Backyard Composting
Constructing the pile.
Begin the pile by spreading a 6-8 inch layer of organic matter directly on the ground. A layer of brush on the bottom will hold the pile off the ground and help aerate it. Materials that tend to mat, such as grass clippings, should be placed in layers only 2-3 inches thick. Moisten, but do not soak, the layer of organic material.
Organisms that are largely responsible for the breakdown of the organic materials require quantities of fertilizer. So, over the layer of plant materials, sprinkle about ½ cup of garden fertilizer to promote rapid and thorough decomposition.
Next, add a layer of soil 1-2 inches thick. The soil contains the microorganisms that help start the decomposition process.
Continue to alternate the layers of organic materials and soil, adding water periodically, until the pile is a maximum of five feet high.
Care of the pile.
The compost pile must be kept moist (but not soggy) for proper heating and decomposition. A well-constructed heap should begin heating up in a few days. Turning the pile weekly to move composted material out of the hot center and replacing it with partially composted material from the sides greatly speeds the composting process.
You may keep track with a thermometer and turn the pile when its center begins to cool off. The length of time required will vary with size of pile and time of year. As material decomposes, the pile should shrink to about half of its original height.
What is composting?
Composting is the aerobic (oxygen-dependent) biological process by which plant and other organic materials decompose under controlled conditions. The finished product is a dark brown, partially decomposed form of organic matter similar to the organic matter in soil.
Why make compost?
Disposing of leaves, grass clippings, and other garden refuse is often a problem for homeowners. This material can be turned into useful compost very readily. Returning these organic materials to the soil perpetuates natural biological cycles, and is an ecologically sensible means of using organic wastes.
The value of compost.
Good compost consists of a small amount of soil along with decomposed or partially decomposed plant residues. Although compost contains nutrients – nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous – its greatest benefit is in improving soil characteristics. As a soil amendment it improves texture and aeration, increases the soil’s ability to retain water, and decreases erosion.
How compost forms.
Composting changes the nutrients in raw organic material to a form that can be absorbed by the roots of growing plants. Microorganisms such as soil bacteria and fungi accomplish this task by secreting enzymes that break down he material. The activity of these microorganisms can generate temperatures inside the compost pile in excess of 130°F – high enough to kill most weed seeds and disease organisms.
What materials may be composted?
Many types of organic materials can be used for composting – grass clippings, manure, leaves, corn stalks, pine needles, sawdust, wood ashes, and many other kinds of plant refuse. Twigs should not be added unless they are chipped because they decompose very slowly.
Most organic household garbage can also be composed. This includes fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggs shells. It’s best to avoid fats and meat scraps because they decompose very slowly, create unpleasant odors, and attract vermin. A good compost pile has no odor and does not attract flies or rodents.
Making a compost heap.
Locate the heap in a convenient but an inconspicuous location. Select a level, well-drained spot, preferably in full sun. Since the compost pile needs to be kept moist, a convenient source of water is helpful. Compost should never get soggy wet or the decomposition will stop. Compost piles function best when about as moist as a wrung out sponge, and provided with many air passages.
This size of the pile may vary greatly with the amount of material available, but should be at least three feet wide and three feet high. Anything smaller will not decompose properly.
The top of the pile should be left flat or with a slight depression in the center to catch rain or added water.
Using Compost.
Normally, compost will be ready for use in four to six months, depending on the types of organic materials use and the climate conditions curing the composting period. When the compost is broken down into homogenous mixture; no undecomposed leaves or other material may be seen; and the pile stops heating, it is ready to use.
Compost can be used as “top dressing” for lawns, for mulching around landscape and garden plants, or anywhere that additional soil is needed.
