Fertilisation plan

Our approach to on farm fertility is the management of the dynamic between organic matter, minerals, and biology.  We try to create a balanced system based on homemade foliar sprays.

The production of biofertilisers, the reproduction of different types of microorganisms, amendments and different mineral brews are done on the farm with free or very low cost resources. 

We are conducting tests in the orchard and garden to try to measure the effectiveness of this approach. Juanfran Lopez,s detailed results from his Shallot trails are in this PDF. During 2016 we took baseline data of soil minerals, and have measured our trial and control areas regularly over the last 12 months.  This work is ongoing.  However, a soil test does not necessarily indicate that soil minerals are being taken up by the plant or tree. We therefore plan to take leaf tests throughout 2017 in the orchards to monitor mineral deficiencies within the trees in order to correct them if necessary. Please read the PDFs about our orchard management in the side bar for a detailed explanation.

Although the Orchard fertilisation plan looks complex, it is possible to start with a simple general spray plan of one or two preparations, and then develop particular products on farm to suit your needs. 

Our fertilisation plan gives an idea of how you can build up specific minerals using biological sprays. This means that we avoid the use of herbicides. We also avoid the use of copper based fungicides that are used in the management of organic top fruit.

            

  • Darren Doherty - Farm Planning Program

    18-21st June 2019

    Ragmans Farm is proud to announce that Darren Doherty will be teaching his four day Regrarians Farm Planning course here in June. 

    Darren is one of the leading teachers in regenerative farming, combining the disciplines of Keyline Planning, Holistic Management, perennial planting, building carbon in the soil, mapping, and market access. 

    Matt dunwell in conversation with Darren Doherty

    Regenerative farming has been developed by key people over the last 70 years such as P A Yeomans, Bill Mollison, Alan Savory, Jairo Restrepo, and Andre Voisin, and is now becoming recognised as the key tool in combatting climate change.  Darren Doherty has bought together their thinking into a cohesive programme that enables farmers to plan profitable enterprises that are not only resilient in the face of a changing climate, but help build soil carbon, rehydrate landscapes and create diverse systems . His work is based on solid practical experience across a wide range of production. 

    Farm Planning outcomes 

    1. Produce stable environments with sound watersheds
    2. Restore profitability via integrated & regenerative agricultural development & management
    3. Increase wildlife species, numbers with species & stability of populations
    4. Improve water, soil & vegetation resources of cities, industry & agriculture
    5. Re-establish riverine & riparian areas
    6. Prevent waste of financial, human & natural resources
    7. Entrench regenerative design & living principles within the education system, communities & organisations
    8. Develop viable decentralised energy production systems
    9. Restore local, regional & global mineral & water cycles
    10. Provide value to our collaborators, course participants, clients & community

    His current tour is taking in NZ, France, Spain, the UK, Sweden, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile  and Mexico. The course is aimed at commercial farms, but of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about regenerative farming and healing landscapes. Previous courses in the UK have sold out, so early booking is advised. 

    Price includes 4 day residential Workshop and 1 year membership on Regrarians Workplace 

    For detailed course content CLICK HERE

    CLICK HERE to book a space!

     

     

    For detailed course content CLICK HERE

    CLICK HERE to book a space!


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