Composting 101 - What is Compost?

Composting is simply a biological process in which organic materials are broken down and nutrients and minerals are released. Composting, when it occurs in nature, is called decomposition. When plants or leaves die, they begin to decay which provides nutrients to the soil. When most people refer to composting, however, they are referring to a process in which organic materials are combined with bulking agents in order to create mature compost. Mature compost is different from naturally occurring compost because it involves destroying both weed seeds as well as any harmful pathogens in the material. When compost is mature, it smells like soil and looks dark brown or black. This mature compost is referred to as humus.

Composting done by individuals takes the natural process of decomposition and helps it along with several processes. People compost for many reasons, including reducing waste in landfills and to improve the quality of their garden. If your lawn and food organic waste is composted, the nutrients can be returned back to your garden. Composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden. The resulting compost not only brings with it vital nutrients, but it also contains good bacteria that is important for growing plants. Compost will also have an effect on the quality of the soil in your garden.

The basic concepts of composting are simple. Almost any organic material will eventually decay, or compost. This process can take a long time. By completing a few simple steps, composting can be done in a much shorter time frame. In addition to speeding up the process, working to create mature compost allows the resulting compost to be much healthier than if it was left to happen naturally. Compost piles can be placed on the ground or in a bin or tumbler. There are advantages and disadvantages to each process, and it is up to an individual to consider what works best for their lifestyle and the space they have to compost in. To start composting, the organic material will be placed into the composting pile. It is best if it is in small pieces. This organic material is often referred to as the "green" material. Next, a layer of "dry" material will be added on top. Dry leaves, newspaper, hay, bark, or wood chips all work great for dry material.

Compost piles do not require a lot of maintenance. They should be kept moist, but not too wet. The pile will need to be turned, or "fluffed up," so that air can get to the microorganisms at work in the compost pile. You can tell the process is working if heat is coming off the pile. Once the pile cools back down, the maturing process is complete. Your humus is ready to be added to your garden or soil.

There are many products that you can purchase to help aid in your composting process. Bins and tumblers are the most commonly used products in composting. In many residential areas, homeowners do not want to leave an open pile of compost out in their yard. The bins and tumblers not only allow your compost pile to remain less visible, but they also have features that make composting even easier. Composting can also be done with the assistance of worms. This is called vermicomposting or vermiculture. Vermicomposting is especially popular among those who live in apartments or homes without yard space.

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