The McLoughlin Farming Technique
Organic and Biodynamic Method
I believe that food production should be geared towards quality of product and that this will only be achieved in the long term if the environment in which it takes place is regarded as a partner and not a serf. The farming technique that I am developing takes as its basis organic farming principles but introduces elements, which will not be found in standard organic literature.
I believe that if this orchard is to flourish it must become part of the environmental dynamic, suffer some losses (rabbits have destroyed a number of trees) but adapt and welcome everything within and without.
Advanced Apple Organic Farming Methods
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Soil fertility - I use no pesticides, fungicides or fertilisers which are not organic based. For instance, I use seaweed and organic chicken manure as fertilisers.
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Crystals - I use various crystals as a means of enhancing the strength and vitality of the trees. Quartz, Rose Quartz and Jasper are all placed among the trees with a view to channeling my positive thoughts and energy into the orchard.
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Moon - All the trees have been planted at times appropriate to a waxing moon. The reason for this is that crops planted when the moon is waxing have been shown to achieve higher yields than those planted in the Waning phase.
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Freedom - I nurture the orchard but it is not a thing in isolation. There are no fences or traps to prevent birds, rabbits or insects coming into the orchard.
Responsible Farming
I know that if I bludgeoned the Mayo soil with sacks of NPK and bottles of pesticide I may garner increased yields but only a fool would expect quality fruit and a blossoming environment. I believe the inherent simplicity of farming demands an understanding of soil fertility coupled to knowledge of the fauna and flora in the locale. Importantly, any grower needs to be in touch with the natural rhythm of the land.