Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 9: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 249

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Presentation : Healthy soils reduce pests

Method : Facilitator presentation, participatory brainstorm

Tools : Images, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 9 – Integrated Pest Management;

PC Book MOD 4 – Healthy Soil

Objective : Participants understand how healthy soil and a healthy environment

helps to reduce pest problems

Healthy, living soil that contains all the different nutrients that plants need is the most
important IPM technique.

• If a plant is fed and protected by healthy soil it will be more healthy and it will
  grow strong and will be less likely to be attacked by pests and disease.


• If it is attacked, it will suffer damage more slowly and recover more quickly.

If the land (environment) surrounding the agricultural land is healthy and diverse then
the chances of large pest problems will be greatly reduced.

The facilitator can compare plants to humans to help participants understand the
importance of healthy soils and healthy environment. Discuss with the participants about
the benefits of being healthy.

If a person (or plant) is healthy it will:

• Usually live longer. • Not get sick very often.


• Get better faster when sick. • Be stronger.


• Be able to work more. • Produce healthier children.

Draw a 2 simple separate pictures on the board – A plant and a person.

• Conduct a group brainstorm with the participants about what humans and plants
  need to be healthy.


• Ask the participants to provide ideas and add the ideas into the pictures. E.g.
  plate of food = compost and mulch, sun, glass of water = watering can, etc. Use
  the ideas below if the participants need prompting.

The base for good health for plants and people is also the same:

• A balanced variety of nutrients and minerals = a good variety of food.


• Healthy, living, non-compacted, mulched soil to grow in = a comfortable house.


• Water, sun, and a healthy environment.


• Family and friends = companion planting.

See the “Healthy soil” and “Healthy environment” sections of PC Book MOD 9 –
Integrated Pest Management and other exercises in this book for reference and
ideas.