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Composting 101

Composting 101. What is compost?. Organic (contains carbon) material that can be used as a soil additive. Comes from decomposing organic household waste and yard waste. Purpose of Compost. Compost is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosophorus, and potassium.

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Composting 101

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  1. Composting 101

  2. What is compost? • Organic (contains carbon) material that can be used as a soil additive. • Comes from decomposing organic household waste and yard waste.

  3. Purpose of Compost • Compost is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosophorus, and potassium. • Compost protects plants against diseases. • Compost provides a neutral pH soil structure for plant growth.

  4. Humus • Mature compost that has reached a stable level and will not break down any further • Provides essential nutrients for plant growth and increases water absorption • This is the end goal we are looking for!

  5. Decompose? • Decomposition: process by which organic material breaks down into simpler matter. • Decomposers: microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that aid in the process of decomposition.

  6. Leachate • A liquid extracted from compost that contains nutrients • Used to help plant growth by raising the nutrient levels

  7. How does it work? (strategies/recommendations) • Materials • Temperature • Aeration • Moisture • TIME

  8. 1. MATERIALS • Organic materials (containing carbon) can be used in compost. • Kitchen scraps: vegetable and fruit waste, coffee grounds, paper, egg cartons, egg shells, etc. • Yard waste: grass clippings, leaves, dirt.

  9. Materials that speed up decomposition…

  10. Materials that take a long time to break down • Larger pieces of wood generally takes a while to decompose.

  11. Materials to avoid: • Meat, bones, dairy and fish can be harmful • Trash such as aluminum, plastic, metal, etc. do not decompose and should not be used in a pile.

  12. 2. TEMPERATURE • Compost goes through three temperature phases during the decomposition process ranging from 40-50 degrees Celsius (120-160 F). • Compost should be turned so that outer materials can be rotated towards the center of the pile in order to decompose.

  13. Temperature Graph

  14. *Watch Out* • If compost reaches 65 or higher degrees Celsius, that is too hot and may kill the microorganisms decomposing the material.

  15. 3. AERATION • It is important to turn the pile frequently in order to replenish oxygen sources towards the center of the pile. • Oxygen is needed by the microorganisms in order to decompose.

  16. 4. MOISTURE • Microorganisms thrive in a warm and moist environment. • Too much water can block air passage through the compost pile and suffocate the microorganisms.

  17. 5. TIME • Decomposition is a lengthy process, and it is important to give the materials time to decompose. • Choosing easily compostable materials is key, as is adding organisms such as worms.

  18. DING: Finished! • Compost is ready to use when it is a rich brown color and breaks apart easily. It should also have a sweet, earthy smell. • Composting can take anywhere between 3-6 months depending on the conditions of the pile, so be patient!

  19. Now your ready to growsome stuff!

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