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8. & 9. Minimal Tillage and Insect Habitat
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The soil food web is disturbed when continual plowing is practiced. The hoofs of the carabao (water buffalo) or tractor compact the soil while the plow causes disruption in micro-organism activity. Earthworms retreat and slow in feeding and breeding. A pan develops, where sub soil at the depth of the plow can form a barrier layer that roots can not penetrate. When the initial carabao plowing is finished we only use hand tools to add rice hull charcoal and compost into the soil. Here in the tropics, by the second year we are mainly direct seeding, hand drilling and transplanting into mulched beds. The rapidly accumulating top soil is loose, friable and high in organic matter. Earth worms and roots will promote macro porosity, opening the soil for water absorption and microbial activity.
9. Insect Habitatfor beneficial species and bait crops for the bad guys: Many pest problems can be minimized with habitat that promotes predator insects. These environs include hedges and flower gardens, herb gardens and strips of plants that can be harvested to spread the beneficial insects. Water areas, fountains and streams also bring in insects, toads and frogs along with birds. You can distract certain pests with crops they prefer while growing one they would not otherwise overlook. Their regular choice will survive with less infestation. Chilis are also very useful in the natural garden. |
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