Fukuoka-Bonfils Method
From Triple Performance
The Fukuoka- Bonfils method is a cultivation method for winter cereals (particularly winter wheat) inspired by permaculture where:
- The soil is never tilled.
- Covered with permanent ground cover (white clover).
- Wheat is sown at low density (60 cm between each grain in all directions) to promote the formation of parallel stems and sunlight penetration.
- Pre-harvest sowing in early summer to allow the cereal to develop a good root system.
- All crop residues (straw) are left on the surface, serving as mulch, organic matter input, and food for microorganisms.
See this document for a complete description in French of the method: https://en.calameo.com/books/001633611965c839d6ee9
Also see this thesis providing a critical perspective on the method: http://data.over-blog-kiwi.com/0/93/91/74/20160129/ob_5202cc_les-rendements-de-l-an.pdf
References
MOODIE, Mark. The Harmonious Wheatsmith, Gloucestershire (UK), 30 p.
A small booklet presenting the Fukuoka-Bonfils method as developed in France by Marc Bonfils. Critique of the current approach and clear principles of wheat cultivation.
Annexes
Sources and references
- https://www.grostracteurspassion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14469
- https://en.calameo.com/books/001633611965c839d6ee9
- http://www.vernoux.org/agronomie/Bonfils-Cereales.pdf
- https://www.verdeterreprod.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Culture-naturelle-du-ble%CC%81-dhiver.pdf
- https://centre-valdeloire.chambres-agriculture.fr/fileadmin/user_upload/Centre-Val-de-Loire/122_Inst-Centre-Val-de-Loire/Votre_Chambre/CA28/Chambre_d_agriculture_28/Publications/Resultats_herbicide/28_Compte_rendu_essai_fukuhoka.pdf
- https://madeinearth.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/101346095-permaculture-marc-bonfils-lecture-a-l-ecran.pdf
- http://data.over-blog-kiwi.com/0/93/91/74/20160129/ob_5202cc_les-rendements-de-l-an.pdf
