Soil sampling sites in Funafuti, Tuvalu.

Key results

Biggest achievements

  1. Improved understanding of nutrient budgeting and compost management with a range of stakeholders through extension and outreach.
  2. Undertook a comprehensive soil survey in Funafuti.
  3. Undertook a field trial and food cube nutrient budgeting.

Soil sampling

A nutrient soil survey program for Tuvalu was developed. Overall, 50 sites were sampled. The soil samples are currently being shipped to Australia for testing and will be used to develop a mid-infrared and near-infrared calibration library for Pacific Island coral atoll soils. During the soil sampling, land managers were briefed on the importance of soil nutrients and using compost to increase soil fertility.

Extension and outreach

The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development in Tuvalu held a World Soils Day extension activity event called Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity. At the event, which was attended by approximately 25 participants, presenters provided an overview of soils, outlined the importance of soil health, and discussed soil structure, soil texture and soil biodiversity. The group visited:

  • The Taiwan Technical Mission Garden where the importance of compost was discussed and there was a demonstration on how to make compost in compost shed using heavy machines.
  • The Agriculture Agroforestry Nursery where there was a demonstration on compost preparation and analysis the composts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content using a Palin in-field soil test.
  • Agroforestry sites and dumping sites to compare the sites and the types of soil.

The participants indicated that further on-farm soil testing was needed and obtaining an additional Palin test kit would assist in undertaking field testing during the soil sampling program.

Location Date Audience Topic
Funafuti December 2020 25 extension, farmers and landholders World Soil Day – Nutrient management
Funafala February 2019 3 extension staff Water infiltration technological devices (FullStop and chameleon) training, noting plant response to deficiencies