João

João Lourenço and his family focus on applying regenerative agriculture practices across all cultivated areas of the farm, including plots for corn, beans, cattle, and organic cotton. This approach began through organic methods dating back to 2014. The initiative aims to enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and potentially sequester carbon, supported by a certification process requiring a 20-year commitment to these methods for carbon storage.  

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The farm employs a comprehensive set of regenerative techniques:  

• Elimination of Agrochemicals: No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers derived from fossil fuels are used, preventing soil and water contamination.  
• Crop Rotation: Different crops are rotated periodically to improve soil fertility and biodiversity. A typical rotation involves organic cotton for two years, followed by a fallow year, and then a legume planting.  
• No-Burn Agriculture: Crop residues, like cotton stalks, are left to decompose on the field, protecting the soil and acting as organic fertilizer.  
• Soil Enrichment: Green manure (using native legumes) and biomass are incorporated into the soil during preparation to increase fertility and biodiversity.  
• Windbreaks: Natural and planted barriers are used around fields to protect crops from wind damage, prevent pest infestation, avoid contamination from neighbouring farms, and increase plant diversity.  
• Intercropping: Multiple traditional crops are planted together in the same area to boost biodiversity and increase organic matter.  
• Ecological Pest Management: The balanced ecosystem encourages natural predators of pests, eliminating the need for even alternative pesticides.  
• Tree Planting: Native trees are planted in specific areas or as living fences to provide soil cover, protection, and increase biomass.  

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While various crops like corn and beans are grown regeneratively, the document places significant emphasis on organic cotton. It details specific rotation plans involving cotton and mentions the handling of cotton stalks.

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‍Website

https://www.organiccottoncolours.eco/en