VKS Natural Farms

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...

Earthworms, often overlooked as simple creatures, play a pivotal role in maintaining soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture. Their intricate interactions with beneficial bacteria contribute significantly to the agroecological balance of natural farming systems. Earthworms are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter. As they consume and digest this material, they ingest a diverse array of microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria. These bacteria, in turn, colonize the earthworm's gut, forming a symbiotic relationship. The bacteria aid in the breakdown of complex organic compounds, making nutrients more readily available for plant uptake. Moreover, the bacteria produce enzymes and metabolites that enhance soil fertility and suppress plant pathogens. Some of the key beneficial bacteria hosted by earthworms include: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria: These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, reducing the need for synthetic ...

Back in 2021, when I started natural farming, we grew Sesbania bispinosa on our land—not to increase water-holding capacity, but to enrich the debilitated soil. Despite advice from others, I allowed the plant to fully mature. After its manual removal, we didn’t plow the land; instead, we just irrigated it. When I stepped into the field, my leg sank deep into the soil for about a foot. That’s when I realized the power of the rhizosphere. I then began growing Sesbania grandiflora, which I believed should remain permanent, regardless of the crops I grow. This is the situation with our coconut and amla farm. In another agricultural field, I allowed the growth of grasses (no cover crops here) and conducted a trial run growing turmeric. The turmeric grew well (with each plant spaced three feet apart), and our cows continue to graze on the grasses that exist between the turmeric. A surprising realization struck me about a month ago when I started to irrigate this piece of land, as the long-la...

Yes, the application of chemicals, even fertilizers, can have a significant impact on the beneficial microbial population. Let's explore how. The soil microbiome, a community of diverse microorganisms, is influenced by various factors, including moisture, organic matter content, oxygen levels, pH, plant exudates, and microclimate. When fertilizers are applied, the soil's nutrient status changes, leading to corresponding shifts in the microbial population. Initially, as nutrients become available, plants may reduce the secretion of exudates that specifically induce certain microbial populations to function. However, excessive nutrient levels can alter the soil's pH and redox conditions through geochemical and biochemical processes. Ultimately, the need for specific microbial populations, such as nitrogen-fixing or phosphorus- and potassium-mobilizing bacteria, may diminish. Without plant support through exudates, these microorganisms may struggle to survive and f...