hügelkultur, is a mounding technique that has been practiced for millenniums. the mounds are mostly built by layering larger material at the core and smaller material towards the surface, of organic matter, biomass. mounding provides many advantages and improves soil, most importantly habitat for microbial life.

every civilization has practiced mounding in some form or other. a mound, most likely is not tilled, reducing the chances of soil disturbance. fungal and bacterial life thrives in the mound, of aerobic conditions. reduction in tillage is important to build good soil.

using locally available tree biomass, helps reduce the need for the tree biomass to be transported, to be processed and our need to build up organic matter in our soil, significantly reducing the use of resources and we get to sequester the carbon, improving the soil fertility.

apparent advantage of hügelkultur are:

• improved soil hydrology, trench improves inflow of water, allowing the biomass to wick moisture, the biomass acts like a sponge, improves moisture retention, becomes available during drier times, reducing dependence on irrigation or weather ills

• spurs and improves fungal and bacterial activity

• gradual decomposition of biomass provides consistent long-term source of nutrients

• decomposing biomass aided by fungal and bacterial activity, generates warmth that creates micro climate, slightly extending growing season

• larger the bed, longer the benefits

• improved soil aeration

• improved carbon sequestration, microbial activity converts biomass into soil organic carbon

• improved drainage

• subsequent reduction in soil tillage

• any failure, loss remains to be short term as natural matter and microbial activity quickly contributes balance and long term gains

Indigenous Mound Builders in Uruguay

The Three Sisters of Indigenous American Agriculture