Compost: Week Four

Compost is what comes as a result of some pretty amazing feeding patterns of hundreds of organisms. Insects, worms, bacteria and fungi come into this process and break down the products we put into our bins much like what happens in nature. In forests, jungles, and grasslands, plants die and through the circle of life go back into the Earth and continue the cycle.

In composting circles, the word humus may be heard. This is just a fancy name for mature compost. What this means, essentially, is that the organic materials in the soil mixture are broken down as far as they can. If maintained, it is said that this component of soil can stay unchanged for centuries. Pretty interesting.

This humus is the end goal we all want to reach when we start composting. This is the stuff we want to eventually be able to put into our gardens and flower beds to help nourish all our plants. Humus is our magnum opus - our great work.

As we previously mentioned, you can just gently manage your composting bin and still reap compost, but to accelerate and manage the process that takes place, there are some more things you can do. Speeding up the process helps to break everything down much faster, creating soil quicker and killing off any seed sprouts and diseased plants that may have made it in there.

Managing acidity levels is very important in managing an accelerated compost. Certain products bring more Nitrogen in the decomposition process, whereas others bring more Carbon (two essential components of healthy soil).

Here is a brief list of Nitrogen-adding components and some other details about the product. Many of these may already be on your list of items you compost. Keeping a good balance of each element is key to a healthy compost.

Algae, lake moss and seaweed are great for compost. They are all good nutrient sources.

Bird droppings should be used with caution, as they may contain seeds from weeds or diseased organisms. They are however good sources of Nitrogen.

Coffee ground and filters are great sources of Nitrogen. Worms especially like them and worms help to speed up the decomposition process.

Diseased plants provide nitrogen, however, if your pile is not hot enough the diseased organism may not be killed off. It is best to not use them.

Hair releases Nitrogen. Make sure to spread it out so it does not clump together.

Most animal manures are great for providing Nitrogen to your compost. Use manure from cows, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens or rabbits. Mix really well with materials rich in Carbon to help break it down.

Sod can be used, but make sure that your compost is getting hot enough or the grass will continue to grow.

Weeds can be used, but make sure to dry them out in the sun first before putting them into your compost.

In the Series
Week One - Compost: Getting Started
Week Two - Compost: Winter Time
Week Three - Compost: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

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