STS Gallery: A Visual Journey to BunduTeq Innovation

Welcome to the Sustainability Testing Station (STS) Gallery—a visual history of SPeS’s journey in sustainable tech. Explore the evolution of our methods, from early hydroponics trials to our current BioChar-enhanced systems

🧪Hydroponics Evolution: From Bottles to Bottom-Feed Brilliance

Hydroponics has significantly evolved at STS, transitioning from basic soda water bottle setups to more sophisticated 5-litre Dutch bucket systems, designed to refine and optimize hydroponic nutrients. One notable advancement is the creation of Alpha and Omega binary hydroponic nutrients, developed specifically to address bottom end rot—a prevalent issue caused by calcium deficiency. South Africa offers water-soluble nutrients tailored for “Fertigation” practices…

Fertigation essentially applies hydroponic techniques and nutrients to soil-based agriculture. However, it differs in that several macronutrients, notably calcium, are typically excluded from the mix due to their natural abundance in soil.

MS Copilot Insight

🍄Mushroom Cultivation: Waste to Wonder (2018–2022)

In 2018, we embarked on an intriguing journey into mushroom cultivation, starting from the ground up. This venture presented numerous challenges, offering invaluable insights at every turn. There was a stage at which we nearly ceased our efforts, but our fortunes changed when we discovered mushroom spawn bags equipped with 0.22 micron filters—marking a pivotal moment. Presently, we are proud importers of these essential bags. We’ve also innovated by creating reusable polypropylene spawn bottles. Throughout, we have stayed true to our commitment to sustainability.

To enhance substrate quality, we introduced BioaKt, a premium booster initially for Low Tek mushrooms and now essential for buffering Coco Coir in hydroponics. This has markedly improved our growing mediums. For optimal grow room conditions, we upgraded from a basic evaporative cooler to Smart Ultrasonic Humidification tech—a game-changer for humidity control.

🪱Vermicomposting & VermiPonics: Worms as Wizards (2023–2024)

As mushroom cultivation thrived, we accumulated spent mushroom substrate (SMS). In 2022, during a post-pandemic road trip across SA (when hydroponic nutrients were scarce, if not non-existent), we found vermicompost in Pretoria! Worms love SMS! We started with a modest 192-litre flow-through vermicompost bin (CFT) and scaled to 2000 litres by 2023.

End of 2022 into 2023, vermicompost became a viable SMS/compost alternative in organic hydroponics. Experiments evolved from soda bottle methods to bottom-feed potted plants on trays, then interlocking blocks—birthing Vermiponics. This fully organic system mixes vermicompost, sawdust, and sand, using only water (no synthetics). It excelled with Elephant Garlic and lettuce.

🧬 BunduTeq Integration and BioChar Revelation (2024 – Date)

As of 2023, our Biological Efficiency had soared from under 40% to nearly 150%, thanks to the refinements and solutions found [like Bundu Tek pasteurization with BioaKt]. Now, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) feeds directly into CFT system – with household, STS urban farm waste and garden cuttings – for a complete Sustainable garden. We named this BunduTeq – a complete circular backyard organic recycling system.

In 2024, we blended vermicompost into seedling mixes with BioaKt-buffered Coco Coir (high Germination Index). We produced VitaVermi worm tea—a near-panacea! It controlled aphids on a winter green pepper bush, sparking flowers and fruit. We enhanced it with Elephant Garlic extract for VitaVermi Shield, effective against slugs too!

Then just as I though my Sabbatical was past – I got my grubby little hands on BioChar this year- and the epiphany of “Terra Perta”! , we fused vermicompost with biochar for VermiCHARged BAM!—a “microbial hotel” echoing ancient Terra Preta. One 2mm biochar grain hosts microbes like a tennis court fortress, boosting yields 88%, water retention 13%, and cutting emissions 30%.

The vermicompost charges this perennial biome bunker, extending the microbial Vermi-Biome into long-term soil fertility. This has had a drastic effect on transferring BunduTeq into a whole new line—and already made several new products possible, from VermChar BAM! to Bundu Synthetic Spawn.

📷Explore the Gallery: Share Your STS Story

Relive the breakthroughs through these photos—or add yours to our IMBY community! From contaminated fails to 150% efficiency wins, every snap tells a tale of BunduTeq resilience In My BackYard – IMBY!

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