Stockfree Organic Farming for the Future Needs of the Planet

This chapter is about the farm of Tolhurst Organic, run by Iain Tolhurst from United Kingdom. The farm is pioneering the stockfree organic system whereby the farm is not dependent on the importation of materials to support fertility in the way that most farms do. No livestock are present and no products of livestock such as manures are used on the farm. The farm demonstrates a remarkable ability to maintain and indeed improve the fertility of the land at the same time as producing good yields of high-quality fruits and vegetables. The farm utilises a systems approach to dealing with the potential problems of pests, diseases and weeds through a close cooperation with natural systems. A high level of functional biodiversity is managed on the farm to enable it to remain largely free of agronomic problems. The health of the soil is central to the viability and productivity of the farm. Earthworms contribute to maintaining soil condition and act as a reliable indicator of good soil health. The farm is a model of resilience to climate change and long-term sustainability.