As stewards at Quinta da Luz, we are concerned to continue improving and sustaining it. This we do in a variety of ways.

Improving and Sustaining Quinta da Luz

At the core of the peace and calm of Quinta da Luz is improving and co-creating the nature of our sustainable life with Mother Earth. It is recognised she can provide all we need to thrive; only we must listen to how this should be. So at Quinta da Luz, we are working with the water and soil provided to us in order to create an ambience and source of food without pesticides and herbicides etc.

We have not followed any one approach, rather learning from David Holmgren and the Permaculture concept; Maria Thun’s approach to biodynamic cultivation, blended with the personal experiences written about by Machaelle Small Wright in Perelandra and the wisdom shared by Anastasia in the Ringing Cedar series. All of these have a common approach of listening to what Mother Earth is saying. We adapt them to the specific circumstances at Quinta da Luz, its climate and terrain.

Our Acid Soil

These include its acid nature, a Ph of about six in early 2013, and the fact the land was not tended for many years. The overgrowth of vegetation provided some protection from the sun, though the fire in 2010 meant this was removed. The soil was also short of organic matter. Rainfall tended to bounce off the surface during the ‘normal’ downpours. It also does not retain much moisture – hence the need for irrigation.

In order to help improve balance, in 2013 a programme was started to introduce manure obtained from the local shepherd. To this has been added EM – the abbreviation for Effective Micro-Organisms. These work with Nature to restore her health primarily through microscopic organisms. These actually consume toxins, producing beneficial by-products such as vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, bioactive minerals, and antioxidants.

The intention is the mixture will increase the natural resistance of soil, plants and water (and yes we humans!). So improving and sustaining the quality and fertility of our soil. The benefit of this will then be seen in the growth and quality of flowers, trees and crops at Quinta da Luz.

Effective Micro-Organisms

EM is a microbial technology that originates from Japan. It has been introduced at Quinta da Luz to help in improving and sustaining through:

• recycling of kitchen waste and turning it into valuable organic material;
• soil structure in the garden, so increasing productivity and suppressing both disease and weeds;
• solving any environmental problems such as water, air, and soil pollution;
• fruit and flower cultivation; and
• personal bodily hygiene and for the prevention and treatment of health problems.

In addition in 2013, a programme of sowing red clover commenced. Adding to the wild yellow (some blue ones have also been added!) lupins fixing nitrogen into the soil at Quinta da Luz. So far everyone has been amazed at the profusion of growth and abundance of crops – as one visitor described it, an oasis in the middle of a desert!

Water at Quinta da Luz

All the water used at Quinta da Luz comes from either its two wells or a tank which collects rainwater from the roof. That said, for billions of years, water has been hexagonal – a six-sided crystalline matrix of water molecules often referred to as “structured micro water“. However, when water is exposed to pollution the molecules hold onto this new ‘traumatic’ memory and cluster into what is known as “non-structured macro water” – conglomerations of water molecules that have no symmetric shape or form.

Even after water has been filtered and purified, it retains this memory imprint and continues to macro cluster. Accordingly, EM® Ceramics have been introduced to improve the water at the Quinta.

Some Water Science

EM® Ceramics have the ability to recharge and stabilise the water molecules through what is referred to as “far infrared signals”. This is simply an energy that is calming and regenerative in nature. By removing the pollution memory from the purified water, the molecules naturally return to the original hexagonal crystal structure.

The regular consumption of such liquid crystals has been recognised as one of the most important keys to improved health. They are associated with rapid hydration, heightened immune function, the efficient removal of toxins, better nutrient absorption, longevity, weight loss, and overall greater health.

All wastewater at the Quinta goes into its septic tank. The excess water from which is directed to a pond filled with reeds to process the waste. This allows the water to return to the land whence it came.

There is also a small water tank on the horta terrace fed by water from a small underground source. The water is primarily used for irrigation, though there is the idea it can be used as a cooling plunge pool in the warmer months, once the leaks have been addressed!

Energy at Quinta da Luz

Solar panels were installed in April 2011 to provide electricity initially for the construction work and now for all energy needs at the Quinta. During the longer days, the system generates more than twice the current daily consumption of over 7/9kw.

Water-based underfloor heating heats the house during the cool months. All water is heated by solar panels, the wood-burning stove or the wood pellet boiler. The only hydrocarbon used at the Quinta is liquid gas for the cooker.