|
| |
Education and Extension Service on the Island of Saarema
(Osel),
Estonia
CONTENT
Summary
FULFILLMENT OF OBJECTIVES
Number of farmers engaged in the project:
The aim of the project was to reach about 25 farmers via extension work with
special emphasis on problems relating to manure. At the moment there are 31
farms in the project, which is well within the limit. The project was also meant
to start in the middle of Saaremaa in Kaareamaa municipality. As planned it
began in 1995 with four farms in this area.
Time schedule for the project:
Due to circumstances beyond our control there was a delay of about 8-9 months
after the planned initiation of the project. The Swedish project manager was
pre-occupied with helping Gotland farmers with their EU applications, a job that
had not been predicted and demanded a great deal of time. The first project
manager on the Estonian side was found to be unsuitable, and left the program
during this time. But in November 1995 Aivar Kallas joined the project and since
then it has been functioning better than predicted.
Nutritional goals:
The goal was to increase the farmers awareness of environmental problems
relating to run-off, and to educate them in the use of manure to avoid using too
much, at the wrong time and on the wrong crops. The adviser achieved this
through the introduction of crop rotation and fertilizing plans for the farmers.
But these things take time and by no means all the farmers followed the advice
given. Many of the farmers were suspicious of the authorities owing to previous
negative experiences. So this part of the programme has not been entirely
positive.
OTHER EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES
Soil sampling
Part of creating a good nutritional balance is to first establish the nutrient
levels in the soil and adjust the crop fertilization accordingly. This has been
achieved by soil sampling on the farms. The result is a useful collection of
data describing the various amounts of nutritious substances in different soils
on Saaremaa.
Water sampling
As most of the farms have inadequate manure storage facilities there is a high
risk of leakage to wells on the farms. In order to assess the situation we took
water samples on many farms. This was done in participation with the
Environmental Ministry of Estonia. It now means that they have some material
relating to the quality of the water on the farms.
The sample analysis was carried out by a local laboratory on Saaremaa thereby
providing a short span of employment at the laboratory which has otherwise been
closed down for the past year.
CONCLUSIONS
Since the adviser started, he has been working with the farmers by writing
articles in the local paper, arranging and attending farm meetings and carrying
out visits to the farms. All this has made the farmers in the project aware of
environmental problems, especially in relation to run-off being a result of
incorrect manure handling. The soil analysis shows good average values for the
soils, but when seen individually most of the soils have values which are either
too high or too low. It would seem that the manure has only been spread on a few
of the fields, mostly in close proximity to the farm.
Hopefully this will now change, but it also shows that the level of awareness is
not necessarily on a par with the results. Many of the farmers are suspicious of
the authorities and it takes time to build up trust between the farmers and the
adviser. Unfortunately, critical time was lost as a result of the situation
described above.
On most of the farms no manure storage facilities have been built. This is
mostly owing to lack of money. We suspected that this could cause health
problems and therefore samples were taken from the farm wells. The result showed
excessive amounts of bacteria in the water in many of the wells.
It is clearly essential that some form of advisory service should continue on
the island. To decrease the hot spot run-off, it is also essential to find the
finances to build manure storage facilities on the farms.
Introduction (to
top)
| NAME |
Saaremaa project |
| COUNTRY |
Estonia |
| TOTAL BUDGET |
500 000 SEK |
| CONTACTS |
|
| SWEDISH |
Hilding Norrby and Goran Qviberg, Rural
Economy and Agricultural Society of Gotland,
Lavsta, 620 23 ROMAKLOSTER,
Sweden, Tel 0498/20 38 20, Fax 0498/20 38 39 |
| |
|
| ESTONIAN |
Liia Sooaar,
Kaarma vald, Medla Krila,Saaremaa
Aivar Kallas,
Kilielkonna vald, PO Box 55 Saaremaa |
PURPOSE
Education and extension in the plant growth area with special aim on manure
handling.
GOAL
Primarily to decrease the load on the environment in the Baltic Sea and
contribute to a balanced nutrition supply for the private farmer.
METHOD OF WORKING
Education and training of local extension workers and a small group of farmers.
- PROJECT MANAGERS
 | SWEDISH Goran Qviberg,
| ESTONIAN Aivar Kallas
|
|
Activities
and results (to top)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
On Saaremaa island in Estonia. The project started in Kaarma municipality in the
middle of the island. But now there are farms participating all over Saaremaa.
LIST OF FARMERS IN THE PROJECT
The goal was, when the project started that we should have about 25 farmers in
an advisory service at the end of the project time. As shown below (table 1) we
have passed that goal.
TABLE 1. List of farmers participating in the BAAP project and
sizes of their farms.
|
No
|
Farmer
|
area
|
No
|
Farmer
|
area
|
|
1
|
Enno Tanavots |
20 hec.
|
17
|
Olle Hiiet |
20 hec.
|
|
2
|
Andres Udekull |
40 hec.
|
18
|
Andrus Sepp |
8 hec.
|
|
3
|
Raivo L6bus |
8 hec.
|
19
|
Arli Saun |
53 hec
|
|
4
|
"Saaremaa Okofalu" |
120 hec.
|
20
|
Ludmilia Naalik |
60 hec.
|
|
5
|
Liia Sooaar |
28 hec.
|
21
|
Siiri Hansen |
30 hec.
|
|
6
|
Merike Pihi |
1 hec.
|
22
|
Riivo Kurgpdld |
6 hec.
|
|
7
|
Oto Kannisto |
30 hec.
|
23
|
Enna Raun |
16 hec.
|
|
8
|
Leevi Naagel |
25 hec.
|
24
|
Aarne Juulik |
29 hec.
|
|
9
|
Naagel |
20 hec.
|
25
|
Tatjana Enno |
20 hec.
|
|
10
|
Jekaterina Naalik |
19 hec.
|
26
|
Eini Raud |
40 hec.
|
|
11
|
Valdo Oder |
25 hec.
|
27
|
Valdo Lauri |
2 hec.
|
|
12
|
Milda Vaartnou |
2 hec.
|
28
|
Arne Rahu |
2 hec
|
|
13
|
Aarno Saarma |
62 hec.
|
29
|
Elle Kuris |
10 hec.
|
|
14
|
Suiev Naak |
20 hec.
|
30
|
Aili Kirst |
12 hec.
|
|
15
|
Arvo Merisalo |
60 hec.
|
31
|
Uno Ounaid |
43 hec.
|
|
16
|
Helmar Kuusk |
25 hec.
|
|
|
|
As seen above there are 31 farmers in the project. The total area is
856 hectares. The medium size of the farms' arable land is 27,6 hectares, which
is well above the average farm on Saaremaa. That means that most of the
participating farms have good possibilities to go on farming in the future.
Farm number 4, for which Aivar is administrator, is a project farm for education
and trials. The idea is to run the farm without animals using leguminous and
"green fertilizers" and maybe some bought-in manure from a pig farm.
To prevent soil packing they use only small tractors (up to 1,5-2,0 tones). The
goal is to, in the future, make field trials and educate farmers, students and
organize seminars. In this area Tartu University and Tartu Ecoengineering Center
have been contacted. They want to produce winter grain seeds and leguminous
seeds for organic farmers. The success of this farm is depending on finding
sponsor money. So far they are depending on private finances.
The participating farms have got advise like crop rotation plans, field
problems, and building plans for example.
SAMPLES
On most of the farms the adviser has taken soil samples as a step in the
direction to use manure or other fertilizers in the right way (see table 2
below).
TABLE 2. Result of soil sampling on the two first
occasions. Samples taken by the Estonian and Swedish project managers and
analyzed in Estonian Laboratories.
|
Names
|
pH
|
p
|
K
|
Mg
|
Cu
|
Fe
|
Mn
|
B
|
|
from Autumn 94
|
| Metsaaare 1 |
6,5
|
4,8
|
10,0
|
26,0
|
3,2
|
490,0
|
68,0
|
1,0
|
| Metsaaare 2 |
5,6
|
3,9
|
13,3
|
80,0
|
8,0
|
1300,0
|
12,0
|
4,0
|
| Nurga 1 |
6,9
|
12,2
|
22,4
|
32,0
|
6,5
|
870,0
|
105,0
|
2,0
|
| Nurga 2 |
7,0
|
7,0
|
9,1
|
100,0
|
8,0
|
1250,0
|
68,0
|
4,5
|
| Miku 1 |
7,1
|
17,4
|
24,9
|
80,0
|
9,8
|
660,0
|
193,0
|
1,9
|
| Miku 2 |
6,9
|
12,2
|
17,4
|
100,0
|
5,0
|
940,0
|
118,0
|
2,9
|
| Uusalu 1 |
7,0
|
7,0
|
14,9
|
240,0
|
4,3
|
570,0
|
128,0
|
1,7
|
| Uusalu 2 |
7.0
|
1,0
|
4,2
|
270,0
|
4,5
|
1000,0
|
105,0
|
1,8
|
| Kaarli 1 |
7,1
|
8,3
|
15,8
|
100,0
|
6,3
|
870,0
|
143,0
|
1,8
|
| Kaarli 2 |
7,1
|
7,0
|
15,8
|
150,0
|
6,1
|
730,0
|
86,0
|
3,4
|
|
from Spring 96
|
| Aarne |
7,2
|
2,6
|
8,3
|
60,0
|
3,2
|
1150,0
|
95,0
|
1,0
|
| Aarne 8 |
6,8
|
4,0
|
6.6
|
24,0
|
3,0
|
1100,0
|
26,0
|
1,5
|
| Aarne III 2 |
6,9
|
6,6
|
18,3
|
56,0
|
4,2
|
1400,0
|
155,0
|
1,4
|
| Aarne IV |
7,0
|
0,9
|
3,3
|
72,0
|
6,0
|
1700,0
|
28,0
|
2,9
|
| Aarne V |
7,1
|
3,1
|
4,2
|
45,0
|
2,9
|
900,0
|
54,0
|
0,8
|
| Aarne VI A |
7,0
|
6,2
|
5,0
|
40,0
|
4,3
|
700,0
|
52,0
|
1,2
|
| Aarne VI B |
6,9
|
3,1
|
2,5
|
26,0
|
2,0
|
410,0
|
45,0
|
0,7
|
| Andres Matsami |
7,1
|
6,6
|
13,3
|
180,0
|
1,0
|
30,0
|
135,0
|
3,0
|
| Andres Matsiluts |
7,2
|
6,2
|
10,8
|
170,0
|
4,0
|
590,0
|
230,0
|
4,8
|
| Andres Reim pold |
7,3
|
7,9
|
15.0
|
160,0
|
4,0
|
550,0
|
220,0
|
2,6
|
| Hiiet 1 |
7,3
|
3,1
|
17.4
|
120,0
|
3,9
|
920,0
|
190,0
|
2,9
|
| Hiiet 11 |
7,3
|
1,3
|
4,2
|
104,0
|
3,6
|
1150,0
|
115,0
|
1,9
|
| Hiiet III |
7,3
|
2,6
|
5,8
|
120,0
|
3,8
|
1250,0
|
145,0
|
1,8
|
| Juulik 3 |
6,8
|
1,8
|
5,0
|
120,0
|
3,8
|
1400,0
|
86,0
|
5,6
|
| Juulik 4 |
6,7
|
18,5
|
4,2
|
58,0
|
2,1
|
1100,0
|
30,0
|
2,5
|
| Juulik 1 |
7,3
|
4,8
|
15,8
|
146,0
|
4,4
|
430,0
|
215,0
|
5,7
|
| Juulik 11 |
7,2
|
3,1
|
13,3
|
230,0
|
2,2
|
190,0
|
210,0
|
3,6
|
| Piila 2 |
5,6
|
0,9
|
7,5
|
180,0
|
19,0
|
3000,0
|
17,0
|
14,5
|
| Saarma Jauni |
6,9
|
0,4
|
2,5
|
40,0
|
3,8
|
1750,0
|
57,0
|
0,9
|
| Uno 1 |
6,7
|
13,2
|
38,2
|
60,0
|
3,9
|
1750,0
|
125,0
|
1,4
|
| Uno 2 |
6,8
|
1,3
|
19,1
|
100,0
|
4,1
|
2000,0
|
205,0
|
1,6
|
| Uno 3 |
6,7
|
2,2
|
14,1
|
88,0
|
4,7
|
2100,0
|
210,0
|
1,6
|
| Uno Piiia 1 |
5,9
|
2,6
|
10,8
|
220,0
|
50,0
|
2600,0
|
18,0
|
14,1
|
| Highest value |
7,3
|
18,5
|
38,2
|
270,0
|
50,0
|
3000,0
|
230,0
|
14,5
|
| Lowest value |
5,6
|
0,4
|
2,5
|
24,0
|
1,0
|
30,0
|
12,0
|
0,7
|
| Mean value |
6,9
|
5,6
|
11,9
|
109,0
|
6,2
|
1116,7
|
111,8
|
3,1
|
| Median value |
7,0
|
4,0
|
10,8
|
100,0
|
4,1
|
1000,0
|
105,0
|
1,9
|
The results of this show that the average values are about the same as in
Sweden, but there is a larger spread between the different fields. Some fields
have really high values and others are low. Totally there have been 79 samples
taken so the table above can be seen as an example but the result of the rest
shows the same picture.
As many of the farms lack manure storage and sewer systems we have also taken
samples in the farm wells to check drinking water quality (se table 3 below) .
TABLE 3. Result of water analysis on farm wells. 17 samples accounted
for. Samples taken by personnel from Estonian Ministry of Environment and
Estonian project manger. The result is shown in the Estonian classification
system for drinking water.
| |
|
Very good
|
Limit
|
Good
|
Limit
|
Satisfactory
|
Limit
|
Not satisf.
|
Limit
|
Total
|
| Color |
|
10
|
5
|
7
|
15
|
|
25
|
|
>25
|
17
|
| Transp. |
|
8
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
4
|
>5
|
17
|
| Dry subst. |
mg/dm3 |
9
|
1000
|
8
|
1000
|
|
1500
|
|
>1500
|
17
|
| Cl- |
mg/dm3 |
|
10
|
17
|
250
|
|
350
|
|
>350
|
17
|
| S04- |
mg/dm3 |
|
10
|
17
|
250
|
|
500
|
|
>500
|
17
|
| Stravh. |
mg-ekv/dm3 |
|
5
|
3
|
7
|
12
|
10
|
2
|
>10
|
17
|
| Fe+ |
mg/dm3 |
|
0,1
|
4
|
0,3
|
7
|
1
|
6
|
>1
|
17
|
| pH |
|
16
|
6.5-8
|
1
|
6.0-9.0
|
|
6.0-9.0
|
|
>8
|
17
|
| Qx. act. |
mg 02/dm3 |
0
|
1
|
|
2
|
4
|
4
|
13
|
>4
|
17
|
| NH4+ |
mg/dm3 |
1
|
0
|
13
|
0,5
|
3
|
1
|
|
>1
|
17
|
| N02- |
mg/dm3 |
|
0
|
5
|
0,01
|
11
|
0,1
|
1
|
>0.1
|
17
|
| N03- |
mg/dm3 |
9
|
1
|
7
|
10
|
1
|
45
|
|
>45
|
17
|
| F- |
mg/dm3 |
3
|
|
1
|
|
13
|
|
|
>1.5
|
17
|
| Coli sh. |
SVIOO CM3 |
|
|
|
|
6
|
5
|
10
|
|
16
|
| E-coli |
sVIO0 cm3 |
|
|
|
|
4
|
0
|
12
|
|
16
|
| Hetertrof. |
sVI cm3 |
|
|
|
|
12
|
100
|
2
|
|
14
|
The results show that while the situation is satisfactory when it comes to
ions in the water (maybe a little high on iron), there are problems with
bacteria in most of the wells.
Since the farms are in a developing stage the farmers continually take new land
in use. Therefore there is need for more crop rotation and fertilizing plans and
other advice to get this new fields in good order, for example how to come to
terms with the weed problems.
PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Aivar has during the project time been giving lectures in farming at public
meetings and farm visits arranged by himself or by others, like the farm union.
He has also participated in other meetings concerning agricultural issues. He is
a member of the local farm union board.
A study trip for the project farmers was arranged during the spring 1997. It
went to the mainland and they visited a cold house stable and the BAAP project
in Arkma.
In June 97 there was a competition arranged among the farmers to find the best
ordered farm. This was organized by the Farmers Union and except for the order
on the farm Aivar also suggested that the jury should look at environmental
factors like crop rotation on fields, manure and urine storage, sewage systems,
garbage utilization or collecting and storage for artificial fertilizer, oil and
fuel. Aivar was chosen chairman of the jury. The four best farms (three of them
in the BAAP-project) were visited by the jury and the best farm was chosen.
OTHER PROJECTS
Aivar has written project applications for:
| Sheep breeding on Vilsandi island.
| Estonian Rural Development Group foundation documentation.
| Saare County sustainable agriculture development project. |
| |
ARTICLES
The adviser have during the project time written articles for a local daily
newspaper on Saaremaa: "Meie Mad'.
The issues has been; The BAAP project, agricultural techniques, sustainable
agriculture, waste water problems, chemicals used in farming, drinking water
quality in farm wells, report from study trips and other meetings etc.
For "Mahepollurmajanduse Leht Elav Mad" (a research and news
publication of ecological farming in Scandinavian countries and Estonia).
The adviser has written an article about ecological farming in Saaremaa and
about the BAAP project.
DISCUSSIONS WITH AUTHORITIES
The goal with contacts and discussions with these other organizations is to
develop a sustainable farming on Saaremaa:
| Tartu Eco-engineering Center |
|
Swedish Rural Group |
| Tartu Agricultural University |
|
Jarna Advisement Center |
| Environmental Department of Saaremaa, County Government |
|
Estonian Agricultural Ministry chancellor |
| Estonian Parliament rural committee |
|
Estonian Farmers Union |
| West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve |
|
|
CONCLUSION
As seen by the text above the advisory service has, after starting problems,
been running with much growth and many different activities. This is due to a
great interest and initiatives by the adviser Aivar Kallas.
The situation on Saaremaa can somewhat be detected in the different samples
taken by us. The amount of soil nutrients (table 2) has an average value about
the same as in Sweden. There is though, a wide spread in the analyzis results.
This is due to the fact that the manure is spread only on few fields, mostly
close to the farm. One major reason for this is the delay of the land reform.
There is still a great uncertainty and many fields have still not got there
rightful owner. Therefore the land is leased out on short time notice and the
farmers are using this fields "extensively" with low investment in
case they would have to leave it. Another reason is lack of good spreading
equipment and loaders.
The idea with the advisement is somewhat to "turn the Western development
around". In the West during the 50ties and 60ties the chemical fertilizers
were seen as the main fertilizer. The organic fertilizers, like manure, were
more seen as "a waste problem". It has taken long time to change this
attitude among advisers and farmers. On Saaremaa there is a chance to "step
over" this development and instead see organic fertilizers as the main
fertilizer and chemical fertilizer only as complements where there are deficits.
Another problem is the lack of good manure storages. This leads to small
"hotspots" close to the farm, which is an environmental problem, and
can also be a health problem. The water analysis shown in table 3 implicates
this. We predicted that there would be high rates of nitrogen and bacteria in
the drinking water. But we were only half right since only the bacteria rates
were on a level that makes the water not fit to drink. High rates of colic
bacteria show that there is a fecal contamination of some kind, most likely
manure or wastes from humans. A most important goal must therefore be to build
manure storages and improve the sewer systems on the farms as soon as possible.
The project form makes it difficult to measure any result in form of decrease in
nutrient run-offs. Instead we can say that there is now a higher awareness among
the farmers on these issues. Unfortunately not all farmers change their behavior
despite the advisory service. The goal therefore must be to convince the farmers
that careful use of manure goes hand in hand with good economy for the farm. But
it takes time to build up a trust between adviser and farmer and some of the
farmers are suspicious against authorities due to former experiences.
In the long term we are convinced that there will also be an effect on the
leakages. The project is now known over the whole island as something that is
positive for the farmers which was our goal.
In order to make the farmers in the project to good models it is now necessary
to consolidate good farming technique on the farms. If these farmers, except for
environmental care, also have good production results, the other farmers will
follow their lead.
Co-operation (to
top)
WITHIN BAAP
Co-operation with Saida Rural Development when it comes to plans for building
of a cold stable for free walking cows on the island. The construction is a
rebuilding of the farm house at Liia Sooddr in Kaarmaa municipality.
WITH OTHERS
From the start co-operation with IDEA (an Organization for aid to development
countries) They were involved in building examples of manure storages on the
four farms where our project started.
Co-operation with a biodynamic adviser in farm meetings and with education
material.
Co-operation with the Estonian Environmental Department for control of water
quality on the farms.
Co-operation with the local Farmers union and advisory service, Tallulit.
Difficulties
in the realization (to top)
OCCURRED
Problems with communications. The travels have been both longer and more
expensive than predicted. It was finally solved through a private flyer who can
provide transport with a small plane. The trip now takes about 1,5 hours but
this plane needs good conditions so we may have no wheatear to cancel planned
trips on short notice.
Lack of time. In January 95 Sweden became a member of EU. The farmers then
needed help with their applications for subsidies. That meant a lot of extra
work for the Swedish project leader. Since there were need for special knowledge
it was not possible to replace with other personal. Due to this, very little
could be done during the first half of 1995.
Problems with personnel on the Estonian side. The first adviser was chosen by
Kaarama municipality. He proved to be less suitable and he left the project
during the autumn 1995. Because of that more time was lost before a replacement
could be found.
OCCURRED AND EXPECTED
Problems with the language. Within the farmers' association no one can speak
English or Swedish. You can not even find this kind of knowledge among highly
educated people. Aivar Kallas, on the other hand, speaks excellent English, and
therefore there are no problems in communication between the Agricultural
societies' personnel and the adviser. We also have access to translation help
through a former employee at the Agricultural society.
ECONOMIC DIVERGENCE
Due to the delay we have not consumed our economic resources at the rate that
was planned.
Suggestions
for the future (to top)
| A good thing would be to make the service a self-carrying permanent
advisory service. At the time being the farmers can't afford to pay much for
advisory service but with a stable development in agriculture they might be
able to take more economic responsibilities in the future. In the mean time
it is important that some kind of advisory service continues on the island.
This in order to consolidate the work already done. Since Aivar is now
established as adviser the best would be if the present advisory service
could continue with continued support from the agricultural society of
Gotland.
| An individual service is more expensive but can have a greater impact due
to the direct contact between the farmer and the adviser. It also makes it
easier for the farmer to seek help when needed. In this "network"
the farmers can also use each others' experience and equipment and many of
their problems can be solved within the advisory group.
| Many farmers, due to low income and small economic resources need help to
solve the drinking water problems. Some subsidies or guarantee loan from the
state would be welcome for the farmers. |
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