SNC2D Unit C: Research Questions

 How is compost made? By Sarangan Sothrupan

Compost is made by organic materials being decomposed which are then used to fertilize and improve the quality of the soil. Compost can be made with a list of organic matter ranging from animal manure, dead leaves, shredded twigs etc…

The process of making compost involves gathering a mix of green organic materials that are rich in nitrogen (leaves, grass, food grass) and brown organic materials that are rich in carbon (twigs, manure, dead leaves), ideally in a 1 to 1 ratio. Moisture is also an important step to the overall process of making compost, and it should be managed carefully. Add water to the pile during dry periods otherwise, the materials will decompose very slowly. On the other hand add dry, brown organic materials if the pile is too wet. The pile should also be turned so the materials at the edges are brought to the center for a better supply and management of oxygen. However, that was only composting at the simplest level. A more complicated process would involve measured inputs of water, air, carbon and nitrogen-rich materials over a decent period of time.

The insects, earthworms, bacteria, and other microorganisms are the real workers in the composting process. The larger organisms like insects and earthworms break down the bigger materials in the compost pile while the bacteria and other microorganisms already present in the pile would break down the plant material into useful compost.

The time it takes to produce compost would largely depend on many factors like the size of the compost pile, the types of materials used, the surface area of the pile and the number of times it is turned. To speed up the process, the materials can also be shredded, chopped or mowed into smaller pieces. The pile can also be turned frequently, about every 2-4 weeks, to produce better results and if done properly with the ideal weather the compost can be ready in about 3 months.

What is the importance of composting?

The composting process turns organic waste, something with no value, into a nutrient-rich product, which can be used as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers. The materials used to produce inorganic fertilizers (fossil fuels, and mining products) are limited resources that can be used for numerous other purposes. Reducing reliance on inorganic fertilizers provides food producers with more options.

The organic waste taken from landfills to produce compost can only be seen as a positive. Reduction in the volume and mass of the landfills, less impact of solid waste on the environment, less greenhouse gas emission, lesser impact on the air quality and climate change, these are some of the pros for using organic wastes from landfills and doesn’t take into account many other benefits of composting. Overall, composting provides many, many positives and gives us little reason to not use this process.

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/compost/process.cfm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compos