What is a mulch basin and why is it a good solution for treating your HomeBiogas Bio-
Toilet effluent?
Mulch basin is a well-tested permaculture landscaping method for filtering, spreading and absorbing grey water and pre-treated black water. It is a simple method for watering trees and shrubs with recycled water. The effluent that comes out of the HomeBiogas Bio-Toilet is an ideal liquid source for this method since it is low in organic solids and high in nutrients, ready to be used in well-drained, mulched and composted soils. You can find more information about mulch basins here.
Where should you locate your mulch basin ?
Slightly downhill from the HomeBiogas system’s outlet in order to utilize gravity to move the effluent
On existing fruit trees, shrubs and ornamentals that could thrive on extra fertilizer.
As a fertilizer line alongside standard irrigation lines.
Be aware that your treatment of the effluent may fall under the jurisdiction of your local municipality. As regulations differ widely from place to place, it is up to the local municipality to advise on this matter.
What to avoid?
Do not let the effluent spill directly over the mulch or soil. Always have the pipe flow under ground level.
Do not use the effluent to water vegetables. Only use with trees or shrubs.
Do not water local native trees and vegetation since it would not benefit from the fertilizer
Do not collect and store the effluent for future use
Do not handle the effluent
How to construct a mulch-basin solution for your Bio-Toilet effluent?
Step 1:
If you haven't set up your HomeBiogas system yet, try to find a location that would be close to existing trees or shrubs that could benefit from it.
If your system is already set up and running, observe its surroundings for options to direct the effluent downhill towards trees or shrubs.
If you don’t have existing vegetation to fertilize, create the same system as instructed in the steps below and plant new plants in it as directed.
Step 2:
Cut a 1.5 meter long, 50mm diameter , standard PVC pipe and drill 10mm wide holes, 15 cm apart length wise, from end to end. The pipe should be left open for over flow.
Step 3:
Dig a 2 meter long, 30 cm deep, 30 cm wide ditch, under the drip line of a fruit tree or along-side the base of shrubs
Fill with 10 cm well-matured compost and cover with 10 cm of mulch
It is recommended to use finely shredded wood chips for this method.
Mix in EM (Bokashi) and red-worms (optional but recommended)
Put the PVC line level on the mulch and connect it to the Home Biogas System's outlet.
Cover the pipe with additional 10 cm mulch
V - The system is ready to use
How to maintain it?
Before planting new plants, always give the mulch basin a few weeks to soak in the bio-toilet effluent and start biological processes.
Add red-worms and EM (Effective Micro-Organisms in liquid or "Bokashi" forms) into the mulched area.
Add or replace mulch when needed
Inspect and clean the pipe's holes every 6 months.
Some plants may need additional watering. Watch closely for growth rate and quality and add water if needed according to plant and soil types, and your local climate conditions.
Other options and recommendations
It is optional to create a Wicking Bed or mulch-based biofilter for a semi-closed system that adds an extra usege and treatment for the biogas liquid before over flowing into trees.
Good luck! Let us know how does it work for you! Your feedback is important…