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.

            

  • Weekend Practical Biofertiliser & Fermenting Course

    with Juanfran Lopez at Ragmans Lane Farm 

    5-6th March 2022

    A chance to learn how to regenerate farm and garden systems using home produced Biofertiliser, Native micro organisms, Aerobic and Anaerobic compost teas.

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

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

    The course will cover:-

    * understanding holistic system health

    * microbes, ferments and fertilisers

    * plant health and mineral brews

    * hydrolates, seed coating and lactobacillus

    By the end of the weekend 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 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 microbial preparations for healthy biological systems. Juanfran has also travelled through South America, Africa and Spain specializing in regenerative agriculture, learning and teaching as he travels. He was based at Ragmans researching and running trials on our orchards and garden. He is now studying for a PhD at Madrid University.

    For further information - Click here for Juanfran's website.

    Who should attend: Farmers, gardeners and small scale growers.

    "Great all round picture of soil biology to support understanding of practices"

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

    "Can't wait to get started"

    Food and Accommodation included.

    Saturday arrivals 9.30am, course commences at 10am until 5pm

    Sunday 9.30am until approx 4pm.

    For further information on making biofertilisers do have a read of our article "Make your own Biofertiliser" published in the Permaculture Magazine.

    For more information about our Soil research work please see this blog article published on the Soil Association website

    See the side bar for information on Juanfran's book 'The Biofertiliser Manual'.


    £250.00

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