Sunday, 18 September 2022

The science of composting

 

 

That banana peel in the trash will ultimately degrade organically, as will all organic waste, due to beneficial bacteria in the environment that feed on decaying debris.


According to the United States Department of Agriculture, composting is a method that seeks to accelerate the natural decomposition of organic material by creating optimum circumstances for detritus-eating organisms to thrive (USDA). The final result of this focused decomposition process is nutrient-rich soil that can aid in the growth of crops, garden plants, and trees.


Kisaan Trade brings you this article that will teach you all you need to know about composting.

 

The composting procedure


Microorganisms are essential to the composting process and may be found everywhere in nature. The key to successful composting is to provide an optimal habitat for microbes to grow, which includes warm temperatures, nutrients, moisture, and lots of oxygen. There are three major phases in the composting cycle when various microorganisms grow.


During the first step, mesophilic bacteria, or microorganisms that flourish in temperatures ranging from 68 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 45 degrees Celsius), begin physically breaking down the biodegradable chemicals. This first process produces heat, and temperatures soon soar to about 104 degrees F. (40 degrees C).


During the second stage, which can span from a few days to many months, mesophilic microbes are replaced by thermophilic microorganisms (microorganisms that survive at higher temperatures). The thermophilic bacteria are responsible for breaking down organic molecules into smaller bits. Higher temperatures promote the breakdown of proteins, lipids, and complex carbohydrates.


Also, temperatures continue to climb throughout the second stage, and if not constantly monitored, the compost pile can become so hot that it finally kills off all the beneficial bacteria. Aeration and turning over the compost pile assist in keeping temperatures around 149 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), while also providing more oxygen and fresh sources for thermophilic microbes to break down.

 

What goes in and what doesn't?


To produce the ideal atmosphere for composting, a balance of "greens" and "browns" is required. Greens, which include grass clippings, fruit and vegetable waste, and coffee grounds, are high in nitrogen. Browns are carbon-rich yard trimmings like dead leaves, branches, and twigs.


If there is too much carbon in the compost pile, decomposition happens at a much slower rate because less heat is created since the microbes are unable to grow and reproduce as easily, and hence are unable to break down the carbon as easily. An oversupply of nitrogen, on the other hand, can cause an unpleasant ammonia odour and raise the acidity of the compost pile, both of which can be harmful.


What should be composted:


• Vegetables and fruits.

• Eggshells

• Coffee grinders and filters

• Tea sachets

• Shelled nuts

• Newspaper, paper, and cardboard shreds

• Yard waste such as grass, leaves, branches, and twigs

• Houseplants

• Straw and hay

• Sawdust

• Woodchips

• Rags made of cotton and wool

• Lint from the dryer and vacuum cleaner.

• Fur and hair

• Fireplace ashes

 

What should not be composted:


• Certain tree leaves and twigs, such as black walnut, are toxic to plants because they produce chemicals that are potentially toxic to plants.

• Coal or coal ash, as they may include plant-harming chemicals,

• Dairy products, eggs, fats and oils, and meat or fish bones and scraps should be thrown out because of potential odour issues that attract pests like rats and flies.

• Plants that are diseased or infected with insects should be protected as the illness or insects may survive and spread to other plants.

• Pet waste (including dog and cat excrement and used cat litter) should be avoided since it may contain hazardous parasites, germs, or viruses.

• Yard clippings that have been treated with chemical pesticides may be poisoned by composting organisms.

 

What Are the Various Types of Composting?


Aerobic, anaerobic, and vermicomposting are the three types. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

 

Aerobic Composting Process


Aerobic composting introduces air to aid in the breakdown of materials. Every few days, the compost must be rotated. A "tumble" style composter may save a lot of time and work in this situation. To keep the composter aerated, add scraps and turn the handle or spin it. You should probably add a lot of green stuff that is high in nitrogen, such as grass clippings.

 

Composting in anaerobic conditions


Simply by glancing at the term, you can know that anaerobic is the inverse of aerobic. Anaerobic composting requires nearly no effort. Simply toss leftovers into a compost pile or composter and let them alone for a year or more.


But, hold your nose! Anaerobic composting smells awful. When there is no oxygen, some terrible germs take hold. This is what occurs in a landfill, and it is not good for you. Landfills create so much methane that they can explode!


Vermicomposting


Worms, oxygen, and moisture are used in vermicomposting to safely break down organic waste with little smell. Worms undertake most of the heavy lifting, while bacteria also contribute. For this sort of composting, red worms are popular. Worms enjoy eating non-acidic vegetable and fruit waste from your kitchen and yard. They eat grains such as rice, oats, pasta, and bread. Just make sure to avoid greasy meals, pork, and dairy products. You may use old herbivore dung from cows, horses, and rabbits.

 

Concerning Kisan Trade


Kisaan Trade is a contemporary tool for all agricultural farmers and individuals. We offer a diverse selection of products and services to meet a variety of agricultural demands. Agricultural equipment and machinery, various types of seeds and fertilisers, irrigation-related gear and tools, animal feed and dairy products, flowers and plants, crop commodities, and organic foods are among our items.


We provide two types of compost:


1) City Compost

2) Vermicomposting

 

1) City Compost: City Compost is a one-of-a-kind bio-organic soil enricher created by a regulated accelerated microbial composting process from biodegradable organic compounds, primarily of plant origin. It is devoid of harmful bacteria/insect eggs, weed seeds, and plant diseases.


Our product increases soil health, fertility, and structure; generates optimal circumstances for healthier plant growth and development; and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and water. Our product is incredibly beneficial to all crops, fruits, and vegetables. It contains humus, organic matter, microorganisms, and major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and so on, as well as micronutrients such as boron, zinc, molybdenum, iron, and so on.

Usage


Benefits:


• allows for efficient growth.

• enhances moisture retention.

• encourages microbial activity.

• pest and disease control


2) Vermicompost: Earthworms and microbes perform key roles in the breakdown of organic materials in a vermicomposting system. Vermicomposting, as a biological reaction system, is also impacted by many environmental elements such as water content, moisture, pH, organic matter, temperature, carbon to nitrogen ratio, ammonia, and so on. Furthermore, operational parameters such as earthworm density and retention duration, sludge loading and height, and usable devices all have a significant impact on vermicomposting success.


Benefits:


• It provides nutrients to the soil.

• It increases the soil’s ability to hold nutrients in a plant-available form.

• It improves the soil structure.

• It improves the aeration and internal drainage of heavy clay soils.

• It increases the water-holding ability of sandy soils.

• It provides numerous beneficial bacteria.

 

These two goods are only accessible on the Kisan Trade website and can be purchased at any time. We guarantee that the product's quality will not be compromised in any way. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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