The average human population requires 2. 218 acres of land to support their family farm, with two-thirds of agricultural land used for pastures and one-third for planting crops. The average agricultural land amount per person is about 7, 000 acres. It is possible to be self-sufficient on as little as 1/4 acre (10, 000 square feet) and should aim for at least 5 acres of land to build a self-sufficient farm. For a mixed farm meant for the self-sufficiency of a family, ten acres is enough to provide for the family and provide a profit.
A general rule of thumb is that a family of four will need at least 2 acres, preferably 10 acres or more to be self-sufficient depending on whether or not you want to raise animals. Calculate the acreage you need based on the overall land use and permaculture systems you selected in steps 1 and 2.
One farming family unit could produce enough food for themselves and a little less than one extra person. One farmer could tend approximately 20-40 acres. One square mile could support around 2000 acres. A farming family should have at least twenty acres, and at present, about 2 of the U. S. population needs about 5-6 acres to feed one person.
The average farm size was 464 acres in 2023, slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. Productivity growth is the major driver of this, so the minimum size for a farm per person looks to be about 12 acres. This seems in line with the idea that a typical peasant farmer would have at least 20 acres of land to support their family farm.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| How much acreage do you need to support an average … | 2000 acres is about the average. You could own a smaller farm, but you probably wouldn’t make much of a living from it. | quora.com |
| How Much Land is Needed to Raise a Year’s Worth of Food | One acre for gardens, perennials and fruit trees. One acre for pastures and rotational grazing; One acre for the house and garage. We’ve been … | homesteadingfamily.com |
| How many acres of land do you need to be self sufficient? | The average you need without coppicing is 60 acres. Of course it also depends where you live. Since that is an average of 176 million BTU. | reddit.com |
📹 How He Turned Desert Sand Into Fertile Farm Land In 3 Months!
John Graham is a specialist in desert farming who has taught hundreds of farmers how to run profitable organic farms. He has 30 …
How Much Land Do You Need To Build A Self-Sufficient Farm?
To establish a self-sufficient farm, it is recommended to aim for at least 5 acres of land, with 10 acres being ideal for a mixed family farm that provides food and potential profit. Self-sufficiency implies producing most or all food independently, minimizing external reliance. Many believe extensive land is necessary for growing food, but this is a misconception. For a family of four, a minimum of 2 acres is advisable, although 10 acres or more is preferred if raising animals.
The minimum land requirement for farming is generally 5 acres (excluding the house site) to classify as farmland. The optimal farm size varies widely, typically ranging from one-fifth of an acre to 10 acres, depending on multiple factors including land quality and growing season. Despite limitations, with efficient planning and techniques like raised beds or intensive planting, even a smaller area can yield substantial produce. The guidelines suggest that 5-10 acres per person is often ideal for balanced self-sufficiency, considering variables like rainfall and land quality.
Though significant land is beneficial for complete self-reliance in food and fuel, vegetable and fruit self-sufficiency can be achieved with less, even a quarter-acre under optimal conditions. Ultimately, aspiring gardeners should clarify their intentions—whether for a farm, homestead, or farmstead—before starting.
How Many Acres Can One Farmer Work?
A modern industrial farmer typically manages 100-200 acres, aided by mechanized equipment. In contrast, during the Middle Ages, 120 acres was deemed sufficient for a household's sustenance, while an average medieval manor spanned 1000-2000 acres. One person can consistently cultivate around 600 acres with hired assistance, agreeing with the estimate of 1000 acres, depending on farming methods and crops. Currently, there are 1. 9 million farms in the U.
S., with 95% operated by families. Small family farms average 231 acres, large ones 1, 421 acres, and very large farms about 2, 086 acres. To sustain an individual, approximately 2300 calories of vegetables are needed, which can be produced on 0. 44 acres. A modern farmer might farm 1300 acres with two families, factoring in off-farm income. Hand-farming, depending on climate and crop type, typically allows for managing one to three acres. Sustainable farming can require as little as 0.
07 hectares per person for a largely vegetarian diet. The average U. S. farm size has increased to 445 acres in 2021. The demands of different crops lead to varied labor needs, with some requiring up to 600 acres with six-row equipment. Despite diverse farming practices, the general guideline for labor is roughly one person per quarter-acre, with efficiency increasing with advanced planting equipment.
How Much Land Does It Take To Feed One Person For A Year?
The FAO states there are 7. 9 billion acres of arable land globally. Feeding the over 7 billion people on a typical Western diet, which requires 3. 25 acres per person, would need over 21 billion acres—equivalent to almost three Earths; hence, a conservative estimate of two planets is used. Two-thirds of agricultural land is designated for grazing, while the remaining is for crops. Naturally, and without synthetic fertilizers and GMOs, sustaining such diets is challenging.
A diversified diet akin to those in North America and Western Europe demands a minimum of 0. 5 hectares (1. 24 acres) per person, with estimates suggesting 5-10 acres per person depending on various factors, though there are debates about feasibility. Historical hunter-gatherer lifestyles had population limits based on naturally available resources. The average baseline diet in America needs 1. 08 hectares per person annually. However, some sources, like Mel Bartholomew’s "All New Square Foot Gardening," suggest that as little as 16 square feet can suffice for fresh vegetarian food.
Ultimately, an estimated 0. 07 hectares (0. 17 acres) could support one person on a largely vegetarian diet, while higher nutritional needs, particularly with animal products, increase land requirements further.
How Much Land Is Needed To Sustain One Person?
The amount of land needed to sustain an individual depends on their diet. For those following a vegetarian diet, approximately 0. 44 acres of traditional farmland is necessary. However, if one consumes meat, dairy, and eggs via livestock (like chickens, pigs, and cattle), the total requirement jumps to around 5 acres. On average, individuals need about 7, 000 square meters of agricultural land to support their food needs, with 3. 25 acres being estimated as a sustainable minimum for a diet similar to North American and European standards.
This translates to about 0. 5 hectares per person for food security. A person generally requires about a million calories per year (roughly 2, 700 calories/day), equating to 294 kg of food. For effective food production, an average person might need up to 5. 76 acres to be entirely self-sufficient. For families, it’s recommended to have 150-200 square feet per person for year-round sustenance. Interestingly, some sources assert that as little as 16 square feet could provide enough fresh produce for one person, indicating that self-sufficiency is attainable even on minimal land.
How Many Acres Of Farmland To Support One Person?
A study from 1994 suggests that approximately 1. 2 acres per capita are necessary to sustain a typical American diet, with considerable variation based on land fertility, consumption levels, and rainfall. Agricultural land usage is split between two-thirds for grazing and one-third for crop planting. The estimate of 3. 25 acres per person is related to a standard Western diet, which includes various food types. The minimum required arable land per person for sustainability is 0.
07 hectares, presuming a largely vegetarian diet without land degradation or water issues. Many people underestimate the land needed for self-sufficiency, with estimates ranging from 2 to 17 acres per person depending on desired self-sufficiency levels. Using modern farming practices, about 10 acres is currently required to produce food for each average American. The minimal arable land that could support one person is 0. 07 hectares, emphasizing a vegetarian diet.
It’s noted that 0. 44 acres can adequately produce the fruits and vegetables needed for one person yearly. Research indicates that global food production sustains 7 billion people on 3. 8 billion acres of arable land. Ultimately, the average agricultural land amount per person is around 7, 000 square meters, or 1. 69 acres.
How Much Land Do You Need For A Farm?
To determine the land requirements for a farm, various factors like the type of produce or livestock and the scale of production must be considered. For a small orchard, a minimum of five acres is recommended, while vegetable farms can vary greatly in size. It is advised to aim for at least five acres to establish a self-sufficient farm. Hobby farmers, like Ben and Alysha, often maintain other jobs to support their farming aspirations. Understanding minimum acreage for tax purposes and recognizing the balance needed—too much land can lead to financial strain, while too little may jeopardize success—is crucial.
Factors influencing land needs include climate, desired crops or animals, and intended farming methods. Typically, 10 acres is suggested for small farms focusing on windfall harvesting and larger trees, while ranches specializing in beef may require around 440 acres. The acreage needed for crops or livestock depends on specific goals; for instance, a family of four may require approximately 1. 68 acres for basic crops. General recommendations suggest 5 acres for profitable operations, 0.
25 to 1 acre for family gardens, and as many as 17 acres for full self-sufficiency, covering space for vegetables and livestock. Ultimately, no strict requirements exist, allowing for flexibility based on individual circumstances and objectives.
How Many Acres Do You Need For A Homestead?
The size of your homestead largely depends on the tasks you want to undertake and your self-sufficiency goals. Typically, an average homestead spans 1-2 acres, while achieving total self-sufficiency might require 5-10 acres. The feasibility of being self-sufficient on just one acre varies greatly by circumstance; minimal activities like windfall harvesting could necessitate around 10 acres. Ideally, a homestead would range from 1. 5 to 200 acres, depending on individual goals.
For a small family, 2 acres for gardening or 3-5 acres for raising a few animals could suffice, while a minimum of 10 acres is advised for greater endeavors. Excess land can lead to financial and management challenges, while inadequate space can result in quick failures. Generally, 5 acres is considered an optimal size for a family of up to eight and their livestock. Relying on local conditions like soil fertility and climate also plays a crucial role in determining land needs.
For a family of four, 3-5 acres could yield a year's food supply. Various sizes are recognized, from mini homesteads (1. 5-5 acres) to larger operations (75-200 acres), with estimates suggesting 5-6 acres can cover dairy, meat, and produce needs. In essence, aspiring self-reliant homesteaders need to accurately assess their land requirements based on use and objectives.
How Big Of A Farm Can One Person Handle?
Farming is typically too demanding for one individual, although someone with a small holding of 10–20 acres may manage alone with occasional help. On average, one person can farm about 600 acres, but to handle 1, 000 acres, substantial assistance is necessary. Investing in larger equipment, like a bigger tractor and a planter, can greatly increase efficiency. For substantial yields, understanding land productivity is crucial; for example, 0. 44 acres can supply the daily caloric needs for a person.
Studies illustrate varying labor requirements, such as needing 3. 4 man-years for 13. 6 acres or 2268 laborers for 7811 acres in differing regions. Typically, small family farms average around 231 acres, while larger farms are significantly bigger. For livestock management, space considerations are important; each cow requires about 20 squares of pasture, allowing for optimal herd division. Depending on factors such as climate and tools available, a person can effectively manage between one to three acres by hand.
In dairy farming, having additional personnel is essential to allow farmers time away. For those fully committed, farming one acre well may lead to expanding to larger operations, but scaling up often necessitates more labor. Ultimately, the right planning and resources enable effective management of varied acreages, catering to personal capabilities and goals in agriculture.
How Many Acres For A Self-Sustaining Farm?
Wondering how much land is required for a self-sustaining farm? Good news: you don't need extensive space to produce veggies. Efficient planning, including raised beds and intensive planting, allows for abundant yields even on 1/4 acre. Research is essential for success. While 5 acres is often recommended for a small family’s self-sufficiency, actual needs vary based on land quality, climate, crop, and livestock types. The average person may need 5.
76 acres for a year’s self-sufficiency, akin to a medieval farmer using no fossil fuels. For instance, a family of four can generate most of their food and $60, 000 annually on just 1/5 acre. With 3 acres, Singing Frogs Farm earns over $100, 000 per acre. Generally, a self-sufficient farm requires 5-10 acres per person, considering factors like land quality and growing seasons. Some sources suggest as little as 1/2 acre may suffice, while others claim up to 50 acres could be needed.
Typically, a family of four could grow a year’s worth of food on 3-5 acres. In ideal conditions, even a 1-acre property could support self-sufficiency, as diligent planning can help meet food needs effectively. Start living better by learning to grow your own food, even on a small scale!
How Much Land Do You Need To Feed A Family?
To sustainably feed an individual for a year, around 5. 5 acres is necessary when raising multiple animals for meat; however, this requirement drops to approximately 3 acres if only pigs are raised. For a family of four, the space needed depends on dietary habits. Generally, it is recommended that each person requires between 150 to 200 square feet of garden space year-round. This translates to an overall plot size of 600 to 800 square feet for an average family of four.
Estimates for self-sufficiency range from 2 to 10 acres, with a common guideline suggesting about 2 acres can support a family through crops and livestock. A wider range of 3 to 5 acres has also been proposed to ensure a complete yearly food supply.
To obtain fresh produce, an average family could manage on just a quarter of an acre by optimizing space efficiently. Notably, a non-vegetarian would still need roughly 200 square feet per person, leading to an 800 square-foot garden plot for a family of four. The precise acreage depends on factors such as the quality of land, the type of crops grown, and livestock raised, with a general rule of thumb being 1 acre per person for optimal yield. While achieving self-sufficiency may seem daunting, especially on limited land, proper planning and cultivation can yield sufficient food using minimal resources.
📹 How An African America Family Acquired Acres Of Land For Farm In The Gambia
The Image of AFRICA has been DISTORTED around the WORLD & We are CHANGING the NARRATIVES via YOUTUBE videos …
Holy Crap, We were injured in the same exact manner, I was ejected in a roll over accident, and endured a T-12 Spinal fracture .I was 35 at the time and a father of 6 children. And now that I am in the chair for the last two years, I have become infatuated with the Idea of self reliance, and it has led me to wanting to start my own small farm to feed me and my family, good healthy food. I keep having those moments of doubt and lack of confidence in the ability to get it done, but this just came and gave me the biggest boost of hope and confidence that there is a way to get it done, and with out the use of all the additives. What an amazing project and lifestyle you have created. You are a true inspiration. I hope to see more content.
As a person with a disability that may eventually shift into the necessity for a wheelchair, I really needed to see this! My husband and I moved to Mexico a year ago, we live in the Chihuahuan desert, and we are growing food, I am applying for programs on herbalism. My family was very concerned when I moved to Mexico, but the culture and people are so much better that the US. Thank you for role modeling how to be self sufficient and in concert with the land!
Thank you, Alan, you stirred up memories from my childhood. My father was one of two brothers that were left the family market garden farm in N. Wales UK. As WWII loomed my father was conscripted into the Welsh Guards and went into France in 1939. Uncle Herbert ran the farm and helped feed the nation through those dark times. My father managed to survive the war and I was the celebration, well part of it. As a kid I watched dad double dig the veg patch, put a sack of rotted manure in the water tank, the water was piped from the shed & greenhouse roof. He would water the tom and cue plants each other day, water one day and manure water the other. The toms were rich like nothing sold in supermarkets. School holidays I would be put on a steam train in London and met by Uncle Herbert at Wrexham, then it was joined my nieces and nephews in the chores around the family farm. Uncle Herbert would double dig the greenhouse plots, there was a huge tank with manure. There was compost heaps and a fire pit, the plots veg, and fruit changed yearly, when a farm animal died like a dog or horse it was buried in the orchard and a tree marked the grave. So the animal gave life on life. When alive these animals were treated with respect, Uncle Herbert carried a stick not to hit them but to make his arm longer. After a day’s work we would go with the draft horses to the pond, where they would wade in and cool off, take sips of spring water until they had taken their fill. They would decide when to stroll to the paddock or stable where their meal had been set and a fresh straw bed laid.
I watch a farm website from Canada. They no longer turn their soil. Before they plant, they use a soil conditioning machine that aerates it without turning it over, to protect the soil structure. They plant year round crops to retain the nutrients, and rotate their fields. They’re a typical industrial farm, so they use chemicals. But they ARE learning.
This is really intriguing, I took an agriculture class in my high-school and recently joined my father on a ranch in the northern part of the baja California peninsula, the dirt is quite different being a clay sand type and my father was curious as plants dont grow as much in the soil, its nice to hear about this as ive been kinda experimenting to improve the fertility and trying to learn everything I can with the class fundamentals. Quite inspirational
I had an elderly neighbor who came from Iowa, and like this man, was wheelchair bound. His backyard was an amazing garden paradise. This was in Phoenix and, of course, in hot desert climate and poor soils. He was like a guru for gardeners and always had people over to help him with his garden and learn from him his secrets to growing food.
We salute and congratulate you from the Philippines…You are a Great Agriculturist Sir, the best model of overcoming obstacles in life, creating livelihood for able people, conserving the environment by producing healthy food with no chemicals leading to possibly 200 years of life longivity in the future❤
What an amazing story. ❤ I am disabled. 46 yrs old. One of my painful conditions make it impossible to sit down so I am not able to use a wheelchair and can only be on my feet for short periods of time. Anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. I’d so love any ideas or thoughts. I now have a few very tall raised beds n got enough help to make a food forest last year. But I do miss my large in ground gardens. I had built up the soil there. Doing an experiment this year n covered the dead annual veggies n flowers w woodchips for winter n letting alll the gardens sprout all the volunteers they want! Lol. I’ve given up so much of life bc of disabilities ….I’m doing whatever I can to keep plants around me.
Ps. The difference between charcoal and biochar is actually to do with the way it is burned. Charcoal is burnt with air, whereas biochar is burnt without air .. this totally changes the crystalline structure of the carbon atoms which massively increases the surface area of the biochar compared to the charcoal .. which in turn makes it much much better for microorganisms to colonise, and also for inoculation before adding to the soil. Hope that helps and thanks again for the inspiring work! 💚
Used to do garden maintenance and rented this house with sandy loam soil So took bags home and laid all the leaves & lawn clippings on the Lawn in rows then ran the Mower over it all put on all the dry Gardens with some chicken fertiliser 2 weeks L8tr worms by the 100’s appeared also Vegie garden boomed leaves = carbon lawn = nitrates + fert easy work So Dont throw away your garden waste run the mower over it Mulches it all
I’ve nothing but inspiration for Mr. Graham. I’ve been a quadruple for 40 years and I’ve helped restore my hometown’s downtown, creating schools, galleries, artist, collective, etc.. however, I have long regretted that I cannot get my hands dirty and works directly with the land. Kudos too, Mr. Graham for finding creative solutions and sticking with his amazing stewardship of such a beautiful land.
I also heard about Terra preta 5 years ago. I experimented with a 5 gallon worm bin and let it sit for a year, adding material as it broke down. After one year I had a solid block of dark, rich recycled material that’s definitely boosted my soil. Now, I have 24 x 5 gallon buckets constantly working. The other upside to these bins is it’s packed with seeds that sprout in the spring giving you that poly culture farming. ❤
I lived in northern California and had 2 + acres. I loved farming. I planted lots of fruit trees. I had no knowledge or experience and there was no internet. Slowly I learned . One of the problems was I had no money and was alone. Life is much easier when u have money, trust me. But I loved doing it. I love getting my hands dirty and tasting my own food. There is nothing better then a home grown tomato or home grown fruit. I feel so spoilt.
Padre God be Praised! I’m disabled, with certain limitations. I can walk, I just can’t walk, sit, stand, kneel or squat at all, lean over for more than 2hrs at a time. Its a process, struggle & it doesn’t stop me from continuing to do what I can. We live in a 🏜 Town & it has been very difficult to figure out what grows up here. High winds with each season adds to difficulty bc it blows off blossoms n young fruit & veggies. However, I know in Mt corazòn that with persistence we’ll find a way to figure it out. perusal this article gives me so much hope. I just learned from another website that Milk kills Aphids & that I look forward to trying out, for everything else has not. Anywho, Bless Mr. Graham for helping the beautiful Mexican ppl & I pray he someday soon writes a book on 🏜 Gardening. Paz be with us all 🙏. “Isa”
10:49 Compost? We have been composting here in the UK for hundreds of years. Different minerals and vegetation added every year to build soil structure and improve its fertilisation. The aim is to always add more carbon year on year. I didn’t know it was considered something of a secret in North America.
Don’t let anyone fool you, farming isn’t romantic, it’s hardcore, backbreaking physical labor. I grew up on a farm, and stayed on working on the family farm after college. The TV version of farming is designed to entertain and leave viewers with a warm fuzzy feeling, eagerly waiting for the next episode. It’s not reality, but please, pick what you like and enjoy…reality, or warm and fuzzy.
Fantastic stuff. We have 33 acres in a very hot relatively dry area. We have been there just over two years and we are working on similar thinking. It’s a lot of work but worth it. We have found a lot of things didn’t grow first attempt. But slowly we are adding to the things that have been successful. Thanks for your thoughts and I will start using ash as an ant deterrent.
I don’t understand how you can reconcile double digging with not disturbing the structure of the soil. I’m not trying to be cheeky. This is something I’ve struggled with since I worked under Alan Chadwick centuries ago at UCSC. For the following decade after I left Sandra Cruz, I double dug my beds. As I aged and began developing back and hand issues, I moved towards the no-dig method. Now I am working with a soil that has been a neglected “lawn”for a very long time. It has root grubs and wireworms. I spray throughout the year with beneficial nematodes that are supposed to target those pests. But the common wisdom is to turn the beds to disturb and expose the grubs and wireworms to predators. I often wonder if I should try double digging again.
Organic hand tilled always looks great on a small scale. I used to do it too. But remember, a hundred years ago or more when large numbers still lived on farms, the world faced starvation levels as the population increased. It was the discovery of how to fix atmospheric nitrogen (after guano was not enough) that allowed huge multiplication of crops. OK, I agree, NPK is short-sighted compared to compost and trace minerals…or somehow getting the use of bio-char back… But…until more people will take up gardening, and want to go live on farms…working 12 hrs daily…can we really grow enough quality food? The urban life leads to more leisure and ppl are drawn to the easy life. Can we hope to see community gardens everywhere? We could easily grow enough food, but the Powers That Be don’t subsidize this is our urban jungles nor suburban communities. Everyone wants the easy quick dollar. I wish we could do large scale organic (is it true that Russia supports this for its own people?) but as long as corporations run government and Joe Average just wants to be rich too, and slumber in ignorance…not likely to happen,
I live in Nevada. This man is exactly why we can make produce wonderful crop in the middle of nowhere with little water. The genius of our farmers would shock most. I implore you all to speak to a local farmer. Some are beyond calculable levels of intelligence. In fact, the worlds most intelligent man is a farmer and is currently calculating the variables of existence. His intelligence is so off the scale that he simply gave up on those testing him. Our farmers are why we exist.
Bury forest litter, deadfall and any other organic material you can find. It will compost, hold water and you will be able to walk on it. You don’t need to double dig. Keep burying and it will build up the topsoil. If the deadfall is left to sit on top of the ground, it may never decompose and will eventually burn. Covering it with soil of any type retains moisture and provides beneficial organisms with food and habitat. Their byproducts end up being a key part of soil like no other.
Oh Masha allah you are lucky he’s. Your father realy your father done good job 👍 👍👍👍 iam from Pakistan karachi Clifton because my Father inlawa also lands property. Working hard trees crops wheat sughur cane he is in heaven but realy we are every day miss him. God give your father long. Life and healthy lifestyle ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wow, this article is really impressive! It’s amazing to see how creativity and hard work can transform such an unforgiving landscape. That said, I can’t help but wonder if this method is sustainable in the long run. While it’s great to see immediate results, will the soil quality hold up over time? I’d love to hear more about the long-term impact of these techniques!
This is AMAZING!!! Just found your article. I have a question, how does turning desert area into fertile area impact the ecosystem? Does creating less desert area with fertile area create a greater water source in the land & air b/c there are more plants? Or on a larger scale than your hectare, would this create a better/different climate & weather system? I am very new to all of this and I am trying to learn as much as I can. This is a wonderful article! Thank you so much–Tess
“Plants can form a significant Space of Love for a person if there are many of them. If they are different and a person communicates with them, touches them with Love. All together they can create a significant Space of Love for a person, beneficially influencing the Soul and healing the body.” Anastasia “Ringing Cedars of Russia”
People say that sustainable agricultural is too difficult and complex to implement on a mass scale, but it’s not. It’s actually much easier, saves money, and brings farming back into the hands of local entrepreneurs. Not John Deere and Monsanto. The hardest part is defeating the overwhelming power of corporate interests. Transitioning is the easy part. This is how we bring back the local farmer’s market while simultaneously saving the environment and our freshwater supplies.
great article, i have gotten into gardening in the UK, I have never used chemical pesticides, the best pesticide i have found is a mixture of warm water, salt, a small amount of soap and peppermint oil, the peppermint oil repels green and blackfly amazingly and the soap handles any excess green caterpillars that the birds don’t eat, I also make my own compost using kitchen and garden waste added to wood shavings with a good dose of charcoal and organic chicken manure this saves a lot of money over buying compost and allows me to amend the mixture to my planting needs
Hi John It is an honor and inspiration to hear your example in facing personal difficulties and embracing the nature way to work with the plants and work together with it. You inspire us with your example in many levels. I lived in in the deep country in Brasil until 15 years old, had only those tools that you use, to me it is very emotional to see your work. After 15 years old I been leaving in the city working in the materials technology, but I still have a little space for flowers and vegetal garden that makes me fill as part of the nature; God bless you
These techniques are now being used all over the world, and in more than just desert because they make sense. Some of the methods here are not good for very large farms but everything shown here is good for smaller, like a couple hectares or less, bigger if you have a team of people to work it. It comes down to one term, regenerative agriculture, where the focus is the soil, growing the quality of the soil over time which then grows healthier plants which then cuts down on insect and disease problems. Really. It’s really the case that almost all insect problems occur on less healthy or damaged parts of plants, so people who have VERY healthy plants, as in all the conditions are ideal for that plant, insect problems are small. The tool being used is a broad fork. It’s used to allow organic material that was added to the top to work down into the soil and it also aerates the soil by loosening it up. Drip irrigation keeps water off the plants which lessens chances of disease. Typically there’s a mulch put on top of the soil, and that helps retain moisture and also provides food for good bacteria, worms and other helpful insects which pull material down into the soil and it gets broken up providing more nutrition for the plants. One thing he said can be confusing because it depends on the soil and what it needs and every farm is different. This is about digging down into the soil. They’re actually using a no-till method, where soil disturbance is minimal (with the focus on minimal, NOT “never”).
This Man has Incredible Wisdom!! Its So True you “DON’T NEED CHEMICALS” to Farm Successfully! His Farm and Many others are Living proof of this! There are So Many Valuable Principles he mentioned. Like more than half the Insects are beneficial. Also No Mono Farming. The Land responds Very Well to a Wide Diversity of Crops.
Very nice to see happening. Our desert farm ground in Western Colorado near the Utah border is more alkaline and less sandy requiring different techniques. It requires working with the earth but that is a good thing to get in touch with. We are also putting in 5 beehives on our 10 acre small farm…and we barter a lot when possible.
Just Fantastic… From my heart thanks and best wishes. I always wanted to produce my own food. I am preparing my own garden. I AM HERE IN Ecuador.. Everything grows, I going to apply the organic ways to my plants. My parents had farms but lost everything when i was a little child. I will plant..thanks. I will follow instructions..thanks again
It is very interesting to hear him talk about double digging his beds every two or three years. Here in England people like Charles Dowding have pioneered the “no dig” method of gardening which has proved to be very successful and which I have practiced for the last ten years. Mr Dowding has an excellent Youtube website and I would also recommend looking at Richard Spencer on YouTube who has developed “no dig” and regenerative horticultural techniques on a larger scale. It just shows that there are different ways of achieving the same goal of productive, efficient and environmentally friendly fruit and vegetables.
I don’t know if they already fertilize the way I will describe here, but I have seen great results (beautiful farmlands and trees as well) using the sewer from the bathrooms and the kitchen. The plants love it. Instead of pipes made with plastic, bamboo can be used. The ideal is to have a main route to a certain point and a fork with different destinations, every now and then charging the final destination. The plants don’t have to have contact with the sewer. The dirt around getting the fertilizer will do the trick. Also, no chemicals or heavy metals should be thrown in the sewer. Only organic detergents and soaps. This is a trick that I have seen working many times, with the fruits especially getting scrumptious.
Most of this knowledge has been known to many Africans, especially those in villages. I remember doing many of this I.e tilting the soil for air flow when I went to the farm with my grandmother in Ghana in my early years growing up. They never used chemicals but always harvested enough produce to even sell some.
My mother is part of an subsistence agricultural family in El Salvador, I remember going to my grandparents little farm when I was off school, as a boy it was so fun!!! I did not work in the fields, I was tough to work in my uncles iron and carpentry shop. I have no experience in gardening or agriculture, I have experience (limited ) on chickens farming, from little chicks to processing the meat!!! if Ever get in agriculture is going to be farming chickens (my father type of farming) and pigs (my grandmother type of farming) very tasty meat!!! and both of them can be use to recycle food waste from homes, markets and all type of stores, no waste.
Hello! I enjoyed your whole article, and I agree with much of what you said. I feel pretty strongly about this, and I’d just like to share my thoughts with you. I live in a small agricultural community in rural Australia on 50 acres, but have spent time on farms up to 50,000 acres. The Haber Bosch process is responsible for almost 2/3 of the nitrogen in nearly every human body. But part of the problem is that other minerals aren’t replaced effectively, leading to food with much lower nutrition. I understand this as a medical student. Furthermore, root structure of the soil in many parts of the world has been destroyed by overgrazing and monoculture annuals, leading to erosion and hydrophobic soil. “Organic farming” as you call it is an incredibly broad field of production (pun intended). For example, this could include annual monocropping using organic chemicals, or (my personal interest) syntropic agroforestry. You can alley crop your annuals, with alternating rows of various productive trees, bushes, vines, herbs, and root crops. For example, Romans grew their wine grapes on rows of nut trees. The leaves fertilise the soil, and you can allow stock to graze on nuts and waste at the end of the season, which spreads manure. Permaculture principles are flexible to your environment, and ultimately focus on increasing the proportion of perennial agriculture. Less labour and costs required means that many farmers integrating this technique take home a higher net profit, as their greater diversity of crops are sold at a premium rate.
I have a neighbor who has MS and she now needs a wheelchair. We both have an acre and I think it would be neat to build a path around her front yard and perhaps a few raised beds. Can you share the easiest path for her wheelchair to go on? I have no experience with concrete so not sure what I could use in between pavers…you are inspiring!
Has anyone else found that their local farmers’s markets have become mostly prepared food and craft markets? I live in a mild-weather agricultural valley (in metro area) and this past summer I was very disappointed at how few farmer-grown produce stands were there and some of what was there was of poorer quality and higher priced. These are large street markets that have been in existence for decades. It’s a shame. I guess that’s what people want now. I really liked this article and the project. What an accomplishment and body of knowledge!
This is a similar layout to what I used to mass produce organic cannabis. The rows are set to the width of a tractor till and we use drip tape instead of pipe+emitters for even more efficiency. It’s too labor intensive to do anything but high dollar crops. 5 people working full time on 2.5 acres needs to bring a lot of money to be viable. If you roll out weed block you can automate most of it and just have roll-out and harvest crews. Then one person just runs through with a fogger to apply pesticides(soap, citric acid, etc) infrequently. We typically roll up the weed block and drip tape and till in organic fertilizer 2x/year.
Great accomplishment! It would be nice if the soil/ground wasn’t disturbed but merely mulched upwards. The moist mulch grows beneficial bacterial and attracts beneficial insects and worms that aerate and intermix the soil and mulch. There is no need to break up the hard ground underneath – eventually insects, fungi and plant roots soften and mix it all.