Don't demonize the weeds on your farm. For us it is “goodness”
- escuelabosque3
- Aug 2, 2024
- 2 min read
How does goodness help us restore the ecosystem? And did you know that weeds or goodness help us restore the ecosystem? In these blogs we will talk about the good use of weeds or goodness in ecosystem restoration.
In Colombia, the negative perception of weeds is rooted in both rural and urban areas. This article challenges that belief and highlights how these plants, often seen as undesirable, can be vital to ecosystem restoration . My experience, from Bogotá to the Amazon , has taught me that weeds can play a crucial role in soil health and biodiversity.
* Rethinking Weed
From a young age, we learn to consider weeds as something that must be eliminated. In Bogotá, my father urged me to clean the garden of these plants. This common perception limits our understanding of its ecological value. Rather than being a pest, weeds can be seen as an essential component of soil health and biodiversity.
* Learning from the Amazon
In January 2024, I marked four and a half years living in the Amazon , a region that was once dense forest and is now grassland. Here, I have learned strategies that have changed my perspective on landscapes and their restoration opportunities. In San Vicente del Caguán, many young people want to maintain "nice" farms, free of weeds , a mentality that associates cleanliness with aesthetics and productivity, ignoring the regenerative potential of weeds.
• Weeds as an Ally in Restoration
Contrary to popular belief, allowing weeds to grow on a farm can be beneficial. These pioneer plants play vital roles in ecosystem restoration . First, they attract fauna such as birds and small mammals, who disperse seeds of other species. Second, as they decompose, they enrich the soil with organic matter, improving its health and fertility.
* The Importance of Pioneer Plants
Pioneer plants create favorable microclimates for the growth of other species, facilitating ecological succession. This approach has been effective in the Amazon Emprende Escuela Bosque , where bird diversity has increased from 15 species in 2019 to 51 in 2023.
* Benefits of Stubble in Carbon Capture
In addition to improving biodiversity , the restoration of stubble areas contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. A land under restoration can remove between 2.8 and 20 tons of carbon per hectare per year. This is crucial for the fight against climate change and presents opportunities for sustainable business projects.
* Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the benefits, changing the perception of weeds in rural areas is a challenge. It is crucial to develop public policies that promote ecological restoration and educate farm owners about the advantages of allowing weed growth. Restoration pedagogy must evolve to include instruments that reach rural families effectively, showing successful examples of regeneration.
Reevaluating our social imaginaries is essential to confront climate change and biodiversity loss. Seeing weeds as an ally can transform our agricultural and land management practices. Communicating these benefits in a clear and emotional way can foster a culture of restoration and care for the environment . From the Amazon Emprende Escuela Bosque, we hope that this article inspires us to rethink the use of weeds in the restoration of ecosystems and to adopt more sustainable practices on our farms .
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