Carbon emissions and chemicals are marring the planet.
The pervasiveness of monoculture (cultivation of a single crop in a given area) translates to a loss of the landscape diversity necessary for the movement of species from coastal ecosystem to the mountains. Pollinators, birds, mammals and other creatures that are integral to a sustainable system cannot survive under monoculture conditions.
Soil is more than just dirt, it is a moving, living and changing habitat. Today, the common practice of tilling (turning over and breaking up the soil) expose this delicate ecosystem to the scorching sun, the living organisms die. Soil ecosystems are further hindered by chemicals used in agriculture today. Loss of carbon and nitrogen are also correlated with tilling, as the practice breaks down the carbon sequestration power of healthy soil.
What are we doing about it?
Building a Matrix
Mosaics that blend human farming, meadows and grasslands and forestry are imperative for biodiversity and the natural carbon cycle. We are planting as many diverse species of grasses to rebuild the meadows between our olive trees. This eliminates bare ground and encourages vibrant soil to continue to grow life.
Letting Nature Dig
Healthy soil takes care of itself. By introducing more than one crop species to an area, the plants naturally protect one another from outside threats. Mixing crops manage disease by providing the natural predator and prey system to control potentially threatening populations.
Earthworms provide a valuable service while regular trimming of plants, combined with season, planned animal herding, provides a sustainable solution.
Importing a Game-changer
No-till seeding technology has already improved agricultural development around the world, but it hasn’t yet come to Spain.
We are working hard to import a state-of-the-art machine that will enable us to demonstrate in our own fields a successful no-till harvest and enable shared-usage of the technology with our neighbors.