Natural Sequence Farming

Dumbleyung Lake

Natural Sequence Farming (NSF) is an innovative approach to agriculture and land management that emphasizes the restoration and enhancement of natural water cycles. Developed in Australia by Peter Andrews, NSF focuses on re-establishing the natural sequences of water flow in the landscape to rejuvenate the land, increase its fertility, and make farms more resilient to drought and flooding. This method contrasts with conventional farming practices that often disrupt these sequences through the removal of vegetation, straightening of rivers, and draining of wetlands.

Overview

The core principle of NSF is to mimic the natural processes that once shaped the land. Before human intervention, landscapes were adept at capturing, storing, and slowly releasing water, thanks to the complex interplay between vegetation, soils, and microtopographies. By observing and understanding these processes, NSF aims to repair the damage done by conventional agricultural practices, thereby improving the health of the land and the productivity of farms.

Key Components

NSF is based on several key components, including:

• Rehydration of the landscape: By slowing down the flow of water across the land, NSF encourages the rehydration of soils and the replenishment of aquifers.
• Revegetation: Planting native vegetation helps to stabilize soils, reduce evaporation, and provide habitat for biodiversity.
• Leaky weirs: The construction of small, strategically placed weirs can help to slow water flow, encouraging it to spread across the floodplain and soak into the ground.
• Contouring: Shaping the land to follow natural contours can help to guide water gently across the landscape, rather than allowing it to rush down straight channels.

Benefits

The benefits of Natural Sequence Farming are manifold. By restoring natural water cycles, NSF can:

• Enhance soil fertility and increase agricultural productivity
• Reduce the impact of droughts and floods
• Improve water quality by filtering pollutants through vegetation and soils
• Increase biodiversity by providing habitats for native plants and animals
• Mitigate climate change impacts through enhanced carbon sequestration

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its potential benefits, NSF has faced challenges and criticisms. Some experts argue that the approach may not be universally applicable, particularly in landscapes significantly altered by human activity or in regions with different climatic and soil conditions. Additionally, the initial costs and labor required to implement NSF practices can be prohibitive for some farmers.

Conclusion

Natural Sequence Farming represents a promising shift towards more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. By working with nature rather than against it, NSF offers a pathway to restoring degraded landscapes and building a more sustainable future for farming.