On December 11th, we participated in a work day at the Agroecological Production Cooperative (COPA) in Guernica, where we combined a practical activity of making bocashi with monitoring the cultivation of the Ronita variety of native tomatoes, evaluated collaboratively by our colleagues from Minka. If you would like to read previous notes on this evaluation, click here.
We began the day by touring the facilities, which include a nursery for the production of native tree species, a seed house for the conservation of local varieties, and the corn crops planted during our last visit.
We then visited the area where the Ronita tomatoes were transplanted, consisting of two 7-meter ridges with a total of 31 plants. Almost all of the plants are developing well, with good growth and upright posture, reaching a height of about 60-70 centimeters; all are in the flowering stage and some plants are bearing their first fruits. There are two plants that have not developed like the others, being significantly shorter (about 20 centimeters) and not flowering at the moment. We will monitor them closely during future visits. In addition, the ridges have drip irrigation and the soil was fertilized with bocashi prior to transplanting.
The day continued with the preparation of bocashi, a fermented organic fertilizer. The process began with the formation of a layered pile, alternating ash, sawdust, and black soil, while molasses and yeast were added as biological activators. Each layer was moistened to ensure uniform fermentation. After a period of maturation, this fertilizer is used to improve soil structure, increase microbial activity, and optimize water retention. If you are interested in learning more about bocashi, check out this video from INTA.
This visit was an enlightening experience where we were able to exchange practical knowledge about agroecological techniques. We thank Minka for allowing us to share this type of experience.
If, like Minka’s colleagues, you are interested in participatory improvement, please do not hesitate to contact us through our social media channels.