Composting is one of the easiest recycling methods, creating employment for the population that is involved in the production of composts, as well as being a key step in reducing the level of organic waste that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Methods of Composting: Selecting the Most Appropriate Method
Composting can be divided into many methods, each one having its respective advantages and setbacks. The best approach will depend on the amount of space available, the time that can be devoted to the process, and the kind of waste intended for composting.
Pile Composting:
Pile composting is a traditional composting method in which compostable materials are piled in a specific location. It is a very basic technique, and comparatively, it does not involve much apparatus but still has the capacity to break up a considerable amount of organic waste.
Bin Composting:
One way of composting, especially for people living in small areas, is bin composting, which involves using a compost tumbler or a plastic bin. It is easy to use and tumbles the compost material at regular intervals.
Tumbling Composters:
Tumbling composters are another form of bin composting where you are actually able to turn the entire bin to throw the compost materials. It is user-friendly, easy to install, and poses little need for future adjustments, meaning it can be easily maintained.
Worm Composting (Vermicomposting):
Vermicomposting is a process of using worms to decompose organic wastes into useful worm droppings. It is a rapid, non-odourless, compact technique ideal for apartment use. However, one has to dedicate a considerable amount of time to tending to the worm bin and making sure it gets the appropriate bedding materials.
Bokashi Composting:
Bokashi composting is one of the Japanese ways of composting green waste through inoculation with specific microorganisms. This method is fast, and there is no bad smell, but it involves initial costs. You have to buy bokashi bran and an airtight container.
How to Build Compost Pile
After deciding on the best composting technique, let’s get to the process of creating the compost pile. Here’s a basic guide to get you started:
Choose a Location:
Choose a place with a shade close to a water source so that the loss of moisture through evaporation is checked. Do not place the compost pile near your buildings, fences, or trees to avoid pests and to safeguard the health of the plants around the compost pile.
Layer Your Materials:
The first layer to apply is the browns, and the next layer is the greens. Take turns laying down the pile until it reaches a three-foot thickness.
Moisten the Pile:
Water is important in the composting process, but do not wet the pile as it will flood it. The soil can be kept slightly moist like a wet sponge and should be done depending on the weather conditions.
Turn the Pile:
By frequent turning, you will realize that oxygen reaches the bottom of the compost pile that is used in the decomposition of the organic products. This supports the good bacteria that foster rapid composting, thus improving the composting conditions.
Monitor the Temperature:
The correct temperature for composting is generally accepted as being within the range of 130-150°F (55-65°C). An ideal pile of compost should get to this temperature in the next two weeks if well managed. If the pile is not heating up then one may be lacking in nitrogen or contain too little carbonaceous matter.
Be Patient:
It usually takes several weeks, even months, for organic wastes to disintegrate and transform into nutrient-loaded compost. Composting usually should take a minimum of 2-6 months to complete the composting process. Compost of any age should be dark and sticky or crumbly; ideally, it will smell slightly sweet and earthy.
Troubleshooting Your Compost
However, there are always some difficult that can be encountered even with the best of plans set in composting. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Unpleasant Odors:
If the pile has excessive moisture or if it consists of nitrogen-rich materials, a bad odor emanates. To avoid this, turn the pile more often, add brown materials, or decrease the green materials supplied.
Pests:
If the compost pile is not well tended, then it acts as a natural magnet for rodents and insects. Pests are discouraged when the pile is adequately balanced and aerated; using a compost bin/tumbler, in this case, is preferred.
Slow Decomposition:
They include slow decomposition due to a lack of oxygen, water, and nitrogen products or materials. To enhance decomposition, turn the pile more often, wet it up, or incorporate more green materials.
Compost is Too Wet:
When moisture is high, this retards the decay process while exuding an unpleasant smell. To improve this system, brown materials like dried leaves or straw should be added to absorb any excess water present.
Compost is Too Dry:
A dry pile of compost may not heat, and the piles might not make an effective way of composting. To compensate for this, pour water or introduce green material like grass clippings or coffee powder into the groundwater.
Using Compost in Your Garden
The benefits of your composting efforts can be applied in several ways to enhance garden health.
Soil Amendment:
Compost is added to the ground as a soil amendment in order to enhance its physical characteristics, including its ability to hold water, its structure, and its nutrient value. Indeed, it is especially useful for heavy clay soils, where the addition of organic matter is most welcome.
Mulch:
Direct application of fresh compost on the surface of the soil assists in holding moisture, regulates the soil temperature, and controls weed growth. When used as mulch, composting also contributes nutrients to the garden soil as it decomposes.
Potting Mix:
Compost can be incorporated into the potting mix to correct nutrient shortage, help in moisture conservation, and provide the potting mix with the right structure. Adding compost to perlite or vermiculite provides a good drainage structure with nutrients available for the plants.
Compost Tea:
Compost tea can be sprayed on plants to give the plant a direct shot of its friendly microorganisms and nutrient content. It is useful when used to enhance the health of the plant and also help to avoid diseases.
The role of coir in composting.
Coir, a natural fiber produced from the coconut husk, has proved to be important in Improving compost for your home garden. Coir blocks, made from compressed coir fiber, offer several benefits for composters:
Improved Aeration:
Coir blocks also assist in the development of the proper compost pile by ensuring adequate provision of pathways for air. It also accelerates the compost-making process by improving the growth of those friendly microorganisms that help in the composting process.
Moisture Retention:
Coir also has the salt content and water absorption ability which enable it to control the water holding capacity on the compost pile. This helps cut down water frequency, mostly watering and provides standard composting conditions.
Sustainable Alternative:
Coir is sustainable and can be used for composting in place of peat moss. It comes from the coconut business, and using it can prevent soil erosion as well as the firing of forests/peatlands.
Versatile Applications:
Coir can be applied to all traditional methods of composting, including simple compost piles or worm composting beds. That is why it can be considered valuable both for the one who is trying to start composting and for the person who already has experience in this field.
Conclusion
Composting is certainly one of the best methods of dealing with organic waste as well as enhancing the quality of your garden. By being acquainted with the kinds of compostable materials, selecting the correct technique of composting, and finding out the problems, you can make fertile compost that will be useful for your plants and the surroundings. There are better ways of composting and enhancing the ability to compost through the use of coir. So, dig in!
