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  • From: "TradingPostPaul" <tradingpost@riseup.net>
  • To: livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Livingontheland] Mini-Farming: A Sustainable Farming System
  • Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2007 11:29:07 -0700


Mini-Farming: A Sustainable Farming System
George Kuepper, Kerr Center/ATTRA.
http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/6_1998.htm

During the mid-1970s, an interesting alternative production system was
gaining both notice and respect. It was referred to as the
French-Intensive/Biodynamic method, because it shared techniques and
philosophies from both these European farming systems. In more recent
years, the name has evolved to Biointensive Mini-Farming [BIMF]. A
mini-farm is small. It looks like a large, diverse garden, with an
arrangement of raised beds and paths rather than traditional rows.
Equipment, such as rototillers, tractors and plows, is totally absent.
[hand tools and hand implements are used: wheel hoes, string trimmers, etc.
KH] BIMF is an organic system. Synthetic pesticides and commercial
fertilizers are not used. Its organic character means less pollution of the
environment and a more stable agroecosystem, where natural, biological
control agents proliferate. Beds and the paths between them become
permanent. Growers avoid walking on finished beds to reduce compaction.
Likewise, no fertilizer, water or extensive tillage is wasted on paths.

Beds are fertilized routinely with large quantities of compost and
supplements with other natural fertilizers if needed. The proper production
and use of compost is paramount to maintaining soil fertility. BIMF permits
the use of manures but depends mainly on vegetation-based compost.
Proponents feel heavy reliance on manures creates nutrient imbalances
(Jeavons1979).

On the other hand, a great variety of vegetation can be grown on-site.
Even in urban situations, an abundance of plant materials, such a leaves,
grass clippings and kitchen scraps is usually available. Double-digging and
concentrating fertility into beds allows for high population of crops.
Companion planting is also used to maximize space and gain added pest
control and fertility (Philbrick and Gregg, 1966). Potential of BIMF Since
BIMF needs little land or capital, it has been of particular interest to
agencies that aid subsistence farmers in developing countries. It has also
captured the imagination of many gardeners in industrialized nations. Some
believe BIMF may effectively address many of the ills of modern commercial
agriculture both in the United States and abroad. Certain characteristics
of the system lend credence to these assertions.

BIMF is highly productive and has been found to grow two to four times
as much food per unit area as conventional agriculture. Cucumber yields
have ranged from 9 to 15 times the national average. Carrots have not
exceeded 2.5 times the national average in 17 years of evaluation. Of
course, the skill of the grower and the fertility of the beds are relevant
factors (Jeavons, 1989). Jeavons (1976) estimated that one mini-farmer
working 40-45 hours per week could produce enough food for 24 people on
about three-quarters of an acre. These figures came from attempts to
provide a complete diet using BIMF in northern California. Researchers at
Janus Farms Institute in the Piedmont region of North Carolina have reached
comparable results (S Jamir, 1994, personal communication).

BIMF requires fewer off-farm inputs. Many practitioners rely only on
compost. Those who employ other fertilizers use half the amount of organic
nitrogen typically applied. Compared to conventional American systems, BIMF
uses 1/3 to 1/31 the amount of water per pound food produced. After a
balanced soil is achieved, BIMF also conserves energy. It consumes 1/100 or
less the human and mechanical energy of mechanized farming (Vesechy, 1986).
BIMF wastes little. Nutrients are recycled through the composting of all
crop waste. Cover crops, plant diversity and limited tilled ground ensures
little loss of soil and nutrients to erosion and leaching. BIMF practices
also have the potential to build soils for long-term production. Research
has shown that 500 years worth of humified soil carbon, a major indicator
of fertility and soil maturation, may be accumulated in as little as eight
and a half years. Furthermore, this increase in soil carbon may be
accomplished by employing a closed system in which a portion of the crop is
grown specifically for making compost (Jeavons, 1989).

Capital requirements are one of the most significant barriers to entry
in modern agriculture. BIMF uses small areas, does not need expensive
irrigation equipment, avoids the purchase of petroleum-fueled cultivation
and harvesting machinery and reduces expenses for annual inputs. As a
result, it is an enterprise accessible to those with limited financial and
land resources. In order to keep stewards on the land, agriculture must
supply them with an adequate standard of living. By one estimate, a grower
might be able to net US$10,000 to US$20,000 annually (1978 dollars) on a
1/10 acre mini-farm, working a 40 hour week and taking up to four monthsÂ’
vacation (Jeavons, 1979). [Average gross in l998 is $8,000 per acre. A
family can garden 3-6 acres. KH] Trends that might favor the growth of BIMF
include the heightened interest in locally grown and organic foods. The
continued rise of farmersÂ’ markets, health food outlets and
community-supported-agriculture projects represent marketing options for
mini-farmers. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
also favors this system.

Jeff Rast, Countryside, Nov/Dec 98
Available in Spanish, Russian and French







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