Our approach at Ragmans

Our approach is focused on increased system health by improving soil and plant fertility.  We encourage life and diversity from the micro-level (microbes and minerals) up to macro-level (people!) creating more sustainable farming practices. Much of our thinking at Ragmans has been developed by Juanfran Lopez (left) who has studied and taught in Europe and South America. These techniques were originally introduced by Jairo Restrepo (right), who continues his relationship with Ragmans, teaching here every summer. Our video - Harvesting the Sun introduces Jairo and his thinking. This article also explains our approach in more detail. 

Our goal is to measure the effectiveness of these biological techniques on system biology and mineral balance on plant and soil health.

In addition to this we are developing a high quality range of preparations and techniques such as biofertilisers, bokashi, aerobic teas, mineral chelations, mychorriza, chromatography, lactic acid bacteria, and native microbe reproduction among others methods…. We wish to offer a service tweaking these techniques into specific land situations with local farmers.

This section of our website is a bit complex. We have put some of the tools that we use in the section below. We have also gone into detail with our fertilisation plan for the orchards as it shows how we actually apply these tools. We would welcome comments!

  • One Day Practical Biofertiliser & Fermenting Course (May)

    A one day course with Juanfran Lopez and Matt Dunwell  

    19th May    9.30 - 4.30

    A chance to learn how to regenerate farm and garden systems using home produced Biofertiliser, Native micro organisms, Aerobic and Anaerobic compost teas and  ‘Apichi’ for natural pest control. 

    Over the course of the day we will be collecting native microbes to make cheap but effective natural fertilisers and tonics for the plant and soil. 

    The day will be practically orientated although there will be a chance to discuss and learn some principles, objectives and strategies of Regenerative Agriculture.

    By the end of the day you will have the practical knowledge to make your own preparations at home, and a ‘starter kit’ of resources to take home with you including a fresh and mature batch of native microbes and a bottle of Apichi 'natural pesticide', biofertiliser for diluted use. 

    "Good mix between technical and practical; science and simple!"

    Juanfran Lopez has studied with the Columbian Jairo Restrepo, one of the leading teachers of microbialpreparations for healthy biological systems. Juanfran has also travelled through South America and Spain specializing in regenerative agriculture, learning and teaching as he travels. He runs the research into Regenerative Agriculture at Ragmans Farm, and has completed our first year of field trials.  Analysis and discussion of these trials including a chance to see soil dynamics under a microscope, will also be available on the course.

    Who should attend: Gardeners and small scale growers and farmers.

     "I have a good basis now on how to and what use can be applied. Excited to try"

    I feel much bolder about it all and also how it links into the wider system"

    "Great environment with practical demonstrations, as well as academic. Enjoyed it and learnt loads"

    "Can't wait to get started"

    Special Offer - Book onto this Bio Fertiliser course and the Regenerative Agriculture & Chromatography couse in June, and we will refund you the Bio Fertiiser course fee - so you get to attend for FREE!

     Tea and coffee included, please bring a packed lunch


    £75.00


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