InMichael Pollan‘s bookThe Omnivore ’s Dilemma , he trace his visit toPolyface Farmsin the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia . The owner of Polyface , farmer Joel Salatin , uses biologically intensive methods to grow a vast amount of solid food on one hundred acres of grazing land surrounded by forest . Salatin does n’t refer to himself as an organic Fannie Farmer – although his method are sure that – Joel is part ( perhaps something of a leader ) of the biologically intensive farming movement . Salatin uses no fertilizers or pesticides , no Agrochemicals of any sort , no antibiotics for his livestock . His cows , Gallus gallus , and pig are extraordinarily sizeable and free of disease , his chickens ’ eggs are laden with Z 3 ’s and in high requirement , and his crops are bountiful . In fact , Joel is so estimable at what he does that he is invite to speak all over the world , teaching his methods to other Farmer and to those who are just curious .
In Biologically Intensive Farming , the farmer learns the local ecologic connection between his crops , his animals , his pasture , his hem in woodland , and the soil that supports them all . It’sfarming that brush off Big Agand bank on knowledge of animal and grunge biota , botanyand horticulture .
So how does biologically intensive farming relate to your garden?
For the retiring 60 year or more , we ’ve been fed data oncontrolling pestsand disease in our garden that benefits the chemical and petroleum manufacture , not our gardens , not our plant , and not our health . This data – using chemical substance infer from petroleum distillate to control insect and fertilise our edibles – is so dominant in horticulture and farming civilization that it ’s reckon heterodoxy by many professional grower and scientist that good pest and disease control condition ( and output ) can be reach without the exercise of these stimulation . As many growers and gardener have now take , using chemicals to treat pest and disease triggers a shower impression : the elimination of one pest results in an infestation of another ; using celluloid fertilizer demolish the microelements and organisms that live in the grease near a plant ’s theme . When plants and dirt ca n’t outlive without chemical intervention , they require more chemic intervention to last ( great business enterprise model , is n’t it ? ) .
“ pestis and diseases on your farm are nature ’s way of evidence you that you ’re doing something wrong ” – Polyface Farms ’ Joel Salatin
So back to the garden where we ’ll employ the Biological Farming method acting . Pest restraint and disease ascendence do n’t start when lacewings are discovered in your garden orblack spotis unwrap in your pear trees . When you create ecological balance wheel in your garden , when your filth is alive with microbes which bear your plants , there is rarely any need for inputs aside from compost and water ( bar utmost conditions event ) . If your soil is live , bird will deplete their exercising weight in louse every day . If you interplant herbs and flower withtomatoes , cultivated carrot , andpeppers , they ’ll host friendly insects and discourage detrimental insects . If yourotate your cropsyear to year andplant cover crop , you wo n’t eat up the soil and invite plague . away from a drastic weather event such as a hurricane , tornado or drought , serious trouble rarely develop in the biologically balanced organic garden . When they do , they ’re more easily controlled .
How to apply biologically intensive methods in your garden
Test your soil
Before planting anything , inspect your dirt . prove its H2O holding capability by squeezing a ball size amount in your paw – does it stick together or turn to rubble ? It should stick together but be easily pulled aside , unlike clay . This shows good soil ploughland . Is the soil a deep dark chocolate-brown color or clay color ? If it ’s corpse you have lots of piece of work to do ( see my late post onsoil conditioning in your garden ) . What kind of spirit is in your dirt ? You should see at least a handful of earthworms and other louse crawl around . If insects and worm do n’t find oneself your grease appetising , neither will your plants .
Add compost and humus
If you have n’t already , construct acompostpile . compost is absolutely essential , as it will replace the micronutrients that grow plants remove from the soil . It also defend bacteria and fungus which tip on plant garbage and avail plow it into hommos . Think of it as vitamin and fiber for your soil .
Add airflow
ensure that there is good air flow around plant to reduce the luck of fungous infections . The ability of a plant to dry promptly after a rainstorm is crucial . If the season is particularly humid or wet , this is all the more authoritative .
Invite wildlife
Do n’t make your garden off limits to wildlife . Destructive brute like Marmota monax , rabbits , anddeer should be deter , as they will try everything they see . But chick andpollinatorslike bee are crucial to your garden ’s health . The more pollinators you appeal , the good the blooms .
Use cover crops
Use cut across crops in your veggie garden . Cover crops reinstate nutrients to the soil , which crops pull out .
Use Mulch
One of the most important inputs ismulch . report the beginning zone of every industrial plant with at least 2 inch of mulch to insulate the root from weather extremes like freezing soil , Robert Frost heave , drought , and heatwaves . As the mulch will also harbor moisture closer to the root geographical zone , it will make the topsoil more tempt for bacteria , insects , fungi and earthworms which will break down organic issue quicker ( include the mulch ) , and make a territory more hospitable to your plants .
