With an impressive collective effort, over 350 volunteers mobilized and, despite the cold weather, managed to plant 2,000 hazelnut saplings in record time. This action demonstrated not only the power of community but also our commitment to the environment.
At the beginning of the activity, students were organized into work teams and received protective equipment (gloves, mattocks) necessary to carry out the activity safely. Under the careful supervision of their teachers, each team was assigned to a row specially prepared for planting. Before planting, the saplings underwent an essential process to ensure successful rooting in the soil:
- Root trimming: to remove damaged portions and stimulate regeneration.
- Root mudding: the roots were soaked in a mixture of water, soil, and manure, forming a paste that protects the roots from dehydration and helps them take hold in the ground more effectively.
Planting Demonstration: Correct Steps to Follow
Students attended a practical planting demonstration, learning the following important steps:
- Digging the hole — deep and wide enough to comfortably accommodate the sapling’s roots
- Inspecting and positioning the sapling — with the root collar (the transition area between the root and stem) at soil level.
- Applying mud paste to the roots, if needed additionally, for protection.
- Covering the roots with soil — firmly compacted to eliminate air pockets that could dry out the roots.
- Forming a small basin around the sapling to retain water.
- Watering immediately to help settle the soil around the roots more effectively.
Taking Responsibility
Each sapling was individually inspected by the organizers and teachers. If a sapling was not planted properly, students were asked to replant it. This practice encouraged a sense of responsibility and taught them the importance of attention to detail and doing a job well. Mistakes became learning opportunities, with each correction reinforcing the students’ practical knowledge.
The Importance of Mulching in Planting
An essential part of our activity was the mulching process — an agricultural technique highly beneficial for the health of young plants. Mulching involves covering the soil around the saplings’ roots with a layer of plant-based mulch, produced using a special shredder.
Through mulching:
- Soil moisture is retained, reducing water evaporation and the need for frequent watering.
- Roots are protected from extreme temperatures — both the cold of winter and the heat of summer.
- Weed growth is suppressed, preventing competition with the saplings for water and nutrients.
- Soil fertility is improved, as the plant material naturally decomposes and releases nutrients.
In addition to planting and mulching, we also carried out educational activities focused on environmental protection. Volunteers, especially students, had access to separate waste collection bins: for plastic, cardboard, paper, and compostables. Together, we learned:
- How to correctly distinguish between types of packaging (e.g., plain plastic vs. laminated cardboard).
- Why it’s important to clean packaging before recycling.
- How we can reduce unnecessary waste by using reusable cups.
- What hazardous waste is and how to manage it safely.
Compostable Toilet: An Eco-Friendly Solution
Another example of sustainability was the compostable eco-toilet, which uses sawdust instead of water. This solution:
- Eliminates unpleasant odors.
- Turns waste into fertile compost for the soil.
- Drastically reduces water consumption.
Participants had the chance to see firsthand how simple solutions can have a significant impact on the environment.
This project is part of the initiative EDUCATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS, funded by the Environmental Fund through the program aimed at public education and awareness on environmental protection. www.afm.ro
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