The Secret to Making a Compost Heap Sometimes compost breaks down quickly into soil, but other times it takes so long that it doesn’t break down, making us feel bored and reluctant to do it again. In my first year at agricultural university, I also tried to make compost from straw at home the way the school taught. It took a whole year for it to become fertilizer. After I dumped it and went back to school, I left it there, and it decomposed very slowly. Let’s see what the key points are: 1. Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio In composting, we need to understand that microorganisms are the most important players in the process of converting matter. These tiny insects, invisible to the naked eye, are the ones who do all the work from start to finish. Since they are living things, they need food to survive. Everything we put in the compost heap is their food, so that food must be in balance. The two main ingredients are: Carbon: The main source of food (like carbohydrates or rice for us). Nitrogen: Provides energy and protein (like meat to us). Explained simply: Brown matter = carbon (dry leaves, straw, etc.). Green matter = nitrogen (fresh leaves, green plants, etc.). Other materials that are high in nitrogen include chicken manure and cow manure. In a training course by an American teacher, they called it a “nitrogen bomb” by placing a large piece of meat in the middle of the compost pile. In our area, even a dead chicken or similar material can be placed in the middle. Brown and green matter should be placed in alternating layers. A ratio of 30:1 is very important. 2. Microorganisms As mentioned above, microorganisms are the main workers. To incorporate them into the compost pile, they often use existing EM (Effective Microorganism) water. If not, we can use previously made compost or topsoil to add to it. 3. Moisture Moisture is also important for the life of microorganisms and the decomposition process. The inside of the compost pile should not be too wet or too dry. In the dry season, we need to water it more. In the rainy season, we need to cover the compost pile tightly to prevent too much rain from entering. 4. Turning the Pile Don’t think that just leaving the compost pile for 1 month, 3 months or 6 months will make it compost on its own. During decomposition, it will generate heat. If the heat is too high, the activity of microorganisms will decrease. Therefore, we should turn the compost pile from the bottom up every two weeks or at least once a month. If there is a lack of moisture, add water. If there is no sign of decomposition, add EM or IMO (local microorganism) water. Internationally, compost made in this way is called “Black Gold”. The reason is that compost is not only rich in nutrients, but it also helps to incorporate beneficial microorganisms that help fight plant and soil diseases. It helps to improve soil structure and adds organic matter that helps to retain moisture well. These benefits, even expensive chemical fertilizers cannot provide, which is why it is called "black gold" or "black gold". 📲 Download Mekong Farm today: https://onelink.to/mekongfarm 📱 Available on Google Play & App Store #mekongfarmapp #Mekongfarm #agriculture #smartaxiata

What is Jeevamrutham and why is it useful? Jeevamrutham is not just a direct plant food, but a "microbial fertilizer" for the soil. When applied to the soil, it helps: Restore soil quality: Beneficial microorganisms help break down existing nutrients in the soil, making it easier for plants to absorb. Improve soil structure: It stimulates earthworm activity, making the soil loose and aerated. Root system development: In beans, it helps stimulate root nodule formation and increases overall plant growth. Application methods (soil and foliar) Although both methods are effective, direct application to the soil is the best method. A. Soil application Application rate: Use 200 liters of the mixture for 1 acre. Method: For irrigated rice fields, you can slowly pour it in with the irrigation water. For rainfed crops, pour it around the base of the plant when the soil is moist. Benefits: Increases soil microorganisms and helps prevent root rot. B. Foliar Spray Note: Filter the fertilizer solution thoroughly through a fine mesh sieve before pouring into the sprayer to prevent clogging the sprayer nozzle. Mixing Ratio: Mix 1 part Jeevamrutham with 10 parts water. For a 4 gallon (16-20 liter) sprayer: Use 1.5 to 2 liters of Jeevamrutham and fill it with water. Per acre: You may need to use about 10 sprayers, using about 15-20 liters of concentrated fertilizer solution. Frequency and Timing Since this is not a chemical product, frequent applications are highly effective. Generally, it is applied every 14 days or once a month. Directions for Beans: For best results, apply at key stages: When the seedlings are fully leafed. Before flowering. During fruit set (budding). Precautions Leafy Vegetables: Avoid spraying directly on vegetables that are eaten raw (such as lettuce, parsley) to prevent the spread of E. coli from cow dung. Instead, apply it at the base. Soil preparation: You can also mix it into the soil during the preparation of the vegetable bed. Conclusion: This method is the cheapest and helps prevent soil degradation in the long run. We strongly encourage farmers to try this sustainable method to improve their yields and soil health. 📲 Download Mekong Farm today: https://onelink.to/mekongfarm 📱 Available on Google Play & App Store #mekongfarmapp #Mekongfarm #agriculture #smartaxiata

How to Choose a Sweet and Good Watermelon Watermelon contains about 92% water, which makes it delicious and naturally sweet. Eating watermelon helps cool the body, quenches thirst, and reduces body heat. It also helps replenish lost fluids in the body and makes you feel refreshed and energized. Watermelon has no fat or cholesterol, and is rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C. It is very low in calories, making it a healthy and nutritious fruit. Especially in summer, eating lots of watermelon is the best thing to do. In the past, watermelon was mainly eaten only in summer, but now it is available all year round. If you want to choose a sweet and good watermelon, consider the following tips: Tips for choosing a good watermelon (1) Check the bottom of the watermelon. The spots that directly touch the ground (field spots) should be creamy white or yellow. If white → good If yellow → even better and sweeter (2) Look at the shape and stem A watermelon with a long shape usually has more water. A watermelon with a round shape usually has a sweeter taste. If the stem is still very green, it means the watermelon is not yet fully ripe. (3) Look at the color and stripes Although the stripes look similar, the older (bolder) the green color usually means it is sweeter. (4) Look at the shape of the stem A curled stem usually indicates that the watermelon is sweeter than a straight stem. (5) Look at the circle at the bottom Small circle → thin rind Large circle → thick rind 📲 Download Mekong Farm today: https://onelink.to/mekongfarm #MekongFarm farmapp #Mekongfarm #agriculture #smartaxiata

Oil prices have risen sharply, fertilizer prices have risen sharply, rice is priced at 700-750 riel/kilogram, what more can farmers hope for? Next season, I will only grow a little rice for food and seeds.

I want to know about fresh prawn growing

The yams started to bear fruit, but at that stage the plants withered and died. Out of the three or four plots planted, only one plot was affected and showed the symptoms shown in the picture.

What happen? That problem is on my cucumber leaves. Which pesticide do I need to use?

Mixed Cropping Strategies Definition: Mixed cropping (also known as polyculture) is an agricultural practice that involves growing two or more crops on the same land at the same time. This can be done in rows, in strips, or randomly mixed, depending on the cropping system. Benefits: 📲 Download Mekong Farm today: https://onelink.to/mekongfarm 📱 Available on Google Play & App Store

Can I use the corn seed from my previous year corn harvest?

Good Companion Crops to Plant with Pumpkin Pumpkin trees are not only edible and beautiful, but they also grow well when planted next to other crops. Pumpkins are considered one of the “Three Sisters” along with corn and beans. Pumpkins, corn, and beans are collectively called the “Three Sisters” and are often planted together. Although planting these three crops together may seem a bit strange, in practice they can benefit each other and help each other grow well. In addition, there are a few other plants that can be planted next to pumpkins to help them grow: 📲 Download Mekong Farm today: https://onelink.to/mekongfarm 📱 Available on Google Play & App Store