The main principle underlying our service to plants is ahimsa, non-violence. A synonym for this word in the modern world is ecology. In theory, this principle, the principle of ahimsa, is supported by many people, but very few are ready to follow it uncompromisingly. Why? Because it is incredibly difficult to grow something without chemical fertilizers and toxic sprays.
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There used to be a field on our plot. For many years, the previous owners stuffed the land with chemicals, gradually depleting the soil. Don't think that they are particularly bad people. This is a common practice, the locals simply do not understand the harm they cause to the environment and to themselves.

Our first step was a thorough physical, chemical and biological analysis of the soil and groundwater. The results confirmed our assumption that the soil was completely scorched, depleted, heavily polluted with toxic substances and heavy metal salts.
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For those interested in the details, here is what we found:

• At the physical level, the soil structure was disrupted, which led to severe compaction, lack of aeration, reduced moisture capacity and infiltration.
• At the chemical level, there was a complete imbalance of microelements, which caused acidification, salinization and pollution with toxic substances.
• At the biological level, the soil had low bioactivity, which meant a lack of soil microorganisms that contribute to the healthy development of plants.

We started consulting with like-minded people all over the world and went to study at Aranya Permaculture Farm to understand what to do to return the land to its natural properties given by nature itself.
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First, we dug simple trenches with mounts and introduced organic matter in the form of composted cow dung. The trenches with mounts were arranged according to the existing relief in such a way as to collect rainwater during the rainy season and create "edges" between two different "environments" (embankment and trench). Using the edge effect is one of the principles of permaculture. In nature, the greatest bioactivity occurs precisely at the junction of two environments (land - water, forest - steppe, etc.), productivity and biodiversity at the border between two environments increases due to the fact that the resources of both ecosystems are involved here. To our great surprise, after carrying out these works, already in the first week of the rainy season, we saw at least eight species of plants that we had not seen on the site before. After that, we began to sow the soil with specially selected green manure plants, these are plants that loosen the soil with their roots, saturating it with nitrogen and attracting microorganisms.
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As we mentioned above, the main source of organic matter on our site was cow manure. A huge amount of manure. It is hard to believe, but at the first stage of work on the soil we brought in 250 tons (250,000 kilograms) of manure, and the total amount of manure introduced into the soil on the site today exceeds 500 tons! Cow manure is rich in organic matter, bacteria and nutrients. They are necessary to activate life in the soil.

In addition to manure, we used several other environmentally friendly fertilizers:

• Jivamrita is a local fertilizer made from cow urine, manure, gur, chickpea flour, compost and mustard oil. It literally revives the soil, which is why it is called jiva-amrita – life-giving nectar. Jivamrita “feeds” the small invisible inhabitants of the earth – soil microorganisms that create favorable conditions for plants.
• A biopreparation based on a mycorrhizal fungus of the genus Glomus. It is needed for the development of the root system. This fungus can be called a supermarket for plants: the plant “sends a request” for its needs (micro- and macroelements, amino acids, etc.), and mycorrhiza gives them to it in exchange for carbon. This is how they exchange. Since mycorrhiza lives at the expense of the plant and is interested in increasing its lifespan, it very carefully supplies it with everything it needs.
• Biohumus is a waste product of earthworms. By absorbing and digesting compost, worms destroy all pathogenic microflora in it, enrich it with chitosan enzymes, growth phytohormones and natural antibiotics. The concentrate from such a mass is an excellent growth stimulator and protector from unfavorable climate.
• Mulch is a natural organic "blanket" consisting of various crushed organic matter, such as rice and wheat husks. Mulch protects the soil from drying out, maintaining temperature and water balance, and also nourishes the microorganisms that live in it.

When the land was ready to receive new inhabitants - trees, flowers, vines and bushes, we started planting.
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All these efforts quickly brought results. In a few years, we grew a beautiful forest, an orchard, a Zen garden and a bio-garden with tasty and healthy vegetables. So we saw in practice that when we take care of nature - nature takes care of us! If you are interested in eco-friendly landscaping, gardening and farming - come, we will be happy to share our experience!