Life in Syntropy, the Benefits of Agroforestry

Published by Conor Mulvihill on March 26, 2016March 26, 2016

[cs_section id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; ” visibility=”” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=””]The video below explores how Brazilian farmer Ernst Gotsch used an agroforestry land management system to transform 1,200 acres of completely deforested terrain in the Brazilian rainforest. Gotsch worked with, rather than against, nature to tackle problems such as strong winds and drought. He began by replanting the land according to a system of natural succession. This led to reforesting of the entire area and turning it into an incredibly biodiverse yet productive working farm which, it’s claimed, has actually altered the microclimate around it in the form of increased rainfall and lower temperatures. Resource depletion is a serious issue for every nation. Agroforestry involves a simple change in attitude towards agriculture that can pave the way for a revolutionary transformation. It recognises nature as a great ally and highlights how sustainability needs to be economic, social and environmental. Understanding forest dynamics the engine that runs the planet and using agroforestry guidelines particular pruning encourage transformation, it boosts the system’s metabolism, to work at peak efficiency, constantly increasing resources. These are the principles of syntropy. A regenerative management system like this is productive and profitable and most importantly can be replicated anywhere else including Ireland regardless of climate, soil conditions and acreage. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; ” visibility=”” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_video_player type=”16:9″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSPNRu4ZPvE” hide_controls=”false” autoplay=”false” no_container=”false” preload=”none” advanced_controls=”false” muted=”false” poster=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]