It is becoming important for more and more people all over the world to eat and grow organic food. There has been a general backlash against the irresponsible use of fertilizers and pesticides to grow food that have lead to soil degradation and super bugs that develop resistance to pesticides. Also chemical pesticides and fertilizers pollute water sources and have been linked to human health problems.

Bamboo can be grown 50 feet away from an area intended for cultivation. Any closer and the bamboo culms drain the soil of water. Growing bamboo, nearby the soil benefits from bamboo’s high level of gas production and circulation.

It is also possible to buy bamboo fertilizer that contains bamboo shoots and nitrogen. Bamboo shoots are rich in potassium that produces a healthy root system, better water retention and strong growth. The bamboo shoot fertilizer also produces better oxygenated soil and chemically balanced soil.

Another option is to add small pieces of bamboo charcoal to soil and mix it in well. It adds potassium to the soil and enriches the soil. Tests in Japan have shown that bamboo fertilizer made from bamboo charcoal increases crop volumes by 40% compared to soil with no fertilizer. You can buy bamboo charcoal fertilizer or you can make your own by grinding up bamboo charcoal.

Bamboo shoots and bamboo charcoal can be used as a natural and safe pesticide. Bamboo contains a substance called ‘kun’ that is naturally antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti bacterial. Pests and pathogens don’t like bamboo. By placing bamboo in the soil it repels pests and protects tree and plant life.

Bamboo can grow in nearly any climate and is easy to establish. It grows quicker than any other plant. Because bamboo can be grown organically it makes the ideal plant from which safe fertilizer and pesticide can be made.