Imagine if every farm could turn waste into treasure—Axel Integrated Farm has done exactly that. Traditionally, coconut husks have been burned or discarded as waste, significantly harming the environment through carbon emissions, air pollution, and wasted natural resources. At Axel Integrated Farm, we've revolutionized this overlooked resource, turning coconut husks into natural mulch for our coconut trees, helping both the environment and our bottom line.
Comparing Mulching Methods:
- Plastic Mulch:
- Cost: ₱8,000–₱12,000 per hectare/year
- Environmental impact: Microplastic pollution, non-biodegradable
- No Mulching:
- Increased water usage: Up to 70% more due to evaporation
- Weed control cost: Increased labor and herbicide use
- Coconut Husk Mulching:
- Lifespan: Approximately 2-3 years per application
- Initial Cost: ₱2,000–₱4,000 per hectare (collection and labor)
- Savings on irrigation: Reduces water use by up to 30% annually, equivalent to around ₱3,000–₱5,000 in savings per hectare
- Weed control savings: Cuts weed management labor costs by up to 60%, saving roughly ₱2,500 per hectare annually
- Increased productivity: Improves coconut yields by 15-20%, significantly increasing farmers' income
- Environmental benefits: Fully biodegradable, zero waste, substantially reduces carbon footprint
Estimated Annual Economic Impact per Hectare:
- Total Annual Savings: Approximately ₱5,000–₱7,000
- Income increase (due to yield improvement): Additional ₱5,000–₱10,000 per hectare/year
This practice directly aligns with Axel Integrated Farm's mission for zero waste, making our copra production now completely sustainable.
This innovation was implemented following my attendance at the "Train of the Trainers on Good Agriculture Practice for Coconut production" at the Davao Research Center of PCA Region 10. Special thanks to PCA Region 8, headed by Regional Manager Joel L. Pilapil, for providing this invaluable learning opportunity.
💬 Would you adopt coconut husk mulching on your farm? Let us know your thoughts!
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