This workshop will look at a participative research project, conducted from 2010 to 2017, to implement biodynamic farming and Integrated Management in México in different crops like avocado (Persea americana Mill), Corn (Zea Mays), Tomatoes (Lycopersicum sculatum), and Citrus Tree (Citrus aurantifolia). The study was developed in 50 orchards (20 conventional and 30 organic) in Michoacan, Jalisco, and Colima states in México. The following elements were considered: soil (diatomaceous earth, weed’s humus, BD 500, barrel compost, and bio-catalysers), tree (time of pruning, BD tree paste, BD 508, and SiO2 spray), productivity (fruit quality and profitability), and environment (beneficial insects, BD 501 and 507, bio-pesticides, and BD compost). Within the first year of research, results suggest a 20% increase on production and 1.8% in organic matter (MO), and improved fruit quality and tree healing for 21 of the organics orchards. The second year of research suggests an improvement for half of the conventional orchards. The rest showed progress until the third year with no changes in production, but with an increase in fruit quality in 17 of them, and MO in 1.3%. Production costs in both types decreased 48%. The integrated management method and biodynamic farming were considered sustainable alternatives for our region.
* Photo credit: Broken Banjo Photography
