Soil health

Cultivating the land for the purpose of food production is historically linked to human survival.

In recent years, there has been a remarkable awareness of the proper use of natural energy resources and especially the preservation of the soil ecosystem.

Soil is one of nature's most complex ecosystems, as It contains a huge number of different organisms that contribute to the maintenance of the flora and fertility of the soil. Healthy soils are characterized by a balance in the numerous beneficial and non-beneficial organisms.

Then, the "inhabitants" of the soil, produce enzymes that act as catalysts that help break down proteins and organic compounds. This process allows cultivated plants to draw more nutrients from the soil while at the same time our body is fed with food rich in enzymes, which which makes it very digestible. It is important to emphasize that enzyme activity is greater in soils that have not been sprayed with pesticides compared to conventional soils.

Let's look below at some traditional and modern forms of cultivation that support the balance of soil biodiversity.

Organic farming

In organic farming, the soil is enriched with various natural materials, compost, and any form of chemical intervention to combat insects is avoided.
One of the techniques used in organic farming is the enrichment of the soil with beneficial microorganisms, a method introduced by Teruo Higa.
Higa created a mixture of microorganisms that are subjected to a special fermentation in water and the final preparation is used as a fertilizer that significantly increases soil fertility.
Organic farming is based on living ecosystems and contributes to their preservation through sustainability, i.e. the protection of natural resources so that future generations can benefit equally.
In this system, the traditional method of cultivation is adhered to, as it allows the land to rest after a demanding harvest.

We could say that with the start of organic farming in Greece, man began to search for foods that would help him maintain his good health levels, such as organic super foods, cereals, cereal and fruit bars, healthy snacks, muesli.

The idea of ​​organic farming soon caught on and expanded. beyond the food areas as it was the beginning of human awareness to uses ecological ingredients in household cleaners and kitchen utensils in order to preserve the earth's natural resources.

Biodynamic agriculture

The originator of biodynamic farming is Rudolph Steiner, who linked the poor health of farmers to the use of pesticides. He convinced the villagers to make fertilizer with natural ingredients and very soon those who implemented it saw a significant improvement in their health.
Biodynamic farming revives the old image where man lives in harmony with nature and animals.
The sowing, the time The duration of the stay in the field and the harvest are coordinated with the phases of the moon, a technique that has been applied by ancient civilizations. The soil is enriched with organic humus and a liquid with natural ingredients is used to control harmful pests. the preparation method its effect is reminiscent of that of homeopathic medicines.

In the modern market There is a wide selection of biodynamic products that one can choose from, not only food products, but products related to in body care such as cosmetics, daily personal care items care products, shampoos, care creams, toothpastes, etc.


Natural cultivation

Masanobu Fucuoca is the one who was inspired and implemented the method of natural cultivation. Fucuoca supported that human intervention should be kept to a minimum so that the land has the opportunity to express its productivity without obstacles.
So, according to the natural farming system, the land is not plowed or dug, and wild grasses are cut instead of uprooted.
Soil enrichment is done with dry leaves and roots from previous crops. and its humidity is ensured by covering it with straw.
The natural way of producing products enhances the co-cultivation of fruits and vegetables, which means that in one flowerbed we can see 1-2 different species vegetables along with trees and herbs.

One of the most important points of reference in natural farming is that it uses edible seeds such as barley, buckwheat, oats, wheat, amaranth for the direct enrichment of the soil.

The above forms of agriculture protect rare seeds and varieties of vegetables and fruits that are at risk of being lost due to the trend of intensive farming.

By consuming products prepared using natural methods, we lay a solid foundation for health and well-being and participate in the global effort to care for our planet.