To enable the transition towards a truly Sustainable Development for all.

Agricultural Training

 

AGROECOLOGICAL COURSE
TRAINING begins with the knowing that there are two things being addressed. These are the outer and the inner. The knowledge the technologies, the skills, the practices are all outer and critical and in parallel to this are the inner changes that take place. Remember the age old adage “Man Know Thyself”, a critical component in the understanding and working with Nature
• Agroecology will sustain and enhance the health of the soil, plant, animal, humans and the planet as one, and all aspects interconnected and are inseparable.
• Agroecology is based on living ecological systems and cycles, agroecology works with them, emulates them and helps sustain them.
• Agroecology builds on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.
• Agroecology is managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and wellbeing of current and future generations and the environment

 

CURRICULUM CONTENT

History of Agriculture
• Brief insight into the history of modern agriculture
• Separation of the four streams of Agriculture
• The turning point through Baron Justus von Liebig
• The green revolution
• Modern industrial agriculture
• Modern alternative streams of agriculture (Kyusei, Bio-dynamics, etc…)

The Four Kingdoms of Nature
An insight into how does modern human man immerse him / herself into the natural world.

The Environment Influencing Agriculture – working with Permaculture principles

Soils
Subjects covering agricultural soils include amongst others:

• The formation of soils through climate and weathering.
• Living organisms, time
• Soil profile and properties of soil
• Soil texture, soil structure
• pH
• Soil organic matter
• Soil moisture
• Simple soil tests

Basic Botany

Composting

  • What is compost ? an introduction
  •  Principles of organic & Biodynamic composting and the natural composting processes
  • Materials for organic & Biodynamic composting
  • Practical organic & Biodynamic composting
  • Uses of organic & Biodynamic composts
  • Environmental aspects
  • Types of organic & Biodynamic compost
  • Earthworms

Effective microorganisms (EM)
Understanding the concepts and role of micro-organisms
• The making and use of EM and all the different EM derivatives (see page on Kyusei Farming) in an agroecological context

Fertilizing preparations
This subject will include an approach to fertilising the soil and nourishing plants through the use of:
• Organic & Biodynamic Manures, composts and teas
• Comfrey/nettle tea, others
• Seaweed extracts
• Organic & Biodynamic Compost tea
• Green manures

Pest and Disease Control
This subject will look at identifying the different pests and diseases and their control. Preventative precautions will also be addressed. The skills acquired in this block will enable the grower to understand insect, pest and diseases control from the organic & Biodynamic point of view. Organic & Biodynamic pest, insect and disease control methods and applications will be discussed.

Management
• Garden/bed layout (time and space)
• Record keeping
• Mulching
• Tools/use of tools
• Harvesting techniques
• Seed saving
• Organic & Biodynamic Crop rotation, companion planting
• Marketing strategies, co-ops, CSA, box schemes etc.

Livestock
• Organic & Biodynamic poultry

  •  Layers
  • Broilers

• Bees
• Organic & Biodynamic Cattle

  •  Beef
  • Dairy

Lindros will provide a comprehensive reference manual to the participating group/s. This organic & Biodynamic training can be done on site