Complete an evaluation and compile a report of the system as you know it at this time, in terms of biodiversity management and improvement. Some questions to ask yourself are how well is the system supporting, managing and enhancing biodiversity what would/could you do differently? Give evidence for any claims you make.

https://bri.co.nz/2020/08/10/soil-food-web/

https://www.nacdnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/wormsoil_facts.pdf

OBSERVATION METHOD: 10 minutes of mindful observation of biodiversity on site and continuation of monitoring and observing biodiversity whilst working on site.

Initial evaluation of exisiting biodiversity before site has been altered by myself:

SHELTER BELT and MARKET GARDEN:

• Biodiversity within the shelter belt of the site was rich, with 12 identified plant species creating a surrounding ecosystem on the north and west sides of the site refer here for list of species. Home to many native trees and bushes, this creates and is supportive of an ideal habitat for both endemic and introduced species of vertebrates and invertebrates, especially birds and insects.

• During observation in the early stages, many Tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and Kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) were spotted in this area within the shelter belt trees. 3 Tui were spotted August 31st, during spring when the cherry blossoms and kowhai were showing as well. I have regularly had New Zealand wood pigeon fly above, in and out of the shelter belt and into more native platation in the valley behind the site. Black birds frequent the site, along with the common sparrows. 

• Insect life was minimal, <5 bees were noticed during initial observation and ongoing bees and pollinator populations have been low due to lack of pollinator friendly plants and food sources. Due to this other pollinator species such as hover flies and parastoid species were lacking and unidentifiable due to the lack of habitat and overall sparcity of plant life within the market garden space especially. 

• There were very few pollinator plant species, hebe, Veronica speciosa when in flower, fox gloves were germinating and flourshing in the surrounding area, cherry blossoms, nasturtium, hoheria. Only a couple of these flowering species where in bloom upon initial observation, however I expect during the peak of spring and summer months for these to be more attractive to pollinators and welcome increased biodiversity within insect species, as well as butterflies, dragon flies, hover flies, parasitoid species and more.

• In the market garden, there was an extremely low level of biodiversity to begin with. Upon initial observation, the site proved to be lacking in all areas from plant diversity, soil diversity and therefore, vertebrate, insect and microscopic organism diversity. Most of the soil was uncovered and barren. The largest most established plant was the large rosemary bush in the top right corner, along with various mint varieties, garlic chives, peas and a mix of weeds including oxalis, wandering dock and various grasses. This minimal amount of plant species and large surface area of uncovered soil resulted in a very poor biodiversity outcome and the minimal life within this small ecosystem reflected this.

• I was a part of the level 3 cohort a year prior and new some of the history of this market garden fenced space, used as a shared and student garden. The year before there were tomatoes, kumara, beetroot, calendula, chives, mint, peas amoung various other crops planted. However, there were many areas often left exposed to the elements, indicating there was a lot more room for further diversity, which further declined in the seasons following it, to where I found it today before any actions were made for my organic market garden.

Overall the observation lead to an understanding that the area definitely needed great improvement in biodiversity in all areas.  The shelter belt and under plantings were the only supporting source within the system and a lot of work needed to be done particularly in the market garden space to be enhancing of biodiversity and a self-managing system.  Particularly in pollinator friendly species, with flowering plants rich with pollen and nectar for these pollinating insects and other smaller species of birds to thrive. The shelter belt provided an existing habitat and welcoming landing environment for native bird species which was encouraging. Especially when on site and seeing and hearing these birds was reassuring and a positive reflection of the diverse species that have established in the surrounding area of the shelter belt alone.

SOIL DIVERSITY: 

Within market garden fenced site:

• Biodiversity in the soil before alterations and additions were made was significantly poor. Please refer to initial VSA here:  worm count in this VSA was <4 worms spotted in each of the 3 areas assessed. This incredibly low worm count suggested that not only was there a lack of organic matter both living and decaying in the soil, but due to this also a severe lack in diversity of microscopic organisms that worms also consume including: nematodes, protozoans, rotifers, bacteria, fungi. This list of microorganisms require live plant roots, their exudates and decaying organic matter to thrive and support the overall soil food web, refer here: Due to the amount of bare soil, lack of plant diversity and minimal plant roots and there for exudates in the soil, the soil ecosystem was neither flourishing or biodiverse.

• It was clear that the soil lacked heavily in all areas of diversity including organic matter, microorganisms, worm activity, fungal networks, and vertebrate and invertebrate life. The soil had decent structure and crumbs, with a medium - light brown colour indicarting moderate organic matter,  however minimal fungal evidence was found and it was both concerning and disheartening to see the lack of worms.

• This indicated a severe need for an increased amount of organic matter and a diverse network of biodiverse plant species and their roots to significantly help to improve soil structure, quality and become supportive of a thriving soil food web.

Refer to the initial VSA for evidence of the lack of soil biodiversity here: and the soil food web and definitions here:

Actions and changes made after initial observations carried out above

My first priority was to complete the market garden set up, including created beds with fresh compost and amendments (refer here) and adding wood chip to the pathways. These inputs have direct relation to the biodiversity in the soil, adding fresh organic matter for the soil foodweb to consume, reproduce and increase their populations within the soil to support each other. 

• This was the foundation step that already had positive impact on the biodiversity in the soil from the beginning with clear evidence of new miccorhizal funal networks forming within the first 2-3 weeks along side increase in worm activity and populations visible when planting and assessing the soil. (See photos below) Next was to plant out a diversity of crops to add living plants and roots to provide further nourishment to fungi, microorganisms, worms and insects. Plant root exudates are vital in a thriving soil food web and therefore biodiversity withing the soil. Hence these actions were taken immediately to create an supportive biodiverse environment within the system.

• In aliance to organic principles within biogro crop production standards, only organic imputs were used to increase biodiversity. Due to time and resources available, a mix of non-certified organic and certified organic materials and inputs were used to carry out these efforts to increase biodiversity. Please refer to the list of imputs here: In the future to completely adhere to organic farm nz (biogro) standards, only certified organic imputs would be used such as organic seeds, compost, woodchip, organic feritilsers and plants would be used within the garden. All of these principles were applied, however ensurance of organic certification will be strictly adhered to in the future to engage in full compliance to these Organic farm nz standards.

• Please refer to this page for future swaps under organic certification that I would make to ensure complete compliance to Organic Farm nz/Bio Gro standards.

Crop diversity:

• A large variety of crops  are planned to be planted within the market garden, please refer to the crop table to see full plantation list. Multiple families of crops are to be planted such as Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae/Umbelliferae, Chenopodiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cucurbitaceae. This list examplifies the rich diverisity in crops chosen to be planted in the market garden. This alone creates rich biodiversity within the crops and food being grown and therefore the roots growing beneath the soil to feed a diverse range of organisms, within the system. The intention is to lay the foundations to be the most supportive of the soil food web below and inturn create a thriving ecosystem above the soil full of a diverse network of plants that feed insect and animal life, including that of humans to create a market garden to feed the community as stated in my visions and goals set, see below.

• To add to further diversity within the market garden, I will include companion plants such as cosmos, alyssum, nasturtium, salvia, borage, marigolds, sunflowers and calendula to provide diversity in polinator friendly flowers, increasing bee, butterfly and hoverfly populations and diversity. This in turn is a tremendous benefit to the assistance of pollination of fruit crops such as zuchini, tomoatoes, cucucmbers that I am growing over the summer period. 

"My vision is to transform our WITT horticulture garden into a thriving oasis of organically grown food for the community. I invision a "mini market garden" in the fenced plot that has healthy soil with abundant microorganism activity with plant roots always in the soil and feeding the fungi and microorganisms that in turn feed the plants, that will grow into nutrient dense kai. "

Photo evidence Below:

Complete an evaluation and compile a report of the system as you know it at this time, in terms of biodiversity management and improvement. Some questions to ask yourself are how well is the system supporting, managing and enhancing biodiversity what would/could you do differently? Give evidence for any claims you make.

Changes made since first report above over the course of the summer season:

Within the market garden site:

1. Planting of a diverse array of crops. After the initial foundations of weeding, broad forking, fresh compost, organic fert and woodchip as discussed above were made, initial sowing of seeds began on the 19th October 2023. A loose crop plan was made allowing for flexiblily and fluidity and prioritisation of polycropping to significantly increase biodiversity. Crops were handsown in rows, with a variety that varied in each bed. This would be followed by planting out of seedlings sown and raised for a diverse range of summer crops to increase the variety of species planted further. 

• Tomatoes, basil, marigolds, climbing beans

• Beetroot, carrots, dwarf beans, spring onions

• Courgettes, borage, cosmos, calendula, snap dragons, alyssum

• Rocket, lettuces, spinach, peppers, eggplant, poppies

• Cucumbers, tromboncino, zinnia, salvia, nasturtium, sunflowers
  
  

2. Above is a list of plant species planted within each bed (please refer to crop plan for detailed list). Polycropping has been a primary focus from the begining in the creation of the market garden and within the site to create a supportive biodiverse system. We went from 6 (excluding minimal weeds) species before action over 26 diverse species excluding different varieties of these species, which proved to be a massive leap in biodiversity even after the first season and consecutive planting to fill all beds.

3. A significant emphasis was placed on including flowering companion plants woven in between food crops to increase beneficial insect acitivity of both pollinators and predatory insects that would prove effective in pest management. The goal and implementation was to create a supportive and thriving habitat for each of these species to thrive, providing both food sources in the form of pollen and nectar, along with lower levels of pest pressure that the predatory species were able to survive and keep on top of the pest populations.
   
   Flowering companion plants used:
   - Sunflowers
   - Calendula
   - Salvia
   - Zinnia
   - Snap dragons
   - Nasturtium
   - Marigolds
   - Poppies
   - Alyssum
   - Borage
   - Cosmos
   All of these were interplanted between crops and at the ends of beds to help with pollination and create a habitat with viable food sources for beneficial insect species.
   
   

4. Continual additions of flowering plants were made which further added to the biodiversity of the market garden site. It added beauty to the human eye, whilsts carrying out it's important primary purpose of attracting these pollinator species, increasing their populations and allowing for the introduction of a vast array of new species including hover flies and predatory wasps.

5. As a result of the introduction and diversity of cropping plants and pollinator plants, increased number of bumble bees, honey bees, paristoid wasps, monarch butterflies were indentified within the market garden space. Between the flowering crops such as courgettes, capsicums, tomatoes, beans, rocket gone to seed cucumbers and all flowering species, that market garden plant diversity welcomed a introduction of multiple pollinator and predatory species. This was evidence that the overall ecosystem had drastically improved and welcome a sizeable increase in biodiversity in all areas.

6. The diversity reflected above the soil was also very evident below soil with fungal networks of Mycorrhizal fungal networks visible when planting out into the soil and visible on plant roots removed. Worm life has since flourished with various worms spotted when planting and gently digging into soil. This was futher backed up by the second VSA carried out, please find the results here: Plant health was evident with the health of the soil with minimal pest and disease pressure. Due to the large amount of diversity within the plants and therefore insect, microrganism, worm and fungal life, all created a symbiotic system that supported the ecosystem as a whole, increased biodiversity also meant increase stamina, resilience and wellbeing of the garden.

7. Seaweed soil drenches were undertaken to help improve and increase soil microbe diversity.  

8. I allowed a few varieties of plants go to seed after harvesting like lettuces and rocket. These flowers were highly attractive to pollinators particularly honey bees and hoverflies.
   
   "Increase the insect population and biodiversity of my growing site by creating a pollinator garden in the perimeter garden by planting an abundance of flowers seen blooming over the summer period"
   
   

9. This was one of my goals as referenced above that I wanted to achieve in terms of biodiversity within the system. The goal has since evolved into sole biodiversity being maintained within the market garden area, as this was easily controlled and managed. Diversity within the perimeter garden and shelter belt was already established and supportive of a diverse ecosytem of plant, animal and insect life, mainly within established trees and bushes. There is defintely more room and necessity of perennial flowering plants to further increase the diversity and habitat potential.  An annual mix of pollinator friendly seeds were sown, to unfortunately no prevail. Lack of light, rain and a woody substrate had proven difficult for germination of these flowering species. (refer to picture below). A new set of seeds designed to thrive in shadier areas will instead be used in the attempt to further increase the biodiversity and welcome more pollinators within this area of the site.

What I would do differently for biodiversity next season:

• Set up data capturing documents and methods to keep accurate records of biodiversity and species populations. This would be interms of a spread sheet with each species charted and their numbers throughout visual observation during each season. A 10 - 15 minute observation recording the numbers of these insect and animal species spotted, similar to the set up of the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey: https://gardenbirdsurvey.nz/take-part/. See my example documents set up here. I would take more emphasis of capturing photod of as many species as possible as well. Spending more time in the garden being able to observe these species and noting which plant species they are responding to the best. 

• I would also do the same with including more VSAs throughout the season, at least 2 per growing season to keep an eye on soil structure, fungi presence and worm populations. I have a good reference of the original VSA I took here:  I would like to have more to compare and keep these as a baseline to refer to throughout the seasons. As well as having a soil sample to take to look under a microscope to record the different soil microorganisms. Recording their presence and populations such as nematodes, protozoa, fungi, bacteria and their interactions, both beneficial and negative.

• I would include more flowering species, building on the species I had already included and have a strategic planting plan for these species throughout the crops. This season was a test to incorporate companion plants and increase insect species. Work out a plan if these can be used in harvests too, like for edible flowers such as borage and calendula.

• Fine tune crop plan - in terms of productivity and sales, working out what crops work best together in polycroping system and maximising biodiversity but still allowing for a profitible and productive garden that produces ample food, while supporting a diverse ecosystem.

https://www.ediblebackyard.co.nz/a-planting-plan-to-entice-the-beneficial-insects/

https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/education/pollination/

https://www.kiwicare.co.nz/advice/garden/beneficial-insects/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62d879f3f9cbe543dab51e33/t/63573a0c00604d1901639012/1666660879626/Gardenstar+%28A4+-+21+x+29.7+cm%29+%281%29.pdf

Photographic evidence of differences and changes made between report 1 & 2:

Complete an evaluation and compile a report of the system as you know it at this time, in terms of biodiversity management and improvement. Some questions to ask yourself are how well is the system supporting, managing and enhancing biodiversity what would/could you do differently? Give evidence for any claims you make.

• We are in the 2024 autumn season and it is very much the transition time in the garden from summer to winter, which means biodiversity in the market garden is evolving. Many crops have started to die back due to the cooler temperatures including the tomatoes and courgette, this along with not keeping up with succession sowing has impacted the amount of biodiversity in species of crops and has left bare patches of soil. This is something I am wanting to avoid in the following seasons to ensure a diveristy of species is kept high and the soil is always covered with living roots or mulches to feed the soil biology and it's diversity. 

• I had a left of a lot of greens crops to go to seed including rocket, spinach and lettuce. This was mainly due to not harvesting on time and instead of pulling these out as unusable crops, I decided to keep them in and let their flowers be supportive of biodiversity for pollinators and beneficial insects to feed on from summer in autumn. From a productivity stand point, this wasn't the best option to gain optimal harvest and profit from crops, however the decision not to remove these crops and let them go to seed was one that ended up being important to supporting biodiveristy on the site.

• This time of year a lot of leaf litter and decay was happening in the surrounding shelter belt on site. This leaf little had added to mulching layers in both the market garden site and the surroundig site. This provides the perfect habitat for a host of diverse species from various insects, worms, fungi and microbiolgy in the soil. I was happy to leave the leaf litter from the large alder trees to fall onto beds and provide a mulch to protect and support biodiversity in species above and below the soil. This free organic matter will help to build soil and support the soil food web for a robust soil ecosystem that will in turn support that plant crops in the coming seasons.

• During this time of year, new species were spotted due to the moisture and organic matter, I had spotted a lot more worms when moving the soil, as well as spiders, centipedes and crickets.

• The companion flowers I had planted for biodiversity and beneficial insects/pollinator support were still going strong this time of year. The zinnia and salvia at the end of bed 4 were providing critical nectar and pollen to bumble bees, honey bees and native bees/hover flies this time of year when many other flowers and crops had finished bloom. Calendula continued to pop up everywhere and I have left of lot of these honourary seedlings to flower and continue to support these pollinators while resources during winter are scarce. I plan to plant a couple more winter flowering plants such as corn flowers, borage and snap dragons to increase diversity in plant species and support diversity in beneficial and pollinator species.

• To remove bare soil gaps and increase diversity further, I had a group of level 3 hort student help me to clear all the beds and make room for autumn/winter polycrops. I plan to plant new varieties in each bed, with a focus still on linear polycropping to retain high levels of crop diveristy, whilst maintaining a harvest and supporting insect diversity and soil health. Each bed will contain 2-6 different crop varieties which will then be rotated via rows and interplanting throughout the slower cold seasons and a new biodiverse crop planting plan will be made for the next summer growing season.

• Bed 5 where the tomatoes were will be more of a 'traditional' cover crop with legumous crops including peas and broadbeans, along with radihs, coriander and others to create a biodiverse cover crop which also being able to reap a harvest from. Nitrogen fixing bacteria and their relationship to the legumes will help to contribute to soil diversity and crop health over the summer growing season.

• A plan for crop rotation will continue to uphold and improve soil and plant diversity and ensure the same crops aren't replanting in the same bed 2x in a row to feed new bacteria, fungi and microbiology in the soil to further increase their populations and diversity.

• I have placed yellow sticky traps throughout the market garden site to gather more data on what flying bug species there are present in the garden and this will be used a frequent data capturing modality to identify and record what species are present at a certain time of year and use this knowledge towards IPM. I have also installed pitfall traps to capture the same data for crawing insects, those that's habitat is at ground level amoungst the soil. I am really interested to see the results of these traps and to be able to record more biodiverse range of species that appear in the market garden this time of year.

• Soil diversity testing will be undertaken by a soil microbiology specialist to determine the species and biodiversity present in the soil at this time of year, I look forward to seeing the results of these tests and finding out more about the diveristy and soil health markers.

What I would do differently for biodiversity next season:

• ensure that crops were being rotated and succession planted straight after or close to removal to ensure biodiversity is kept at a premium and that there is no bare patches of soil that will act as a detriment to soil biodiversity

• Record more data across diferent seasons using pitfall traps and sticky traps at least once a month or once a season to collate data on what biodiversity is like and what  species are present at those points in the year

• continue to include flowering species for the support of beneficials and look at having edible flowers to make these crops both supportive of biodiversity and profitable.

• have more sticks/logs in the corners of the market garden site or near to create a 'bug hotel' to encourage and support more diversity in ground crawling and flying insect species.

• Continue to use covercropping a diversity and soil health modality to improve plant species diversity present and their root exudates that feed and improve soil diversity.

• Continue to get soil biology testing done to record and observe diveristy occuring below the soil and the species present in the soil foodweb

• Record all data on a spreadsheet that can be viewed on a yearly and seasonal basis to observe what species come and go at what time of year and which species in turn how to control pest species, in regards to intergrative pest management systems.

• Experimenting with chop and drop systems and planting through crop residues

• Experimenting more with polycropping and what crops work best together for diversity and efficiency of harvest and growth