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Agroforestry design mimics the most dynamic, biologically productive state of ecological succession.
Agroforestry blends annual production in THE alleyways between, WITH PRODUCTION IN perennial rows; these systems are spatially designed for the greatest photosynthetic capture and maximum biodiversity productioN.
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Disturbance is a key component as the alleyways must be kept open to allow light to penetrate and ripen fruit; air must also flow freely to reduce pathogens. This can be achieved by grazing animals as in Silvopasture, or more often, by periodic mowing.
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Drawing from permaculture and agroecology design principles, we utilize a 3 tier planting system which stacks production in these layers:
Overstory LAYER
Shrub LAYER
Groundcover LAYER
This planting scheme simplifies complex natural systems, making them easier to design and manage.
FOOD PRODUCTION
Within our 3-tier perennial row planting system, we intercrop asian and european pears, apples, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, medicinal herbs, and insectary plants in various configurations.
In our alleyways we grow annuals including asparagus, melons, cabbage, winter squash, and CBD hemp.
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We work closely with and sell the majority of our products through local food hubs, wholesale outlets, farmers markets, and our online store.
Our management practices support living systems using biological controls and other organic practices.
Our strategy of valuing food production and biodiversity on an equal level has yielded an explosion of life!
BIODIVERSITY PRODUCTION
Ecological restoration plantings that produce
extremely high levels of biodiversity.
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In addition to our food production-centric plantings at Anthill Farm, we are employing agroforestry techniques in restoration plantings. We use our 3-tier planting system, replacing food production plants with beneficial wildlife species,
to create a dynamic new environment.
Plant species are evaluated based on:
Habitat provision
Wildlife forage
Insectary value
Conservation Status (endangered, etc.)
Nutrient cycling
Carbon sequestration
Resilience
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We work with landowners, businesses, and organizations to transform empty fields, lots, and abandoned industrial zones into explosions of biodiversity!