In my presentation on Successful Commercial Polycultures at this year's Oxford Real Farming Conference, I presented several case studies of growers who manage to make multi-layer crop systems work. I tried to draw out lessons for aspiring polyculture growers. and highlight factors that are pre-conditions for successful growing of polycultures. Multi-species cropping systems are not new on our farms, but through good design we can make them work even better for farmers and the landscape as a whole.
9. Intensive Polycultures
Patterns of Success
Use FG to define farm infrastructure,
Simplified layout for easy access
Use perennial crops to support other forms of production
Maximise yield over time
Reduce input and labour costs: N-fixers instead of
fertiliser, Harvesting instead of weed control
Family, wwoof and other volunteer labour (like other small
producers)
Secondary crops: farm materials, fuel, craft products,
fertility,
Diversified & value added yields: nursery plants,
education & social yields
