When Chrissy from Kawea Community Garden reached out for support, Radice Soil Solutions partnered with the garden to develop innovative solutions for improving soil health. Together, we implemented a Johnson-Su Bioreactor to boost soil organism diversity and laid plans for a liquid fertilizer and biological spray cover to promote a thriving garden ecosystem.

What is a Johnson-Su Bioreactor?

The Johnson-Su Bioreactor is a passive composting system designed to produce biologically rich, fungal-dominant compost. Unlike traditional methods, this approach avoids turning, ensuring minimal disturbance to the composting process. Key features include:

Aerobic Composting: Vertical aeration pipes maintain oxygen flow to support microbial activity.

Moisture Control: Regular hydration promotes microbial growth without waterlogging.

Fungal Dominance: Long-term composting (up to a year) encourages fungal colonization, critical for improving soil structure and nutrient cycling.

The result is a high-quality compost teeming with diverse microorganisms, perfect for enriching garden soils.

Expanding the Project

To complement the bioreactor’s output, we’re developing:

Liquid Fertilizer: A nutrient-rich solution derived from compost extracts to provide plants with an immediate nutrient boost.

Biological Spray Cover: A protective foliar spray with beneficial microorganisms to improve plant health and resilience against pests and diseases.

Creating a Thriving Garden

This partnership aims to establish a garden ecosystem that supports diverse soil life and healthy plant growth. By using innovative composting techniques and biological solutions, Kawea Community Garden is setting a benchmark for sustainable gardening practices.