Composting is one of the most natural and sustainable ways to care for an orchard. It is a process where all the organic matter that would otherwise be considered waste – fallen leaves, dry grass, kitchen scraps, farm residues, and even weeds – gets transformed into rich, fertile food for the soil. Instead of throwing these things away, they can be allowed to decompose slowly, turning into dark, earthy compost that smells of life and renewal.
We follow simple yet effective pit composting practices that keep our orchard soil healthy and full of life. For this, we have two pits that we use alternately. Into these pits goes a balanced mix – kitchen waste such as vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and leftovers, an almost equal amount of browns like dry leaves and wood shavings; and some cellulose-rich matter such as fibrous vegetables, green leaves, and old newspapers. This mix of greens, browns, and fibrous material maintains the right balance of carbon and nitrogen, helping the compost break down evenly without odor. Each fresh layer is lightly covered with soil, which prevents pests, retains moisture, and allows earthworms and microorganisms to work naturally. Sometimes we add some handfuls of old compost to enhance the beneficial microorganisms in the compost pit. Once a pit is filled, we let it rest for a few months practically undisturbed though sometimes we turn the mix using a spade just to let some air in and get the outside material into the center of the pit. While this pit matures we use the second pit. Over time, the first pit (we call it resting pit) transforms into rich, dark, crumbly compost, which we then spread around our orchard trees to enrich the soil. We continue this cycle, switching between the two pits, ensuring a steady supply of natural fertilizer for our orchard throughout the year.
A small detail that we consider is the total Carbon to Nitrogen ratio. Since most of our orchard is about fruit trees, we prefer a compost made with more browns in the ingredients rather than more greens (more greens in compost is what is usually required for annual flowers and vegetables).
Also important is to maintain a moisture content in the compost pit. The pile should feel like a wrung out sponge. If rain soaks the heap we turn it and add more dry material. During monsoons, we cover the resting pit with a plastic sheet to reduce the amount of water going in. If it is too dry we spray water on to it. We also try and avoid putting diseased plants or weeds with seeds into the compost. Though the temperature soars in compost heap and kills most of the seeds and disease organisms too but sometimes they survive, so when possible we sort them out before adding to the compost.
When compost is added to the orchard, the soil becomes richer, softer, and full of life, holding moisture longer and feeding roots more deeply. Trees grow stronger and yield healthier, tastier fruits. Composting is not just about harvests, it creates balance by reducing waste and closing the natural cycle where nothing is wasted and everything returns to the soil in a better form.
An orchard that is fed with compost becomes more than just a place of fruit-bearing trees, it turns into a thriving ecosystem where soil, plants, insects, and microorganisms live in harmony. By composting, we give our land the care it deserves, while ensuring that the fruits we harvest are not only abundant but also deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the earth. It is a simple step, yet one that carries profound rewards for generations to come.
Learn More – Our Farming Methods
