General performance
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All year long, diverse crops are kept in the garden.
Unintended positive side effects of practice
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IIRR Crop Museums acts as nurseries (sources of planting materials) for nearby schools and communities.
Unintended negative side effect of practice
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None
Knowledge and skills required for practice
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For farmers, students, and a variety of organizations, the crop museum also serves as a learning facility. Practices from the IIRR Crop Museum can be replicated across the country.
Labour required for practice
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In BIG, we practice minimum tillage. After the first digging and especially in the drier months, we avoid subsequent unnecessary digging. The next crop is planted in the residue of the previous crop. This is a way of conserving soil moisture.
Cost associated with practice
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Bio-intensive Gardens (BIG) makes the best use of available natural resources and does not rely on any chemical inputs. BIG relies on locally adopted seeds.
Does it work in degraded environments?
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By transitioning to BIG, slowly the fertility of the soil will be regenerated.
Does it help restore land?
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By incorporating bio-intensive practices it will help in restoring the health of the farm
Climate change vulnerability effects
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Another feature of BIG is that it uses mostly indigenous plant species. These are usually hardy and climate-resilient. BIG is an excellent example of
climate smart agriculture.
Time requirements
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Use of available natural resources