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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.
 Compost protects plants against
diseases.
 Compost provides a neutral pH soil
structure for plant growth.
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!
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.
Leachate
 A liquid extracted
from compost that
contains nutrients
 Used to help plant
growth by raising
the nutrient levels
How does it work?
(strategies/recommendations)
 Materials
 Temperature
 Aeration
 Moisture
 TIME
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.
Materials that speed up
decomposition…
Materials that take a long time
to break down
 Larger pieces of wood generally
takes a while to decompose.
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.
2. TEMPERATURE
 Compost goes through three
temperature phases during the
decomposition process ranging
from 40-50 degrees Celsius (120160 F).
 Compost should be turned so that
outer materials can be rotated
towards the center of the pile in
order to decompose.
Temperature Graph
*Watch Out*
 If compost reaches
65 or higher
degrees Celsius,
that is too hot and
may kill the
microorganisms
decomposing the
material.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Now your ready to grow
some stuff!