January 31, 2025 – The Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory is developing a pilot initiative to raise awareness among ‘comunidades de montes’ about the potential of agricultural and forestry waste through transformation processes that add value to local resources and promote more sustainable land management. This initiative, which is part of Action 3 of the project, is coordinated by the Plataforma pola Defensa do Monte and has the backing of the Baroña Common Land Community, which provides the necessary spaces and resources to carry out this experiment.

The main objective is to transform the waste generated in the ‘montes’ into useful materials for fertilizing forest plantations and restoring degraded soils. “We seek to test innovative and effective methods for treating this waste, taking advantage of its great potential, which has so far been underexploited. And, because we trust in its capacity, we are evaluating the possibility of opening up a specific area at the Baroña Processing Center, located in Porto do Son, to continue these activities on a larger scale”, says Ovidio Queiruga, president of the Baroña CMVMC.

As part of the pilot test, a large pile was made from a mixture of goat shed bedding, manure, a base of gorse and straw, and shredded forest pruning waste from community forestry work. In addition, smaller piles were created with variations in the proportions of the materials, with the aim of analyzing which ones offer the best results. Over the past few months, the piles have been turned periodically to ensure they reach the temperatures necessary to eliminate pathogens, sanitize the mixture, and optimize its decomposition. The result has been 30 m³ of high-quality compost, available for use by the community.

Turning the pile plays a fundamental role in this process. Introducing oxygen is essential for the functioning of the aerobic microorganisms responsible for the decomposition of organic matter. It also helps distribute the temperature evenly, ensuring that all parts of the pile reach the conditions necessary to eliminate pathogens and unwanted seeds. Turning also helps maintain a balanced moisture level and prevent compaction of the material, thus ensuring good oxygen circulation and a more efficient process.

With the support of funds received from the Biodiversity Foundation (as part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union), in addition to generating quality fertilizer, this initiative aims to teach the communities of Barbanza the procedures necessary for the treatment of forest and livestock waste. The main focus is on its use for the regeneration of degraded soils and the improvement of forest areas.

“The Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory seeks to apply the results of this experience in future actions, with the aim of training communities in the comprehensive management of the forest waste cycle, from collection to processing, thus promoting sustainable management that respects natural resources”, says Rafael Saco, president of the Plataforma pola Defensa do Monte.