Fertilisation Carbonée Massive en maraîchage biologique

Detailed report on trials of adding massive amount of organic material on an organic vegetable production. Main results : Soil fertility management using massive carbon inputs is an effective method for small-scale diversified market gardeners. The costs per hectare can be very high because the quantities used are in the order of several hundred tonnes, but when reduced to the surface area to be fertilised (a few hundred m²), the work is entirely feasible. The‘fertilising’ effect of these massive carbon inputs has been verified, since the indicators of good soil health and fertility are very good (organic matter rate, humus C/N, CEC, etc.). In addition, soil structure is improved, especially as living roots are present in the soil at the time of the massive input. As far as weed control using carbon mulch, such as compost, is concerned, Pierre Xavier has demonstrated theeffectiveness of this technique. The characteristics of certain types of compost mean that they can both feed plants and cover the soil, which limits weed dormancy. His experience has taught him to put in enough compost, more than 5 cm, to ensure that the compost mulch is effective against weeds.