On the 3rd of December, Mycelia of Hope organised a working day at De Volle Grond to help out, learn and connect by working the farm’s compost. We filled our day with hands-on work, a delicious potluck lunch, and engaged in meaningful discussions on compost, soil health and ecology.
We began the day by touring part of the one hectare grounds and learning about this beautiful land in Amelisweerd, right outside Utrecht from our host Jo, who has been volunteering multiple times a week for over a year. They shared how De Volle Grond is a care farm that has been farmed organically for 40 years, and now largely relies on the work of committed volunteers who come at least once a week to assist the two farmers. Benthe and Annemarie who own and run the farm. Benthe is also part of the foundation “In Goede Aarde” which focuses on regenerating soils, so a lot of processes on the farm are centered around soil health and processes.
We got to see all the variety of crops they grow on both outdoor plots and greenhouses- where we were shocked to see even kiwis. Jo shared that last year’s kiwi crop produced about 600 fruits, and on a good year 900! We also learned about the two types of compost the farm makes for the different crops: garden compost that is more diverse and for more nutrient-demanding crops like kale, and forest compost for crops like carrots and lettuce who need less nutrients.
For the “forest” compost, they use the resources right outside their porch, using wood chips, cuttings and hay that they get from the forest warden. This is a really good example of how an agroecological farm can adapt to its physical context instead of following the “textbook” instructions and being reliant on fertilizer companies.
Jo also shared other ways the farmers support the land’s soil health, such as watering it with geer (a nutrient rich tea of fermented herbs) in the spring which boosts the plants immune system, and growing a lot of green manure, including legumes and winter rye.
Then, we began our main task for the day: to reshape the pile of finished compost, and flipping and combining three smaller piles that have been created 2 months ago.
We learned all about the components of the compost such as wood chips, wool, and hay, and witnessed the amazing chemical processes that create the truly living soil on these grounds.
It was impressive to see the processes visible in the younger compost: it was really warm, steaming, with white parts which Jo explained where funghi (which shows the composting process is not finished yet). There were also so many bugs! While the finished compost(which was 1,5 years old) was much wetter, not warm, and there were many more worms.
As we worked, we asked questions and shared knowledge surrounding compost, this crucial practice for soil fertility that nourishes both healthy food and ecosystems.
We also learned some more practical facts along the way, like the importance of forming a crater shape for the compost(so water can infiltrate), and that the optimal temperature range is between 55 and 65 degrees Celsius – as this is the perfect range that ensure the compost’s efficacy for plant growth where harmful bacteria is killed while the healthy and beneficial bacteria lives.
After a fulfilling day’s work, we discussed some questions surrounding the soil and ecology and the role of humans, farmers, and movement building in restoring and sustaining soil life. We expressed our discussions visually by making poster collages for each theme. Some topics that came up were our role as humans (farmers, activists, consumers etc…) in relation to waste and soil fertility : are merely composting to get rid of waste, or do we purposefully use it to feed the soil that provides the nutrients for the food that sustains us? What does the soil need to be truly healthy and alive? As grassroots knowledge holders and implementers, how can we better support farmers to be a part of this movement that supports healthy soil and life?
This day left us with a deeper understanding and curiosity at the intricate work involved in supporting healthy and fertile soils. It also left us feeling grateful and more connected to the earth and others who care for its wellbeing.
Thank you to everyone who attended! And thank you to De Volle Grond and Jo for having us and sharing their knowledge with us.
