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Composting

Composting. Wyandotte County Kansas State Research & Extension. Composting. What is composting? A natural way of returning plant matter to the soil in the form of humus. A biological process by which microorganisms covert organic materials into a dark humus-rich soil-like material.

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Composting

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  1. Composting Wyandotte County Kansas State Research & Extension

  2. Composting • What is composting? A natural way of returning plant matter to the soil in the form of humus. A biological process by which microorganisms covert organic materials into a dark humus-rich soil-like material.

  3. Composting Why compost? • Recycle garden & yard waste into a valuable resource • Enhances soil physical & chemical properties • Adds nutrients to the soil • Saves money • Reduces the amount of solid waste going into landfills • Improve the environment

  4. Composting How do I compost? • Select the site – where water will not stand • Build or select a compost bin Materials: wooden pallets cement blocks snow fence chicken wire Structure: 5’ square or round bin

  5. Composting How do I compost? • Gather materials Browns – source of carbon dried leaves, straw, wood chips Greens – source of nitrogen grass clippings, garden plants, most kitchen wastes (avoid meat scrapes)

  6. Composting Making the compost pile • Start with a layer of soil – 2-3” deep • Add organic materials in layers 3-6” deep browns greens • Add a commercial garden fertilizer ½ cup/bushel of material • Repeat the sequence as organic materials become available • Water each layer as it is added

  7. Composting Maintaining the compost pile • Water regularly – every week if it doesn’t rain the top of the pile should be dish-shaped • Turn the material with a pitchfork every week or so - decomposition creates heat

  8. Composting What happens during composting? • A complex web of organisms (bacteria, fungi, and insects) break down the material to humus When is it ready to use? • 4 to 6 months after starting the pile • Compost will be dark, moist & crumbly • It should have the odor of moldy leaves or a rich earthy odor.

  9. Composting How can I use the compost? • In vegetable & flower gardens mix 1” of compost into top 3” of soil • Top dressing for lawns • Mulch around trees & shrubs

  10. Composting Composting don’ts: • Don’t use meat or dairy products, fats or oils • Don’t use dog or cat feces (litter box materials) • Don’t add weeds that have gone to seed • Don’t add diseased plant materials • Don’t add bermuda or quackgrass

  11. Composting Problem Solving • Odors - Aerate the pile by turning - Add brown (carbon) materials – dry leaves, straw, wood chips, etc. • Pile Not Heating - Add more materials - Add water while turning - Add green (nitrogen) materials – grass clippings or garden fertilizer

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