By collecting branches, fallen leaves, weeds, grass after mowing, etc., and breaking them into small pieces and agitating them, microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi promote the decomposition of fallen leaves and dead organisms.
Eco-stacks are installed in places for environmental education.
Organic matter is carbon, and its high content in the soil reduces carbon dioxide emissions and can be fed to plants as compost, making it suitable for a wide range of uses, from observing organisms to making compost.
By successfully creating a habitat for decomposers, a soil rich in nutrients and organic matter can be created, providing a home for many organisms.
For example, earthworms eat bacteria and soil together in the soil and use them in their intestines to become feces, which are then stirred into the soil. Termites live symbiotically with fungi in their intestines that help them digest wood, and they eat dead and fallen trees, decompose them, and turn them into soil. Thanks to these activities, the soil is rich in nutrients, crops are grown, and we can feel that we are living on the food we eat every day.
Why did Charles Darwin choose earthworms and soil for his last book in his later years? Couldn't the big theme entrusted to these small animals be the basis for solving today's environmental and other problems?
This time, we installed Eco Stack next to the mountain forest at Tsuda Gakuen Elementary School in Kuwana City.
We collected fallen leaves and branches from forest maintenance, etc., and had fun learning about the environment!
We call it
Take a peek and see the HAPPY ECO STACK!
Used wooden pallets were provided by Oki Botanical Garden Co. in Suzuka City and used for the outer frame.
Some places trade in pallets that are no longer in use, so it is a good idea to reuse pallets that are no longer in use.
I applied preservative only on the outside in advance. Next time I would like to apply preservative-free preservative.
Production procedure of how to make ecostacks
manufacturing process
1. Arrange the palette in the finishing position and make the parts.
<Making 4 parts
Vertical A123
Vertical B123
Horizontal
Horizontal
Connecting board (thick) → 3.8cm wood screw
Connecting plate (thin) → 3.8cm wood screws
Binder plate (thick) → 5cm or 7cm tapping screw
Impact
carrying in
(1) Connect each pallet with a connecting board
(2) Create the inside of the palette
Horizontal parts → acrylic board + plywood
Vertical parts: 2 large and 1 small sheet
7cm or 9cm tapping screws
Wooden pallets with holes were used and acrylic plates were attached from the inside to allow observation of the inside of the soil.
2. After completing the four parts, the finished position was checked and assembled into a box shape.
3. Connect the verticals to the interior with a connecting board for the corners.
If there are unstable elements, drive stakes to stabilize them (not done this time).
*If it is difficult to see inside, cut with a jigsaw + sanding
4. Place and stabilize the logs in the four corners of the eco-stack.
The trees piled up in the middle will be a home for the creatures.
5. Move the pre-chipped cedar inside and spread it out, stirring and mixing it with the grass.
6. Cleanup of the surrounding area
7. Eco-Stack signage installed and complete!
You can install it in your garden or school and enjoy making compost while observing the changes in the soil and the organisms that live there, creating a natural cycle. How about creating your own original eco-stack by combining materials?