This week, Wilner is teaching the 2-year agroecology students about the wisdom and importance of using “biomass.” Biomass is an important fundamental building block in sustainable agriculture and agroecology.

“Biomass” is any growing plant, weed, tree, etc. It plays a crucial role in soil fertility and health. It acts as a real engine for agricultural and natural ecosystems.

When you add biomass, such as dead leaves, grass, weeds, manure, twigs, etc., to the soil, microbes naturally present in the soil decompose the biomass to form a rich organic substance called humus. The humus acts as an organic sponge, holding moisture which binds soil particles together, creating space for air, water, and microbes to circulate well through plant roots.

During decomposition, essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are released directly into the ground. The new, rich, organic soil absorbs and retains water better and has nutrients from the decomposition, which feed the roots and protect crops from drought.

Biomass also plays an important role in controlling erosion. Organic cover, such as vetiver grass, other grasses, even weeds, small shrubs, and especially heavy organic mulch, protects the soil from harsh sunlight, heavy rainfall, and strong winds that can erode the soil.

Biomass also serves as food for earthworms, bacteria, and other useful small animals. The worms and small bugs dig holes that help the soil breathe and make the soil richer.

Thank you for supporting our Development for Sustainability outreaches, giving Haitians “wisdom” that leads to renewed lives of hope for a better tomorrow.

Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director