The Department of Agriculture, Husbandry and Fisheries came into existence in 1977 to provide a center for experimental work and development in animal husbandry and agriculture with particular reference to horticulture. In the course of time the experimental station on the former property 'Santa Rosa' became a center with both local and national responsibilities. The experimental station is situated at the foot of the 'Haystack'- hill in the central part of the island. The soils at the station are formed from remnants of the Batholith formation, which consists mainly of quartzdioritic minerals.
All soils show a sandy toplayer on clayey parent material.
Over most of the area this clayey layer is within 1.50 meter from the surface, depending on the erosional status of the area. The gray colors and the red mottles which are present in most soil profiles reflect existing poor drainage. The topsoils have few stones in it. Because of their easy workability most of the soils are capable of growing a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. Back to Top Area served While playing its part in the nationally coordinated program, the station has a responsibility for conducting experiments to meet the needs of growers on the entire island.