THE FOUR ELEMENTS

Earth, Wind, Fire And Water

Dolomite lime is regularly added to soil in order to decrease soil acidity and it also adds calcium.

This cordyline has long leaves and is able to survive in windy places. Palms are also designed to withstand strong winds in warm climates.

Fire will rapidly break down materials releasing gases and minerals.

Much heat is released during a large fire.

Grey ashes are released by a fire. Black charcoal occurs when wood is not completely burnt.

This ancient Greek idea of how all things are formed has of course been discarded in modern times, but there are still many parallels that can be observed on the hobby farm. It can be useful to think about how these four elements influence activities on the farm.

Earth

The solid state of earth allows life to exist and to grow in a stable and permanent place. We do however make changes to the earth. Adding fertilizers in the form of minerals will change the chemistry of the soil. When harvesting a crop or removing animals from the farm, we are also removing parts of the earth’s mineral components of the farm. As plant and animal residues break down, they change the fertility of the earth. By cultivating soil we change the consistency of the earth and the driving of machinery will harden its surface due to compaction. Irrigation will change the ability of the earth to produce a bounty of crops. The earth needs to be protected and cherished and care needs to be taken not to poison or degrade this magical resource.

Wind

Just as we need air to survive, so do the plants, animals and microorganisms. Excessive wind will do damage, but a gentle breeze will benefit plants growing on the farm. A breeze will allow more carbon dioxide to enter leaves stimulating plant growth during the day. Plant roots also need a supply of air for the cells and tissues found below the earth’s surface. Air needs to be able to penetrate the soil in order to allow plants roots and other organisms within the soil to breathe. Stagnant air will encourage disease organisms to attack plants and animals and so good ventilation is needed within buildings and farm structures.

Water

Rapid change from drought to flood brings home the impact of water in out lives. Water wets and cools the earth and certainly makes hard soils easier to cultivate. Water has the ability to dissolve and distribute substances. Cells found in plants, animals and in tiny microorganisms can only function due to the presence of water. Water is such a precious thing that we need to store and keep a clean supply on hand at all times. No matter how fertile a soil may be, nothing will be produced without water.

Fire

Fire is a necessary ingredient in that following its destructive path, renewal can occur. Fire releases minerals in the form of ash, and its heat sterilizes the soil. The intense heat of a raging bushfire will do much damage, but the relative cool burning of vegetation in controlled fires will make room for new vegetation to flourish due to the increased availability of light, air and nutrients. Within the garden a slow cool chemical fire is breaking down vegetation into compost as well as releasing nutrients into the soil. This fire removes clutter from the farm and in most cases it is an invisible but necessary element.