This picture is of a rusted compost sifter that was recently donated to the UGArden.
The thing I noticed the most about this compost sifter was how worn down it was. While our guide assured us it was in good working condition and shared his excitement to finally have a sifter at the UGArden, his jealousy at the equipment the University had for their mass composting system was extremely apparent. He compared each aspect of their composting system to the University’s and wished that the UGArden had that much funding and was able to work as efficiently.
When I look at this picture, I feel sad that the UGArden does not get the funding and new equipment that it deserves. The garden works very hard to utilize natural techniques to create large healthy crops without fertilizers and GMOs and they should be provided with equipment that aids them in reaching their goal.
I think when anyone looked at this picture, they would immediately recognize it as some sort of farming equipment. I do not think they would be able to know the object’s function until someone told them what it was, but it clearly appears to have been around for a long time.
I think this picture shows how complicated it is to properly compost. In order to create nutrient-rich soil from organic garbage, one must be careful of the material placed in the mix- the carbon vs nitrogen balance must be correct- the temperature of the pile must be high enough, the area must not be too dry or too wet, and there must be a consistent and meticulous stirring and sifting of the material. Most of all though, the process takes time. Just as the sifter rusts over time, the garbage will eventually change and produce something new- a nutrient rich soil that can replace environment damaging fertilizers.
One thought on “UGArden Reflection”
Thanks for your post, Vivian.
You bring up an interesting problem: How could we/UGA students help to improve UGArdens fundings?
-Blake
Thanks for your post, Vivian.
You bring up an interesting problem: How could we/UGA students help to improve UGArdens fundings?
-Blake