All people are integral parts of the ecosystems we reside in, whether we choose to acknowledge this fact or not.  Agroecology (Agricultural Ecology) is the science that explains ecological processes in human-influenced landscapes.  It is the intentional management of landscapes toward productive purposes, designed to harmonize people with natural processes.

The concept of productive purpose covers a much broader territory than just agriculture.  Consider the need to preserve and rebuild the fertility and water holding capacity of soil while restoring its ecological health and preventing erosion.  These goals are as important to the future of agriculture as they are to native species, clean and abundant water supplies and the quality of life we are able to live.  Economic viability, sutainable yields and healthy ecosystems are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, they can coexist in mutually beneficial relationships, workng with rather than against nature.

Dryland Solutions Inc. seeks to create productive, resilient and dynamically stable landscapes with the capacity to provide for people and maintain biological diversity.  We can connect the needs of people with the needs of our watersheds through observation, cultivation and the subtle direction of ecological processes.  This is a softer approach that allows ecosystems to adapt and evolve unhindered under our thoughtful stewardship. 

The 3 Sisters guild (corn, beans, squash) was
likely the first widely used facilitative agro-ecosystem
in the ancient Southwest.  It provides an ideal
model for restoration planting.

Waffle beds are shallow depressions that passively harvest rainwater for crops, gravel mulch increases retention. Both are ancient dryland farming methods.  This garden also features a rain fed drip system.

The waffle bed garden was irrigated only with rainwater.  The Three Sisters polyculture supports ecological interactions that increase the productivity of each species.  EWI Demonstration Ranch, NM.

Re-vegetation is an essential part of every project.  Plants stabilize structures and disturbed ground and iniate the ecological interactions that allow a restoration project to assimilate into its environment.

Natural succession processes require a diverse seed bank so that different species are available as site conditions change.  This is accomplished by using diverse, site specific seed mixtures.

This rain irrigated, urban agro-ecosystem in Santa Fe, NM. was built on a passive water harvesting system known as a pumice wick.  The plantings are all components of an apple guild, a combination of companion plants that are specifically chosen to be beneficial for apple trees.  Companion species include:

• Artemesia
• Borage
• Calendula
• Chives
• Comfrey
• Currants
• Onions
• Strawberries
• Yarrow

The companion plants provide mulch, nutrients and additional crops as well as attract pollinators, deter pests, improve moisture infiltration and create multiple canopy layers.  The result is a complex series of ecological interactions that increase productivity.

Dryland Solutions Inc. grows a variety of dryland adapted, fruit-bearing trees and shrubs as well as supporting companion species in specialized deep-rooted containers.  Deep root systems support resilient plants that can be planted under a wide range of conditions.  The species grown are selected for their suitability in erosion control as well as their value to people and wildlife.  Most species are native to New Mexico, but naturalized (non-invasive) fruit bearers  are grown as well.  Please contact Dryland Solutions Inc. at drylandsolutions@yahoo.com to obtain a current species list.