prepared by Nguyễn Thị Trang – PHANO

On February 8, at Bai Thuong Cooperative, Thanh Xuan, Soc Son, Hanoi, ALiSEA Vietnam participated in a field workshop to review and discuss the results of experimental trials conducted by farmer groups of the Thanh Xuan Intergroup under PGS Vietnam. More than 40 representatives (35 women) attended, including members of the Thanh Xuân PGS organic farmers’ intergroup, the Thanh Xuân Commune Farmers’ Union, the President of the PGS Vietnam Alliance, the Director of the Organic Agriculture Center – Vietnam National University of Forestry, and ALiSEA representatives.

The workshop focused on sharing and evaluating the results of five composting formulas based on Japanese methods:

• Chicken manure composted with straw and rice bran.
• Cow manure composted with straw and rice bran.
• Pig manure & Cow manure composted with straw and rice bran.
• Cow manure and Pig manure composted with straw and rice bran.
• Mixed compost from various livestock manure sources with straw and rice bran.

Initial analysis showed that these composting methods met nutritional standards, contained no antibiotic residues, and had heavy metal levels within permissible limits. The compost was tested on vegetables such as tomatoes, green beans, cabbage, spinach, and potatoes. 

Particularly promising results were observed with spinach, which was harvested 40 days after sowing and met safety standards. Other crops will be further examined during their respective harvest periods.

During the workshop, farmers and experts discussed the benefits of the Japanese composting method, emphasizing its role in ensuring fertilizer quality. Most importantly, they explored ways to optimize the composting process and reduce production costs, enabling local farmers to adopt and integrate these organic solutions into their farming practices.