Unearth the principles and practices of syntropic farming, find out about its origin, advantages, and drawbacks.
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Understanding Syntropic Farming
What is Syntropic Farming? Meaning and Definition of Syntropic Farming?
Who invented Syntropic Farming?
Syntropic Farm and Syntropic (Food) Forest
Syntropic Farming Design
Principles and Practices of Syntropic Farming
Does Syntropic Farming Really Work?
What are the benefits and advantages of Syntropic Farming?
What are the drawbacks and disadvantages of Syntropic Farming?
Syntropic Farming vs. Permaculture
What is the difference between Syntropic Farming and Permaculture?
1. Understanding Syntropic Farming
What is Syntropic Farming? Meaning and Definition of Syntropic Farming?
Driven by the dynamics of natural succession, syntropic farming, alternatively known as syntropic agroforestry or syntropic agriculture, represents a remarkably sustainable version of regenerative agroforestry.
This system mimics natural processes, fostering a strategic co-existence between a diverse range of plant and animal species in a way that promotes mutual growth and a rich, fertile environment.
The goal is to establish a robust, sustainable ecosystem that rejuvenates the soil, absorbs carbon, and supports habitats.
Who invented Syntropic Farming?
Syntropic farming is the brainchild of Swiss geneticist, researcher and farmer, Ernst Götsch.
Inspired by the efficiency and resilience of natural ecosystems, Götsch began developing this unique approach to farming towards the end of the 20th century.
He integrated his deep understanding of nature's rhythms and sequences into a farming system that enhances, rather than depletes, the earth's resources.
Syntropic Farm and Syntropic (Food) Forest
Syntropic Farming Design
Designing a syntropic farm, or in other words designing a syntropic forest (or syntropic food forest), involves the strategic selection and positioning of a variety of plants, crops, and sometimes livestock.
The goal is to create a self-sustaining, resilient ecosystem that yields high productivity while improving soil health. This system is laid out in a way that plants assist one another, creating a symbiotic relationship.
Trees play a significant role in syntropic farming. Some trees are grown for timber, some to provide shade, some for their fruit, and others for their ability to return nutrients to the soil. Their strategic placement along with the other plants allows for optimal growth and yield.
Principles and Practices of Syntropic Farming
Syntropic farming operates on several guiding principles and practices:
Soil Coverage: The soil should be continually covered by organic matter and densely planted vegetation. This not only protects the soil but aids in maintaining soil fertility and minimizing erosion.
Biomass Production and Management: High biomass production is critical for syntropic farming. Biomass (plant materials and animal waste) are used as organic matter to enrich the soil. The biomass is maintained through regular pruning and cutting.
Maximization of Photosynthesis: To maximize photosynthesis, trees are usually planted in rows from north to south. This orientation maximizes sunlight exposure. Additionally, the plantation density is high, with about 20-40 plants per square meter.
Stratification: Plants are arranged according to their growth pattern and sunlight requirement. The typical strata are emergent, high, medium, and low, primarily based on the light needs of the species and also their form/habit and leaf structure.
Natural Succession: This principle involves managing the growth and maturation of the plants in the system, from the initial stages to the climax. Different strata are filled with plants as the system transitions through succession stages.
Synchronization: Synchronization involves removing plant biomass, through harvesting and pruning. This not only provides yield but also creates space for the next succession of species. Pruning encourages new growth by releasing different root hormones.
Management Intensity: Syntropic farming is an intensively managed system, requiring a high degree of knowledge, logistics, and human resources.
Unique Practices: Some unique practices in syntropic farming include north to south rows, direct seeding, intensive organization of biomass, replacing weeding with pruning, planting everything at once, high-density planting, and challenging pruning. All these are done to maximize the efficiency and output of the farm.
3. Does Syntropic Farming Really Work?
What are the benefits and advantages of Syntropic Farming?
Syntropic farming, or syntropic agroforestry, has several distinct benefits:
Sustainability: This farming technique is designed to work with nature, rather than against it. By fostering a rich ecosystem of plants and animals, it helps improve soil health and biodiversity, making the system more resilient and sustainable.
Productivity: Despite its focus on sustainability, syntropic farming can also be highly productive. The careful layering of plants and strategic succession planting can yield high outputs of diverse crops.
Carbon Sequestration: Through the growth of diverse plant life, particularly trees, syntropic farming can help sequester carbon, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
Low Input Costs: As syntropic farms strive to be self-sufficient, they tend to require fewer external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, which can save farmers money over time.
What are the drawbacks and disadvantages of Syntropic Farming?
Despite its advantages, syntropic farming also comes with its own set of challenges:
High Initial Labor: Setting up a syntropic farm can be labor-intensive, requiring careful planning and execution. Initial tasks may include clearing land, planting a wide variety of plants, and constant monitoring and adjustments to ensure the system works effectively.
Knowledge and Expertise: Syntropic farming requires a deep understanding of plants, their interactions, and ecosystem dynamics. This may present a steep learning curve for farmers new to this method.
Time-Intensive: Compared to conventional farming methods, establishing a functional syntropic farm can take more time. However, once established, these systems can be more self-sustaining and require less work over time.
Marketing Challenges: Farmers might find it challenging to market their diverse products, especially if they are growing non-traditional or less common crops. In addition, because syntropic farms produce a variety of products, it may require more effort for sorting, packaging, and selling.
4. Syntropic Farming vs. Permaculture
What is the difference between Syntropic Farming and Permaculture?
Syntropic farming and permaculture are both innovative and sustainable farming methods that aim to work with nature, rather than against it. They both prioritize biodiversity, soil health, sustainability, and reducing external inputs. While they have these similarities, there are also key differences.
Syntropic farming is a method focused heavily on the succession of plants and creating a dense, multilayered, and diverse system that mimics a natural forest. It originated in the tropics, thus, many of its principles are best suited for such environments. Syntropic systems typically involve a higher level of planning and management, particularly in the early stages, with the aim to create a self-sustaining ecosystem over time.
On the other hand, Permaculture is a broader philosophy of land use that includes not only agriculture but also aspects like water management, energy production, and even building design. While it also promotes the use of polycultures and mimicking natural ecosystems, permaculture places a strong emphasis on design principles that can be applied to a wide range of environments and scales, from small urban gardens to large rural landscapes.
In essence, while syntropic farming can be seen as a specific methodology within the broader framework of permaculture, permaculture itself encompasses a wider variety of techniques and principles, and has a more holistic approach towards sustainable living and land use.
As we conclude this detailed journey through syntropic farming, we hope it broadens your understanding of sustainable agriculture, stirring up fresh perspectives for your farming practices.
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