Composting is a process that utilizes microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to break down organic wastes. Through its use of carbon, the nitrogen-containing materials are degraded until a uniform product is formed as a soil amendment with various advantages. Not only does Composting reduce waste volume and eliminate potential pests through the heat generated during the process, but it also produces a valuable product that can be added to soil to increase its organic matter content. This improves many soil characteristics and provides slow-release nutrients for future crop use.

How to compost?

Composting is a simple and effective way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens or for indoor plants. If you’re new to composting, here are some basic steps to get started.

1. Choose the right container: You can use a traditional compost bin, but there are also options like tumblers or even DIY solutions using old pallets or bins. Make sure your container has good airflow and drainage.

2. Layer your ingredients: Start with a layer of twigs or straw at the bottom for air circulation. Then alternate layers of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, leaves, and shredded paper.

3. Add water: Your Compost Pile should be moist but not soggy. Water it regularly to maintain the right moisture level—think of it as a damp sponge rather than dripping wet.

4. Turn it regularly: Every few weeks, use a pitchfork or shovel to mix up your compost pile.

5. Be patient: Composting takes time—usually several months to a year—depending on factors like temperature and the size of your pile. Keep adding more materials as you go along, and eventually, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready to use!

What not to Compost!

1. Diseased Plants: Avoid composting plants or plant parts that are diseased, as the composting process may not kill all pathogens, and you risk spreading diseases in your garden when you use the compost.
2. Meat, Fish, and Dairy: These items can attract pests and produce strong Odors as they decompose. They can also introduce harmful bacteria into the compost.
3. Grease, Oil, and Fat: These substances can create a slimy, anaerobic environment in the compost pile and lead to unpleasant Odors. Instead, dispose of them in the trash or recycle cooking oils at designated facilities.
4. Bones: Bones take a long time to decompose and may not break down fully in a backyard compost pile. They can also attract scavengers like rodents.
5. Invasive Plants: Avoid composting invasive plant species, as they may not be fully killed during composting and can potentially take root and spread in your garden.
6. Coal or Charcoal Ash: Ash from coal, charcoal, or treated wood can contain substances that are harmful to plants and may disrupt the composting process.
7. Plastic, Glass, Metal, and Synthetic Materials: Non-organic materials like plastic bags, metal objects, glass, and synthetic fabrics should never be composted. They can contaminate the compost and harm the environment.
8. Chemical-Treated Wood: Wood that has been pressure-treated or treated with chemicals should not be composted because it can contain toxic substances.
9. Cooked Foods and Oily Leftovers: Cooked foods can attract pests and create odors, and the oils in leftovers can disrupt the composting process.
10. Non-Biodegradable Materials: Any items that are not biodegradable, including plastic utensils, aluminum foil, and synthetic food wrappers, should be kept out of the compost pile.

Benefits of composting

• Save Landfills Space: Approximately 60% of all garbage is non-recyclable paper, food, and yard waste, which can all be composted. Landfills are expensive and detrimental to the environment. Composting is the most effective way to recycle food & yard waste. Reducing the amount of garbage in landfills saves money, conserves natural resources, and improves public health.
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Food and yard waste rots, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas 24 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Composting improves public health & air quality.
• Reduce Soil Erosion: This helps maintain levies, riverbanks, and farmland. Erosion can cause floods to be much worse and make farmland stop producing crops. It promotes aeration & improves soil structure.
• Protects Environment: By using compost, you can suppress plant disease, reduce pests, and eliminate chemical fertilizer use. By reducing pesticides and herbicides, you create healthier plants, healthier wildlife, and avoid poisonous chemicals in our rivers, streams, and drinking water.
• Conserve Water: It can greatly reduce your monthly water bill and help defend against draughts. 100 pounds of humus holds 195 pounds of water!
• Improve Soil Quality: It supports microbes and other organisms that promote healthy roots and pump important nutrients into the soil. Compost contains millions of living organisms.

Conclusion

Composting is a simple yet effective way to manage waste and contribute to a greener environment. By recycling organic materials, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and create nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish our gardens and plants.

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