22 Apr Sun 2012
Work deferred! Idle thoughts...
The work I planned wasn't going to get done. I wanted to set out cabbage and broccoli seedlings that had hardened off. However, a high energy weather system moved through and the wind was blowing 25-30 mph with gusts to and above 40 mph. I moved indoors and worked on mixing soil amendments. We use natural amendments to feed the soil food web. The process of decomposition, microbe life cycle, and fungal proliferation improves the soil and nutrient availability. Details here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2006-06-01/A-Better-Way-to-Fertilize-Your-Garden.aspx
Some components we purchase from the feed mill. Others are by-products that can be had for the cost of hauling. When beds are prepped for planting a combination of compost and amendments are broadcast and lightly worked in. Heavy feeding crops are side dressed with additional amendments and compost through the growing season.
Being out of the wind was a necessity. I include wood ash and lime that is fine and the wind would carry away. I often include kelp meal. The smell evokes family vacations to coastal areas.
A I mixed I recalled an experience with a young farmer that worked on the farm. He never asked questions but always had the answers. Of the multiple ways that farmers can produce a crop he had distilled "the correct way". He shared his way with some customers. Insisting that the amendments and compost wouldn't work. He suggested that all the farm needed was a dose of ammonium sulfate. I had to reassure the customers that the farm would never use synthetic compounds and would keep to sound Eco-Bio growing practices (meeting and exceeding organic requirements). The lure of synthetic quick fixes would harm the progress the farm had made toward being highly productive and sustainable.
The basis of farm fertility is grounded in a viable soil food web. Feed the soil and the soil nourishes the plants. Of the multiple problems surrounding conventional farming a key concern is building and maintaining top soil. Only Eco-Bio/organic methods seems to address this long-term problem.
Farmer Pete