Compost Technology

Composting Biology

Composting is a method for treating solid waste in which organic material is broken down by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen to a point where it can be safely stored, handled and applied to the environment. Composting can benefit the environment as a natural fertilizer forgardening and farming.

Composting creates the ideal conditions for the natural decay or rotting processes that occur in nature. The compost conditions must be balanced for efficient decomposition.

* Organic waste - newspaper, leaves, grass, kitchen waste (fruits, vegetables), woody materials

* Plenty of air - source of oxygen, mixture should be turned daily or every other day

* Adequate water - mixture should be moist, but not soaking wet

* Proper mix of carbon to nitrogen - ratio should be about 30:1

* Small particle size - big pieces should be broken up, as smaller particles break down more rapidly

* Adequate amount of soil - should provide enough microorganisms for the process

How to Compost?

* During composting, microorganisms from the soil eat the organic (carbon containing) waste and break it down into its simplest parts. This produces a fiber-rich, carbon-containing humus with inorganic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

* The microorganisms break the material down through aerobic respiration, and require oxygen that they get from the air you introduce when you turn the material in the compost bin. The microorganisms also require water to live and multiply.

* Through the respiration process, the microorganisms give off carbon dioxide and heat -- temperatures within compost piles can rise as high as 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If the compost pile or bin is actively managed by turning and watering it regularly, the process of decomposing into finished compost can happen in as little as two to three weeks (otherwise, it may take months). 

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