Adapting Horticulture to Climate Change: The Role of Bokashi Composting in Green Waste Management
Horticulturists have long been attuned to the nuances of weather and climate, adjusting their practices to align with seasonal shifts. However, the accelerating pace of climate change presents unprecedented challenges. Recent observations indicate that certain warm-climate plants, such as fig and almond trees, are now thriving in the UK due to milder winters and fewer frosts. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has noted success in cultivating these species in their gardens, reflecting broader climatic shifts.
While the success of these species offers new opportunities, it also underscores the need for proactive adaptation strategies in horticulture. The RHS is actively responding to these changes by replacing plants less suited to the evolving climate with those more likely to thrive. Techniques such as building attenuation pools, creating leaky dams, and designing rain gardens are being employed to manage increased rainfall and water runoff. This balanced approach aims to support both drought-resistant and flood-tolerant plants, ensuring resilience against varying climate extremes.
The Role of Bokashi Composting in Climate-Resilient Horticulture
A key component of climate adaptation in horticulture is improving soil health, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through organic waste recycling. Bokashi composting offers an innovative solution for managing green waste while simultaneously enhancing soil structure and fertility.
Unlike traditional composting, which requires large amounts of space and time, Bokashi composting rapidly ferments organic material—including garden waste, pruned leaves, and kitchen scraps—using beneficial microbes. This process prevents methane emissions, reduces odour, and creates a nutrient-rich byproduct that can be incorporated directly into the soil.
Bokashi Benefits for Horticulture in a Changing Climate
Improved Soil Water Retention
Climate change is bringing more unpredictable rainfall patterns, from prolonged droughts to intense downpours. Bokashi-treated soil enhances organic matter levels, improving its ability to retain moisture during dry periods while preventing waterlogging during heavy rains.Increased Soil Fertility
The fermentation process in Bokashi composting preserves essential nutrients, making them readily available for plant uptake. This is particularly beneficial in horticulture, where nutrient-rich soil is key to growing healthy plants that can withstand environmental stress.Carbon Sequestration and Reduced Waste
By converting green waste into valuable soil amendments, Bokashi composting supports a circular economy within horticulture. This reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers and contributes to carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the industry’s overall environmental impact.Faster Composting for Large-Scale Green Waste Management
Traditional composting can take months, whereas Bokashi fermentation works within weeks. This efficiency makes it ideal for large-scale horticultural operations looking to process significant amounts of green waste quickly and sustainably.
Integrating Bokashi into Horticultural Practices
Horticulturalists can incorporate Bokashi composting into their daily practices by setting up simple collection bins for green waste and using Bokashi bran to initiate fermentation. Once fermented, the material can be dug into raised beds, used as a soil amendment in flower and vegetable gardens, or applied in tree planting to enhance root development.
As climate patterns continue to shift, horticulture must remain agile, embracing innovative practices that support sustainable adaptation. By implementing Bokashi composting alongside climate-resilient plant selection and water management techniques, horticulturists can build more robust, thriving landscapes capable of withstanding the challenges of an uncertain climate future.
