Building VIBRANT SOILS
Picture two apple orchards side by side, separated only by a headland. And a gulf in paradigms. Both orchards were planted at the same time. One is managed by a New Zealand research station investigating best management practices and integrated pest management (IPM); the other was in organic production for seven years. The IPM orchard is irrigated, grass between rows is maintained like a golf turf, with a nice tidy herbicide strip under the trees. Meanwhile, the organic orchard is an unruly explosion of grass and colour. Every year, 5–10 m3/ha compost has been spread under the trees, and there is no irrigation here; it’s just not needed.
Organic orchardist Nick Pattison is a laconic character, belying a deep passionate concern for people and planet. We first met at a Dr Arden Anderson soil school.
Before shifting to organic production in 1997, Nick’s parents were also living on the property, enabling Nick to care for his elderly mother during
