What is the Compost Process?
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The Composting Process
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Composting is a process whereby organic waste is biodegraded into a nutrient-rich, soil-like mixture. Bacteria and fungi are utilized to quickly and efficiently break down waste materials, producing minerals and compounds that are helpful to plant growth in the process. The materials used in making compost can range from green waste, such as grass clippings to food waste and even to biodegradable trash such as cardboard.
This method of waste disposal has become more and more popular in recent years, not only because it reduces landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions but also because it provides an excellent soil additive for gardeners. There are multiple ways to compost organic waste, but all of them provide benefits to both the gardener and their local ecosystem. In all types of composting waste is formed into a pile, allowing highly efficient degradation.
Important Factors in Composting
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In order for organic waste to biodegrade, microorganisms must colonize and thrive in the compost pile. In order to ensure optimal conditions for this process, the compost pile's temperature, moisture and air circulation must be controlled. In order to ensure proper air circulation and speedy degradation, materials that are added to the compost should be broken down into a modest particulate matter. Breaking down waste increases the surface area that microorganisms can grow on. However if the waste is too small, air will not be able to circulate in the mixture, stunting bacterial growth.
Similarly the moisture level of the pile will profoundly affect the compost's degradation. Compost must be moistened and mixed regularly to ensure maximum microorganism growth. If the microorganisms that have colonized in the compost pile are thriving, the temperature will self-regulate and may become very hot. However, heating a compost pile can encourage proper waste breakdown, especially in colder weather. If waste remains too cool, it will simply rot and the resulting compost will be of poor quality.
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Variations of the Composting Process
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Vermicomposting is a composting method utilizing earthworms to break down waste. Almost any organic waste can be quickly consumed by a healthy population of earthworms and then excreted in the worm's waste, a material called castings. Advantages of this method include the ability to compost a small amount of waste at a time and the lack of odor produced in the process. Vermicomposting is ideal for an indoor-composter.
The most common method is the construction of a large pile of organic waste in an outdoor area, which is then continually monitored for moisture levels, temperature and air flow. This technique is viable on any scale, from a do-it-yourself gardener's backyard pile to the immense heaps used by composting companies. A strong odor is a likely result of this method, along with the attraction of various pests. Fortunately the pile can be placed as far away from habitation as desired, so these issues are often mitigated entirely.
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