Organic Composting

Compost not only feeds plants but makes the soil looser and more workable.

Organic composting is the process by which fertilizer is made using nothing but natural ingredients. While composting goes on in nature to a limited degree, true composting is achieved by combining the right materials with oxygen and moisture and by manipulating them until they decompose. In essence, organic composting is recycling at its finest and most basic, as it simply returns to the soil those ingredients that were taken from it.

What "Organic" Means

The word "organic" is often misinterpreted as simply meaning "anything that comes from nature." While that is partially true, there is more to it. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states that "organic" can mean something that is part of a larger whole, anything obtained entirely from living things, or any substance that contains a significant level of carbon. Used in the context of organic composting, all of the above definitions would apply, as whatever goes into organic compost indeed becomes of a larger whole, all of its components are obtained from other living organisms, and those components should ideally contain large amounts of carbon.

The Process

The basic aim of assembling organic components together for composting is to create a temperature range that promotes the growth of those tiny organisms that aid in the process of decomposition. Naturally present in the soil, these microorganisms consume and process plant waste, manure and other materials, transforming them into a totally natural fertilizer that has a rich earthy smell. Aeration is crucial to the process, which means turning the compost pile regularly to expose as many materials as possible to the air. During dry periods, it's also important to keep the compost moist by adding water. A handful of compost should stick together when squeezed, but if it drips water, then it's too wet. The same holds true for the amount of heat being generated, which is easily determined by reaching down into the middle where, if things are progressing properly, the compost should feel damp and warm.

The Formula

Producing compost organically depends primarily on achieving a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the pile. Brown materials, such as leaves, sawdust, hay and wood shavings, are high in carbon, while kitchen wastes and garden trimmings are rich in nitrogen. The ratio in an efficient compost pile should be roughly 25 to 40 parts of carbon-rich materials to 1 part of nitrogen-rich materials. Compost piles emitting a foul odor indicate the need for more brown materials, or substances high in carbon. The list of suitable organic composting ingredients is long, but common sense dictates that, if a substance can be easily broken down in nature, then it will work. While the pile should be made up primarily of plant materials such as shredded corn stalks, dried leaves, grass clippings, and sawdust, kitchen waste such as crushed eggshells, used tea bags or leftover coffee grounds add value to the pile. The general rule of thumb is that, the smaller the materials added to the pile, the more quickly it will heat up and decompose. Leaves and plain paper products should be shredded, if possible, and wood ashes should be added sparingly, as they can create a pH, or acidity level, imbalance in the compost.

The Final Product

As the composted material continues to be broken down into smaller and smaller particles, it becomes fluffier and more aerated, benefits that are passed on to whatever garden soil the compost is added to. Compost that is ready to use is dark brown or black, has the consistency of rich soil, with particles no larger than half an inch in size, and all of the original whole materials added to the mixture should be completely broken down and no longer identifiable. Finished organic compost benefits the soil in a variety of ways, including reducing its density, enabling plant roots to penetrate more deeply, and improving its water retention capabilities.

References

• Journey to Forever; Composting; Keith Addison
• The Compost Bin; Organic Compost; July 12, 2005
• North Carolina State University; Composting on Organic Farms; Keith R. Baldwain, Jackie T. Greenfield; January 2009
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Organic; 2011
• Compost Info Guide; Brown Composting Materials; 2011