What is Composting?
Decomposition is a natural biological process in which organic material such as leaves, grass, clippings and food waste break down (decay) with the help of decomposers. The end result is humus, a dark, rich organic substance consisting of partially or wholly decayed matter that provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water.
While decomposition occurs naturally, composting allows us to take advantage of the process. There are many forms of composting: commercial, backyard, anaerobic, bokashi, and vermicomposting. No matter which process is used, composting is a natural method of recycling organic waste (food waste and yard waste) into earthy-smelling, nutrient rich humus. It’s an effective method of reducing the amount of organic waste a household typically throws in the garbage.
Why Compost?
Choosing to compost is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and combat climate change at home. By keeping organic materials out of landfills, we reduce harmful methane emissions while creating nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health and supports healthier gardens, landscapes, and communities.
Waste Reduction
Not only does composting reduce the amount of trash in a landfill, it also reduces the amount of air pollution as well. When we throw trash into a landfill, the majority of that organic waste degrades through anaerobic decomposition, a process in which microorganisms break down material in the absence of oxygen. As a result of this process landfill gas, a mix of about 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide, is created. Methane is a really powerful greenhouse gas — 28 to 36 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Soil Remediation
Compost is a nutrient rich material that promotes healthy vegetation growth. It contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous as well as secondary nutrients such as calcium, that are necessary for plant growth, photosynthesis, seed development, and disease prevention. Since compost is created through a natural process, plants can absorb the nutrients more easily than nutrients from manmade products. Furthermore, compost aids in water retention as soil that is rich in organic matter can hold on to moisture longer.
How does Composting Happen?
Composting is an aerobic process whereby microorganisms (microbes, fungus, bacteria, small insects, worms) feed on organic waste. As the microorganisms feed, the raw material breaks down into compost. The biological process releases the nutrients that were bound in the raw material, transforming those nutrients into a form that is readily available to plants grown in the finished compost. The finished compost bears no resemblance to the original feedstock. It looks like dirt, and has a rich, earthy smell.
Like most living organisms, those found in a compost bin need air, moisture, and a food source to survive. When the right combination of air, moisture and food are met, the organisms thrive, multiply rapidly, and the material decomposes quickly. If any one factor is lacking, the decomposition rate will slow until the right combination of factors are present again.
For more more information visit our Backyard composting and/or Vermicomposting page.
