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...

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...