Dave has been patiently explaining his farming techniques when we are out in the field. His family has been working their land this way the past 30 years; building soil fertility and maximizing harvest. Zucchini has one of the shortest crop cycles; it takes just 4 weeks from seed to harvest. 1. The soil is prepared with soil additives about 6 weeks before planting - lime (zucchinis require a ph of 6.5), blood & bone and old bird Poo (phosphate) is added. 2. Weeds are hooked out, irrigation lines laid. 3. seeds are planted about 70cm apart. 4. New plantings are watered with soluble Nitrogen and potassium. 5. Seedlings can be seen in a few days and seasol solution (phosphorus) is given to help root production. 6. At 4 weeks, the plants are ready to be harvested and will bear fruit for approx 10 weeks. 7. Fruits have to be picked daily as they grow very quickly. The process is scientific with almost 100% success rate. I am currently inclined towards following Fukuoka's No-work farming technique so am a little at odds with the system here. That being said, we are very grateful to Dave for all he has taught and shared with us. His passion for farming, dedication and hardwork has been inspirational. Notes from the field (I am recapitulating this from memory, so it might not be correct…..) 1. watermelons require a ph of 5.5, pumpkins 6, zucchini & the cucumbit family 6.5, nightshade family (tomatoes, capsicums, chilli, potatoes) 8. 2. NPK in short : Nitrogen -> big green leaves; Phosphorus -> deep roots; ; K Potassium-> flowers & fruit 3. Grow green manure in between planting seasons using Sorghum (mass) and cow-pea (nitrogen fixing). Super Dave & his cattle
1 Comment
|
Archives
March 2017
|