Veggie garden – Dolina mgieł – regenerative agroforestry farm
Łukasz Nowacki Agroforestry stories
The first story of our EURAF blog series #AgroforestryStories introduces you to Łukasz Nowacki, a passionate farmer, permaculture designer, teacher, and consultant. Based in central Poland, Łukasz has transformed a barren piece of land into a thriving agroforestry haven he calls “Dolina Mgieł” (Valley of Mists).
This story demonstrates how agroforestry practices can effectively restore nature, enhance the land’s resilience to climate change, and provide numerous ecosystem services.
Inspired by an article about a small agroforestry farm in his early childhood, Łukasz’s journey into regenerative agriculture began over a decade ago. Through his dedication to permaculture design, he has successfully implemented silvopasture agroforestry practices on his farm.
Łukasz shares insights from his 11-year experience, discussing the challenges he’s overcome and the remarkable benefits he’s witnessed. Discover how agroforestry has transformed his land and contributed to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.
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Why agroforestry?
From permaculture in the balcony to agroforestry farming
When I was a young kid, I read an article by Patrick Whitefield titled “Trees Among the Wheat,” published in 1996. This story about a small agroforestry farm became my very first encounter with the idea of permaculture design. I was immediately fascinated by the concept of regenerative agriculture.
For a long time, I didn’t have access to farmland. So, I experimented with urban permaculture on my balcony.
The aquaponic system in barrels (https://lukasznowacki.pl/permakultura-na-balkonie-moje-poczatki/)
Finally, in 2013, I was able to buy my first hectare of land. Now, after 11 years of practicing agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and silvopasture with the support of permaculture design, I can clearly see the benefits of working with the land in polyculture instead of monoculture.
Flood control, drought mitigation, reduced wind erosion, fire protection, soil regeneration – these are just some of the many ecosystem services that are part of the big picture.
Please share the story of your farm
I began farming on my land in 2013, working with very poor, sandy soils. Without irrigation, nothing would grow. I started my regenerative agroforestry journey with a small flock of 50 laying hens in a woodland setting. I used a compost chicken system to improve the soil on my one-hectare plot.
Now, I’m operating on 15 hectares of land and introducing sheep. I’ve implemented mob grazing practices among tree lines, using contour grazing and swales for passive irrigation. I’ve planted many trees with the help of mycorrhizal fungi and grafted numerous wild pear trees with old varieties.
I’m also growing edible and medicinal fungi, herbs, and vegetables for my local community. My goal is to introduce larger grazing animals, as I’ve seen how quickly they can restore soil health. Organic matter content can increase to 5-6% through proper grazing management. Mob grazing is key to rapid soil regeneration in my area, especially when combined with the benefits of trees, which also provide fodder for the animals.
Making swales – Dolina mgieł – regenerative agroforestry farm
Soil testing – Dolina mgieł – regenerative agroforestry farm
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in implementing agroforestry on your farm?
Timing and fencing.
What benefits of agroforestry practices do you feel the most?
Soil regeneration and protection against strong winds and soil erosion are important benefits of agroforestry. However, the most important benefit for my farm is improved water management through the use of swales planted with trees.
What would be your advice for new agroforesters?
Start small and work with animals and trees.
Dolina mgieł – regenerative agroforestry farm
Learn more about Łukasz Nowacki and his farm “Dolina Mgieł” on the following websites:
