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Understanding the Connection Between Soil Fungi and Orchard Health

UnderstandingAg

The soil food web that will point the way to many orchard answers quite generously includes us humans within this symbiosis of place. In honor of one my most influential mentors, I would like to revisit and give reverence to the work and teachings of the late Michael Phillips, the original teacher of regenerative orcharding.

Orchard 91
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Whole-Orchard Nutrient Management & On-Farm Composting at Heartwood Farms

Caff

On April 10th, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted a field day at Heartwood Farms in Linden, CA with farmers Franz Eilers and Emma Wade to discuss all things compost and pest management on their biologically-integrated walnut and cherry orchards. Franz and Emma explain their composting process.

Compost 52
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Guide To Starting a Fruit Orchard on Your Farm

Farmbrite

Starting a Fruit Orchard on Your Farm Growing fruit trees or nut trees on your farm is a great way to be more self-sufficient and a great way to add items to your CSA, use the unwanted fruit to supplement feed for your animals, sell at your local farmers market or for personal use. Fruit trees need lots of sun and space to grow properly.

Orchard 52
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Now Available: “Understanding the Science Behind Climate Smart Agriculture in California: A comprehensive literature review”

Caff

These collaborations have provided snapshots of how practices like compost, cover crops, livestock integration and reduced tillage (to name a few) can impact soil health on a given farm in a given region.

Science 110
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The Farmers Leaning On Each Other’s Tools

Civil Eats

Next, they purchased a no-drill seeder together, and it allowed them to plant rows of grain directly into orchards and pastures without tilling, a practice known to benefit the soil. To get [your mulch or compost] spread in a timely manner was really quite impossible,” said Gonzales-Siemens. The drill] made a huge difference.

Grain 144
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We Bought a Home with a Sterile Suburban Yard. Our Journey To Bring Life Back is Just Beginning

Modern Farmer

To build sustainable soil structure with plenty of bacteria, fungi and protozoa, we made compost by processing kitchen scraps in a tumbler. When the compost is mature, we mix it with dirt when planting. I am lucky I am an annual vegetable grower, so I do not rely on chilly winters like orchard growers do.

Meadow 116
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BIOS Field Day at Chinchiolo Farms

Caff

(Photo by Nolan Kirby) The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Chinchiolo Farms on April 20th. After a very wet winter, attendees enjoyed the nice weather as they gathered in the orchard to discuss a novel mower prototype, pruning, and nematode management.

Orchard 52