On Sunday November 3, our working group Mycelia of Hope organised a special day at De Volle Grond farm 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 toured part of the one hectare grounds and learned 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 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 on soil health.
The variety of crops they grow on both outdoor plots and greenhouses is amazing – we were thrilled to see even kiwis. Jo shared that last year’s kiwi 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 an agroecological farm that is able to adapt to its physical context rather than following “textbook” instructions or 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: reshaping the pile of finished compost, and flipping and combining three smaller piles that were created 2 months ago.
The compost contained different components such as wood chips, wool, and hay. We witnessed the amazing chemical processes that create the truly living soil on this farm. It was impressive to see the differences between the older and younger compost. The latter was really warm, steaming, with white parts which Jo explained where fungi (which shows the composting process is not finished yet). There were also many bugs! The older, finished compost (which was 1,5 years old) on the other hand was much wetter, not warm, and there were many more worms.
As we worked, we shared knowledge on composting, this crucial practice for soil fertility that nourishes both healthy food and ecosystems. We 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 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 the soil and ecology and the role of humans, farmers, and movement building in restoring and sustaining soil life: are we 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 your deep knowledge with us.
Are you interested in joining one of our events and being part of the Agroecologie Netwerk? Contact us at info@agroecologie.nl