The three pillars of the Várzea da Onça farm philosophy are soil, water and polyculture.

SOIL CONSERVATION

At Várzea da Onça, we use ecological soil practices to produce hearty plants.  A spoonful of healthy soil contains millions of microscopic creatures that help plants maintain strong root systems.  Good soils suppress disease-causing and pest organisms, produce natural hormones and nutrients that help plants grow, and consume pollutants in the soil.

Topsoil:  Topsoil is a vital part of the soil structure because seeds germinate and plants take root in this soil layer.  Macro and micronutrients such as Nitrogen and Magnesium are present in this topsoil layer, and are responsible for vital enzyme and protein development in plants.  We use the Albrecht Model of “Soil Balance” to assure appropriate levels of all important macro and micronutrients.

If the soil is balanced, the products that come from the soil reflect this same nutritional balance, thus making a healthier food product.

In a mountainous environment, terracing is a natural way of preserving healthy topsoil.  All of our land is terraced.  We build “stair steps” of soil, and plant along these natural curves in order to preserve moisture and stop mineral and topsoil run off.

Paramagnetism:  Várzea da Onça is located in Taquaritinga do Norte, an Indian name which means, “the Big white rock with a hole in the middle.” The mostly granite bedrock of Várzea da Onça is paramagnetic.  These magnetic fields of energy are a natural stimulus for plant growth.

WATER CONSERVATION

What is a Várzea?

A várzea is both a valley and a basin for rain water which falls on the mountains.  Rains come in from the Atlantic Ocean in the East, and fall at an average rate of 1,200 ML per year.  Rainwater soaks into the subsurface, purified by layers of mountain bedrock, then resurfaces in dozens of natural springs which bubble up around the Valley.  Surface run off of rainwater creates creeks and streams which run through the Valley.

At Várzea da Onça, we protect our natural springs by practicing ecological farming, so no chemicals or pesticides soak into the subsoil.  A series of mini-dams  conserve the water in our creeks and streams.  Finally, we practice terracing, so rain water doesn’t simply run off and leech minerals and top soil. Terracing traps rain water, prevents erosion, and allows water to soak into the subsoil, nourishing plants and feeding natural springs.

POLYCULTURE

We believe in species diversity.  Our farm has multiple species of hardwood and fruit trees, flowers, and plant species.  By growing diverse crops alongside our coffee, we create a natural line of defense against pests and diseases that tend to flourish in a monoculture.  Also, income flows are diversified with the result that we are not dependant on any one crop for economic viability.

Most importantly, these diverse tree and plant species provide food and habitat for native animals and honey bees.  Honey bees and birds, in turn, are our silent workers—pollinating our plants and coffee trees to ensure a large yearly harvest.