In the first half of August, representatives of the Latvian Fund for Nature visited three organic farms - "Atvases" in Daugmale, "Mazbungas" in Bauska county and "Avotiņi" in Gulbene county, which were testing the biochar incorporation in the soil within the project.
Biochar incorporation is considered one of the most promising technologies for storing carbon and reducing GHG emissions in agriculture. It improves soil fertility, attracts moisture and reduces the amount of pollution from agriculture that reaches water. Biochar is produced at very high temperatures (400°C - 600°C) by burning deciduous tree firewood, but then incorporated into the soil by itself or with fertilizer.
During the project, biochar was incorporated into the soil in four different concentrations, each on a 0,1 ha strip. To make the results comparable, each farm has the same growing conditions in all zones and sows the same crop.
About the farms
The organic farm "Atvases" is located in the Daugmale vicinity and is run by Andris Mangulis and his family. The vegetables, herbs and berries grown in “Atvases” are appreciated by participants of direct buying groups, shops and school caterers, as well as by people who go to “Atvases” themselves to buy organic products.
This year, the organic farm "Atvases" in biochar incorporated soil are growing potatoes.
The organic farm "Mazbungas" is new - its owners in Bauska county are living for three years, since they moved here from Riga. The young farmers are very entrepreneurial - over the years, they have cultivated 60 hectares of organic land, growing both crops and 5 hectares of vegetables. “Mazbungas” farmers appreciate the diversity - on their farm they grow around 80 different varieties of tomatoes and 10 varieties of potatoes, as well as many other vegetables and crops - wheat, oats, etc.
This year, the organic farm "Mazbungas" in biochar incorporated soil are growing pumpkins.
The organic farm "Avotiņi" is located in the Gulbene county. Ligita Zvirbule and her family have been enthusiastically managing it for many years. At one time, the farm grew 28 different varieties of carrots and around 30 varieties of beans. The farm now grows both organic vegetables and organic crops.
This year, in biochar incorporated soil they are growing soybeans.