We've started mowing portions of the open fields this week in preparation for new fencing. A large section of this area is covered in blackberry briars and young saplings which will make for the perfect summer browse for our goats. I've had my eye on this area since the first day I saw it!
Our overall plan is to include in our fields as many native weeds and plants as possible to help develop greater diversity, improve nutrition for our animals and to assist with drought/severe weather tolerance. While this approach will take more time than the conventional plowing and reseeding, the benefits are well worth the wait. Some of those benefits include: topsoil retention, lessening of erosion, minimal input of water and the addition of more humus to the soil from the animal manures- all of these are desperately needed for plant growth, proliferation of healthy soil bacteria and true sustainability.
We've seen the end results of this process in the fields at the old farm. Where mowing once caused a horrific dust storm, there are now thick patches of various grasses, clovers, dandelions, plantain and various weeds- all in areas that were once as barren as a child's sandbox. We know this approach works and are patiently working to achieve these same results on our new farm.
Our overall plan is to include in our fields as many native weeds and plants as possible to help develop greater diversity, improve nutrition for our animals and to assist with drought/severe weather tolerance. While this approach will take more time than the conventional plowing and reseeding, the benefits are well worth the wait. Some of those benefits include: topsoil retention, lessening of erosion, minimal input of water and the addition of more humus to the soil from the animal manures- all of these are desperately needed for plant growth, proliferation of healthy soil bacteria and true sustainability.
We've seen the end results of this process in the fields at the old farm. Where mowing once caused a horrific dust storm, there are now thick patches of various grasses, clovers, dandelions, plantain and various weeds- all in areas that were once as barren as a child's sandbox. We know this approach works and are patiently working to achieve these same results on our new farm.
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