Natural growth is a potential solution to existing environmental problems.

Whatever grows naturally in a place is nature's solution to the existing environmental problems there. 

For example:

Legumes grow well in poor soil and enrich it with nutrients.

Some indicator plants thrive where mineral deposits exist, but their growth can gradually deplete the soil of those toxic metals.

Eichhornia (water hyacinth) grows well in lakes contaminated with domestic wastewater, simultaneously reducing nutrients and trace elements in the water.

Thus, before taking any action, it is important to listen to nature. 

I have adopted the principle of natural growth (i.e., permitting whatever plant species naturally populate the farm without human intervention) to develop our natural farm, VKS Natural Farms. After three years, a rich diversity of flora and associated fauna has naturally emerged, leading to a self-regulating system where plant diseases are effectively managed and tightly controlled.

The presence of plant diseases is, in reality, an indication that certain plant species are not in equilibrium with the existing natural conditions or local ecosystem. The natural growth of plants that were initially not part of our farm helps to fill this gap.

Therefore, the application of pesticides is not the solution to controlling plant diseases; rather, achieving ecological balance is the key. I am observing this phenomenon on our farm.

What’s the proof of concept?

The proof arises from my observations on the farm. Although I see pests, they are self-limiting and cause little to no damage to the plants. Additionally, the agricultural crops that are affected recover quickly. This has been particularly evident in our amla plantations.

The above write-up is a response to the article "Maintaining an essential habitat: What's good for pollinators is good for utility companies too" available for reading at: https://phys-org.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/phys.org/news/2024-09-essential-habitat-good-pollinators-companies.amp

Summary: Utility companies manage extensive rights-of-way to maintain safe energy corridors, inadvertently creating habitats for pollinators. A study by the Florida Museum of Natural History highlights that proper vegetation management around power lines enhances plant and insect diversity. The research, involving 18 rights-of-way, found that areas with scheduled maintenance showed increased flowering plant abundance and pollinator diversity. Management practices mimic natural disturbances, like wildfires, fostering early successional habitats essential for pollinators. High-intensity management, involving selective mowing and herbicide applications, supports diverse ecosystems. This collaboration can transform utility corridors into vital habitats for pollinators, benefiting both biodiversity and energy reliability, while also promoting conservation across North America.

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