When it comes to producing compost, Emerald Acres is pretty much self sufficient. One of the main ingredients they use are reeds from the local dam. The reeds are regularly removed (using boats and a tractor) to ensure that the lake does not become overgrown. Because Annemarie and her team are making compost out of the reeds instead of letting it rot, they are ensuring that harmful greenhouse gasses are not released into the atmosphere. Similarly by using the manure of the Braham cattle, they are reducing the carbon emissions.
Other advantages of compost include:
• Improving the soil structure & fertility
• Suppressing diseases, providing plants
and soil with important nutrients
• Increasing pest tolerance
• Reducing water usage through
improvement of water holding capacity
by 50%
• Creating employment and economic
development
• Reducing (ground)water pollution.