Composting and Decomposition

Organic kitchen scraps decompose to create compost.

Using compost to amend soil will produce healthy and long-lived plants. Organic materials that decompose make compost. You can do this process at home or you can purchase compost from gardening stores.

Compost

Compost added to sandy soil can improve the amount of water the soil retains. When added to clay soil, compost makes the soil more pliable for use. Compost also serves as mulch to protect plants from harsh weather.

Decomposition Process

Two types of decomposition exist: Anaerobic decomposition takes place without oxygen; aerobic decomposition uses oxygen. Aerobic decomposition decomposes material faster and will most often be used to make garden compost. In this process, air-breathing organisms will eat the organic matter and will replace it with nutrient-rich compost.

Conditions for Best Decomposition

Oxygen is required for aerobic decomposition to take place. Turning the pile allows oxygen to reach all organic matter. You'll have to keep a compost pile evenly damp for efficient decomposition to occur. Temperature also affects the decomposition process. Temperatures too low will slow down the process greatly. Properly mixed compost piles will generate heat as organisms feed.

References

• University of Illinois: Composting in the Home Garden: The Composting Process
• Aggie Horticulture: Chapter 1, The Decomposition Process