The Story of a Self-Sufficient, Sustainable Farm скачать в хорошем качестве

The Story of a Self-Sufficient, Sustainable Farm

At Hunmanby Grange Farm, sustainability is at the heart of everything they do, particularly when it comes to managing the farm's water supply and soil health. The farm relies on its own water source, extracted from the chalk aquifers beneath the land, as there is no mains water supply available. This self-sufficient water system has been in place for generations, with the farm's water used for both farming operations and daily living. Until recently, the water was consumed directly from the ground without filtration, but modern advancements have encouraged Tom Mellor, the farm's owner, to implement a filtration and UV treatment system to ensure the highest quality water. "Everything that we use here essentially comes from the aquifer, and everything we use goes back into it," Tom explains. "We're acutely aware of protecting this vital resource, which is why we adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to spreading manures and fertilisers near the boreholes." The farm’s commitment to sustainability extends to the soil, with cover crops being introduced to improve soil health. The cover crop mix includes grasses, brassicas, and legumes, and Tom has noticed significant improvements in soil viability, including an increase in earthworm populations. Even in the winter months, the benefits of these practices are evident. Despite a hard frost, Tom notes that the ground remains friable and easy to walk on, with minimal mud sticking to boots—a sign that the soil structure is improving. In just four to five years of adopting these farming practices, the organic matter content of the soil has increased by at least 2%, making it more resilient to waterlogging and easier to work with during wetter conditions. "Our soil is much more friable now, and we can get onto it more quickly when needed," says Tom. "It's impressive to see how much it's starting to recover." By focusing on water conservation and soil health, Hunmanby Grange Farm is setting a strong example of sustainable farming that balances production with environmental responsibility. With a commitment to maintaining their water quality and improving their soil's fertility, the farm is on a positive trajectory for the future. #farming #agriculture #farm #agri #sustainability #farmlife #farmer #harvest #climatechange #climate #regen #regenerativefarm #soilhealth #soiltips #technology #precision #precisionfarming #covercrops #knowledge #community