Dry Farming
Dry farming relies primarily on the previous seasons rainfall, along with a simple soil tilling technique. This technique, in which soil is manipulated to act as a metaphorical sponge, maximizes water retention over a period of time. Tilling the soil repeatedly is a part of maximizing the soil benefits. Organic material is shifted around creating a “dust mulch” layer, which is a thick blanket of dry soil compressed over moist soil to seal in moisture. Dry farming, though having been done for centuries and found prominently in the Mediterranean regions, was not common in California until the 1800’s up until the mid-20th century. It was assumed dry farming created soil erosion which made many reluctant to adopt the method. However, due to industry growth in the late 19th century dry farming became necessary. The enactment of The Homestead Act of 1862 which granted farmers 160 acres (64 hectares) to experiment with dry farming, led to the settlement of more than half a million families on the Prairie lands of the Great Plains. But after many years of strong winds, extended droughts along with supply and demand, many homesteaders abandoned their land. Though others stayed behind and restored some prairie lands to their natural states.
Currently competition over water has been slowly increasing, and such places as Paso Robles, CA, threatened groundwater overdraft is leading to decreased water availability. In parts of East Paso Robles groundwater levels are rapidly decreasing, which has forced the city of Paso Robles to close down many wells because of declining water production and poor quality. The Paso Robles Groundwater Basin is a primary source of water for northern San Luis Obispo County. More than 8,000 privately and commercially owned wells tap into the basin, which is currently at risk. Overdraft is a constant threat due to wine industry growth over the last decade. It refers to groundwater reaching unsustainable levels, in which it can no longer replenish itself. Dry farming can have significant positive environmental impacts, such as water conservation and improving the sustainability of vineyards. Wineries throughout Paso Robles have begun to adopt dry farming, along with Biodynamic and organic winemaking. According to Phillip Norwood, owner and operator of Ambyth Estates, organic and biodynamic practices encourage the elimination of all chemical fertilizers, as well as encourage awareness of the forces of nature influencing his/her farm entity. Vineyards which practice such methods are Lone Madrone Vineyards, which consists of Martinelli Vineyard, Ambyth Vineyard, Bailey Ranch Vineyard, Heaton Vineyard, Osgood Vineyards, and Klau Mine vineyards, all of whom are located in the West Paso Robles region. Current dry farming practices rely on grape varieties, rootstock, spacing, soil type and cover crops. Dry farmed vineyards may yield less than irrigated vineyards due to the wide spacing of vines, anywhere from 50-150 square feet apart. Dry farmed vineyards may also take longer to come into production, due to the increased pressure on the rootstock to search out nutrients and water. Dry farmed climates generally consist of at least 15” of annual rainfall, however that number has been questioned. According to Mitch Wyss, Director of Viticulture and winegrower of Halter Ranch vineyards, “With less than 20” of rainfall you simply can’t do it.” Throughout California vines are dry farmed on several kinds of soil types, though the most adequate for producing the best crop is soil with high water holding capacity. Clay or loamy soils retain the most moisture and are said to produce the intensely flavorful crops.
Biodynamics
Biodynamics is the use of spiritual, ethical, & ecological approach to farm production. This method of Organic gardening takes into account such factors as the observations of the lunar phases and planetary cycles and the use of incantations and ritual substances. Biodynamics use natural resources to produce the highest quality grapes. Biodynamics is a proactive approach to farming that looks at the individuality of each property and adds back with natural plant and animal life to emulate nature and create a self-sustainable environment. Biodynamic farming integrates agricultural, biological and ecological scientific knowledge into crop rotations, compost production, plant diversity, homeopathic sprays and soil and animal practices. These practices are combined with our natural life forces to go beyond organic standards to heal the earth for future generations.
There are specific requirements for becoming Biodynamic certified:
~ No use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, no hormones, antibiotics, or GMO’s
~The basis of crop fertility is compost green manuring & crop rotation.
~Weeds are controlled by similar means
~Farms are visited and re-evaluated annually
~Farms must be free of prohibited substances for 36 months and under Biodynamic Management for 12-24 months
Resources:
Mazurek, B. (2012, August 6). Farming Without Water. Retrieved from http://grist.org/food/farming-without-water/
California agricultural water Stewardship Initiative- Dry Farming. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.agwaterstewards.org/
“Dry Farming.” Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History. 1999. Retrieved March 12, 2013 from Encyclopedia .com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3406400258.html
Johnston, K. (2009, September 16). Ground zero for Groundwater.New Times:San Luis Obispo County. Retrieved from http://www.newtimesslo.com/cover/3287/ground-zero-for-groundwater/
Twedderien 