Masanobu Fukuoka, a visionary farmer and philosopher, revolutionized agriculture with his concept of Natural Farming, rooted in the belief that nature knows best. His approach challenges conventional farming methods, emphasizing minimal human intervention and a deep trust in natural processes. In the context of a fruit orchard, Fukuoka’s principles offer a profound way to grow food in harmony with nature.
No Cultivation (No Tillage)
Fukuoka believed that plowing or tilling disrupts the natural structure and ecology of the soil. In a fruit orchard, this means leaving the soil undisturbed to allow the natural microbial and fungal networks to thrive. It also maintains the crucial fungal-bacterial ratio which is important for healthy orchard. Undisturbed soil supports healthy root systems for trees like apples and pears, improving water retention and nutrient cycling. Carbon is locked into the soil, rather than being released into the atmosphere when the soil is dug up. No tillage is also incorporated in various religions as a means to promote this idea. In Buddhist and Jain traditions, root crops are often avoided, a practice that also preserves soil structure and protects earthworms and the likes, principles that align closely with no-tillage natural farming.
No Fertilizers
Fukuoka argued that nature provides all the nutrients plants need if the soil is healthy. In a natural orchard, this is achieved through cover crops like clover or vetch, which fix nitrogen in the soil, and organic mulching with straw, leaves, or wood chips. The decaying mulch around fruit trees, such as apricots and peaches, enriches the soil naturally without synthetic inputs. Since our orchard has not always been managed this way, we still carry out occasional soil amendments, adding well-aged manure and compost to help restore and maintain its natural vitality.
No Weeding or Herbicides
Weeds, often seen as a nuisance, play an essential role in Fukuoka’s philosophy. In his view, weeds can act as ground covers, protect soil from erosion, and cycle nutrients. For an orchard, letting natural grasses and weeds grow alongside fruit trees like plums can improve biodiversity and attract beneficial insects. The weeds also keep the harmful insects in check by preventing them from flying high up to the fruit trees, or even keeping harmful fungal spores away from them. When weeds need management, Fukuoka recommended cutting them and using them as mulch rather than removing them entirely. We use a silent brush cutter at such times rather than removing them altogether.
No Pesticides
Fukuoka’s method relies on natural biodiversity to keep pests and diseases in check. By cultivating a balanced ecosystem, including beneficial plants and predators, pest populations are naturally controlled. For example, wildflowers planted within the orchard attract pollinators and predatory insects that feed on pests harmful to fruit trees. This approach works well along with various other IPM methods.
Minimal Pruning
Fukuoka’s philosophy minimizes pruning, as he believed excessive cutting alters the natural growth patterns of trees. Instead, fruit trees are allowed to grow in their natural forms, creating a balanced canopy that maximizes photosynthesis and airflow. Peaches and plums on their own tend to open up and take the popular ‘vase’ shape, whereas apples prefer a central leader. However, we sometimes do prune so as to keep the tree manageable, and for better aeration and sunlight since our farm is not ideal in terms of direction of slope and sunlight.
The Legacy of Fukuoka’s Natural Farming
Fukuoka’s philosophy is not just a method but a mindset—one that teaches farmers to trust in the wisdom of nature. For a fruit orchard, it transforms farming into a practice of partnership with the land, where apples, plums, pears, apricots, and peaches flourish without the need for chemical inputs. Brambles grow alongside. Wild flowers pop up here and there. Bees buzz by. It’s a thriving ecosystem altogether.
Learn more about our methods – Our Farming Methods
