A Gandhian or Regenerative approach to farming really means send in so many good microbes that they outcompete the bad microbes.
Our ancient practices and wisdom in the world or of variations in approaches to permaculture have repeatedly proved that we can indeed farm and increase our yields and equitably feed our growing billions. From the perfection to soil health approaches of Dr Elaine of Soil Food Web to let nature heal itself approaches of Solitude farm and Clea, these approaches not only help soil and carbon sequestration, but also encompass a system of circular economy and reduced footsteps. Allure 29 began with the generosity of a friend who offered his 7000-sq feet of idle land to test out theories about regenerative farming. Beds were laid perpendicular to the road and we built an overhead tank. Water was and continues to be the bane of our existence at Allure. Between supply from a neighborhood bore well and tanker, coupled with a heavily sandy soil, we realized that spraying water through a hose pipe was inconsistent. A couple of months in we moved to rainhose and pressure pump. Soil is also funny. Compacting in some places leading to algae or soaks and drains water to no end. The interesting thing about using a rainhose is that the top soil dries up soon while the inside remains slightly wet. Our emphasis was in reduced or more specifically, a measured approach to application of manure This included mulching, companion cropping, using algae and seaweed and sprays such as Neev and Jeevamrutha. These are more products such as vermiwash. Reading NPK allowed us to experiment and document a couple of combinations that led to bumper yields. Learnings from 29. Think of the soil as a living breathing capable being, with happiness bubbling towards the top. Plan for water Plan your plot keeping in mind the slope of land and microclimate Plan your composting approaches Think through using the trees and plants to create your own microclimate Become a food forest, allowing diversity to heal soil and control pests and help you stay afloat financially My motivation is coupled with twin beliefs that I, while enjoying the wealth of my generation have inadvertently or otherwise left a very strong carbon footprint. I would like to leave a better world for my grandchildren. Microclimate density with Layered canopy food forest Approaches to soil rejuvenation Composting Paladanyam Planting Fiscal & Soil Sustainability Data & Analysis