Natuculture: Making the Unnatural Natural

Abstract

What is Natuculture? Natuculture (pronounced ‘nāychew’ culture) is any human made system that mimics nature in human disturbed landscapes. The oasissofa is one part of the Natuculture system that aims to bring sustainable agriculture to urban environments. The oasissofa utilizes three main principles from conservation agriculture: Minimal soil disturbance, Continuous mulching, and Diversity of Species; what we call “the new McDonald” or “the new McD.” We stress Minimal soil disturbance because by constantly disrupting the soil aggregation process we inhibit the soils ability to retain the nutrients imperative for plant growth. Continuous mulching is the addition of organic matter with the purpose of conserving soil moisture, improving soil fertility and health, and use as a natural form of weed control. Diversity of species is an important concept that promotes healthy competition between plants for maximum output; it also promotes a natural form of integrated pest management.