The following is my premise on a method for establishing biodiversity-friendly orchards with reduced economic risk.

In recent years, I have observed a troubling trend in the fertile agricultural lands of Cilicia* where owners of many orchards have ordered the removal of established trees to be replaced by other trendy varieties in response to the fluctuating market demands. This practice of demolishing and replanting orchards based on economic impulse not only creates significant stress on the farmers but also proves to be economically unfeasible in the long term, where one finds himself in the negative balances while constantly trying to keep pace with the mostly irrational market trends, some of them which had brought down the price of previously successful produce to nearly zero for years**.

Imagine a traditional orchard, where one plants the same tree species—such as tangerine trees—uniformly across a 180,000 m² of agricultural land parcel in a 6×6 grid format to foster maximum growth and permit maintenance practice between the trees. This setup, while convenient, is an artificial scenario rarely, if not, never found in nature. In natural parks, jungles, and forests, we observe a diverse mix of smaller and larger trees based on their ages, with the older and more massive trees serving as wind barriers that protect the younger ones from potential damage. The diversity in age and species of trees found in nature provides a wide array of nutrition options which attract wild animals, insects, and other microorganisms. This natural biodiversity with its symbiotic foundational principles enriches the soil through their various life activities, fostering a healthier and more organic soil, which is alive with activity. In stark contrast, consider the degraded agricultural soil constantly treated with pesticides and nursed with liquid chemical fertilizers, where farmers prioritize short-term gains on fruit yields over long term gains of soil properties and individual tree health. This approach undermines the long-term well-being of the ecosystem and soil vitality.

The critical question we should consider is: How can we systematically design our agricultural landscapes to replicate the natural processes outlined above, thereby attracting natural and sustainable biodiversity? An approach that would contribute to the long-term health and fertility of our soil, diminishing our reliance on chemical fertilizers and, to some degree, pesticides. By fostering a diverse ecosystem mimicking that of the natural settings of mother nature herself, we can attract a range of beneficial insects instead of overwhelming swarms of uniform pests that result from planting the same foreign tree species repeatedly in close proximity. Thus, the newly established diversity first in tree species and then in insects and wild animals could enhance ecological resilience and promote a healthier environment and soil in the long run.₁

Now, what if we could apply the same grid structure but introduce a variety of species, much like a diversified portfolio in an ETF, where holdings of different stocks reduce overall risk compared to investing in a single stock? Much like the renowned Savannah Grid in Georgia, USA, where a meticulously designed urban block is implemented and replicated to create an urban fabric, we must first develop a well-conceived design for the agricultural orchard cell unit (see the image below). These cells can vary in size and the number of tree species based on local preferences. There are no absolute rules governing the dimensions of the spaces in between grids or the selection of tree/plant species, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to specific regional needs. However, the chosen species would need to be as compatible as possible for purposes of sustainable maintenance. Let’s not forget the workers on the farm :). For example, it would not be practical to plant blueberries next to mangoes due to their differing soil requirements. However, we could envision an orchard where avocados are planted next to mangoes and Cara cara orange trees. With slight adjustments to the grid, even figs could be incorporated if adjustments to watering times could be made separately. Nevertheless, the ongoing advancements in AI and robotics may soon render our concerns about the difficulties in maintaining multiple varieties on the same cell block obsolete. In the near future, it may be possible to program a fleet of AI-equipped agricultural robots to implement customized maintenance strategies tailored to specific tree species present on the land, which its location would be known via a map depicting each separate cell block with the tree’s exact location marked in a A-Z and 0-1 coordinate system.

In addition to fruit-bearing tree species, non-fruit-bearing trees that enrich the soil, such as neem or pine, could be introduced into the orcahrd to further enhance bio-diversity.₂ This biodiversity-focused orchard could appeal to investors with its reduced risks associated with monoculture practices. The primary challenge would be the labor required to maintain and harvest the different tree species at varying times, but advancements in AI and robotics could address this as discussed above. By programming to manage and harvest specific crops on the designated times of the year, we could potentially create the orchard of the future—one that is both ecologically sustainable and positive towards the long term health of the soil for the benefit of our future generations and, at the same time, economically viable in the short term for the benefit of the farmers today.

* Cilicia, the ancient Roman name for Çukurova located in modern day Turkey, is situated between and around the vicinities of Mersin and Adana, bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. This region is nourished by two significant rivers of Seyhan and Ceyhan, which provide means for essential irrigation. The soil is traditionally recognized for its relative richness in organic content, although recent trends indicate a decline in this quality. I would be able to confirm this through my firsthand experience working with the land in this region.

** In 2022-2023, lemon prices in Turkey experienced such a dramatic decline that many farmers were prompted to harvest their own lemons only to be discarded into local irrigation canals. For reference, please see the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drx6VNLPSi0

Footnotes:

1) Sadghuru has an entire movement called “Save soil”, where activities for enriching the soil and bringing it back to life is periodically discussed and events are held. For more information, please visit the website: https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/topic/save-soil

2) Neem trees are known to enrich the soil and deter unwanted pests. For more information on neem please see: https://www.britannica.com/plant/neem-tree

Image Credits:

Image 1: Sketch made on October 15 2024, by Sahin Kaya Arikoglu.