage of the land at the Museum is that it is independent of the partnership with CE SAIN. This allows much more freedom in terms of FarmEd’s operations at the site.

© XYZ For Good Pty Ltd T/A Project Everest 2016 22