Cane farming brothers regenerate soil using natural systems

Sustainable Table speaks with cane farmers John & Michael Attard about the journey they took from conventional farming, using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, to utilising natural systems to regenerate soil health.

Video story by Sustainable Table, March 2022. Reproduced here with permission.

Snapshot

The Attard brothers noticed a decline in farmer's health over the years, leading them to take a positive step away from using synthetic herbicides, chemicals, and pesticides.
Their focus is now on improving soil quality by increasing organic matter content, enhancing water infiltration, and using calcium-magnesium ratios to promote water holding capacity.
They emphasize the importance of fertilizers, especially those containing plant-available calcium and phosphorus, to support crop growth and mineral absorption.
The brothers adopt regenerative farming practices by using compost, native microbes, and fungal-rich fertilizers to enhance soil health and fertility.
By transitioning from synthetic fertilizers to biological fertilizers and employing innovative techniques like banning and compost extraction, they have significantly reduced production costs.
They advise starting with a small area to experiment with regenerative practices, learning from mistakes, and gradually implementing successful techniques across the farm for sustainable long-term results.

Topics discussed

Cane farming brothers regenerate soil using natural systems

Snapshot

Topics discussed

Increase productivity

Land and water stewardship

Nutrient management

Pests, weeds and diseases

Soil management and break crops

Technology and innovation

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