BioHoles / Biopore
🌱 Backyard Benefits of BioHoles Composting
Our backyard has four BioHoles, to help rainwater drainage and can composting!
Using BioHoles for backyard composting is a simple, powerful way to enrich soil and manage rainwater naturally. Designed for vegetable scraps and fruit peels only excluding meat, dairy, and other solids this method ensures clean, efficient underground decomposition without odors or pests. As vegetable matter breaks down, it releases nutrients directly into the surrounding soil, boosting microbial life and creating a fertile environment for stronger plant growth. At the same time, BioHoles act as natural drainage channels, allowing rainwater to soak quickly into the ground, reducing runoff and preventing erosion. The 4-inch by 36-inch holes are easy, require little maintenance, and deliver lasting benefits for both soil health and water management all while keeping valuable organic material out of landfills.
ABSTRACT One of the household-scale composting methods currently being developed is Biopore Infiltration Hole (BIH) Composting. This composting is built by making cylindrical holes in the soil with a 10 cm diameter and 100 cm depth, then adding organic waste to feed soil organisms to form biopores. The study aims to analyze BIH composting's performance in terms of soil texture and water infiltration rate. Composting consisted of four variations, namely clay texture with a water infiltration rate of 1.8 cm/hour, loamy clay texture with a water infiltration rate of 2.3 cm/hour, sandy clay loam texture with a water infiltration rate of 6.7 cm/hour, and sandy clay soil texture with the water infiltration rate of 13.4 cm/hour. Compost raw materials consist of 50% food waste and 50% chopped yard waste. Composting performance analysis was based on a maturity test and compost's quality and quantity test. The results showed that all compost variations had met the standards of maturity and quality of compost, with composting time ranging from 47 to 58 days and the percentage of the quantity of solid compost produced ranging from 62.1 to 72.1% of the weight of the compost raw material. From the results of the correlation test, there is a strong relationship between water infiltration rate and time of composting. The higher the rate of groundwater infiltration, the faster the compost maturity time. Composting variation with sandy clay soil texture and water infiltration rate of 13.4 cm/hour is the most optimal variation in terms of maturity, quality, and quantity of compost produced. Soil texture containing a sand and a high-speed water infiltration rate can accelerate compost maturity, especially during the rainy season. Rainwater is absorbed into the soil
1. Improves Soil Health
- Enriches the soil with essential nutrients as composted organic waste breaks down.
- Enhances soil structure, making it looser and better for plant root growth.
- Increases microbial activity, fostering a healthier soil ecosystem.
2. Boosts Water Infiltration and Retention
- BioHoles act like natural drains, helping rainwater soak into the ground faster.
- Reduces water runoff and erosion, leading to better moisture retention during dry spells.
3. Efficient Organic Waste Recycling
- Turns kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organics into high-quality compost right in your yard.
- Minimizes the need for hauling waste to municipal composting centers or landfills.
4. Space-Saving and Low-Maintenance
- A 4" by 36" BioHole is compact and can easily fit into small gardens or tight spaces.
- Requires less turning and manual labor compared to traditional compost bins or piles.
- Composting continues underground, meaning no odors or pest issues.
5. Speeds Up Composting Time
- Compost in BioHoles can mature in as little as 47–75 days, depending on conditions.
- Use of additives like rice husks or microbial activators can speed up the process even more.
6. Enhances Plant Growth
- Nutrients from decomposed materials seep directly into the surrounding soil, naturally fertilizing nearby plants.
- Creates microzones of fertility perfect for trees, shrubs, or vegetable gardens.
Bakchyears photos!
