This week we had a seminar in which we spoke about the meaning of sustainability in relation to agriculture, different planting techniques, how these techniques provide sufficient crop yield and support ecosystems. We also discussed soil erosion and soil fertility, and the impact they have on agriculture and the environment, by using examples from both local and global impacts. Another subject that was discussed was the use of freshwater globally; currently, approximately 70% of global freshwater is used by agriculture. We discussed whether this is how freshwater should be used, whether this amount should be reduced, and how this can be reduced. It also brought up the discussion about who is primarily responsible for water conservation – the farmer or consumer. The next day, as most of you know, we took our first midterm of the year, hopefully everyone did well.
On another note, my group and I began our new management job, which is Companions. So far, we have been weeding the "P" beds and the paths next to them. Such weeds include dandelions and some large bushy/grassy weeds I do not know the name of. We have also identified some companion species such as bees, and have also seen a garden mouse and a hummingbird in the farm. I am also adding a picture of the "A" beds, as they are growing very well. [Editor's note: Also spotted this week: a garden snake, a couple hawks, a sand piper--it's an ecosystem!]
Have a Happy Halloween Everyone!
Jean-Marc Beddow
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