What Is Composting?

What is composting? Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. By recycling organic materials like kitchen scraps and other biodegradable materials to create compost, we can create fertilizer that can be used to enrich soil in gardens(Smith, 2020). Composting is essentially a form of decomposition carried out by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and insects(EPA, 2022). It occurs naturally in forests and other ecosystems, but it can also be intentionally managed in home compost bins, large-scale composting facilities, and community composting programs.

Benefits of Composting

Composting not only offers environmental benefits but economic and social benefits as well. Firstly, composting reduces waste sent to waste fields such as Semakau Landfill. Moreover, by diverting organic materials from the waste stream, composting helps reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic matter decomposes in anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) conditions (Smith, 2020). Compost also serves as a valuable soil amendment, enriching soil with essential nutrients, improving soil structure, and enhancing its ability to retain moisture and support plant growth (EPA, 2022). This can help farmers have higher yield crops allowing for economic benefit.

Ways to Compost

Composting can be done at various scales, from small-scale backyard composting to larger community or commercial composting operations (Smith, 2020). To compost, some simple principles must be followed

Provide a balanced mix of organic materials
Maintain proper moisture and aeration
Allow time for decomposition to occur

To start a Compost Bin at home, (Eartheasy, n.d.)

Start your compost pile on bare earth: Allows for worms and other beneficial organisms to aerate the compost
Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep
Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry. The moist layers are food waste while the dry layers are straws, leaves and sawdust pellets
Add manure, green manure (clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, grass clippings) or any nitrogen source.
Keep compost moist.
Cover with anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps. Covering helps retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost.
Turn. Every few weeks give the pile a quick turn with a pitchfork or shovel. This aerates the pile.