At high altitudes, where the climate is harsher and the soil often lacks organic matter, farmers are turning to natural fertilization and smart crop rotation. These methods are not only eco-friendly but essential for the long-term sustainability of mountain agriculture.
The Challenge of Mountain Soil
Mountain soils are often shallow, prone to erosion, and low in nutrients. Combining natural fertilizers with strategic rotation helps maintain fertility and soil health without synthetic chemicals.
What Works in Natural Fertilization?
– Manure from cows, sheep, and goats
– Compost from farm and kitchen waste
– Green manure like clover or rye
– Wood ash for potassium and calcium
Crop Rotation in Practice
– Alternating leaf and root crops
– Rotation by altitude (lower/higher fields)
– Three-year cycles: main crop, green manure, rest/grazing
Example from Switzerland
Farmer Emil in Valais rotates crops and uses cow manure mixed with clover to enrich his fields. “The soil breathes. My yields have been stable for 10 years,” he says.
Why It Matters
These practices reduce chemical dependency, boost plant resilience, preserve biodiversity, and protect the environment.
