Processing and using compost from organic waste

Humus is an organic material that is not completely decomposed, crumbles easily, is dark brown in color and has an earthy smell. Humus is created by a biological process where organisms in the soil decompose plant tissue. When decomposition ends, compost becomes a dark brown, powdery material. The processes that occur in a compost pile are similar to the decomposition of organic materials in the soil, however, the decomposition that occurs in a compost pile is much faster due to the most suitable environment for bacteria to function.</ p>

Why make mulch? Gardeners often have difficulty disposing of leaf litter, grass cuts and other plant residue, especially in inner cities, because Therefore, finding environmentally safe ways to handle them becomes even more important. Garden and kitchen waste products can be composted into useful mulch in the home garden, avoiding the significant costs of transporting them to a centralized treatment facility and helping to improve soil or mulch for crops. plants.

Humus value: Humus considered good mainly consists of completely or partially decomposed plant and animal residues but may also contain small amounts of soil . When mixed into soil, compost improves both physical conditions and soil fertility, especially in areas with low organic content.

Organic matter in compost improves heavy clay soil by binding soil particles into a bran-like form, improving aeration, increasing water absorption, reducing hardness of the topsoil, helping plant roots grow. thrive. In sandy soil, organic matter is introduced to help retain water and nutrients. Humus increases the activity of soil microorganisms, helping them increase their ability to release nutrients and other growth stimulants into the soil.

Although compost contains nutrients, its greatest benefit is improving soil properties. We should consider it as a soil improver rather than a fertilizer, because increasing soil fertility can be a necessary condition for a high-yield and high-quality crop.

Humus is also a valuable mulching material for plants. It can be used to spread on the surface of vegetable beds, when mixed with a small amount of soil, it can be used as soil for growing indoor plants (in pots) and growing seeds.

How mulch is formed: Humus composting is a method of increasing the rate of natural decomposition under controlled conditions. Raw organic materials are transformed into humus by the continuous activity of microorganisms. In the early stages of composting, bacteria increase rapidly, then actinomycetes (bacteria with many small filaments), fungi and protozoa become active later. After most of the carbon in the pile has been used and the temperature has dropped, millipedes, woodworms, earthworms and many other microorganisms continue the decomposition process.

When microorganisms decompose organic materials, their body heat causes the temperature in the compost pile to increase rapidly. If the compost pile is properly built, the temperature at the center can reach 38^oC – 60^oC within 4 to 5 days after which decrease. This is a sign that the compost pile is working well. At first, the pH of the compost pile is highly acidic, from 4.0-4.5. When the decomposition process is complete, the pH will increase to about 7.0 -7.2.

The temperature in the compost pile can kill some grass seeds and disease-causing organisms. However, this only happens in the center of the compost pile, where the temperature rises the highest; in colder areas on the outside, some weed seeds and disease-causing organisms may survive, thus Careful and frequent stirring is important so that the pile is evenly heated.

Microorganisms that decompose organic materials require a large amount of nitrogen, so adding fertilizer or other materials that provide nitrogen is necessary for complete and rapid decomposition. During the process of decomposition, these proteins merge into the bacteria’s body and are not available for use by plants. They are only released when decomposition ends and compost is applied to the garden.

What materials can be used to make compost? Many types of materials can be used to make compost. Fresh grass, leaves, straw, rice husks, animal manure, shredded corn cobs , corn stalks, sawdust, shredded newspaper, wood ash, hedge trimmings and many types of garden waste can all be used.
If compost is used to fertilize the garden, it is better not to put weeds with seeds in the compost pile. Although some of their seeds are destroyed in the composting process, some may survive, causing a weed problem.

Most kitchen scraps can be put in the compost pile, but grease, fats, meat scraps and bones should not be used. These materials can attract dogs, cats, rats or other animals to come and explore. They also increase unpleasant odors when decomposing. Furthermore, fat decomposes slowly, so it requires a longer time to use compost. It is best not to put diseased garden plants in the compost pile unless the compost pile is turned regularly and carefully or The compost pile is left unused for several years. Although some pathogens can be destroyed by the heat during mulch formation, some disease-causing organisms still have the opportunity to return to the garden.

Setting up the compost pile: Compost piles grow well by being layered because the layering technique is the best way to ensure the ingredients are in a balanced ratio. However, decomposition will be fastest if the old layers are mixed before creating new layers. You should water each layer of dry ingredients rather than wetting the entire pile of ingredients after creating. The entire pile should be wetted evenly. You should not create a compost pile this way if the source of raw materials is limited or if the accumulation of raw materials is slow, you should reserve until there is enough of a layer then add it.

Normally the compost pile can be started by placing it directly on the ground. However, to provide the best ventilation for the compost pile and increase drainage, a trench should be dug through the middle of the base and covered with a layer of mesh before starting to pile layers of material. Young tree branches can be placed at the bottom as a way to improve ventilation. However, they can be difficult to remove when compost is finished because they decompose more slowly than small materials.

Start the compost pile by placing a layer of organic material 15-20cm thick on top of the prepared soil. Shredded ingredients will decompose faster. Raw materials that tend to clump together like grass should only be left in a layer about 5-7.5cm thick or mixed with other raw materials to make it thicker. After building the organic layer, water it until it’s just moist but don’t make it wet.

On top of the plant material, add a layer of protein-rich material such as manure, or spread a little N-rich fertilizer. You can spread a layer of animal manure about 0.4-0.8cm thick and that’s enough. If using organic materials rich in protein such as grass clippings, it should be made into a layer about 10cm thick. Most pesticides decompose quickly in the compost pile, so materials treated with pesticides are not a concern.

In the past, people thought that lime powder should be added to the compost pile, but actually that is not necessary because microorganisms can function well at pH 4.2-7.2, the compost pile will gradually become less acidic as the process progresses. incubation is gradually completed. Adding lime will cause nitrogen in the form of ammonium to convert to nitrogen in the form of ammonia gas, which can create an unpleasant odor when it escapes from the compost pile, while also reducing the nutrient content of the compost. Adding lime can also cause the pH of compost to be higher than the optimal pH for plant growth.

Next, add a layer of soil or grass 2.5cm thick. Soil contains microorganisms that help start the decomposition process. A layer of composted mulch can be used or microorganisms can be introduced directly into the compost pile.

Continue alternating layers until the height is 0.9-1.5m. Make each layer of ingredients tight and compact when adding them, but don’t be too tight as this will prevent air from circulating in the compost pile. Pre-wet and mix each layer of ingredients when adding them for faster results.< /p>

If compost is used mainly in the garden, the location of the compost pile near the place where it will be used is reasonable. In the dry season, there should be a water source available to keep the compost pile moist, but do not create a compost pile where water stagnates. Compost piles that are too wet at the bottom can stop the decomposition process and create a foul odor.

The best place to compost humus is in a cool place and you should not create a compost pile near trees because tree roots can grow towards the bottom of the pile of moist organic materials. In the summer, the roots of some plants can spread into the lower parts of the compost pile, making it difficult to remove the compost when used.

Creating a pile: Making compost does not require extensive architecture and can be created simply. However, when creating simple piles more space is needed. The smallest pile also needs to be about: 1.5m x 1.5m wide and 0.9m high. Materials can be added to the compost pile at any time, but once the first pile is high enough, a second pile should be started until the first pile is usable. The compost pile can be turned regularly or left alone. However, if not turned, the upper part will not decompose completely and must be removed when using compost.

Compost bin or bunker:

While it is possible to pile materials for composting, decomposition is best and space is used more efficiently if materials are stored in certain types of bins or cellars. Air circulates into the compost pile through the edges. The containers can be round, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. If one edge is open or has a latch, it will be convenient for mixing and moving the composted humus.

Slow incubation method and fast incubation method:

The rate of compost formation depends on the aforementioned conditions. Controlling these factors, along with frequent mixing, will speed up the decomposition process. But many gardeners are satisfied with the slow method, also known as the traditional method because traditional methods require little attention.

Quick method: The quick composting method depends on the use of a mixing drum. They can produce good compost in as little as 6 weeks, depending on how the pile is managed. Materials may include garden waste without large branches, hardwood, fat-free kitchen scraps and other similar materials. A storage cellar that is easy to mix ingredients regularly is essential.
Compost bins for the quick method are of two common types: a row of pits (usually 3) allowing the compost to be turned by hand from one cellar to the next or a box shaped like a horizontal 250 liter wine barrel with can rotate. It is better to add ingredients in large amounts occasionally rather than frequently adding small amounts. Therefore, it is recommended to collect materials until there is enough for a compost bin or silo with an area of ​​1m². To reduce odors, grass clippings should be dried before being placed in the compost pile, and food waste should be covered or buried deep in the compost pile.

Traditional method or slow method: In this method, materials can be put into the compost at any time. Turning may help, but is not necessary. When only one cellar is established, the finished mulch can be taken from the bottom, while still adding new material on top. It is better to build two cellars if there is enough space, because the materials in one cellar can be left to rot while new materials are added to the other cellar.

Fence nets, chicken coop nets, tarpaulins, wooden slats, concrete blocks, bricks or lumber can all be used to make compost bins. If the silo is made of mesh, it needs support at the corners. If it is cylindrical, it does not need support or only a little support. If the mesh used to make the fences is too sparse, the fence should be covered with plastic sheets with ventilation holes to keep the materials from spreading out and decomposing quickly. Plastic sheeting also prevents the outside of the pile from becoming too dry.

Bricks or concrete blocks can be built without mortar and should leave about 1.25cm of space between them to allow air to enter through the sides. When stacking them to make a composting tunnel, the holes should be facing up and through the metal post through several holes to make a stable tunnel.
Lumber, whether new or old, is suitable for making compost bin edges. Leave enough space between the wooden panels for air to circulate. However, the wood gradually rots due to contact with wet compost piles, so the boards often have to be replaced as they become damaged. Old pallets can be used around compost heaps, which are both cheap and durable.

Caring for your compost pile: Decomposition still occurs even if the compost pile is left unattended after construction, but at a slow rate. Watering to maintain moisture and turning to improve aeration will speed up the decomposition process. To check the humidity, you can squeeze a handful of compost in your hand. If a few drops of water flow out, the humidity is moderate; if no drops of water fall, it’s too dry, if the water flows in a stream, it’s too wet. The pile can be covered with plastic sheeting or other material during the rainy season to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating.

If the pile is set up properly, the central temperature will reach at least 44^oC about a week later in summer or a month later in colder seasons. When that temperature is reached, the pile should be turned to loosen and the outside and top materials moved to the middle. In warm weather, the compost pile needs to be turned every 2 weeks. The best temperature in a decomposing compost pile is 58-60^oC. Sometimes compost piles reach temperatures as high as 77^oC, hot enough to cause some microorganisms to die. This often happens when the compost pile is supplemented with wet, protein-rich ingredients.

The rate of heat accumulation and decomposition also depends on the outside temperature. In winter little decomposition occurs except in the middle of large piles.

Compost piles can be loosened and turned individually with a spade. The purpose of mixing is to aerate and shift outside materials inside, where they can heat up and decompose.

As the materials decompose the compost pile heats up and reduces in volume to perhaps half its original height. Usually, the compost pile volume can be reduced by up to 70-80%.

Humus can be used when it is dark brown, crumbly and has an earthy smell. When a smooth product is needed, it can be sieved through a sieve with 1.25cm holes and the materials on the sieve can be used to cover the base of plants or put back into the compost pile to continue composting with other ingredients.

Diagnosing compost pile problems:

• Compost piles produce unpleasant odors: The compost pile can be too wet, too compacted, or both. Turn the compost pile out for better air circulation. If it’s too wet, stir and add the dry ingredients. Foul odors can also be a sign of animal products in the compost pile.
• There appears to be no decomposition occurring in the compost pile: The compost pile is too dry. It is recommended to moisten the ingredients while stirring.
• The compost pile is moist and warm enough in the center but not hot enough to decompose completely: If the compost pile is too small, collect more materials and add them to a large pile. Mix the old material that has just decomposed a little into the new pile. If the pile has grown large but still shows no signs of decomposition, you should add more nitrogen.
• The compost pile is moist, has a pleasant smell, has partial decomposition, but is still not hot enough: Poor decomposition due to lack of nitrogen. Mix protein-rich materials such as grass clippings, manure or nitrogen-rich fertilizer into the compost pile.

Use compost:

When the compost is ready for use, it must be crushed, black in color and we can no longer distinguish the original ingredients. If compost is not used immediately, nitrogen may be lost but it is still a very good soil improver.

The quick composting method can create good compost in 3 to 8 weeks. Traditional composting methods will produce a product in 3 to 9 months, depending on the type of raw materials used, temperature, and frequency of turning the pile. In some cases, sifting the compost through a 2.25cm mesh will help remove the compost piles. The material does not decompose completely before use. Small branches decompose slowly. If they are mixed with debris, they should be removed before returning to the compost pile.

Humus is also very suitable for making soil for growing plants in pots or growing seeds. Recent studies show that microorganisms found in fully decomposed compost can prevent diseases that kill trees due to flooding, having the same effect as using fungicides.

If you use compost to make good soil, you should fertilize it every year. Composted humus can be mixed into the soil when planting large trees, small bushes, short-term trees or perennial trees. Compost can also be used to cover tree stumps or spread on top of vegetable and flower beds. If used as mulch, compost does not need to decompose completely. If using compost spread on the surface of vegetable and flower beds, it should not be applied more than 0.6cm thick. To achieve this, the compost should be sifted so that only the fine part is used. /.