Managing biological waste in a new way that might cost a third less and produce higher value compost could help fight climate change, improve food quality and security, and create increased income opportunities. As one composting enthusiast puts it, “It’s only waste if you waste it.”
Australian entrepreneur Ken Bellamy, founder of VRM BioLogik®, has developed HumiSoil®, a method that enhances soil health and even produces water as a byproduct. His innovative composting technique can quickly restore soil, even in arid desert regions.
Trials have shown impressive results, including nutrient-rich, higher-yield crops, like potatoes grown in desert sand, and drought-devastated rangeland that is now suitable for grazing cattle without irrigation and with rainfall one month a year. This system can also turn dairy manure into a low-odor, high-quality soil enhancer. This is possible due to improved soil fertility and the moisture this system creates.
This method offers a promising way to convert green waste from farms and landfills into rich soil more efficiently, helping to revitalize depleted lands while producing higher dollar value compost that also produces highly nutritious and flavorful food for people and livestock.
The innovative VRM system eliminates standard composting inputs and physical turning, which reduces the cost of materials, labor, energy, fuel and pollution. Both composting systems capture carbon but while standard composting can ideally lower methane emissions 39%–84% more than landfills, making HumiSoil® produces none.
The United States faces significant soil loss, endangering food supplies. Transforming biological waste into HumiSoil® presents a better alternative to the current practice of burying retired orchard wood, which depletes nitrogen in the soil. Experts believe that widespread adoption could substantially reduce carbon emissions while improving soil health and food quality.
Unlike expensive high-tech carbon sequestering proposals, continuous fermentation composting is the most exciting low-cost, low-tech, green multiple benefit solution.
HumiSoil® can be produced affordably in six months using Bellamy’s unique Groundswell® system. It’s currently being implemented in Australia, China, Africa, the Middle East and parts of the United States such as Florida and Texas, with plans to expand to California.
This innovative approach not only restores soil health but also holds the potential for sustainable farming and food security. Increasing self-reliance is a good thing.
