Back to solutions
1 Jan 2020 | NEPCAT technologies

Biodynamic composting

1 min Read

70% Complete

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

Download PDF

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Cultivation of fodder and grasses

Cultivation of fodder crops on marginal lands and terrace risers Fodder plays a major role in the crop-livestock-manure-soil nutrient cycle on ...

2 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting or worm composting is ...

2 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Riverbed farming

Riverbed farming can be used to increase household income and to improve the food security of landless and land-poor households ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Kiwi fruit cultivation

Kiwi fruit cultivation on sloping land in the mid-hill areas of Nepal can help prevent soil erosion and is a ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Improved terraces

Hillside forward-sloping terracing and stabilisation using structural and vegetative measures This technology addresses the soil erosion and water runoff problems associated ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Landslip and stream bank stabilisation

Integration of vegetative and structural measures for landslip, stream bank and gully stabilisation on hillsides A combination of measures were implemented ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Better quality farmyard manure through improved decomposition

Collection and proper storage of farmyard manure in heaps or pits Farmyard manure – a varying mixture of animal manure, urine, ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Contour bunding

A traditional low-cost method of soil conservation suitable for sloping land; it promotes water retention and helps prevent erosion. Contour bunding ...