One of the current topics being discussed nationally is regenerative/ sustainable farming and how it
can help to reduce and store carbon and generally improve the natural world. So what are the ideas being proposed which smallholders could adapt to suit their holding to assist its long term sustainability? In many ways, smallholders are already practising some of these already!
LOOKING AFTER THE SOIL – PART OF RE-GENERATIVE FARMING Re-generative farming has several main actions: minimising disturbance to the soil; always keeping the soil covered – this also slows water run off; maintaining living roots throughout the year; maximising diversity; integrating livestock and perhaps most of all keeping an open mind.
In producing any crop, the soil is extremely important and regenerative farming is very much about improving and maintaining a high quality. There is a move towards ‘no till’ when through the direct sowing of seeds without ploughing, soil disturbance is a minimum so reducing structure break up and carbon release thus allowing the soil to build up valuable layers and the worms to do their work. Reducing soil compaction through low impact tyres and minimising traffic will also help.
Bu hikaye The Country Smallholder dergisinin October 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Country Smallholder dergisinin October 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
