Biointensive

The biointensive method is an organic agricultural system which focuses on maximum yields from the minimum area of land, while simultaneously improving the soil. The goal of the method is long term sustainability.

Because biointensive is practiced on a relatively small scale, it is well suited to anything from personal, family, or community gardens, market gardens, or 'minifarms .'

Contents

1 History 2 The System 3 Further Reading 4 External links

History

Many of the techniques which compose the biointensive method were present in ancient Chinese and Greek agriculture, as well as in the agriculture of the Early Modern period in Europe. It was brought together into one system by Alan Chadwick as the French intensive method, and further developed by John Jeavons and Ecology Action. The method now enjoys widespread practice and development.

The System

Basic elements of the biointensive method include:

• Double Dug, Raised Beds
• Composting
• Intensive Planting
• Companion planting
• Carbon Farming
• Calorie Farming
• The Use of Open-Pollinated Seeds

Because some of these techniques result in intensive productivity, the system must be practiced as a whole in order to prevent soil exhaustion.

Further Reading

• John Jeavons, How to Grow More Vegetables: And Fruits, Nuts, Berries, Grains, and Other Crops Than You Ever Thought Possible on Less Land Than You Can Imagine ISBN 1580082335
• Carol Cox, John Jeavons, The Sustainable Vegetable Garden: A Backyard Guide to Healthy Soil and Higher Yields ISBN 1580080162

External links

• Ecology Action
• The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food System
• Minifarms
• Bagelhole: Biointensive Mini-Agriculture