II
AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM
Background
Much of the natural vegetation on the inhabited islands of
Enewetak Atoll was destroyed during World War II.
During the
subsequent testing operations, many of the islands were occupied
by various facilities, and roads and airports were constructed.
On Enewetak Island, concrete or asphalt covered much of the
surface and in many cases the fragile topsoil layer was removed
or displaced.
The
southern
Japtan were
residence
planted
bananas along
and eggplants.
with
with
islands
pandanus,
garden
vegetables
of
Enewetak,
breadfruit,
such
as
Medren,
and
coconut
melons,
and
cabbages,
Program Summary
The various
crops are maintained by local residents under
the supervision of the contractor to the DOI and part-time
Agricultural Consultant.
The coconut palms have been weeded and
fertilized on regular schedule in 1987.
Circle weeding and
fertilizer
application
and Ananij through 1988,
In
March
1984,
a
is
scheduled
complete
on
Enewetak,
brushing
Japtan,
operation was
Medren
initiated
except for a 100° strip on the windward side and 50' strip on the
remaining perimeter.
All non-cultivated foliage was manually
chopped down and left to decompose.
This process will add humus
to the soil, assist in retaining moisture and provide natural
nutrients.
The northern islands of Aej, Lujor, Aomon, Bijiri, Alembel,
and Lojwa were planted at the request of the Enewetak people with
the
full
Cesium
knowledge
137,
consumption.
which
The
that
would
the
idea was,
coconuts
render
them
would
contain
unacceptable
levels
for
when the decision was made,
in
of
human
1979,
that continuing scientific efforts might produce a solution to
the problem in the 6-8 years it takes to produce these nuts.
Since then, DOE and DOI have been conducting studies on Bikini
towards that end.
However, until an acceptable solution is
identified,
agricultural
efforts
have
been
concentrated
on
the
southern islands, which are now beginning to produce edible
crops.
The Council and people are aware that the northern island
coconuts are not usable as a food source at this time.
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