Syntropic Agriculture is a revolutionary farming method that creates ecosystems of abundance.
Scott Hall, from Syntropia Farm on the Gold Coast, will be speaking at the upcoming 2023 Stanthorpe Eco Expo on 15 October to introduce and explain Syntropic Agriculture. Scott will present two sessions; the morning session will be “What is Syntropic Farming, and how can it work for you?” and the afternoon session will focus on Q & A from the audience.
Scott Hall’s journey into Syntropic Agriculture began when he became dissatisfied with the conventional farming practices employed on his family’s broad acre cropping and grazing property. Scott began to study regenerative farming techniques, delving into Permaculture, Holistic Management and organic farming methods. These practices opened the doors of inquiry for Scott, but when he encountered Syntropic Farming he knew he had found the right path towards developing a truly self-sustaining farming system. Scott began to study Syntropic Farming in earnest, accumulating knowledge and experience over many years. He initiated the first Australian Syntropic farm, “Gabalah”, in northern NSW, taking the property from the R & D phase through to profitable production. In more recent years Scott has developed Syntropia Farm on a 20-acre site at the Gold Coast to experiment, fine tune and show case the possibilities of Syntropic Farming. He travels in Australia and internationally as a farm educator, consultant and trainer and he remains passionate about sharing experience and insights that he has gained over the years.
Originally developed over many decades in Brazil by Swiss farmer Ernst Götsch, Syntropic Agriculture proposes that the soil and the above ground space always remain occupied by growing tiered layers of plants in harmony. The key concepts of Syntropic Farming involve:
– Careful mapping and planning to create a “consortium” of species appropriate to the site and climate
– Intensive pruning of tree species to create mulch and to stimulate and maintain a “growth pulse” in plants
– Planting a diverse range of crops in layers to promote mutual support
– Maximisation of photosynthesis through controlled access to light
– Employment of natural ground covers
– Reduction in water use and better water conservation
– Use of natural succession plants
– Removal of the reliance on synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides
– Improved soil fertility and health
– Promotion of biodiversity and habitat for wildlife
The principles of syntropic farming can be applied to any climate, from deserts to rainforests. Eucalypts are often an integral part of the species mix, renowned for growing exceptionally fast and accumulating large quantities of biomass.
Scott Hall further explains the concepts embodied in Syntropic Farming:
“Syntropic Agriculture is the missing link in regenerative agriculture – trees on landscape. Thanks to the work of Ernst Götsch, we now have the solution to regenerative tree management.
“Trees are not isolated plants, they grow together, with grasses in relationships. It is the understanding, application and management of these relationships which defines Syntropic Agriculture.
“Do you hear about some plants being bad or some plants being good? We will unpack this and find out that there are no good or bad plants, but instead learn that plants have either positive or negative impacts according to where they are in their lifecycle – it’s not whether they are good or bad, it’s a question of “when”.
“Trees are part of an ecosystem – a forest ecology. When we plant and manage with this understanding, we then can truly tap into the mighty power that trees deliver, including nutrient cycling, mineral accumulation, drought proofing by increasing the water cycle, and ,of course, banking soil carbon at an astonishing rate.
“Whether you are a backyard gardener, homesteader, raise livestock, manage horticulture or run an orchard, this ecosystem function is essential to increasing your yields and landscape function.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing this with you.“
Come and see Scott Hall talk at the 2023 Stanthorpe Eco Expo, held on Sunday 15 October from 9am-3pm at Ananda Palli, 463 Back Creek Road, Severnlea. Entry is $5 per adult and the expo is a cash preferred event. For more details go to the website: www.stanthorpeecoexpo.com.au or look them up on Facebook. The organisers of the Stanthorpe Eco Expo gratefully acknowledge the assistance provided by the Southern Downs Regional Council and Granite Borders Landcare Committee.
