Farming according to Holzer is based on organizing the terrain of the site in such a way as to protect the cultivated areas from the winds and ensure sufficient inflow and circulation of water. For this purpose, in addition to groundwater, artificial reservoirs are used. On a landscape designed in this way, special microclimatic niches appear, which, interacting with each other, generate conditions for self-regulation of the ecosystem. Ultimately, the arrangement of these microclimatic niches creates the preconditions for the accumulation of humus, which is then used as fertilizer.

Much attention is paid to assessing the characteristics of the soil: it is necessary to determine its type, determine what its moisture reserves are, and analyze the acid-base ratio (pH). Based on the characteristics obtained, plants are selected for planting. Sepp Holzer argues that even the dry soils of South Africa, Northern Brazil and Colombia, subject to constant erosion, can become suitable for productive agriculture if we first take care to create microclimate zones. Since Holzer's forty-five-hectare plot is located in the mountains, his farming principles are dictated by the corresponding climatic features of the mountainous area. But many of the basics and recommendations are also common for landscapes located in other climatic zones.

Since 2010, Holzer has been visiting Russia and helping to set up experimental farms using permaculture principles. He never tires of repeating that the main wealth of Russia is its land, and that if this wealth is managed correctly, one can finally catch up and overtake the West. To do this, you need to take full advantage of the main advantages - the vast territory and flat landscape. He advises not to count too much on the support of officials, since, according to him, they only care about filling their own pockets. “We have to start from the bottom, raising children, namely children who will grow with nature,” says Holzer. He advises adults to learn to read the book of nature, and for those who decide to engage in permaculture to the fullest, to use their brains, master the control of natural processes, and not look for far-fetched reasons why productive agriculture is impossible in Russia.

In 2010, the Sepp Holzer Permaculture Center opened in Russia, which organizes thematic conferences and training seminars. There are branches and regional offices of the center that help in training and retraining of local specialists. At the moment, most permaculture projects are successfully implemented on numerous experimental sites, which are mainly arable land in ecovillages. Government support comes down to the allocation of plots for the construction of permaculture landscapes and assistance in the founding of new eco-villages specializing in organic farming. There is potential to transform successful peasant farms into large agricultural complexes: this will allow farmers to receive government subsidies, and eco-villages to gain the status of a populated area.

But so far we are not talking about the widespread introduction of permaculture farming in Russia due to its disproportion to the scale of monoculture farming. In addition, the lack of a holistic systematic approach to the application of Holzer methods is hampering.

According to permaculture designer Tatyana Chistyakova, who has been involved in practical permaculture since 2010, her own successful experience is based on the development of a two-hectare plot. She managed to breathe life into the earth by restoring the water balance, which, in turn, brought the ecosystem into balance. She noted that such projects throughout the country are proving successful. The main thing for a permaculture farmer is to “turn off the consumer’s consciousness,” because it will take three to five years of work and patience to launch natural ecosystems.

The state, according to Tatyana Chistyakova, does not provide any support to farmers: “Thank you, at least it doesn’t interfere,” she notes. Tatyana’s dream, like many others passionate about permaculture, is to reclaim agricultural land and introduce permaculture approaches throughout the country. “In some regions, the lands are so depleted and dehydrated that they are literally on the verge of desertification. And ultimately we will have to think about it - but then the investment will be much more impressive,” she laments.

Sepp Holzer (Austria) is the most famous farmer in the world, the author of his own system of organic farming, which is called Holzer permaculture. The technology is based on growing vegetables and fruits without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, using only natural factors and organic fertilizers.

We have already talked about Holzer’s permaculture (here). Judging by the numerous responses, this advanced farming system is gaining more and more supporters among both small plot owners and farmers.

What is the essence of organic farming? First of all, it is the use of natural factors that have a positive effect on the development of plants. In second place is minimal interference in the existing

ecosystem. Holzer believes that digging, weeding, etc. disrupt the soil structure and deplete it. In a properly organized farm, he argues, plants interact, help, and do not interfere with each other. As a result, you can get a high and, importantly, environmentally friendly harvest! The main thing is to choose the right crops and plan planting. In other words, the basis of permaculture is the creation of a harmonious ecological space where one nourishes, enriches and protects the other.

How is this done in practice? Thanks to many years of experimentation, Holzer has found many methods that he willingly shares both at practical seminars and in his books. For example, he suggests planting plants on special hilly beds. This is a specially shaped bed, at the base of which moisture-loving crops are planted. More drought-resistant plants that are less demanding on the presence of moisture are planted on the ridge.

Another important point is watering the plants. It would seem that what’s special here is that you take a hose or watering can and water it. However, water plays a vital role in the development of plants; it, like blood, nourishes the plants. Therefore, you should not treat irrigation as a regular water transfusion. If there is insufficient watering, the plants will not receive the required amount of substances from the soil. Excessive watering can also negatively affect the development of plants; in addition, water will wash away beneficial substances from the surface layer deep into where the plant roots can no longer reach them. It is also necessary to take into account the time and method of watering.

Holzer's book Desert or Paradise has many other useful tips: how to grow your own seeds; how to restore soils whose composition has been damaged by many years of chemical fertilizers; how to protect plants from frost... and much, much more. Practical seminars conducted by farmers in different regions of Russia and Ukraine showed that permaculture is applicable in any climate zone. For example, the climate on Holzer's farm, located in the high Alps, is reminiscent of Siberia - sharp temperature fluctuations, harsh winters, and plenty of snow. Nevertheless, he grows oranges, eggplants, and even avocados! The size of the plot is also not decisive: it can be the classic 6 acres, a small plot of land, or even a balcony in a city apartment.

If the book “Desert or Paradise” can be considered as a kind of textbook on the basics of organic farming, then the books of the Organic Farming Club are their practical application, a guide to growing various crops, based on many years of experience in applying the ideas of Sepp Holzer on personal plots. They talk about growing various garden crops and berries using the organic method, from preparing the soil and seedlings to harvesting; about pest control; about the use of green manure and much more...

Man still has to learn and learn from Nature. First of all, what she does best. For example, plants themselves create and maintain soil, and if this soil is not disfigured by the plow and is not poisoned by chemicals, then there are many living organisms that can loosen and fertilize it. In fact, plants can protect themselves, and if their strength is not enough, they will call helpers - spiders, bats, lizards, birds and other wonderful creatures.

Plants strengthen the fertile layer of soil, protect it from the wind and scorching sun, and smooth out the destructive tendencies of the elements. Plants delight us with friendly shoots in the spring and a rich harvest in the fall. However, this joy can only be appreciated in harmony with nature. And if you “go crazy” out of spite and in spite of it, you will hardly feel it.

We are starting a series of articles about organic farming. Today we will make a brief overview of its principles and methods, and consider its distinctive features.

A little history

The history of the emergence and development of agriculture goes back more than eight thousand years. At its very dawn, man did not yet know how to mine iron, and all work on the land was done with the help of wooden hoes and spades - the structure and fertility of the soil were not disturbed. With the emergence of large settlements and an increase in population, field farming emerged, and people invented the first arable tool - a wooden plow, which was intended for cutting furrows, and oxen or horses were used as traction force. From the moment man learned to mine and smelt iron, the wooden plow was replaced by a metal one.

On the territory of Russia, the widespread use of moldboard plowing with the help of a plow began under Peter the Great. And this was the beginning of the end. Massive deforestation and dump cultivation quickly caused destructuring of the soil in central Russia.

The first harbinger of upcoming environmental disasters caused by large-scale plowing of virgin lands was severe erosion, dehumification and drying out of soils in the south of the Russian Empire in the mid-19th century. And even then, some Russian scientists (V.V. Dokuchaev, I.E. Ovsinsky) began to sound the alarm, saying that moldboard plowing has a detrimental effect on the structure of the soil and its fertility. Even then, Ovsinsky began to use a horse-drawn flat cutter instead of a plow, obtaining remarkable harvests, even during the drought of 1895-1897.

The next environmental disaster occurred on the plains of the USA and Canada in the 30s of the 20th century. The plowing of millions of hectares of virgin land on the prairies led to terrible wind erosion, and the dust storms of that time were perceived by local residents as the end of the world.

In the 60s of the twentieth century, the same catastrophe erupted in the USSR, on the lands of Kazakhstan, the Urals and Siberia. Between 1954 and 1962, 42 million hectares were plowed here using moldboard plowing. A huge cloud of dust hung across the entire expanse of the steppe fields. And more than a dozen such examples can be cited.

The invention of mineral fertilizers played a huge role in destroying fertility and reducing the humus layer of the soil. And there is no need to talk about the danger of consuming vegetables and fruits grown with the help of such fertilizers.

Albert Howard (1873-1948) is considered the founder of the modern organic farming system. This English scientist spent most of his life in India, where he developed a system of composting and fertilizing the soil with organic matter. He outlined the basic principles of his method in the book “Commandments of Agriculture”. This work made a great impression in its time and attracted many supporters from all over the world.

At the same time, biodynamic farming emerged in Germany, the main principle of which was the complete rejection of the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. In this case, special biodynamic preparations are used to fertilize the soil and control pests, which we will discuss in the following articles. The founder of biodynamic farming is Rudolf Steiner (1861-1926). These two directions provided the basis for the development of modern organic farming methods. This system has been successfully used in many countries for a long time. This is especially relevant given that the environmental situation in the world causes serious concern among many.

A look at the world through the eyes of an organic farmer

To become an organic farmer, it is not enough to simply abandon the use of pesticides and deep tillage. This scientific approach is based on a deep understanding of the processes occurring in nature. And there is no need to perceive nature as some kind of abstract concept. Nature in organic farming is the soil and plants that we grow in our plots.

Organic farming (also called natural or biological) is fundamentally different from traditional farming. Here the land is not dug or plowed, but only loosened using special devices, such as a Fokina flat cutter. We will talk in more detail about this unique tool in the following articles. Organic gardeners use only organic fertilizers and special biological products to fertilize the soil and fight pests and plant diseases.

The main goals of natural farming are to increase soil fertility and produce environmentally friendly products. The methods and techniques used by adherents of this approach make the work of a gardener easy and enjoyable.

The basis of organic farming is a special relationship with the soil. The soil is perceived as a living being that needs to be protected and its health taken care of in every possible way. Because if the soil is healthy, then the crops growing on it should not be afraid of anything.

It is this attitude that determines the refusal to deep cultivate the land, since constant digging kills all living creatures that create the basis of fertility - humus. Humus is a complex complex of nutritious organic compounds that are formed in the soil as a result of the vital activity of worms, fungi, microbes and other soil living organisms.

To improve the structure of the soil, “advanced” gardeners use the mulching method, which allows them to suppress the growth of weeds and retain a sufficient amount of moisture in the ground. In nature, the ground is always covered with a layer of leaves and grass - the mulching method helps protect the soil from overheating and erosion.

To increase humus and improve soil structure in biological farming, only organic fertilizers are used, the main ones of which are compost and green manure. Green manures are green fertilizers, which can be used as various herbs and grain crops (mustard, clover, lupine, rapeseed, rye, oats and others). We will talk about all this in detail in the following articles.

About permaculture

The long-term practice of some modern farmers proves that by observing certain conditions and having enough knowledge and experience, it is possible to grow vegetables and fruits to provide for your family without the use of various fertilizers (even organic ones). Most agricultural practices - loosening, weeding, watering, mulching, composting, green manure - will not be necessary at all.

This was actually proven by the famous Austrian revolutionary agrarian Sepp Holzer. His estate is located at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, and the average annual temperature here is plus 6 degrees. And in these difficult climatic conditions, Sepp Holzer manages to successfully grow such heat-loving trees as cherries, apricots, sweet cherries and others. The Austrian professor's melons and grapes grow well. It should be noted that all this grows here contrary to the canons of traditional agriculture.

Sepp Holzer and his wife do only planting and harvesting. They do not have agricultural machinery, and only one hired worker works on their estate (50 hectares). There is no loosening, hilling, watering or mulching here. Insects and birds control pests on Sepp Holzer's estate. The Austrian revolutionary agrarian created a unique ecosystem on his land, where people live according to the laws of nature in complete harmony with it. This miracle of the world is called today permaculture, which translated from English means “long-term”, “permanent”. We will discuss the experience of Sepp Holzer and the concept of permaculture in more detail in the following articles.

So, let's summarize. The ecological situation on the planet requires every person to think and take measures in order to preserve what remains. And using organic farming methods can help us a lot in this.

The main tenets of natural farming include:

1. Do not loosen the soil deeper than five centimeters.
2. Always cover the soil with a layer of organic matter.
3. Protect and take care of soil life, which is the main producer of humus.
4. Beware of bare soil, do not leave the soil without plants, and sow green manure on the freed soil. These basic rules will also be the topics of our next articles. Observe nature, live in harmony with it - and then working on the land will bring you not only good harvests, but will also bring you maximum pleasure and positive emotions.

How I stopped torturing trees

The question of when to plant seedlings in the garden - in autumn or spring - does not have a clear answer, since it all depends on the specific crops, region and, of course, the experience of gardeners. But how should you plant correctly? And here there is no time for fantasies, since everything here is really in the hands of the summer residents themselves.

The easier it is to plant a tree, the better.

Yes, readers write a lot on the pages of the magazine about how to care for garden plants, how to prune them, what needs to be done to remove pests or prevent their appearance. And this is very good; it is useful for even a seasoned gardener to test his knowledge. But for some reason, the authors of the letters prefer not to dwell on the subtleties associated with planting young trees.

Back in the late 50s of the last century, as a primary school student, I helped my father prepare planting holes for apple trees: I carried sand and clay using a stretcher. At the same time, I took a closer look at how it was and what was there. And it turned out that the work itself seemed to be simple: work with a shovel and observe the dimensions of the hole (and, of course, the planting site should be with a minimum level of groundwater).

In the early 1980s, I got my own plot and did the same thing. And what is the result, you ask? And indefinite: some seedlings took root and grew without any problems, others were sick after planting, suffered, but still came to their senses, and some died.

Listening to other summer residents is a normal process. For the time being, it seemed so to me too. It didn’t even bother me that when digging planting pits, countless billions of aerobic and anaerobic organisms died, and while all this microflora was being restored, the plants stood neither alive nor dead, crucified between the pegs.

But this is what all gardening publications taught and what “knowledgeable people” advised. In recent years, the topic has been constantly raised about how to disturb the structure of the soil layer as little as possible. And this was exactly the opposite for landing pits.

How so? Do we treat one thing and cripple the other?

Meanwhile, the need for planting new fruit and berry crops arose for me in all its glory: the “old-timer” apple tree of the first planting died, its peers also approached their threshold of life (and their productivity decreased), and the last attempts to renew the plantings in the old familiar way did not always bring the expected result. In winter, I saw on the Internet how the famous Western European botanist Sepp Holzer demonstrated how to plant a tree.

I was amazed by the simplicity of the process. I also remember the phrase that was said there: “Blessed is the Lord, who created the necessary - simple, and the complex - unnecessary.”

Well, I have nothing to lose. Moreover, it is necessary to thin out the thickened plum plantings (at least cut down almost three-meter trees), and one of the apple trees, planted three years ago, still stands in the twig phase, and rootstock shoots emerge from the roots. I started my transformations with her.

He transplanted her directly into the tree trunk of the deceased and asked that the neighbors not offend their baby sister. And it literally changed before our eyes - less than a month later, shoots and growths of 20 cm each grew from the rod in all directions. And most importantly, all the symptoms of post-landing illness disappeared. Then at the nursery I bought two pears, cherries, a number of shrubs, even brought a young oak tree from the forest - everything took root, as if they were not disturbed.

A Fistful of Worms

Well, now I’ll tell you how I put into practice the lesson of a world-famous scientist. I make a very small depression in the ground, just enough for the roots to fit there, I try it on and, if it’s not enough, I deepen it a little more. Mostly I plant on turf - I carefully remove as much as necessary and deepen it; if long lateral roots stick out, I use a shovel to cut and spread the gap. Having placed the root in it, I compact it with my foot.

Holding the trunk with my hand, I again scoop up the removed soil with my foot, lightly shake the trunk, and rake up the rest. I trample it moderately and put the turf on top so that outwardly the traces of my economic activity are not even noticeable. I sprinkled it with some fallen leaves from last year and dry grass, and watered it a little.

Then I throw in a handful of earthworms, dug up in the nearest bed, and press them on top with two or three stones or fragments of bricks.

Who hasn’t seen, having turned away a stone or a log, a cluster of worms there? This means that they will be fine under my shelters, they will not spread out and will do their job properly - create ideal conditions for the roots.

Another purpose of the stones is to condense dew and keep the planting area moist. And finally, they press the roots, allowing the seedlings to bend in the wind on all four sides without falling. Even my tall plums withstood the very strong winds.

But all this is not trivial, because plants that are forced between the stakes lose the elasticity of their bark, which becomes rougher and, after the bonds are removed, begins to crack under the winds, which can cause the trees to die.

And I adopted one more trick: if you drive a small plank into the ground next to the seedling, on the south side, it will shade the tender stem from the midday sun. Indeed, everything ingenious is simple.

Holzer also does not recognize pruning of plants, arguing that the vegetative development of a tree should proceed as nature intended for it. I don’t know what to do yet, time will tell and tell me, but for now I’m glad that my seedlings are alive, while the underground inhabitants suffered minimal and, I think, easily repairable damage.

Vladimir Baushev, Uglich

From the book “Permaculture by Sepp Holzer”, translation by E. I. Nikolaeva

During my childhood, peasants still knew very well about the action and preparation of fertilizers from herbs. Depending on what effect was needed and what plants were available, we prepared fertilizers from a variety of components. So everyone developed their own “recipe”.

With the introduction of mineral fertilizers and synthetic products, knowledge about the use of grass fertilizers has disappeared in many regions. Instead, today you are learning how to “properly” spray and fertilize without exposing yourself to the pungent chemicals.

The long-term negative consequences that enter the world around us through the introduction of sprays and artificial fertilizers are invisible to many of our neighbors. In the near future, all these fertilizers will seem to be paying off. Anyone who wants to be responsible to nature must say goodbye to the use of chemicals in fields, vegetable gardens, and orchards.

Permaculture by Sepp Holzer

“Permaculture” is permanent, i.e. natural, agriculture. An Austrian farmer is confident that with the help of so-called permaculture it is possible to feed the entire planet. For this you need very little: do not disturb Nature. Sepp Holzer's secret is simple. He observes nature and tries to live according to its laws.

Nature has prepared enough plants that, thanks to their better internal content, can prepare excellent complete extracts and fertilizers. For herbal extracts, either freshly cut or slightly dried herbs for one day are used. They are soaked in cold water; the extract can then be sprayed. The effect of extracts can be versatile.

I especially love and universally use nettle extract: thanks to its high nitrogen content, it acts as a good fertilizer that strengthens plants, especially highly nutritious vegetables such as zucchini, cucumbers, and cabbage. This fertilizer cannot be used for peas and beans due to the danger of excess nitrogen. This hood works very well against leaf fall. Aphids also, on the one hand, cannot tolerate its smell, on the other, the burning sensation (due to nettle poison), which is sensitive and visibly affects it when fresh.

I consider making an extract from cold water more significant than preparing a decoction, since decoctions are boiled down, which means a lot of energy consumption. Especially if you want to cook a large quantity.

I think brewing is unnecessary. If I need an intense remedy, I can simply keep the contents of my extract longer by stirring it regularly.

The contents will be ready and there will be an excellent herbal fertilizer. Fertilizers are so rich that they can only be used in diluted form. Herbal fertilizers have an excellent effect, they strengthen plants and also prevent their diseases, naturally taking care of their growth even with the excessive appearance of individual insects.

Healthy and strong plants are more resilient against pathogens; Also, insects (pests) look primarily for weakened plants. Natural herbal remedies are very easy to make yourself and do not cost anything. It's surprising that they are still little used.

My technique

It is best to use local plants. I do not consider it justified to bring or bring plants from other places for this purpose, even if they are offered in special magazines. Almost all herbs are suitable for making fertilizer. The roots, leaves and stems just need to be kept in the container long enough to get a good fertilizer. Preparing a pest control product requires longer and more precise attention.

For my liquid fertilizers, I choose plants with a certain content of substances - such as essential oils, bitterness and poisons. When choosing, I base my feelings and knowledge that I have accumulated over the years. I try new plants and mixtures all the time because this is an area where there is a lot to experiment with and learn.

If I have not used a certain set of plants before, I prepare an experimental infusion. For infusion I use fresh spring water. Tap water is mostly artificial and sterilized. In this case, filters, irradiation, and chlorination are used to ensure that the water meets drinking water standards. Therefore, for me, such water is “dead” and is not used for drinking.

I, of course, am used to a fresh spring in our yard and always avoid buying water there if I’m in the city. Its taste terrifies me. If you drink this water for a long time, you can no longer feel its taste. The same thing happens with unsprayed and ripened strawberries and tomatoes, the natural taste of which many no longer know. If water from a source is not available, collected rainwater can be used. In any case, this water is better than from the tap.

A closed container placed outside can be used as a vessel. The container can be made of wood or artificial material. I do not use a metal container, since the herbal extract may react to the metal during the preparation process and acquire additional undesirable properties.

At short intervals (every two days), I test the contents for the presence of fungus or other undesirable manifestations and observe whether the corresponding processes occur. If I'm happy with the contents, I use ready-made fertilizer.

If the desired effect is not yet sufficient, I experiment further. Sometimes I add more plants, or leave it to stand, thereby adding more substances and increasing its effect. After long observations, you can yourself, through similar experiments, create recipes for an effective grass fertilizer that is best suited to the respective area.

During cooking, it is important that there are enough acidic substances in the container. To do this, I leave the lid slightly open and stir the contents regularly with a wooden stick. In a warm place with strong solar radiation, the cooking process occurs much faster. In places that are not particularly sunny, the process can last a month. I know it is ready because the fertilizer does not foam and is dark in color.

I do not consider an exact description of the compatibility of plants, temperature, amount of water and plants, as well as the dosage for use to be important. The surest and easiest way is to do your research and independently find the appropriate products in the appropriate concentrations needed for a particular area.

A mixture of herbs that I enjoy and use often consists mainly of nettle (producing nitrogen) and comfrey (producing potassium). Here I gladly add tansy and wormwood. This mixture is a good fertilizer and enhances plant resistance. In addition, it acts against naughty boys and bedbugs, primarily due to the presence of bitter wormwood. If I expect many people to eat my plants, I increase the content of bitter wormwood until the plant reaches the desired development.

Sepp Holzer,
from the book “Permaculture by Sepp Holzer”,
translation from German by E. I. Nikolaeva, Barnaul

Sepp Holzer

For a long time, Sepp Holzer was called a rebellious farmer in his homeland of Austria, and what he does was called wild agriculture. For abandoning traditional farming norms and experimenting, he was forced to pay fines, moreover, he was threatened with prison. Now Holzer’s know-how - creating land ridges, crater gardens, constructing reservoirs - evokes admiration among many specialists and amateurs.

As a boy, Sepp grew various plants on his father's farm. Then he called all his acquaintances to his garden and gladly shared his discoveries with them. Much the same thing is happening today. Only now it’s not kids from the schoolyard who come to Holzer—professional farmers from all over the world come to see him. Holzer's farm is located in the mountains, at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. There are harsh climatic conditions, for which his estate in Krameterhof is called Austrian Siberia. Even in July-August, Holzer’s lands can be covered with snow, but at the same time his plums and apricots ripen, and kiwis and grapes bear fruit beautifully.