Life in Syntropy
Syntropic farming, developed by Swiss geneticist and farmer Ernst Götsch, is a revolutionary approach that draws inspiration from nature’s own strategies for regeneration. By observing and understanding how ecosystems naturally restore themselves, farmers can apply these principles to create thriving, sustainable systems. Syntropic agriculture specifically respects and mimics nature’s tendency to accumulate and organise energy, resulting in greater biodiversity and complexity—much like a natural forest.
Nature Knows Best
In nature, healthy ecosystems are built on diverse plant communities that thrive together, with species complementing and supporting one another. Fast-growing plants provide protection and nutrients for slower-growing species, creating a collaborative dynamic that mirrors forest regeneration. Syntropic agriculture adapts these natural processes into farming by organising plants in both space and time, taking into account their life cycles, light needs, and growth patterns. This method optimises photosynthesis, enhances biomass production, and fosters soil fertility, building a resilient and regenerative environment.
Layers
In a syntropic system, plants are arranged not only across the land horizontally but also vertically, mimicking the layered structure of a natural forest. Each species is placed in the layer it would naturally occupy, with careful consideration of how different plants share light and space. By maximising sunlight exposure, like arranging solar panels in the most efficient configuration, this three-dimensional approach allows crops to overlap and flourish together, ensuring the best use of space and energy while promoting long-term productivity.
For more information or to experience a living example of syntropic farming, we warmly invite you to visit our flourishing forest garden at Finca Marjari. Get in touch to plan your visit and see this harmonious system in action!