EMAU FARMS- SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

This year's (2021) dry-hot summer in the Pacific Nortwest resulted in marked loss of soil moisture. For soils with predominant sand texture (e.g. loamy sand), the loss of soil moisture resulted in permanent plant wilting/drying, especially, those plants with shallow roots - within 6 - 10 inches of topsoil. Under these conditions of adverse changing climate, one challeng for a gardener/farmer is to determine/identify factors for moisture retention, and plant growth with minimum or no irrigation. For such soils, one option to retain moisture for plant growth is by improving the soil structure using organic matter. Example: a single Kale plant is thriving well on organic mulch. Another example: Dandelion with very deep roots under an old wood is surviving. Perhaps the wood helping is retaining moisture. By Peter Emau

In the Pacific Northwest, like other areas, this year 2021 has seen clear changes in climate. In the Pacific Northwest, the specific changes included prolonged drought-high temperatures during the spring-summer. One challenge for a farmer, under this conditions, is how to sustain gardening throughout the year with minimal or no irrigation/watering to grow healthy vegetables foods. The challenge is more acute for a combination of soils (such as sandy soils when compared to clay soils) that have relatively little capacity to hold moisture; and for plants with shallow roots (e.g within the top 6 - 12 inches of soil/garden surface). Perhaps we can learn from the plants themselves as shown in the following pictures: A: The leaves of grass with shallow roots ( mostly with the 6 inches layer of top soil) on sandy loam soil (16% Clay; 13% silt and 71% sand) has driedied-up due to prolonged drought (at least 2 months without rain): B: The roots (bunch type are) dried-up as well. C: Ho...