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Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make my garden grow...
by Emily Nicolosi, PhD. May 28 2020
Moving outside of industrialized agriculture, what options are available? Here, we'll take a bird's eye view of 5 types of alternative, organic agriculture. Organic agriculture simply refers to any set of agricultural pesticides that does not make use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. A specific set of principles and practices must be adhered to in order to receive official organic certification. There are a number of approaches within organic agriculture. Some mirror the row gardening of industrialized agriculture, while those below take an alternative approach.
Permaculture
Permaculture
Permaculture- a combination of "permanent culture" and "agriculture" coined by Bill Mollison- is a type of organic agriculture that aims to mirror the diversity of natural ecosystems. It also emphasizes not just growing food for humans, but also making space for other creatures in designing systems. It’s based on 3 ethics: care for the planet, care for people, and fair share; and 12 principles. The Permaculture Design Certificate can be obtained through a course, but you do not have to take an official course to learn about permaculture. Start with your local Permaculture Guild (a “permie” group), do some reading or watch some videos on YouTube.
Pros: Permaculture can create beautiful and amazingly abundant systems, and benefits both people and the environment.
Cons: Permaculture is complex, self-training is possible but involved, the official design course is expensive and long, it takes many years to arrive at a thriving permaculture garden, it can become an all-encompassing identity and part-time job.
Training: Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC), 72 hours, $1000-$2000
Seminal Text: Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual by Bill Mollison
Website: permaculturenews.org
Biodynamics
Biodynamics
Biodynamics is “a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition” It’s based on the works of Rudolf Steiner and his philosophy of Anthroposophy in the 1920s. It approaches the garden as a complex and interdependent living organism. It emphasizes biodiversity, hosting both plants and animals, various biodynamic preparations applied to soil and compost, and planetary rhythms.
Biodynamic farmers burying horns. Image: Antonio Marxuach/Travel Word.
Pros: Environmental benefits both local and in terms of climate, humane animal treatment, productive agricultural systems
Cons: Complexity- e.g. working with moon cycles, making various preparations, Lengthy training required, there is little scientific evidence for the efficacy of many biodynamic practices.
Training: See the Biodynamic Association’s list of education, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.
A Great Introductory Text: Willy Schilthuis Biodynamic Agriculture, see also this list
Website: biodynamics.com
Regenerative
Regenerative
Regenerative Agriculture emphasizes rebuilding soil organic matter and biodiversity. These practices can help sequester carbon and benefit natural water cycles. Regenerative practitioners avoid tilling the soil, use cover crops, crop rotations and composts to increase soil fertility, and carefully manage grazing.
Regenerative Ag. helps sequester carbon and hold water. Image: Sara Newmark.
Pros: There is strong scientific evidence that regenerative agriculture has significant environmental benefits especially regarding soil health. Rather than following a single guru (like Permaculture and Biodynamics), regenerative ag is based on a large wealth of scientific knowledge and experience. Self-training is reasonable.
Cons: Regenerative practices have been found to have lower yields than conventional practices, as with most types of organic agriculture.
Training: Trainings are available, two days $1000.
A compelling tale: Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture
Website: regenerationinternational.org
Aquaponics & Hydroponics
Aquaponics & Hydroponics
Hydro= water Ponics = Greek ponein “to labor”
Aquaponics and hydroponics replace soil with nutrient rich water to grow plants. Hydroponic systems just use water with carefully added nutrients, while aquaponic systems make use of fish to produce the nutrients for the plants. In an aquaponic system, the fish and plants have a symbiotic relationship wherein the fish produce food for the plants, and the plants in turn filter the water for the fish. Aquaponic and hydroponic systems can be DIY-ed or purchased pre-made.
Pros: Healthy growth, less disease, less maintenance. Can be used in places where growing outside is not possible, e.g. in urban areas or severe climates. High production density, large range of crops
Cons: Draws electricity, set up costs, maintenance.
Training: Courses can be taken online
A Primer: Aquaponics: Everything you need to know to start an expert DIY aquaponic system from home
Website: aquaponicsassociation.org
Video: Hydroponics vs Aquaponics
Choosing the right system
Choosing the right system
A lot of folks will get drawn into any one of these particular systems. When you're shopping around for the right alternative agricultural system for you, visit some local groups or practitioners to see what it's all about- but try not to get too drawn into their wild enthusiasm before weighing all the options. Permaculture is a great option for those who enjoy complexity, don't mind a little chaos, or spending hours in the garden. Biodyanmics is similar, but with an added emphasis on the spiritual- if that's your jam, it may be a good choice for you. Acquaponics and hyrdroponics strike us as systems that are great for techy nerds who might not have a ton of space. Whatever you choose, think about it carefully- these alternative agriculture approaches can and many times do become a core part of lifestyle and identity.
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