COURSE: Number 9
TITLE:
Conservation Farming
WORDING: The task is to know about and start the Conservation Farming
systems at the school
INTRODUCTION:
Conservation farming is a system developed in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The principal idea
is to have system which uses the natural resources sustainably and which works without
large inputs of fertilizer or pesticides. The practices of the systems are not to burn the plant
residues but to let them cover the ground as much as possible. This preserves nutrients and
humidity and lowers the soil temperature. The system uses permanent planting holes fro
the plants. Between the lines of holes the weeds are cleared, but the soil is not thoroughly
worked. This also preserves nutrients and humidity. An advantage of the planting holes is
that it simplifies the administration of inputs. Over the years it is possible to gradually
improve the soil in the planting holes with compost, lime or fertilizer, but also with soil
from termite hills ashes, shells, and by using crop rotation.
Another advantage of the system is that the fields can be prepared curing the dry season so
that they are ready for planting after the first good rains.
With a good system of compost and crop rotation it will not be necessary to leave the field
after few years and to clear more forest for new fields.
It is good to combine this system with the system of improved fallowing and water
harvesting with vetiver grass. (see Gaia Courses 10 and 12)
DIRECTIVES:
1. (2 hours)
 Read the Gaia Manual 1e "Conservation Farming"
2. (3 hours)
 Select the place and start test plots to compare the traditional agriculture system with
the conservation farming. The conditions should be as on a normal field - without
irrigation and with no or little fertilizer. Organize so that the work is part of the daily
routines.

3. (1 hour)
 Present the system and the results to the rest of the school or on an Open Sunday.
FILES:
Gaia Manual 1e "Conservation Farming"
www.gaia-movement.org (Gaia-Movement/Publications)