Composting

Natural composting is biological decomposition, which began with the first plants on earth and has been going on ever since. Think of a natural system, such as a forest or meadow that thrives year after year by recycling available nutrients and minerals. Leaves fall and break down; grasses and flowers grow, bloom, and fade; animals die and decompose—all life adds organic matter to the soil. This is the cycle we can recreate in our communities and gardens.

More than a million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated in the US each year. Organic, compostable materials comprised mainly of yard trimmings, food scraps, wood waste, and paper and cardboard products, are the largest component, making up more than two thirds of MSW. When these organic materials are decomposed in aerobic conditions in either a commercial compost facility or in a backyard operation, a nutrient rich compost product is created, just as nature intended.

Mature compost, such as that produced in a commercial compost facility, is the product of a managed process by which microorganisms break down plant and animal materials into more available nutrients suitable for application to the soil. A specific handling procedure must be followed in a commercial facility and to comply with National Organic Procedures in order to define a product as compost.

• The material must have an initial carbon:nitrogen ratio between 25:1 and 40:1
• The composting materials must maintain a temperature between 131°F and 170°F for at least 3 days; these high temperatures destroy pathogens and weed seeds that natural decomposition does not destroy.
• If a windrows, must turn at least five times during high-temperature cycle.
• In order to minimize the risk of microbial contamination, all manure must be composted if applied to crops destined for human consumption,unless it is applied at least 90 days before the crop will be harvested.
• Mature compost is a stable material with a content called humus that is dark brown or black and has a soil-like, earthy smell.

By diverting organic materials from landfills or incinerators, we protect human health and our land, air, and water. Waste reduction and recycling via composting prevents greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, reduces pollutants, saves energy, conserves resources, and reduces the need for new disposal facilities.

If you’ve been adding compost to your garden on a regular basis, you may be able to gradually decrease the amount you add to the soil, or try other soil-building tech¬niques such as growing cover crops (see below). On the other hand, if you’re just breaking ground or have heavy clay soils, you’ll want to add lots of compost. Approxi¬mately two inches of fine-textured compost spread evenly over the beds and worked into the soil before planting is about right.

The nutrient-rich compost is often used in landscaping, horticulture and agriculture or as a soil amendment, pesticide, and fertilizer. Compost is a unique soil amendment because of its ability to hold moisture and soluble minerals; both of which help maximize plant growth. These unique abilities also make compost an ideal product to use for erosion control, land and stream reclamation and wetland construction.