SOFT: Sustainable and Organic Farm Training
SOFT is a student managed farm funded by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). SOFT was started in 2007. Our members include undergraduate and graduate students, UH Faculty, and community members eager to learn about sustainable and organic farming practices.
Students in ACTION: SOFT Photo Gallery
What do we do?
SOFT members have been actively involved in UH courses where they have given lectures and initiated student involvement as part of laboratory requirements (e.g. TPSS 300/351/403). Members also provide open workshops for community members, some of which have been held at the Lyon Arboretum.
SOFT Goals
SOFT was developed with the intention of creating an environment for students to learn how to grow food using a more sustainable and organic approach. We are currently working towards growing food that will ensure a sustainable vegetable supply for our UH Campus. In addition, we are very excited about the incredible opportunity this farm offers for creative experimentation. A recent and innovative example is where we have incorporated salvaged cardboard and coffee bags to be utilized as alternative mulch.
Roof Top
Here on campus, the roof of the St. John Building has recently been converted into an outstanding hydroponic station. Our first harvest was a combination of both Manoa and Anuenue lettuce. Future crops will include tomato and cucumber varieties.
Mānoa
Near Manoa Marketplace on the mauka side of campus (Magoon Research Facility,) we concentrate on square-foot gardening.
Waimānalo
This one-acre site is located on the windward side of O'ahu at the UH Research Station. Here we grow and maintain numerous varieties of fruit trees (e.g. banana, avocado, guava, etc.) and a beautiful bountiful herb garden.
FMI and to contact SOFT
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/soft/
