Glastonbury Bokashi with spoilt hay
Farm Restoration & Composting Project
Date: 26th October 2023
Location: Glastonbury, West Penard
Revitalizing a Historic Farm Through Sustainable Practices
Nestled in the historic landscape of Glastonbury, West Penard, a nearly 700-year-old farm is undergoing a transformation focused on restoration, sustainability, and soil health. With a heritage setting that includes Grade II-listed buildings, a 4-acre orchard of heirloom cider and juice varieties, no-dig vegetable patches, and grazing paddocks, the project aims to enhance the natural environment without imposing drastic changes.
Challenges in Farm Restoration
Taking ownership of the farm two years ago, the current caretaker, inherited several challenges. Among them was the daunting task of managing an estimated 200-250 cubic meters of moldy hay left behind by the previous owner. This deteriorated hay posed a risk to the farm's animals and soil health. While burning was initially used as a necessary disposal method, the focus has now shifted toward a more sustainable approach—composting.
Additionally, the farm’s rich, loamy, alluvial soil, while fertile, is prone to waterlogging due to its location near the Somerset Levels. Another key challenge was a failing septic system, which required intervention to restore its function and prevent environmental contamination.
A Shift Toward Composting and Soil Regeneration
To address the issue of waste while improving soil health, the farm is now implementing a bokashi composting system. The project involves repurposing approximately 60-70 bales of the least degraded hay into compost, rather than burning it.
The composting process follows key sustainability principles:
Carbon Retention: Composting the hay instead of burning helps retain carbon in the soil, contributing to soil enrichment rather than releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
Balanced Inputs: A nitrogen source—rotted donkey manure—is added to the hay to balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, an essential factor in effective composting.
Microbial Activation: The addition of Actifirm enhances microbial activity, improving the decomposition process and soil health.
Extended Decomposition Period: Unlike traditional composting methods that require precise carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, Bokashi composting allows for a more forgiving process, requiring approximately 16-18 weeks for full breakdown.
Septic System Rehabilitation & Microbial Support
The farm’s failing septic tank system was another major concern, leading to foul odors and inefficient waste processing. Through targeted interventions, including the introduction of EM1 (Effective Microorganisms), the system has been revitalized.
By restoring a healthy microbial balance, the system now:
Functions more efficiently, preventing the build-up of crust and odours.
Reduces the presence of toxins in wastewater before it enters the environment.
Benefits from additional microbial support via composting runoff, improving the surrounding watercourse.
Key Takeaways from the Restoration Process
The farm restoration project highlights several essential principles of sustainable land management:
Moving Away from Wasteful Practices: Instead of burning organic materials, composting ensures that carbon and nutrients are returned to the soil, supporting long-term regeneration.
Working in Harmony with Nature: From improving drainage by clearing root blockages in ditches to using microbes for waste processing, the project emphasizes minimal environmental impact.
Adopting Practical Composting Techniques: The Bokashi composting method provides an efficient and scalable solution for managing organic waste with minimal labour.
Understanding Microbial Importance: Whether in composting or wastewater management, microbes play a vital role in maintaining soil health and ecological balance.
Continuous Improvement and Learning: The restoration project is an evolving effort, with adjustments being made based on observed results and new insights.
Next Steps for the Project
Ongoing Compost Processing: The team will continue layering hay and manure, monitoring the decomposition process over the coming months.
Regular Assessments: Progress will be reviewed periodically to ensure the compost reaches optimal maturity and contributes effectively to soil improvement.
Long-Term Soil Health Management: The farm’s manager, Tom, will maintain and expand composting efforts, storing green and brown materials to refine carbon-nitrogen ratios over time.
Conclusion
The farm restoration project serves as an inspiring case study in sustainable agriculture, showing how small-scale initiatives can have a profound impact on soil health and waste management. By embracing composting, microbial restoration, and environmentally friendly solutions, the farm is not only preserving its historic landscape but also paving the way for a regenerative future. Martyn visits Tom in Glastonbury, to chat and help build a Bokashi heap. Utilising straw and “donkey doo”, with a little help from Nelly the sausage.
Martyn shows a simple step-by-step guide on how to make a medium-sized Bokashi heap. Nestled in a wonderful location Tom discusses his plans for the 700 year old farm and how Bokashi can help sustain his regenerative dreams.
