KEYHOLE GARDEN: UMA HORTA AUTO-REGENERATIVA

Abstract

Food security remains a global challenge, exacerbated by climate change, which impacts water availability and agricultural production. In this context, the Keyhole Garden emerges as a viable alternative, especially in regions with water scarcity, due to its moisture retention capacity and use of organic waste for composting. The Keyhole Garden is a self-regenerative cultivation system originating from Africa, characterized by a central composting tower that utilizes household organic waste for fertilizer production. This method promotes efficient water use, reducing irrigation needs compared to traditional gardens. The objective of this study was to assess the technical, operational, and economic feasibility of implementing the Keyhole Garden in a rural property located in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goiás. To this end, Keyhole Garden systems and traditional gardens were built and monitored, measuring the amount of water used, the efficiency of the composting process, and crop productivity. The methodology involved the construction of an Independent and Accessible Keyhole Garden model, with dimensions suited to the available space. Management included minimal irrigation, monitoring of plant development, and the daily addition of organic waste to the composting tower. Water efficiency was analyzed by measuring the volume of water used and soil moisture retention rates. The results indicated that the Keyhole Garden requires significantly less water than a traditional garden due to its layered structure, which enhances moisture retention, and the gradual release of nutrients from composting. Additionally, composting contributed to plant nutrition, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting greater environmental sustainability. It is concluded that the Keyhole Garden is a viable alternative for sustainable vegetable production, offering environmental and economic benefits for both small producers and urban and rural communities. The adoption of this model may represent progress in food security and in reducing the environmental impact associated with excessive water use and improper disposal of organic waste. Through this study, it was possible to state that this garden model achieved an 11% reduction in water usage compared to the traditional garden.