Highlights from 'A Systems Approach to Organic Vegetable Production with Iain Tolhurst'
Iain Tolhurst has been at the forefront of the UK organic farming movement for over 40 years. His 8 ha farm has won many awards including finalist of “Soil farmer of the year”.
For many decades he has been delivering inspirational speeches and presentations on the farm’s organic and sustainable methods or food production.
Iain delivered this training workshop at Cae Tan CSA on the Gower where he talked about his experience and pulled in the experience from Tom O’Kane on sustainably producing a wide range of produce for the local community. Iain has been able to maintain a viable and sustainable business on land which is not considered suitable for vegetable production. The integration of crops, a systems approach to pest and disease management and bio-diversity makes for a fascinating and durable agricultural system.
Dealing with pest diseases and weeds is all about creating a systems approach, using biodiversity in the soil and above ground to create a harmonious natural system. Vegetable production makes heavy demands on soil fertility and soil structure and the health of the soil is critical if crops are to do well. The workshop looked at rotations and how to maintain/improve fertility for the health of the soil and the crops grown within it.
Key area of focus:
- Crop plan and rotations
- Pest and disease control-Systems approach
- Water management
- Wonders of woodchip, ramial chipped wood and green manures within an agroforestry system
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