Organisers of LEAF Open Farm Sunday (Linking Environment And Farming) are encouraging farmers to plant their cotton ‘pants’ now to demonstrate to visitors in June the importance of soil management in agriculture, and the role of microorganisms in maintaining its health.
This optional activity, is one of a number of ideas available to LEAF Open Farm Sunday (LOFS) host farmers to talk about this year’s theme “health”.
The focus is on the health of soil, crops, livestock and biodiversity through to food, people and community.
Farmers wanting to get involved need to plant any 100% cotton items before Easter Sunday (April 17), and then dig them up on or just before LOFS on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Over the next 60 days or more, at 8” deep, the lifeforms in the soil will begin eating the cellulose sugar, from which cotton is made, and start decomposing the organic material.
Sterile, lifeless soil will have little impact on the cotton, whereas organically thriving soil will result in very little to dig up, demonstrating a really healthy soil.
Annabel Shackleton, LOFS manager explained:
“All farmers, growers and crofters who take part in LEAF Open Farm Sunday have access to a wide range of free resources and activity ideas, aimed at sparking conversations and demonstrating to visitors the range of skills and work that farmers do.
“‘Plant Your Pants’, is a fun way for farmers to talk about soil management, and the role it plays in climate health – from sequestering carbon, flood prevention and supporting biodiversity.”
