A Natural Approach to Farming

Author: Michelle Vargas; Soil Amendment Group

Welcome back to the Springstone Farm blog! I am Michelle, an environmental biology student at Kean University. As a part of the project previously outline by our project manager, Tiago, I will be taking part in the efforts to amend the soil at Springstone Farm and make it more suitable for farming.​

Springstone Farm is committed to being environmentally conscious and being an organic farm is a big part of that. Instead of using conventional methods of fertilizing that are full of chemicals, Springstone Farm is opting to use compost. Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter such as animal manure and green waste and turning it into a natural fertilizer. Studies have shown that when comparing conventional chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers, organically managed soils have shown an increase in nutrient contents (Melero, Porras,Herencia & Madejon, 2006). By composting, we will amend the soil without having to worry about the kinds of chemicals being added to the soil.

At the farm, we are very fortunate to have plenty of materials to work with. With farm animals on hand and other organic materials, our main project will be to expedite the process of turning compost into a natural fertilizer. We hope to be able to help the soil at Springstone Farm be suitable for farming in the most environmentally conscious way possible. We are so excited to go on this journey and implement all that we know about composting and organic farming to help Springstone Farm thrive.

Reference:
Melero, S., Porras, J. C., Herencia, J. F., & Madejon, E. (2006). Chemical and biochemical properties in a silty loam soil under conventional and organic management. Soil and Tillage Research, 90(1-2), 162-170. doi:10.1016/j.still.2005.08.016