Intégrer la biodiversité dans l'exploitation agricole

Summary

Michel Dallemany, a farmer in Tizi, shares his journey of transitioning from chemical and mechanized farming to working in harmony with nature. In 1981, he began by creating ponds and planting trees, which quickly led to a resurgence of biodiversity, increasing the number of wild bird species from 10 to over 43. He significantly reduced chemical treatments on his apple trees, reaching zero treatments by 2000. Dallemany further advanced his sustainable practices by joining the Biodiversity Observatory protocol, which tracks biodiversity in agricultural lands. He also improved his orchard management by planting trees that attract insects year-round and allowing natural weed growth, resulting in a near-zero treatment orchard. The narrative highlights the rapid recovery of nature and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.

Takeaways

• 🌾 Michel Dallemany is a cereal farmer in Tizi who aims to work with nature rather than controlling it.
• 🏞️ In 1981, the farm was characterized by large fields and heavy reliance on chemical and mechanization methods for crop growth.
• 🐦 To work with nature, Michel created ponds and replanted areas, which quickly resulted in positive outcomes, such as an increase in bird species from 10 to over 43.
• 🍏 Initially, apple trees required up to 25-30 chemical treatments, but by 2000, the farm had reduced this to zero treatments, allowing nature to manage the growth.
• 🌿 Michel joined the biodiversity observatory protocol in 2012, which now includes around 500 plots per year across France to monitor biodiversity and its relation to agricultural practices.
• 🔍 The observatory conducts annual counts of earthworms and other insects, butterflies, slugs, and snails to track biodiversity trends.
• 🛠 Changes in farming practices were implemented based on data and discussions from the observatory, such as rethinking mowing practices in the orchard.
• 🌳 A second, more fertile orchard was planted with trees native to the region that bear fruit throughout the year, attracting insects and supporting the food chain.
• 🌼 The orchard uses natural grass seeding (RBB 2D), allowing for a variety of flowers and insects throughout the year, enhancing biodiversity.
• 💊 Despite being chemical-intensive, the orchard now receives very few treatments, demonstrating that nature can recover quickly with the right practices.

Q & A

Who is Michel Dallemany and what does he do?

Michel Dallemany is a farmer who works on a small cereal farm in Tizi. He produces cereals and local products, including cider products.

What was the initial approach to farming at the farm before 1981?

Before 1981, the farm's approach was heavily reliant on chemical inputs and mechanization to grow wheat, which resulted in a lack of biodiversity and a dead nature due to frequent use of insecticides.

What changes did Michel Dallemany make to work with nature rather than against it?

Michel Dallemany made several changes, including creating ponds and replanting, which led to positive results and an increase in biodiversity.

How did the number of wild bird species change after the changes were implemented?

The number of wild bird species increased from about ten to over forty-three species regularly seen on the farm.

What was the initial chemical treatment regime for apple trees on the farm?

Initially, the apple trees received up to 25 to 30 chemical treatments per year to manage diseases and promote apple growth.

How has the chemical treatment for apple trees changed since the year 2000?

By 2000, the farm had transitioned to zero chemical treatments for the apple trees, changing their practices to allow nature to take its course.

What is the role of the biodiversity observatory protocol that the farm is associated with?

The biodiversity observatory protocol, which the farm joined, helps in monitoring biodiversity levels in agricultural territories and understanding the relationship between farming practices and biodiversity.

What activities are carried out as part of the biodiversity observatory protocol?

As part of the protocol, the farm counts earthworms, insects, butterflies, snails, and other creatures monthly to track changes and evolution in biodiversity.

How did the practices change in the orchard to improve biodiversity and reduce chemical treatments?

The farm stopped mowing regularly, replanted a second orchard on more fertile land, and chose trees native to the region that flower throughout the year to attract insects and support the food chain.

What specific changes were made regarding weed control in the orchard?

Instead of using chemical herbicides, the farm chose to allow natural weed growth, which led to the germination of seeds present in the soil and the blooming of different flowers throughout the year.

What is the current state of biodiversity in the orchard despite it being chemically intensive?

Surprisingly, even though the orchard is chemically intensive, nature has returned very quickly, indicating the resilience of the ecosystem and the effectiveness of the changes made.