While it takes thousands of years for the
earth’s forces to build good soil,
we can help do this in 5 – 10 years
by adding compost—which adds microorganisms,
arthropods, worms, and humus to the soil.
The word “compost” comes from
Latin where it meant “to put together.”
This is what we do when we compost—we
put together the correct amounts of compostable
materials to make a great soil amendment.
For
centuries, farmers have
made and used compost to improve
soil.
Composting is part of the
earth’s biological cycle
of
growth and decay. Energy
from the sun, carbon dioxide
from
the air, and nutrients
from water and soil make plants
grow.
When they die and decompose
through a complex process involving
microorganisms such as
fungi, bacteria, insects, mites
and
worms, nutrients go back
into the soil, and carbon dioxide
back into the air. The
humus remaining from this decay
process
provides soil with organic
matter that can hold water and
nutrients
in the soil, making it
easier to till.
Think
of composting as the act
of growing microorganisms. While
a
vegetable farmer is attuned
to fertility, cultivation, water
and seasonal needs of a
crop, composters should consider
their types
of compostable materials, sometimes
called
feedstocks,
how to prepare them, and
their moisture needs to ensure
quality
compost. Actually, it is
easier for composters to control
compost
pile conditions than it
is for a farmer to control the
weather.
This
manual explains the many
interdependent factors fundamental
in planning composting
projects or analyzing composting
operations:
Biology
and chemistry of compost
Compost
needs (materials &
methods to ensure quality compost)
Composter’s
needs (considerations
before choosing a compost method)
Compost
benefits and uses
Conclusion
Whether
you have a large operation,
or a small backyard pile, whether
you compost “hot”
and fast, or “slow”
and
cold, making compost always
involves the same biological
principles.
Composting methods may
be different, depending on various
conditions
or economic considerations.
When choosing what method to
use,
keep in mind all the factors
to decide whether to pursue a
traditional, well established
compost plan or create another
innovative method that can meet
the same expectations
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