Author: Sarah Mack, Soil Amendment Group
Farmers have been applying manure to their fields for centuries, but why? Manure and decomposed plant matter contains valuable plant nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus-- the most commonly applied land fertilizers.
Farmers have been applying manure to their fields for centuries, but why? Manure and decomposed plant matter contains valuable plant nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus-- the most commonly applied land fertilizers.
At Springstone Farm, there is no shortage of manure or hay, which are both essential ingredients to properly compost. Given that the farm values sustainability, using compost rather than conventional fertilizers, Springstone will reduce its environmental footprint. Additionally, the farm is located in an area which the soil is mostly comprised of sand and clay which struggles to retain nutrients and is prone to flooding. Poor agricultural techniques could worsen the problem tenfold. By applying compost to their land, the soil will have a readily available source of nutrients and allow water to flow through the soil column with more ease.
Our main goal at this point in the project is to research methods of speeding up the composting progress by integrating pvc piping into the pile to aerate the compost pile. We also would like to remove the large pieces of wood which cause the pile to age at a much slower rate. Our group has reviewed many scientific articles and is confidently ready to guide Springstone to a better composting system!
Our main goal at this point in the project is to research methods of speeding up the composting progress by integrating pvc piping into the pile to aerate the compost pile. We also would like to remove the large pieces of wood which cause the pile to age at a much slower rate. Our group has reviewed many scientific articles and is confidently ready to guide Springstone to a better composting system!
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