Biodynamic composting

A faster and more effective way to produce high quality compost in large quantities by surface composting using dry and green farm biomass piled in a heap.

Biodynamic denotes a method of organic farming that emphasizes a holistic understanding of the interrelationships between soil, plants, and animals in a self-sustaining system. It excludes the use of artificial chemicals and stresses the importance of integrating farm animals, the cultivation of crops, and caring for the land. Fermented herbal and mineral preparations are used as compost additives and field sprays. Biodynamic composting is an inexpensive means of producing a large amount of compost within a relatively short time compared to other methods. It is ideal for farmers who require large amounts of compost, such as for orchards; or when several households get together to produce and share compost. This type of composting also helps to store soil carbon, assists irrigation practices that keep fields alternatively moist and dry, works to decrease the number of soil pests, and reduces methane emission. This practice not only enhances agricultural production as an on-site benefit to the land users but also contributes to the off-site benefits enjoyed by downstream land users, since it helps to reduce sedimentation and increases water availability.

ICIMOD Knowledge Park at Godavari, Lalitpur District, Nepal

WOCAT database reference: QT NEP 35

Location: ICIMOD Knowledge Park at Godavari, Lalitpur District, Nepal.

Technology area: Demonstration plot

Conservation measure(s): Management Land use type: Annual cropping

Stage of intervention: Prevention of land degradation

Origin: Experiment/demonstration/research

Climate: Sub-humid/temperate

Related approach: Not described

Other related technology: Improved compost preparation (QT NEP 7), Better quality farmyard manure through improved decomposition(QT NEP 8), Improved farmyard manure through sunlight, rain and runoff protection (QT NEP 9), Black plastic covered farmyard manure (QT NEP 16)

Compiled by: Samden L. Sherpa, ICIMOD

Date: May 2011, updated March 2013

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• Biodynamic composting