Composting. What is Composting?

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Imogene Burns
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Composting Vaughn Hammond Extension Technologist University of Nebraska Lincoln Kimmel Education & Research Center vhammond2@unl.edu 402-873-3166 What is Composting?

1 Composting Vaughn Hammond Extension Technologist University of Nebraska Lincoln Kimmel Education & Research Center What is Composting? Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost. Invertebrates (insects and earthworms), and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) help in transforming the material into compost. Composting is a natural form of recycling, which continually occurs in nature. 1

2 Composting Historically Ancient practice trace to Marcus Cato-Scientist and Roman farmer 2,000 years ago He maintained that composting was a fundamental soil enhancer and essential in maintaining fertile, productive agricultural soils. By the 19 th century most farmers and agriculture writers were familiar with the practice in the U.S. Why Compost Many environmental benefits beyond the soil Reduce waste stream into our landfills Reduces methane production in landfills Reduces acidic leachates Removes poor combustible materials from incinerating facilities increasing the efficiency of power generation Reduces amount of pollution generated 2

3 Why Compost Benefits to the soil Soil structure organic matter Aeration Texture Water holding capacity Increase soil fertility Contributes to erosion control Helps balance ph Lightens clay soils Increases water holding capacity of sandy soils Composting--Decomposition Naturally occurring process Micro-organisms and invertebrates do the job Success depends on the organic matter used and the decomposer organisms Best decomposing organisms require oxygen The more diverse the group of composting is the more efficient the process is It is a ecosystem 3

4 Decomposing Organisms Factors Affecting the Process C:N ratio Surface area Aeration Moisture Temperature both inside and out 4

5 C:N The 2 fundamental elements of composting Micro-organisms digest carbon as a energy source and nitrogen for protein synthesis. The food and digestive enzyme Bulk should be carbon 30:1 3-4 pounds of N per 100 pounds of C To little N and the process slows to much and it stinks Carbon leaves N grass, manure, blood meal Surface Area Particles must have surface area that contacts air Increase surface area by grinding, chopping, mowing general reduction of size More surface area the more area foe MO to feed 5

6 Aeration Decomposition will eliminate all air and stop the process Aeration replenishes the air supply Aerobic decomposition Can occur naturally through wind or as heat builds leaving the pile drawing new air in generally inadequate for fast decomposition Active turning Too little oxygen results in anaerobic decomposition and odor Moisture 40-60% moisture level for microbes to flurish Below 40% and the organisms will go dormant Over 60% and oxygen is forced out, nutrients are leached and anaerobic decomposition and odor results 6

7 Temperature Micro organisms generate heat as they decompose organic matter Healthy pile temp ranges from degrees F. Over 140 F is too hot for the MO Under 90 is too cool for most Some MO are active at colder temps Higher temperatures kill weed seed Types of Composting Cold composting Very easy slow Hot composting Labor intensive Fast Vermicomposting Takes up little room Great way to use kitchen scraps 7

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9 Compost Tea 9

10 Vermicomposting Great for disposing of kitchen waste Red Wigglers Consume and produce their weight in castings a day 3 weeks for eggs to hatch 20 young 3 months sexually mature Finished product in 2-3 months 10

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Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.

13 Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture. 13

Composting in Your Backyard

Composting in Your Backyard Mark King, Sustainability Division MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Protecting Maine s Air, Land and Water Why Do People Want Compost? Benefits of compost Add organic