Agroforesterie : le système forestier dans les champs

Agence Régionale de l'environnement de Normandie

18 Jun 201904:22

Summary

TLDRThe video script details the journey of a small farm transitioning to agroforestry, an approach that works with nature rather than controlling it. The farm has been restructured to align with the land's potential rather than the convenience of tractors, with parcels reoriented to optimize soil quality. This shift has led to increased biodiversity, reduced use of chemical products, and a more balanced ecosystem. The farm now features agroforestry projects that integrate the forest ecosystem, creating a natural habitat for wildlife and flora, which also serves as a windbreak and climate regulator. The focus is on sustainable practices that respect the soil and harness sunlight for photosynthesis, capturing CO2 and promoting energy production and biodiversity.

Takeaways

🌱 The main goal of the small farm is to work with nature rather than trying to control it.
🛠 The farm has shifted towards agroforestry, adapting technology to nature instead of the other way around.
📏 The farm has restructured its parcels based on the potential of the land rather than the convenience for tractors.
🔄 The orientation of the parcels has been completely changed to better suit the economic and land potential.
🌳 Agroforestry projects have been implemented to invite the forest ecosystem and improve biodiversity.
🌳 Trees have been replanted around fields to create a connection between the plain and the forest.
🌬 The agroforestry approach has led to a natural regulation of wind and climate.
🍂 Organic matter is introduced every autumn, which serves as a relay for biodiversity.
🏨 The farm is described as having 'Airbnbs for nature', with every 6 to 7 meters offering a habitat for both fauna and flora.
💧 There has been a significant reduction in the use of phytosanitary products.
🌾 The farm has integrated biodiversity reserves every 30 meters to support a variety of species.
🌞 The focus is on using sunlight efficiently for photosynthesis and capturing CO2.
🌿 The choice of plants is aimed at balancing energy production and supporting biodiversity.
🌽 The speaker mentions that despite the focus on conservation, they have achieved high yields, particularly in maize.
🐛 Earthworms and other beneficial organisms have been encouraged to improve soil health.
🌧️ The farm has experienced issues with waterlogging in the fields, but the soil's structure has improved with less tillage.
🐦 The introduction of perches and other habitats has supported the growth of biodiversity, including birds of prey.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the speaker's agricultural project?
-The primary goal was to work with nature instead of trying to control it, by implementing agroforestry practices.
How did the speaker approach the layout of the fields in their project?
-The speaker adjusted the size of the parcels based on the potential of the land rather than the ease of tractor use, aiming to adapt technology to nature.
What significant change did the speaker make to the orientation of the fields?
-The speaker completely changed the orientation of the fields to align with the quality of the soil and the economic potential of the land.
How did the speaker address the issue of biodiversity on the farm?
-The speaker implemented two agroforestry projects, inviting the forest ecosystem back to the farm and planting around the fields to create a habitat for wildlife.
What was the impact of the agroforestry on the use of phytosanitary products?
-The agroforestry led to a significant reduction in the use of phytosanitary products, indicating a more sustainable approach to farming.
How does the speaker describe the role of biodiversity reserves in their farm?
-The speaker describes the biodiversity reserves as 'real Airbnb for nature', providing habitats for fauna and flora every 6 to 7 meters.
What benefits did the speaker observe from the agroforestry project in terms of climate regulation?
-The agroforestry project helped in climate regulation by providing a natural windbreak and contributing to a more balanced local climate.
How does the speaker relate the concept of 'conservation agriculture' to their farming practices?
-The speaker relates conservation agriculture to producing in a way that respects the soil and makes the most of natural resources like sunlight and photosynthesis.
What was the speaker's experience with crop yields after implementing conservation practices?
-The speaker had excellent yields, even better than before, indicating that conservation practices can be successful and sustainable.
How did the speaker address the issue of soil compaction and its impact on farming?
-The speaker addressed soil compaction by not tilling the soil, which allowed earthworms and other beneficial organisms to work the soil naturally, reducing compaction.
What measures did the speaker take to control pests like hares and other wildlife?
-The speaker introduced biodiversity, including raptors, which naturally control pests, and also used physical barriers like large perches to deter pests.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Embracing Agroforestry and Natural Farming Practices

The speaker discusses their desire to work in harmony with nature rather than attempting to control it. They describe the transition to agroforestry, which involves integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural land. Initially, they focused on adjusting the size and orientation of the fields based on the land's potential rather than the convenience of tractor use, emphasizing that technology should adapt to nature. Over a year, they completely changed the direction of the fields to better align with the economic potential of the land and to avoid misuse and waste. They also mention the rediscovery of an old land registry (cadastre) from 2826, which guided the orientation of the land.

🌳 Implementing Agroforestry Projects for Biodiversity

The speaker details two agroforestry projects aimed at inviting the forest ecosystem back into the agricultural landscape. They planted trees around fields to create a connection between the plain and the forest, which serves as a progressive and interesting development. This approach has led to a natural regulation of wind and climate. The speaker also talks about the benefits of agroforestry for organic matter and biodiversity, mentioning that every 30 to 70 meters, there is a 'hotel' for nature, open on weekends and holidays, which serves as a habitat for wildlife. The agroforestry practices have also led to a reduction in the use of phytosanitary products and have opened up possibilities for innovative agricultural practices.

🐦 Agroforestry's Impact on Wildlife and Conservation Agriculture

The speaker highlights the positive impact of agroforestry on wildlife and biodiversity, referring to the 'hotels' as Airbnbs for nature, providing a habitat for fauna and flora. They mention the establishment of biodiversity reserves every 30 meters and the benefits of agroforestry in terms of conservation agriculture. The speaker also discusses the importance of utilizing sunlight efficiently through photosynthesis and capturing CO2, which contributes to energy production and biodiversity. They emphasize the need to choose plants that will provide both production and support for the soil, such as those that repel insects or aid in soil health.

🌾 Successful Conservation Agriculture and Biodiversity

The speaker shares their personal experience with conservation agriculture, where they achieved excellent yields in a part of the field that was previously considered poor. They attribute this success to the soil being aerated and warmed more quickly due to the absence of tillage. The speaker also discusses the challenges they faced with pests, such as mole crickets, and how the introduction of perches and other biodiversity elements helped control them naturally. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of a balanced and holistic approach to farming, which has led to a more sustainable and productive agricultural system.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Agroforestry

Agroforestry is a land management system that combines trees, shrubs, and crops in a way that promotes biodiversity and natural resource conservation. In the video's context, it is the core practice that the speaker aims to implement, emphasizing working with nature rather than controlling it. The script mentions 'agroforesterie' as the chosen method to restore the land, indicating a shift from conventional farming practices to a more sustainable and ecological approach.

💡Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the variety within species, between species, and within ecosystems. The video script discusses the importance of restoring biodiversity by inviting the forest ecosystem back into the fields and planting trees around them. This is part of the agroforestry practice and is aimed at creating a natural habitat that supports various forms of life, as mentioned with the concept of 'real Airbnb for nature'.

💡Land Potential

Land potential is the inherent capacity of a piece of land to support certain types of vegetation or agricultural practices. The script highlights the importance of adapting farming practices to the land's potential rather than forcing the land to fit the practices. The speaker talks about reorganizing the field parcels based on the quality of the soil and its potential, which is a key aspect of sustainable land management.

💡Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture is a farming system that seeks to maintain or enhance soil health, reduce tillage, and minimize environmental impact. The video script mentions 'agriculture de conservation' or 'conservation agriculture' as an approach that respects the soil and utilizes sunlight more efficiently. It is associated with practices that reduce the use of chemical inputs and promote a healthier ecosystem.

💡Soil Health

Soil health is a measure of the soil's ability to function and support plant growth, as well as its resilience to environmental stress. The speaker in the video emphasizes the importance of soil health by discussing the negative impacts of poor land use, such as soil compaction and erosion. The adoption of agroforestry and conservation agriculture practices is aimed at improving soil health and structure.

💡Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, such as pollination, pest control, and climate regulation. The video script discusses how the agroforestry practices implemented on the farm provide ecosystem services like windbreaks and organic matter, which contribute to climate regulation and soil fertility. These services are vital for maintaining a healthy and productive agricultural system.

💡Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming encompasses practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. The video's theme revolves around sustainable farming, as the speaker describes efforts to work with nature, restore biodiversity, and adopt agroforestry. The goal is to create a balanced and regenerative agricultural system that can be maintained over the long term.

💡Organic Matter

Organic matter in soil is derived from plant and animal residues and is crucial for soil fertility and structure. The script mentions the addition of organic matter through the leaves of trees, which serve as a 'real relay' for soil health. This organic matter improves soil fertility and supports the growth of beneficial organisms, contributing to a more sustainable farming system.

💡Pest Control

Pest control in the context of the video refers to the natural regulation of pests through biodiversity and ecosystem balance. The speaker mentions the use of agroforestry to invite beneficial insects and birds that can help control pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This is part of the broader goal of creating a balanced and self-regulating agricultural ecosystem.

💡Water Management

Water management in agriculture involves the efficient use and conservation of water resources. The video script discusses the issue of water retention in the fields and how the improved soil structure from agroforestry practices can help with water infiltration and drainage. Proper water management is essential for maintaining soil health and crop productivity.

💡Climate Regulation

Climate regulation refers to the ability of ecosystems to influence local and global climate patterns, such as through carbon sequestration and windbreaks. The video script mentions the agroforestry's role in climate regulation, with practices like planting trees that can act as windbreaks and help regulate the local climate, as well as sequester carbon dioxide, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural environment.

Highlights

Aims to work with nature rather than control it

Adapt technology to nature, not the other way around

Changed the orientation of fields based on soil quality, not tractor convenience

Found old land registry maps to help with field orientation

Chose agroforestry to restore biodiversity

Planted trees around fields to create a link between the plain and forest

Reduced use of chemical inputs in the orchard

Created biodiversity reserves every 30 meters

Practices conservation agriculture to respect the soil

Uses sunlight more efficiently through photosynthesis

Chooses plants that improve soil health and repel pests

Aims for a balance between energy production and biodiversity

Had excellent corn yields two years ago without tillage

Earthworms help with soil structure and water infiltration

Faced challenges with mole crickets and other pests

Uses perches and biodiversity to manage pest birds

Adopting a holistic, balanced approach to farming