Find a beach, which is safe and clean, to collect sea water from it. After diluting it with spring water, all elements that plants need will be present in small quantities.
Slice various types of algae found on the beach, as they contain many mineral salts that are quite rare on the surface of the earth’s crust.
Break down shells with a hammer, to help solubilise calcium carbonate.
Sieve the crushed shells to obtain a thin powder, which can readily be mixed in water.
Visit a healthy forest so as to collect a mixture of indigenous microorganisms from there. Use high-carbon-content matter as a substrate, for multiplying and transporting the inoculum, in order to avoid the unsustainable extraction of fertile earth.
Identify and clone local fungi, which are able to break down and neutralise problematic contaminants.
Propagate these species’ mycelium in a water based medium.
Find a container and an air compressor to aerate water.
Multiply a great variety of microorganisms by adding good quality compost to the liquid aerator.
Add algae and other seaborne materials to the process.
Profusely drench the soil you want to improve, so that the beneficial microorganisms can penetrate as deep as possible, and thence become able to restore the earth’s fertility.
End of part II – Continues in part III
This project is being developed at CCOP’s patio, Rua Duque de Loulé 202, Porto. It emerged in the context of «Pastos e Pastos - Gallery Energy», programmed by Galeria Municipal do Porto. It includes an exhibition at Mercado do Bolhão, where the steps in its development are displayed. The project has received support from Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and took form throughout two artistic residencies, at Coliseu do Porto and Galeria do Sol.
