Composting of Nature Management Cuttings with Grass Clippings

The professional team at Natuurpunt mows an area of approximately 1 hectare by hand (rapidly). Grass clippings are collected and left at the edges of the plot. While the material disintegrates over time, there is an accumulation of residual material that gradually reduces the surface area of biodiverse grassland and creates unwanted nutrient-rich spots within the nature reserve. There are some farmers who hold usage agreements for grazing on other plots within the reserve, with whom Natuurpunt could potentially collaborate.

Two options are being considered:

1. Immediate Transport: After mowing, the biomass can be transported directly to a farmer who can compost it on their premises alongside their own materials.
2. Static Compost Heap: Establishing a static compost heap within the nature reserve, provided the material has the necessary characteristics, such as a sufficiently high carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. The addition of wood chips may be necessary, and/or wetting the material using water from the nearby stream.