Coffee and its eco-uses in the soil
The world is becoming more eco-friendly. We know that using lots of airmiles is not good for the environment (especially when buying food produce). Local and seasonal foodstuffs are best. As such and in the light of the gloomy economic climate, many of us have resorted to growing our own fruit and vegetables – perhaps by converting an area of our gardens or maybe by getting an allotment (an increasingly popular past-time).
However, did you know that coffee can also act as an excellent organic source for the soil? Research has shown that if you mulch coffee grounds with decaying matter, such as leaves or straw, around the base of plants, you can do them a lot of good.
It has been revealed that once coffee has been brewed, the acidity is largely eliminated and the product is more or less neutral. The chemical content of these grounds, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, are all good nutrients which nurture plants. It’s best not to disturb the root of the plants when you add this eco-coffee-mulch around them though.
By mixing the coffee grounds with the decaying material, you are also helping to speed up the composting process. The other matter will also help to counteract any residual acidity in the coffee grounds.
Of course, there are other avenues for ethically conscious coffee-lovers to make a positive contribution to the world as they sip their cup of coffee. By choosing Fair Trade products, for example, you will be supporting farmers who benefit from this programme of improving the terms of trade in disadvantaged countries.