As an environmentalist, I struggled to use metal rods etc on my farm. Yet, I needed to create areas of shade, add support structures for creeper plants, and attract pollinators.
At Solitude farm, I learnt the simple trick of following the sun during the day, and planting taller trees in the east-west direction. At Clea’s class, I learned about mapping my farm, and designing the space optimally. Since there were mango trees in place, following Mr. Subash Palekar’s preachings, I planted papaya and banana trees. Corn and okra are seasonal plants that to offer shade to the greens, and can be rotated around on the farm.
Combining knowledge across ideas is an excellent start, but it was tough to practice. Ease of planting and harvesting takes precedence over most theories. However, careful one-time planning with 2 tweaks brought me closer to the final state, so I could now move into crop rotation.
Microclimates logic behind mixing trees, fruits, vegetables, and greens
Building on Palekar’s principles, I incorporated additional elements to adapt the system for Allure Greens:
- Moringa and Agathi Trees: These fast-growing hedges produce high-demand leaves while acting as windbreaks and providing organic material for composting.
- Butterfly Pea Creepers: Grown for their vibrant blue flowers, these creepers generate revenue through the production of blue tea.
- Existing Fruit Trees: The mango and chickoo trees already present on the farm aligned seamlessly with the five-layer model, serving as upper canopy species.
- Support Crops: Bananas and papayas supported beans and tomatoes, while castor oil plants provided additional shade and organic material for composting.
These additions fostered a thriving microclimate, improved soil health, and reduced water evaporation. The integration of diverse plant species also supported integrated pest management, creating a natural balance that minimized the need for chemical interventions.
Dr. Subhash Palekar’s Five-Layer Model: Building Sustainable Ecosystems
Dr. Subhash Palekar advocates for focusing on long-term perennial fruit trees, especially native species, as the backbone of sustainable farming. His five-layer model integrates plant species to mimic natural ecosystems, creating a symbiotic environment that maximizes productivity and soil health.
Key components of the model include:
- Upper Canopy: Larger trees like mangoes formed the top layer, planted 30 feet apart to provide shade and structure.
- Medium-Height Trees: Trees like bananas and papayas were planted 6-10 feet apart in an east-west orientation, providing additional shade and habitat.
- Crops for Shade: Sunflowers, corn, okra, and tomatoes were grown in north-south rows, offering shade for ground-level greens.
- Ground-Level Greens: Shade-tolerant plants, such as spinach and herbs, thrived in this protected microclimate even during the intense summer months.
- Root Crops: Turmeric and ginger grew beneath the canopy, benefiting from shaded, moisture-rich soil.
