This article forms part of a series concerning the development of methods of compost tea application via the keyline plow which are being published on taranakifarm.com

Part 1 : Introduction
Part 2 : Designing the Keyline Plow Frame Extension
Part 3 : 1:1 Scale Wooden Model
Part 4 : Re-Inventing the Herbicide Tank
Part 5 : Farm Like a Gardener
Part 6 : The Final Prototype

Part 1 : Introduction

Employing the methods developed by P.A. Yeomans, keyline pattern plowing is a proven component in the job of revitalizing degraded soils. The plow performs deep ripping with minimal plant disturbance. At its most basic this offers many benefits, including opening compacted soils (without destructive tillage), breaking up the hard pan, allowing moisture and oxygen to re-activate soil life, thus restoring fertility.  When used in concert with controlled grazing or mowing through a managed cycle, top soil is built rapidly. 

In the related field of soil biology, Dr Elaine Ingham (the eminent biologist) has made breakthrough discoveries studying soil life and developing methods of brewing compost tea. Her work promotes the pressing need to re-populate our damaged soils with the necessary microbial biota. Without the essential micro organisms our soils cannot develop balance. A balanced soil offers fertility, that builds through the exchange for nutrients that is the tireless work of soil life. A multitude of symbiotic connections evolved in harmony.

With the generous support of the well respected compost tea educator and biological farming consultant, Paul Taylor (Trust Nature), I am developing a means to both inject compost tea into the root zone of pasture plants driectly, and perform a foliar (plant leaf) application while keyline plowing. The potential for this method to restore health and balance to soils is explosive.

I will therefore post a series of articles on taranakifarm.com detailing my development of this system so that others may be inspired to explore this exciting system (and perhaps make improvements).

Next : Designing the Keyline Plow Frame Extension.