Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials such as leaves, grass, and food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Compost improves soil health and plant growth by improving soil structure, helping it retain moisture, attracting beneficial organisms, and reducing reliance on pesticides. In addition to improving soil quality, compost also benefits the environment. Composting can help reduce waste and greenhouse gases, therefore helping in the fight against climate change. At first, the process of composting can appear complex. However, it is pretty simple once you know the steps.
You need four elements to create a good compost: nitrogen, carbon, air, and water. All materials used for compost contain carbon and different levels of nitrogen. For your compost to be successful, you have to use the right amount of materials to get the correct ratio. Having too much carbon can make your compost too dry, and it will take longer for it to break down. Having too much nitrogen can make your compost slimy, wet, and smelly. You should aim for a 30:1 ratio. This means your compost pile should have 1 part nitrogen for every 30 parts carbon.
Green materials like grass clippings, food scraps, tea bags, and coffee grounds will make up the nitrogen portion of your compost. Brown materials like dead leaves, branches, twigs, and paper will make up the carbon portion of your compost. By regularly turning your compost pile and watering it weekly, you can provide the oxygen and water that bacteria use to break down the compost.
There are two types of compost: hot and cold. The only difference between the two is the temperature. Hot compost should remain at a temperature of 130-140 degrees. You can achieve this by frequently turning the pile and storing it in a sunny spot. The high temperature increases microbial activity, which allows it to decompose faster. On the other hand, cold compost takes longer to decompose. A cold compost pile should remain at a temperature of 90 degrees or less. You can maintain this by regularly adding material, keeping it in the shade, and avoiding turning the pile frequently.
You can store your compost pile on the ground, in a bin, or in a bag as long as it is between 3 and 5 square feet. You should be able to compare your pile’s moisture level to that of a wrung-out sponge. You can test this with your hand. To get the most success, you should ensure that your pile drains well, protect it from wind, and be wary of heavy rain. In the case of heavy rain, turn your pile to aerate it and add dry materials. After you create your pile, leave it alone for a few months to allow it to decompose before you add it to your plants.
You can compost in a number of places, including your home, community garden, and commercial compost. Composting is a year-round process. Though this process slows in the winter. The ideal time to start your compost pile is at the end of summer and early fall, so the process will be complete by spring.
Anyone can compost. You can learn more about the process from online or from other experienced gardeners. But the best way to learn is through experience. So, the next time you have an orange peel or shredded paper, consider composting it rather than sending it to the landfill.
Works Cited:
- Addison County. “Top Five Reasons to Compost – ACSWMD.” ACSWMD, 2019, www.addisoncountyrecycles.org/food-scraps/composting/101/why-compost.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Composting at Home.” US EPA, 16 Oct. 2018, www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.
- July 20, and 2020 Shelia Hu. “Composting 101.” NRDC, www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101#can.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect nor represent the Earth Chronicles and its editorial board.
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