Major Soil Projects

Soils of Abatao Islet - 1982

Abatao is an islet situated in the NE arm of Tarawa atoll. The islet has an area of 73 ha half being occupied in 1982 by a research station run by the Agriculture Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources Development.  Mapping was carried out for a training workshop on soil classification for atoll soils run in Tarawa by the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), the Atoll Research Unit (ARU) and the Institute of Research, Extension and Training in Agriculture (IRETA) of the University of the South Pacific (USP).  As part of the training activities a preliminary survey of parts of Abatao was completed.

Abatao shows many of the features common to low atolls and this survey could provide a model for similar surveys on other atolls. A soil map at a scale of 1:10,000 was prepared and this map accompanies this report.

Morrison, R. J. and V. B. Seru (1985). Soils of Abatao Islet, Tarawa, Kiribati. Environmental Studies Report No. 27. Suva, Fiji, Institute of Natural Resources: 81p.

Improving soil health, agricultural productivity and food security on atolls - SPC/ACIAR - 2014

Agricultural production in both countries is restricted by lack of seeds, water shortages and salinity, poor soils, and lack of tools and knowledge of farming practices, and limited guidance from extension services. As a result of limited agricultural production, Kiribati and Tuvalu consume more than they produce.

In order to achieve food security on atolls, there is a need to address the above critical issues by building capacity of key stakeholders to ensure soil constraints are addressed in order for the households of Kiribati and Tuvalu to produce starchy staples and nutritious food.

Website:  https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/SMCN-2014-089

New Projects

If you have any previous or new projects you think we should include here please contact us at the PSP contact email


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