Pipe compost at our Youth Training Center – Kundapur
On 7th November 2016 , In our Training Center we set up two cement pipes in which we will develop pipe composting activity . This is an innovative method which has already been implemented in India and working successfully.
It works by inserting cement pipes or plastic pipes 30-50 cm into the ground (given the high temperatures in Kundapur we chose cement pipes so the worms inside have higher chance to remain alive) . Pipes should be as wide as possible (we used 6 inches width pipe) and around 1,5 meters high.
First thing after inserting and fixing the pipes into the ground ½ liter slurry was added (cow dung dissolved in water) mixed with some jaggery (non-processed sugar) .So, we increase the level of bacteria which will help the decomposing process. Then, daily food waste is added and once in a week, add some soil to control the humidity level (remember decomposing food will create quite a lot of liquids) . Some more mixture of slurry and jaggery to increase bacteria level again. The top of the pipe will be covered with a mosquito net to avoid new insects and other animals, such as rats, to come inside and eat the food waste.
Once the pipe is full, we need to let it settle down for 1-2 months, depending on the area and its weather conditions to dry up. Later, we can remove the pipe and collected compost which can be utilized to fertilize our plants and trees in an organic and free-of-cost way!
Actually, this is a very easy way and more likely to be implemented by local families in the area, than the method which we have been used with even more quantity of compost.
With the support of Panchayath (Local Government), Government schools have already established this composting method, Now, our aim is to promote it within local families.