(no subject)
Dear Dean,
We just bought a beautiful spread in Vermont, about 25 acres outside of Burlington. We're interested in earth-friendly farming, but have conflicting information about different practices.
In your opinion, what is the real difference between biointensive farming and organic farming and which would you, without reservation, practice on your own farm?
Thanks for your help. We're big fans.
Mr. and Mrs. Van McNulty
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Van McNulty,
You seem to be misinformed about the column to which you've written. It's OK; mix-ups like this happen all the time. In order to prevent my brother from answering with extensive and unnecessary information on kinds of fertilizer, aka "crap for your grass" as he calls it, I've taken the liberty of googling a few of your questions. Hopefully some of the following information will be of use to you in addressing your farming concerns.
According to Wikipedia.org, biointensive farming is "an organic agricultural system which focuses on maximum yields from the minimum area of land, while simultaneously improving the soil." It would seem that, as the biointensive method is best for small-scale farming, and, once again according to Wikipedia.org, "is well suited to anything from personal, family, or community gardens, market gardens, or ' minifarms.' It has also been used successfully on small scale commercial farms." It would seem that, since you are working with a small amount of farmland for your own purposes, biointensive farming is right for you.
However, I would highly recommend organic farming, as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are often harmful. You might consider joining a local community or farmer's market in order to sell your produce.
Sincerely,
Sam Winchester