Page 29 - FWG December Issue 2024

Gardening

THE ROLE OF COMPOSTING IN

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING PRACTICES

n South Africa’s diverse landscapes, Conserving water resources et al., 2018). By composting kitchen
from the lush forests of Mpumalanga In a country where water scarcity is a pressing scraps, garden trimmings, and yard
to the arid plains of the Karoo, lies a concern, composting offers a sustainable waste, individuals can play a direct role in
Ishared commitment to preserving solution to conserving water in the garden. minimising their environmental footprint
the environment and nurturing the Compost acts as a sponge, enhancing the and contributing to a cleaner, healthier
land. Amidst this backdrop, composting soil’s ability to retain moisture and reduces environment for all.
emerges as a cornerstone of sustainable the need for frequent watering. Studies have
landscaping practices, offering a practical shown that soils amended with compost Promoting sustainable agriculture
solution to enriching soil fertility, exhibit improved water-holding capacity, Beyond backyard gardens, composting
conserving water, and reducing waste. making them more resilient to drought holds immense potential for advancing
conditions (Oelofse et al., 2007). sustainable agriculture practices in South
Why composting matters Africa. Small-scale farmers and community
Composting is more than just a gardening Enhancing soil health garden projects can utilise compost to
technique – it’s a holistic approach The benefits of compost extend beyond improve soil fertility, increase crop yields,
to soil management that addresses water conservation to soil health. By and reduce dependence on synthetic
the interconnected challenges of soil enriching the soil with organic matter fertilisers and pesticides (Morgan et al.,
degradation, water scarcity, and waste and beneficial micro-organisms, compost 2006). By embracing composting on a
pollution. By harnessing the natural improves soil structure, fertility, and nutrient broader scale, South Africa can pave the
process of decomposition, composting availability (Lal, 2004). In regions with way towards a more resilient food system
transforms organic waste into a nutrient- depleted soils, such as parts of the Western that nourishes both people and the planet.
rich soil amendment that nourishes Cape and Eastern Cape, composting plays
plants and the landscape. a vital role in revitalising the Earth and Conclusion
promoting healthy plant growth. In the intricate web of South Africa’s natural
ecosystems, composting emerges as a
Reducing waste and pollution thread that binds us to the Earth and each
South Africa faces significant challenges other. By harnessing the power of organic
related to waste management and waste to nourish the soil, conserve water,
pollution, with organic waste comprising and reduce pollution, composting offers a
a substantial portion of landfill material tangible pathway towards sustainability and
(Statistics South Africa, 2020). Composting resilience. As we cultivate our gardens and
offers a practical solution by diverting landscapes, let us embrace composting as a
organic waste from landfills and reducing fundamental practice that honours the land,
greenhouse gas emissions associated preserves precious resources, and fosters a
with organic decomposition (De Menna brighter future for generations to come.

Fourways Gardens • 27 • December 2024