Agriculture Zero
This course explores sustainable farming techniques and the vital role of soil health in ecological agriculture.
Last updated
This course explores sustainable farming techniques and the vital role of soil health in ecological agriculture.
Last updated
Today, we delved into sustainable farming concepts. We explored permaculture, an approach focused on creating permanent, self-sustaining agricultural systems that mimic natural ecosystems. Another concept was agroforestry, a "3D farming" method combining trees with various crops, which promotes biodiversity and soil health, though it's challenging to implement in microfarms. Additionally, we discussed terrace farming, a centuries-old technique where land is shaped into step-like structures. Terraces not only facilitate easier farming on slopes but also prevent water runoff, enhancing soil absorption.
During our field visit, we explored a community garden in Poblenou, where urban agriculture thrives as a shared resource for the local community. We also saw a ROMI initiative robot, a cutting-edge tool for agriculture. This robot, equipped with a camera and advanced mechanisms, demonstrated its versatility in tasks such as planting, monitoring crops, and even collecting data.
On the second day of the Agriculture Zero course, we visited Valldaura Labs, home to IAAC’s community garden and a residence for some students. The journey began with an excursion through Collserola Park, where we discovered various plants and farming techniques. One highlight was learning about grafting using a tennis ball filled with soil to create new branches. Additionally, we discussed different soil-free growing systems like hydroponics (plant growth in nutrient-rich water), aeroponics (growth in an air or mist environment), and aquaponics (combining fish farming with hydroponics for mutual benefits), highlighting innovative yet sustainable methods.
At Valldaura, we explored two distinct greenhouses. The first, an older but functional model, featured a transparent top for sunlight exposure and composting beneath to nourish the plants. The second was a solar-powered greenhouse, where LED lighting supported plant growth. This setup sparked a discussion about the viability of such technologically dependent methods versus the simplicity and sustainability of natural soil and sunlight, which achieve similar results.
A significant discussion focused on soil health and its vital role in agriculture. We learned about permaculture principles, emphasizing minimal soil disturbance to retain nutrients, and crop rotation, especially nitrogen-fixing plants, to enrich the soil. Techniques such as covering the soil with straw to protect it from sun exposure while adding carbon also stood out. These methods ensure deeper, richer soil beds for optimal plant growth and sustainable farming practices.
Today's session explored the evolution of agricultural methods, contrasting conventional and industrial farming. While both typically rely on monocultures, industrial farming rarely rotates crops, depleting soil nutrients. Transition farming offers a more sustainable alternative, incorporating techniques like hedgerows borders and alley cropping (planting crops between rows of trees). These methods enhance biodiversity and soil health. For an even greener approach, agroforestry integrates trees into agricultural systems without tilling the soil. Practices like permaculture and Fukuoka farming (minimal human intervention and greater natural growth freedom) exemplify ecological farming ideals. Spain’s dehesa systems, blending livestock grazing and oak forests, highlight sustainable land use through a focus on products like acorn-fed Iberian ham.
In celebration of international soil day, we delved into the composition and importance of soil. Soil is classified into three particle types by size: sand (largest), silt, and clay (smallest), and their balance defines a healthy soil type called loam. Identifying soil quality can involve tactile tests (shaping soil into a "sausage" following a chart) or visual methods like the Munsell Color System, which evaluates soil color. Additionally, we studied soil layers, or horizons, which reveal the interactions of organic and inorganic elements. Processes like humification, the transformation of organic material into humus are crucial for maintaining fertile soil.
