At the outset around 2007, the soil was tested and found to be quite acid (pH only about 4.5). To improve drainage and soil retention, the land was then terraced with raised beds one meter wide and mostly 8 meters long. Finely ground dolomite rock was spread about and compost liberally applied to raise the pH. A nearby barn is used not only to raise the goats and sheep whose droppings serve for compost but it is also where we make it.

Almost daily our highly-prized, organic compost is made from cut grass and fresh leaves mixed together with banana tree stalks. A diesel-powered machine is used to shred the grass and leaves, promoting faster fermentation. We combine the droppings and urine of our goats to maximize nitrogen fixing and soil fertility.