I am pleased to know that there is a great family around the world, on different continents, with the same extraordinary love, vocation and a strong desire to share with others the goodness of God through creation, nature and a country lifestyle. Both the Bible and the inspired pen confirm that establishing our homes in the countryside will become a kind of Noah's ark, providing us with protection during critical events that are in the near future. At that time we will have almost lost our freedoms, civil rights and constitutional guarantees, as undeniable signs of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and only through a sustainable and self-sufficient country lifestyle far from the cities can we remain faithful to God and his commandments. However, there will still be moments of great opportunities to testify and impact the large cities where souls perish for lack of knowledge of God.
To facilitate the necessary support for a change of lifestyle is the main objective of the ABC International ministry (https://abcintsupportministry.wordpress.com/) based in Costa Rica, Central America, through which families, churches and communities acquire a tool for spiritual enrichment through: 1- the study of the Holy Scriptures, 2- learning the principles of a healthy lifestyle and 3- skills and aptitudes for agro-ecological soil cultivation method. This will be decisive to be able to face the next changes in the world in terms of energy shortages, food insecurity, environmental and moral degradation. These changes announce the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to our world, according to what is described in chapter 24 of the book of Matthew. As a contribution for all those people who want to make a transition in their lifestyle, the following topic is shared:
Ecological principles for an independent agriculture
The application of organic fertilizers of animal origin, mineral broths, bio-fertilizers and other external organic inputs are useful because they facilitate a transition from conventional agriculture that is highly dependent on outsources input to a more independent and environmentally friendly one. However, as God's people, it is very important to become less dependent on these products and learn to take advantage of the resources that God has placed on our farms. To move towards independence from external inputs in agriculture, the following agro-ecological principles could be progressively adopted:
1. Do not disturb, crumble or turn the soil, as it breaks down the small grains of soil and organic matter that provide shelter, food, water and oxygen to microorganisms. If this occurs, the soil will eventually compact in the area near the roots, reducing its fertility. Whether the soil is prepared in raised beds, if it is under a rainy climate, or if the soil is only prepared in the planting area (minimum tillage) in areas with dry climate, this must be un-compacted with an implement of different size like a solid fork that is introduced and levers into the soil up to 30 or 40 cm deep. This tool loosens and oxygenates the soil without disturbing its layers.
2. Recycle, as much as possible, all organic waste from the farm, whether kitchen or harvest waste, leaves, cut grass, animal manure, if these are part of our plots. This should be done in order to produce organic fertilizers with local resources that can be used as organic fertilizers for the soil.
3. Associate crops with repellent plants or plants with flowers that attract insects which are beneficial as natural enemies, parasitoids and predators of other herbivorous insects that damage our crops. This association will gradually lower the populations of these agents and reduce dependence on insecticides, including those of botanical origin.
4. It is essential to rotate crops that belong to different families over time. For example, after harvesting tomatoes, the soil should not be planted with peppers or potatoes because they belong to the same family. Planting leek, for example, breaks cycles of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, which helps fight soil diseases naturally.
5. It is very important always to keep the soil covered, either with live covers, such as leguminous plants that are later cut on the surface of the soil as green manures, or with dead cover such as leaf litter, chopped grass, small pieces of white wood, shredded dry branches, etc. which will gradually increase the organic matter of the soil. The reason behind this principle is protection for the soil microbiota, which is responsible for fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus and potassium, providing microelements and defending plants against pathogens. Direct solar radiation can negatively affect the microbiota.
6. Finally, the fallow or rest of the land, described in Leviticus chapter 25, allows the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the soil to regenerate after several production cycles.
ABC Internacional promotes a slogan that says: “Healthy soil = Healthy body”. So, if we apply these principles in agriculture, we will be able to enjoy restored and healthy soils that will produce balanced and nutritious food, connecting the soil microbiota with the microbiota of our digestive system. The result will be physical, mental and spiritual health.
Visit their webpage!
Pedro Torres, M. Sc., is an active member of the Guápiles Central Church in the Caribbean Association of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Costa Rica. He is Director of ABC International Ministry. He is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Natural Sciences for Development with an emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health and Quality. He has specialization in the use of beneficial microorganisms for agriculture and in the application of agroecological principles for the management of diseases and other pathogenic organisms.
Comments