Composting in Brief

 

Composting in Brief

Composting is the natural process of recycling the organic matter into nutrient-rich compost that your plants love. The eggshells, the banana peels, the used tea leaves that eventually go to waste bin can be converted into gold with the help of some friends whom we call good microorganisms. The compost is considered as “black gold” by gardeners considering its numerous benefits.

Some reasons to start composting-

Composting is a good and innovative way to recycle organic waste.

Compost act as a conditioner for soil by improving its structure

Compost can reduce moisture loss from the soil.

Compost can provide a good environment for many beneficial microorganisms.

Compost can provide nutrients to the plants.

Compost are environment friendly as they are alternatives to chemical fertilizers for plant nutrients.

And yes, it’s free.

Also, it can be your new hobby.

Components of composting:

1. Organic matter

Any organic matter can be used for composting. Organic matters are those that were once living or part of something living. Organic matters can be plant produce( dried leaves, straw, grass clippings, vegetable peels, etc.) or animal produce( cattle dung and urine). Also, organic matters can be divided into brown materials and green materials. Brown materials include dried leaves, straw, cattle dung, etc. and green materials include grass clippings, vegetable peels, green leaves, etc. Brown materials can supply carbon and on the other hand, green materials can supply nitrogen.

2. Water

Adequate moisture is required for composting. So, from time to time watering is essential.

3. Oxygen

Composting is an aerobic process. Oxygen is required for composting. Frequent turning is required to hasten the composting process.

4. Microorganisms

They are an important component of composting as they are the ones that carry out the process on the ground. Billions of microorganisms work to decompose the organic matter and they increase the temperature while they are working.

Composting at home:

Choose a spot that is protected from heavy rain or direct sunlight. Better to choose the spot a bit away from the living area as composting will produce a foul smell. Gather the organic matters and bring them to preparation areas. Then, pile the crop and other plant residues(15cm thick) first followed by the spread of animal manure to a thickness of about 8 cm as the second layer, and then add a thin layer of soil of about 3cm. Pile another layer of materials in the same sequence and repeat until a height of about 1.5 meters of the pile is attained.

The pile can be covered with gunny bags to avoid any disturbances and water the pile until it is sufficiently moist. Water regularly.

The pile should be turned over or mix  with a spading fork after 3 weeks, then again after 5 weeks.

Harvest the compost in three months and use them in your garden.

Trust me, your plants will love you for that.




http://www.farminggeek.xyz/2021/05/vermicomposting.html

Comments

  1. So Informative. A basic tools and tips everyone should know 👍

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