Production of compost from plant residues

  • Status of project

    Completed

  • Region

    Latin America and the Caribbean

  • Country

    Colombia

  • Programme

    BGCI

  • Workstream

    Addressing Global Challenges

  • Topic

    Services for Botanic Gardens

Production of compost from plant residues as a sustainability strategy in the Cartagena Botanical Garden

Project: Completed 2020
Funded by The Global Botanic Garden Fund (GBGF)
Project Partner: Jardín Botánico de Cartagena ‘Guillermo Piñeres’

The project was aimed to implement a composting system in the Cartagena Botanical Garden that allows for the sustainable use of plant residues generated by gardening practices. After an experimental phase was completed, four composting centers, consisting of three composting bins each, were installed within the garden.

Sofia Lissbrant

Project Goals

  • Install a composting system
  • Compare different composting methods to determine the most efficient one for upscaling
  • Develop a factsheet regarding composting
Sofia Lissbrant

Key Achievements

A compost experiment was carried out comparing the efficiency of the composting process when using different materials and inputs. Based on the results, and considering the needs and capacity of the garden, a composting system was installed with a total of 12 composting bins. This composting system is practical to use, requires little additional labor, and is visually pleasing. An informational signage was designed so that the composting system can be used for educational purposes for the visitors of the garden.

Implementing the composting system allows the Cartagena Botanical Garden to make use of a resource that was previously wasted. The project generates three positive impacts: 1. Organization of garden waste 2. Production of organic fertilizer and 3. Generation of an educational opportunity.

Sofia Lissbrant