Tag: compost

Mother Earth

Mother Earth and the Inconvenient Truths

By Dulce I. Gozon

Chairman,Foundationfor Resource Linkage and Development

 

The riches of earth is the basis for agriculture activity. It is also the source of food and security. The connection of one to the other is a necessity just as action causes a reaction. Because nature is now in peril, climate change is reality. The cost of progress and what we all did in putting up industries that emit pollution, using cars, aircons, among others- our world now faces new challenges.

Zero waste is a lifestyle. It will improve the person. It will improve the environment. It is balance. It is perfection. But it is also inconvenient. Continue reading “Mother Earth”

Compost in 14 Days

Compost in 14 Days

 

Nutrients in the soil get depleted gradually, so it is necessary to replenish these with fertilizers. Natural fertilizers can be made without expenses, and their use give no harm to the environment.

 

As farm wastes decompose, the carbon and oxygen that mix together cause the wastes to heat up. Thus, six(6) part of straw and grasses(which are rich in carbon) are mixed with one(1) part nitrogen-rich materials like ipil-ipil, hagonoy, chicken manure and the like.

  Continue reading “Compost in 14 Days”

How to Make A Compost

How to Make A Compost

 

1. Make the soil firm, and dig a trench around for excess water to flow into.

2. Stack up about six(6) inches high: grass; do not compress.

3. Put over the grass about 1-2 inches thick of animal manure. Urea or ammonium sulfate, about 1-2 kilos may also be used if available.

4. Put one-inch thick of rich soil mixed with wood ashes, lime over the pile.

5. Repeat the process over the pile until about 1 1/2 meters high.

6. Water the pile to make it moist.

7. Thrust a pipe(s) or bamboo pole(s) with holes to allow air to penetrate the bottom of the pile.

8. After three weeks, turn the compost over with the aid of a garden fork. This is easily done by transferring into another pile so that the bottom layer will now be on top, etc.

9. Turn the compost again bottom up after 5 weeks. Wait for 4 weeks more to allow complete composting.

10. In hot weather, the compost must be watered. In rainy days, cover the compost with banana leaves.

11. The pile of compost will be hot. This means that the bacteria in it are working.

12. Composting can also be hastened with a chemical for this purpose.

 

From: Philippine Farmer’s Journal Supplement