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winter don’t soak it in. So we need to restore the hydrological capacity of the soils so that when it rains, we get effective rainfall,” he says. This strategy accounts for longer and hotter summers, erosion, and unpredictable rainfall. By building healthy soil, water is less likely to evaporate off the surface of compacted dirt. “One unit of organic matter can hold eight units of water. So every
“The big picture is
restoring the hydrological cycle to the whole valley.”
percentage point we increase organic matter in the soil increases the water holding capacity that much more — eight times more,” Luyendyk explains.
S WE WALK through the herd of cattle and goats, Luyendyk highlights the valley’s familiar issue: drought and the barren landscape that affects the water cycle. “The big picture is restoring the hydrological cycle to the whole valley. And so we’ve created a drought and flood regime where we have [these] denuded landscapes, which in the summer don’t hold moisture, in the
He knows this area as well as many of the legacy farmers, since he grew up nearby and has dedicated his life to growing small-scale organic operations under his consultancy, Santa Barbara
Organics. “I’m the tree guy; they call me the Lorax,” he says, laughing at the reference to the eco-minded Dr. Seuss character. As we wade through ankle- deep mulch in the avocado orchards that are benefiting from regenerative practices, it’s clear the land is healing. At the end of the day, Coultas, showing me family photos with the same enthusiasm she had when we first met, reflects the soul of this place. The people in them would undoubtedly endorse her stewardship as she keeps her promise to bring the ranch back to life.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: OJAI’S INTERVENTION IN THE WAY WATER FLOWS MEANS ARROYOS LIKE THE ONE ON COULTAS’ FARM OFTEN RUN DRY. AS A RESULT, “MOST OF THE RAINFALL WE GET IS INEFFECTIVE,” SAYS LUYENDYK. AVOCADO TREES NEED FOOT- DEEP MULCH TO THRIVE. JONES TOSSES CUTTINGS TO THE COWS.
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ISSUE 02
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