Terra Preta ingredients
Alparama Terra Preta nutrient humus is created through the combination of activated biochar, animal manure, mineral components, and a carefully controlled composting process. The result is a living humusthat is rich in microorganisms and can sustainably support soil fertility.
Unlike many industrially produced compost products, Alparama Terra Preta nutrient humus is a highly active humus compostthat is developed over several weeks under controlled conditions. During this process, numerous microorganisms develop that play an important role in healthy and fertile soils.
The following illustration shows in simplified form how the different components work together and how Alparama Terra-Preta Nurtient Soil is created from them.
Activated biochar and animal manure as the basis of Terra Preta
Briefly explained:
Biochar is introduced into the stable cycle together with primary rock dust. Through contact with animal manure, the charcoal becomes enriched with nutrients and microorganisms and thus forms the basis for Terra Preta nutrient humus.
A central component of Terra Preta is Activated Biochar.The important point is that biochar is not applied directly to the soilbut is first enriched with nutrients and microorganisms.
In our system, this activation takes place through the natural nutrient cycle with animal manure. Activated biochar and mineral-rich Primary rock dust are introduced into the stable cycle. The animals – for example alpacas, cattle, or pigs produce organic fertilizer from it.
The animal manure already contains:
valuable nutrients
organic matter
numerous microorganisms
The porous structure of the biochar acts like a natural reservoirIt absorbs nutrients and microorganisms from the manure and binds them in its fine pores.
Only through this process is the biochar activated and able to develop its full effect in the soil.
Composting with green organic material and clay-rich soil
After the activation of the biochar in the stable cycle, the nutrient-rich animal manure is further processed. In this step, it is combined with additional natural materials and composted under controlled conditions.
Important components include:
Clay soil, which contributes to stabilizing soil structure
Green organic waste and plant residues, which provide additional organic matter
The green material used comes both from our own farm and from regional landscape gardeners. It consists of shredded plant material from garden maintenance as well as straw from our farm and material from forestry work..
The composting takes place in so-called Windrows and is carefully monitored throughout the entire process. Over a period of around 6–8 weeks , the windrow is regularly turned and checked.
During this time, we pay particular attention to three decisive factors:
- temperature of the compost windrow
- moisture of the material
- sufficient air supply
The windrow is turned several timesduring the composting phase so that oxygen enters the material and the microorganisms can work optimally. After each turning, temperature and moisture are checked againto ensure ideal conditions for biological activity.
Through this controlled composting process, a highly active humusis created in which activated biochar, organic matter, and microorganisms are combined.
Formation of Alparama Terra Preta nutrient humus
Through the interaction of these natural processes, Alparama Terra-Preta Nurtient Soil is created – a highly activated humus compost enriched with microorganisms.
The special effect results from the combination of:
- activated biochar
- mineral components from primary rock dust
- organic material from animal manure and green waste
- an active soil life with microorganisms
This combination enables the soil to:
- store water and nutrients more effectively
- build a stable soil life
- improve soil structure over the long term
- sustainably supply plants
Living humus instead of simple compost
Many commercially available compost products are processed after a relatively short time and then packaged. These are often stabilized composts with limited biological activity.
In contrast, Alparama Terra Preta nutrient humus is developed over a longer period under controlled conditions. During this process, numerous microorganisms develop that play an important role in natural soil life.
The result is living humusthat:
- is rich in microorganisms
- contains organic matter
- can store nutrients in the soil over the long term
- improves soil structure
These characteristics make Terra Preta nutrient humus a valuable contribution to healthy and fertile soils.
A natural cycle for fertile soils
The production of Terra Preta is based on a natural cycle of biochar, animal manure, organic materials, and microbial processes. Through this combination, a particularly stable humus is created that can contribute to improving soil fertility over the long term.
Alparama Terra Preta nutrient humus combines the traditional principles of Terra Preta soils with modern composting and sustainable agriculture.
Importance of biochar for the soil
The effects of biochar in soil are also being scientifically studied. More information about biochar and its role in soil can be found at Agroscope, the Federal Agricultural Research Centre.
Further information about Terra Preta
You can learn more about our Terra Preta nutrient humus on the following pages: