Trees
There are now about 500 trees of differing type on this land. On the monoculture plantations on this island, there are always problems with disease. We have noted all of these diseases on our trees but none so far have reached threatening scale. Our philosophy is to leave nature alone. If one year we have a particular disease problem, if we leave it alone, it will have balanced itself by the following year. Its the same with fruit production. Not every year is the same and we get an occasional year when one particular fruit will not set. With a multi-crop system, this loss will only be a small proportion of production.
For reforesting hills and mountain slopes, broad leafed trees are best. Preferably food producing. The reasons for this are:
* This type of tree gives maximum ground shade and protection from the elements.
* They provide large amounts of leaf mould for soil rebuilding
* During heavy rainfalls, the forces of the downpours are reduced to the extent that soil erosion is minimised.
Trees such as the edible acorn, oak, pecan and walnut trees give all these qualities, plus food for free range pigs. The island of Corsica is a classic example of this type of land use. If you doubt me, go there and eat the pork. Delicious.
For multi-cropping low lands, a very different approach is needed. Ground shade should be kept to a minimum to allow crops to grow. Also, timing of leaf cover is important.
For example :
* The fig tree doesnt form leaves until mid-May, allowing a winter and spring crop time to mature. This tree produces large leaves and therefore massive ground shade during the hot summers. Good for soil protection during dry seasons.
* Almond. This tree sets its leaves early, February, but the leaves are small and allow light through. Crops can be grown underneath this tree. Its other advantage is that it sheds its leaves in early August, leaving the ground free for early autumn planting.
* The grape vine. An excellent shade plant that can be pruned for light penetration. A high level culture is preferable, say 7ft minimum. The vine is a forest plant and lives next to trees, not in a monoculture system as has been developed over the last century
Just as a footnote, wild asparagus has now established itself around 30% of our tree trunks, nowhere else. Must be something to this.
Multi level cropping
Our constant theme is inter-relationships. The items above contribute considerably to ground water gain and flood controls. Take for instance organic soil improvement. Now this can be achieved fairly simply and only over a period of two to three years, just by using green manures. The benefits are enormous. I will list a few. Green manures are ploughed in and rot down, returning nutrients to the soil and encouraging soil bacteria and fungus growth. Essential for a healthy soil. This in turn brings back the earthworm, perhaps the most important creature on earth. Darwins thesis that earthworms can generate up to 1" of soil per decade is, as far as we are concerned, correct. The soil then becomes a living battlefield of insects and predators, all adding to the humus content of the soil.
This in turn leads to added rain absorbtion. Heavy rain does not run off this type of structure, but is absorbed to a considerable extent. Ground waters are therefore increased. ...soil retains moisture longer, allowing a greater variety of crops to be
By careful selection, a multi-level cropping system can be installed, increasing crop yields per hectare.
Bird life returns. Our observations confirm that these control pests. Balance is restored. If a pest or disease does get out of control, if left alone it will be brought back under control by an increase of its enemy. The more varied the trees, the less the problem, the greater the return.
In just 10 years we have seen an abundance of bird life return. Songs all day long. Now there are enough for the predators. We now have 2 hawks and one owl to balance the bird population. Birds drop guano. By our calculations this could amount to several hundredweight per hectare over a year. (Free fertiliser).
Where trees are planted the temperature under, drops. The hot Mediterranean sun produces interaction between ground and sky due to the temperature differences. Air circulates and in times of heavy cloud, observations have been made which indicate increased rainfall. Carefull choice of trees is important for maximum production. Sunlight must penetrate to ground level during the short days of winter for ground crops to grow. Timing of leaf fall and growth has therefore to be taken into account. We can advise on this.
The systems we design can be as simple or as complex as you require. Each individual requirement is, of course, different, but we pride ourselves in designing systems to suit all tastes. Contact us for advice.
Landscaping for erosion and flood control
This particular design has proven to be the most successful. At no time over the last ten years has any erosion been experienced by this steep slope. The slope is fully exposed to the south and captures excessive heat. Cabinet and Merlot vines have been planted and will be trained on the Lenz Moser High Culture System to provide total shade during the summer months. (See more about erosion caused by water)
List of trees
Some of these will be considered as not practical in the designated environment, but our previous research has shown that this is not necessarily true as micro climates can be designed to suit specific species.
Trees:
Grapefruit (white and pink),Lime, Kumquat,Avocado,Walnut, Plum (various), Apricot, Peach (various),Nectarine (various), Olive, Apple (various), Pear (various), Cherry, Hazelnut, Pomegranit, Plum (various), Chinese gooseberry, Guava, Almond (various inc. American paper shell), Mango Lychee, Tamarind, Pecan, Papaya, Pistachio, Custard apple, Mulberry, Chestnut, Brazil nut.
Vines:
Shiraz,Merlot,Cabenet, Savignon
Pest and diseases
Yes, I have them all, but not one now interferes in any crucial way with my crops.
On an average would say that they affect about 1% of yearly crops. There will be some years when something is out of balance but, because of the varied mix of trees, only one crop will be affected, but then not much.
Ive watched birds take out the grubs from my plums leaving the fruit with only a small beak hole. On my nectarines, every year, there are about 3 or 5 beautiful, big, colourful butterflies and various bugs and wasps feeding on the juice. Normally 3 nectarines per tree are affected, and fully consumed, but only 1 or 2 trees. My reaction. Hi guys. Nice to see you back. See your offspring next year after you have provided food for something else.
There is a small grey bird with a black cap that constantly cleans my citrus trees. So it all goes on in all its complexity of which we know next to nothing. LEAVE IT ALL ALONE.