In Mr. Stewart's classroom, we get down to business. During his presentations, and discussions of organic farming, we mainly focus on being conservative and sustainable in our farm.
He reminds us, that sustainability is enduring long term maintenance of resources and systems; environmentally, economically, and socially. Our class's goal is to maximize the effectiveness of time and space in the smallest- scale growing area. One way we practice sustainability, is by mimicking nature. Students take nature walks to the marsh occasionally to observe the agriculture and compare it to the farm. We evaluate, debate, and conclude best practices in our farm.
Three ways we practice sustainability in the farm is by deep soil preparation, composting, and intensive planting/ spacing. In the beginning stages of our One Bed Projects, to prepare the soil we used a technique called," Double Digging".
Double Digging enhances nutrient availability, holds the water better than compact soils and requires less water. It also improves soil structure minimizing erosion.
Composting doesn't cost as much as chemical fertilizers. It saves resources because it doesn't need as much as chemical fertilizers. Composting improves plant growth and reduces the impact on the environment.
Intensive planting (spacing) gives off a lot of benefits. We plant our seeds efficiently and organize to minimize the space used. Spacing retains more water and soil, and reduces the amount of weeds/ invasive species in the bed.
Sustainable agriculture should be taught everywhere. We are learning how to be conservative and minimize the effects of the drought. Not only are we learning these concepts but we are taking action. Come out on Fridays to our Farmers Market days and support our farm!
--Alex P.
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