Schooled in Syntropic farming techniques

Initiated by Swiss national, Ernst Gotsch after a trip to Brazil in 1976, Syntropic farming has evolved into a system of agriculture grounded in natural forest succession principles. It provides an economically and ecologically viable means of feeding a family, or feeding many as marketable produce.

Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School, prides itself on its organic and biodynamic farm. As a teaching platform for students, and a food producing farm for nourishing the community, techniques for sustainable and regenerative agriculture are practiced and refined. One such food production method showing excellent results is Syntropic farming.

Figure 1: One of many productive garden beds at Shearwater.

It provides an integrated approach to planting, where natural forest systems are mimicked to produce more energy than is required to be input. A typical growing bed will incorporate soil mycorrhiza and micro-organisms, annuals, perennials and tree species. Figure 1 shows the use of nitrogen fixing acacias and pigeon pea, other perennials such as bananas, citrus, comfrey and lemon grass, with an abundant planting of seasonal annuals.

By ensuring the ground always has a cover of growing plants and mulch, the soil has greatly improved protection from drying and flooding. This supports healthy soil biota and root penetration, providing enhanced plant and crop growth and resilience to pest weeds, insects, and disease.

Figure 2: A newly established bed with a mix of annuals, perennials and trees, such as Australian Teak, Flindersia australis.

New beds, such as in figure 2, are heavily mulched with straw and wood chip to provide cover till the perennials and tree species are mature enough to fill the purpose, and habitat for soil biota. Annual and perennial species choice is driven by factors including –

  • Beneficial insect and predator species attracting ability.
  • Support as a companion for surrounding plants, including nitrogen fixing potential.
  • Green manure cropping, with a cut and drop mulching role.
  • Suitability for table and market for a given season.

Contact greg@earthscapes.com.au for the help you need to build soil health and resilience.