Living soil is a bustling ecosystem teeming with life. It is brimming with mycelium, nematodes, and billions of beneficial microorganisms. These unseen allies are essential for retaining nutrients within the soil food web, upon which all earth-based life—and 95% of our food—depends.
At Generation Soil, we are inspired by soil food web principles. Microorganisms play a pivotal role in breaking down minerals in the soil, making them accessible to plants. But their benefits don’t stop there. These tiny lifeforms also create soil structure, prevent compaction, bind soil particles together, and establish spaces for water absorption and retention. This sponge-like quality helps to mitigate flooding and ensures plants have the water they need to thrive (less watering for you)!
The creation of biologically complete, deliciously fertile soil requires a local, small-scale approach, enriched by time, care, expertise, and energy. At Generation Soil, we take this responsibility seriously. Once our living soil is ready, it is distributed among our members. Additional compost will be redistributed across Bristol to improve below and above-ground biodiversity.
How Do We Make Living Soil?
Step one: Preparing the Food Waste
The process begins with food waste collected in 20-litre tubs. This food waste is sprinkled with bokashi, a dry, crumbly mixture of bran and molasses inoculated with beneficial microorganisms. Bokashi kickstarts the decomposition process by fermenting the organic matter, preventing odours and preserving nutrients.
Step two: The Hot Phase
The bokashi-treated food waste is then mixed with wood shavings from a local timber yard. This blend is placed into our in-vessel composter, which is turned regularly for good aeration, accelerating decomposition. This phase, known as the ‘hot’ or ‘microbial’ phase, is where millions of active microorganisms thrive, thanks to the bokashi and the microbes living in the wood shavings and leaves. Our compost heap regularly gets close to 70 degrees Celsius!
Step three: Enriching with Biochar
The creation of biochar is inspired by the traditional practices of the Amazon’s Indigenous peoples, who used it to enrich their soils long before colonisation. We add biochar, a type of activated charcoal. This porous, lightweight material has an intricate network of tiny chambers, providing an ideal home for mycelium to flourish. Additionally, biochar enhances the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, contributing to its sponge-like quality.
Step four: The Maturation Period
Once enriched with biochar, the compost is left to mature for several months. During this time, the microbial community continues to develop, and the compost transforms into nutrient-dense, living soil ready for use by our members.
Why Choose Living Soil?
Living soil is a game-changer for anyone passionate about sustainable agriculture, gardening, or tackling the climate crisis. By participating in a local, circular food system, we can:
Enhance Soil Health: Living soil teems with beneficial microorganisms, fungi, and nutrients that support robust plant growth.
Prevent Climate Warming: By avoiding methane production and sequestering carbon, living soil contributes to climate solutions.
Support Biodiversity: Healthy soil creates habitats for countless organisms, fostering ecological balance.
Close the Loop: Transforming food waste into soil regenerates the earth and completes the natural cycle of growth and decay.
At Generation Soil, we believe that soil is not just a resource—it’s the foundation of life. By investing in the creation of living soil, we’re nurturing the earth, supporting local communities, and paving the way for a sustainable future.
Join Us in Regenerating the Earth
Whether you’re an allotment holder, a gardener, or simply someone who cares about the environment, you can be part of this transformative journey. Join Generation Soil and help us create a world where waste becomes wealth, and soil health drives community wellbeing.
Together, we can regenerate the earth—one handful of living soil at a time.
Comments