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  • From: "TradingPostPaul" <tradingpost@riseup.net>
  • To: livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Livingontheland] By Ken Hargesheimer, Biointensive Mini-Farming: A Sustainable Farming System
  • Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2007 11:33:00 -0700


Biointensive Mini-Farming: A Sustainable Farming System
http://www.geocities.com/aliciainelpaso/stories/bimf.htm
By Ken Hargesheimer


During the mid-1970s, before the term "sustainable agriculture" was coined,
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.
Equiptment such as rototillers, tractors and plows is rare if not totally
absent. BIMF is an organic system. Synthetic pesticides and soluble,
commercial fertilizers are not used. Its organic character means less
pollution of the environment and a more stable agro-ecosystem, 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
(Jeavons, 1779). 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 2 to 4 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 3/4 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 on of the most significant barriers to entry in
modern agriculture. BIMF utilizes 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 $10,000 to $20,000 annually
(1978 dollars) on a 1/10 acre mini-farm, working a 40 hour week and taking
up to 4 monthsÂ’ vacation (Jeavons, 1979). 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 (CSA) projects represent marketing options
for mini-farmers.

Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains also favors
this system. Likewise, future employment trends may expand BIMF. It can be
an attractive option for people entering the job market when traditional
sectors are cutting back. It might also prove to be a good complementary
career to the increasing number of home office workers (George Kuepper,
Kerr Center/ATTRA).

Using a closed system is not necessary when other sources of organic
materials are available such as manure, sawdust, food waste, etc. All the
above applies to mini-ranching, as well, with beds producing forages for
animals in moveable pens. Mini-farms and mini-ranches over approximately 2
acres can use tractors and farm machinery to build the beds and produce
crops [Deep Bed Farming Society; Morrison, USDA]. Beds would be 6 feet to 8
feet wide instead of 3 feet to 6 feet wide for hand labor.

In conclusion, by using organic, biointensive, raised-bed gardening,
farming and ranching--whether by hand or on a larger scale--and also by
using small farm machinery, this will allow people to feed themselves on a
local, ecological basis. The proof is there for all who wish to see it. Now
it is just a matter of teaching people around the world how to do it. By
the third year, yields will have doubled and labor will have been reduced
by fifty percent (as in Nigeria) as compared to the average yields on
American farms.

Feel free to e-mail me for more information on BIMF methods and workshops:

Ken Hargesheimer
Gardens/Mini-Farms Network
(Mini-farming workshops worldwide in English and Spanish)
E-mail: minifarms@aol.com \






  • [Livingontheland] By Ken Hargesheimer, Biointensive Mini-Farming: A Sustainable Farming System, TradingPostPaul, 03/21/2007

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