Agro-ecology
Just think that 90% of subterranean life is in the first 10 centimetres of the soil! We can then clearly see that all work, even if shallow, really disturbs it. But what better than the earthworms, mycorrhizal fungi or bacteria to structure the soil that we cultivate, air it day after day, night after night, and feed our crops ? Preserving this profoundly rich living environment is thus a fundamental agronomic issue.
As market gardeners, grain producers, landscapers, or representatives of international organisations, you can improve your practices, your productivity and the quality of your soils thanks to modern agro-ecology techniques.
What goes on in the life of the soil? How can we make use of that to cultivate the earth while respecting it as best we can? How can we produce an abundance of quality crops with the least possible input and tillage?
Far from being an unrealistic utopian vision, this approach is based on the experience of the pioneers of natural agriculture, conservation agriculture (direct sowing, simplified cultivation techniques), and market gardening on living soil (“MSV”).
We maximise soil quality in two ways:
- The “shelter” means preserving its habitat and its biotope by working the soil as little as possible, or even not at all, and leaving as much as possible covered!
- The “food” means feeding it throughout the year by covering it with living plants (plant cover or green manure, or associated crops) and by restoring all sort of fresh plant products to it: crop residues, hay, straw, leaves, wood, kitchen scraps, etc.
Our guidance is personalised and adapted to specific needs. Whether long or short, it is comprised of 4 stages:
1. A detailed interview will enable us to learn more about your plots, your practices in fertilisation and tillage, your expectations, etc.
2. A study of your soils: through soil sampling and the description of the profiles, we will analyse your soils to identify any potential difficulties for cultivation. It is possible to complement those field observations with analyses carried out by a partner laboratory.
3. A report summarising the survey results and accompanied by a strategic action plan for better management of the fertilisation, the amendment (green waste, compost, ramial chipped wood or “BRF”), irrigation, and plant health.
4. Individual guidance over the long term in order to help improve practices, productivity, and soil quality