Growing together: Building our community and our soil through composting

At Boerderij De Meent, healthy soil is vital for the cultivation of tasty and healthy vegetables. As part of our farm's educational trajectory, we followed the composting workshop in November by Ann Doherty at the Stadsboerderij Osdorp. The visit to this inspiring place helped us to see how composting can be done using different methods, which gave us inspiration on how to improve at our own farm. At the end, the workshop was not only insightful but also very informative, given that we thrive by learning from each other and from nature. 

Knowledge exchange  

Recycling is an important component on our farm. Because of this we collect our garden waste, kitchen scraps and even chicken manure for the compost heap. However, given that composting requires the right knowledge, it was the perfect time for us to deepen our understanding on the topic. At the start of the workshop, we shared how composting was done from our country of origin. We were amazed to hear from Nathan (Uganda) that composting was not something they did compulsory due to the naturally rich agricultural soil, where crops will continue to grow without adding extra nutrients. Whilst Syllah (Nigeria) shared the ‘cut and burn method’: “After we cut weeds, we leave the residue on the soil and burn it".   

Different composting methods and learned lessons 

We were made aware that at the Stadsboerderij Osdorp, different composting methods are applied to close the food cycle in the city. These include: vermiculture (composting with worms, only with raw uncooked materials), composting with a compost heap (see group photo), and composting with a compost tumble from Afval naar Oogst. With the vermiculture many were surprised to learn about the many characteristics and benefits of worms and their importance within an ecosystem. 

Moreover, we were particularly inspired by the compostino's from the initiative Afval naar Oogst. Nathan suggested, “We need compostino's at the farm, who will further specialize in the process of composting. Because right now, everybody is good at bringing material to the compost heap. But we need someone who cuts and arranges the materials". In agreement, Bianca (Netherlands) adds that composting should become a dedicated task on our farm board. These two observations came up after being taught about the importance of a good balance between wet (nitrogen-rich) and dry (carbon-rich) materials for the decomposing process. Even Hanno (Netherlands), admitted that he did not consider the nitrogen-to-carbon ratios of the materials when building the composting heap. 

A new perspective

The workshop ended with a walk through the garden to see the various methods in practice. For the team, the biggest takeaway was the shift from just ‘dumping waste’ to ‘intentionally building soil’. Because at the end of the day it was for us all, “an eye-opening to really see that through composting organic waste, the farm can be turned into a closed, living cycle". 

Omnia van Straalen - Nkouka

Projectondersteuner Project Voedsel Verhaal