Composting is an excellent way of converting your organic materials that are freely available in your kitchen or your garden, into a substance that is like humus through a biological decomposition that is controlled. It is such a beautiful process in which mother nature takes over, and transforms all organic materials into environmentally friendly materials. This material is beneficial to our planet. Many gardeners are switching to organic methods of composting and using organic fertilizers for their soils. I always recommend applying non-synthetic and chemical-free food to your plants.
The entire process that composting goes through is aerobic. What does it mean? It means that it needs oxygen. In this process microorganisms occur naturally, they include fungi, actinomyces, and bacteria. They help in breaking down all the compounds into substances that are simpler. Along with them, you would also find larger creatures that include insects and worms.
Through the process of composting, it treats solid composable waste, to make it more beneficial by destroying weed seeds, diseases, and pathogens. Even if you have huge quantities of matter that is organic, and you want to compost it with the help of adequate moisture nutrients and the air, you can get nutrient-rich compost within a short time.
The entire process begins with shredding of all your organic materials. Reducing the size is important, it helps in expediting the process. It also helps the microorganisms to actively work there because, it creates an additional surface area for them to work. During this time microorganisms use up the oxygen that is present in the pile while consuming organic materials. When compost is active, it begins to generate huge amounts of heat along with increased amounts of carbon dioxide. It also releases water vapor. The loss of water and carbon dioxide will amount to a reduction in the volume and weight of materials. End composting helps to reduce the mass and volume of raw organic matter and at the same time, it also transforms it into a rich composition. If you wish to get high-quality compost, it is of great importance that you manage certain elements very well. These elements include; temperature moisture, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.
Aeration and oxygen
The process of aerobic composting consumes huge levels of oxygen. Initially, components that are easily degradable rapidly metabolize. Hence the requirement of oxygen, as well as the heat production is the highest in the initial stages. As it graduates, it begins to reduce. Therefore, it is of great importance that you maintain good amounts of aeration and oxygen within the pile. Mixing the pile frequently will help it.
Temperature
If the temperature is too low, it can stop the process and if it is too high, it can kill the useful microorganisms. Balancing the right temperature is vital. Keep the temperatures between 130-to-150-degree Fahrenheit.
Moisture
Moisture is extremely important for the microbes to process the organic matter. Always make sure that the pile is not soaking wet or dry. It should be damp.
Odors
Compostable materials do emit a certain amount of odor however, if it is unmanageable, it means that the pile needs to be turned more often.
Nutrients
A compost pile requires potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon because, these are primary nutrients that help microorganisms to complete their work of composting. Maintaining a proper balance between the greens and the browns would help you get your nutrients in place.
These are the basic signs of composting, and if you get it right, it would be like a walk in the park every time you begin to compost. Do share with us your experiences. See you guys soon!