A new way of working
“He who does not apply new remedies, shall expect new ailments, for time is the greatest innovator.”
Services provided
- Improvement in the capacity of water absorption of the soil.
- Surplus water storage.
- Increase of the biological fertility of the soil.
- Elimination of soil erosion.
- Neutralization of salt in the soil.
- Connected ponds for irrigation and biodiversity.
- Forest belts for ecosystem improvement.
- Grazing management system by zones.
- Fire prevention.
- Comprehensive property design, when applicable.
- Renewable energies: analysis and turnkey projects .
- Ecological architecture.
Basic Facts
- In order to produce both quality and quantity, the fertility of the soil must improve permanently
- The biologic degradation of organic residues can produce humus in very large quantities
- In order to be healthy, soils need organic matter, light, water and moisture
- Agrochemical products, without exception, kill live organisms in charge of such degradation
- Rich and healthy soil will produce wholesome plants that are resistant to pathogens and harmful insects
- Rich and wholesome plants will in turn produce healthy animals that are resistant to disease
- Degradation of soils constitute one of the largest sources of Co2 and other gases responsible for the Greenhouse effect
- Rich and healthy soils are the best natural or artificial carbon sinks
- Worldwide rhe agriculture sector produces c. 30% of Greenhose gases through its energy use
- The aim is to change from a polluting and fertility extraction agriculture to a clean energy producer and fertility increase agriculture
Ecological regeneration or chemicals? That is the question
Regenerative Agriculture
Soils can be regenerated with the adequate property design, improving life on its fertile layer and turning the subsoil into part of the said layer.
This can be achieved partially with a farming model that prevents wash out of the soil, improves water absorption, deepens its penetration and leads it to the slopes avoiding its concentration in valleys. The use of specific machinery for these purposes maximizes theses effects and shortens the time in which they are obtained (Keyline design).
Different plow
Different design
Different result
The implementation of techniques specially designed for restoring soil fertility and improving its productivity through cattle is another very effective system. It can be used in an alternative or complementary manner, with the added benefit that it frequently translates into an increase in livestock capacity (Holistic management: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holistic_management).
Lastly, we use Biodynamic Agriculture to obtain profound and long-term effects on soil´s fertility and the balance of plants and animals, and with a great impact in the quality of final products, an important advantage to value added products such as bread, wine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodynamic_wine), oil and others.
In 1920s Europe, the use of chemicals in agriculture was causing great concern for a number of farmers and soil scientists; especially with regard to its effects on seed viability, deterioration of food quality, and health related problems in both livestock and crops. They sought the advice of Rudolf Steiner, founder of anthroposophy, who had spent all his life researching and investigating the subtle forces within nature. From a series of lectures and conversations held at Koberwitz Castle, home of Count and Countess Keyserling in Germany (now in Poland) in June 1924, there emerged the fundamental principles of biodynamic farming and gardening, a unified approach to agriculture that relates the ecology of the farm-organism to that of the entire cosmos. This approach has been under development in many parts of the world ever since.
IDEAA profits from the impulse given by the Biodynamic Agriculture Association of Australia and its experience in dryer ecosystems and with a different vision on how to prepare and manage the biodynamic preparations -an essential issue on soil improvement.
The main objective is the radical improvement of fertility and the quick, economically sound and natural regeneration through:
- The rapid growth of the biological activity of the soil
- The improvement and stabilization of its structure
- An increase in the depth of the fertile soil
At the same time:
- All water rain is preserved on the ground
- Its evaporation ratio is decreased
- Preserved humidity is used to obtain a rapid increase in fertility
Thus challenging the belief that soil formation can only be a slow, geological process.
Our systems are based in the land’s unique topography, where the locations of ponds, irrigation zones, roads, wire fences and constructions are designed accordingly.
We incorporate water management designs through interconnected ponds used to improve biodiversity and irrigation. This, in fact, means an even distribution of irregular rain -more common each year- and the possibility to avoid its harmful impact while taking advantage of its benefits. Our systems enable the use of stored water for irrigation without the need of pumping.
Likewise, and in a complementary manner, we use the most adequate plant families for the specific type of soil existing in the property.
The work we do is unique for every property, and it is geared towards maximizing its singular potential.
The physical effects of our work will be:
- Fertile, deep, dark and well structured soils
- Healthy and vibrant grass or crops
- Ponds rich in biodiversity, available for irrigation
- Forest belts
- Biodiversity corridors
The economic benefits will come from:
- Exponential increase in fertility and productivity of the soil
- Optimal use of water
- Reduction in production costs
- Improvement in animal health
- Potential increase in livestock and crop production
- General increase in production
Our Team
Our team -composed of associates and collaborators- combines experience and innovation, together with extensive knowledge on techniques and proven methods used in European ecosystems.