The huge compost pit produces 2,500 litres of compost every fortnight. The compost thus collected is fed to seven- and-a-half acre of vineyard.
Investing on a pit
The compost pit is eight ft deep and 13 ft wide. It can contain eight to ten loads of leaves. Though the construction cost runs upto Rs 80,000, farmers can avail Rs 30,000 as subsidy.
“Slurry from gobar gas pit, kitchen waste and organic waste from cattleshed are channelised into the pit. Once in every 15 days, the compost is fed into the vineyard,” said Soorappa.
Less fertilisers
Use of compost reduces the application of fertilisers by half, he added.
Farmers should construct compost pits and reduce input cost in the form of fertilisers and pesticides. Use of compost also enhances soil fertility, said Assistant Director of Department of Agriculture Raghavendra.