What Is Compost?Compost is a part of the natural process of decomposition. Leaves drop from trees. Grass clippings are left on the lawn after mowing. Living plants die and over time, all of these organic materials break down or decompose. The rich, dark-brown, crumbly, soil-like material that results is called compost. Why Compost?
Organic wastes put back into the landscape in the form of compost can assist in reducing fertilizer applications, conserve water, and decrease the volume of wastes entering landfills. Compost can be used by other living things in the landscape and instead of going to a landfill, these wastes become a valuable resource.
The Composting Process:
Compost can be made out of leaves, grass clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, wood chips, straw, small twigs and similar materials. Tiny microorganisms do most of the work of breaking down organic materials to form compost. These microorganisms include a wide range of bacteria and fungi. Animals living in the soil also help microorganisms break down organic materials. Worms and pill bugs are examples of soil animals that help change organic waste into compost.
The microorganisms and soil animals that turn organic matter into compost require many of the same nutrients that plants need for growth (particularly nitrogen). Most of these nutrients are derived from the decomposing organic matter. Eventually, these nutrients are returned to the soil, to be used again by trees, grass, and other plants. This is nature’s way of recycling.
Landscape Uses of Compost:
Compost can be used as a mulch or mixed into the soil. Compost provides an almost constant source of free fertilizer and is an excellent soil conditioner. The organic materials in compost help plants grow by loosening the soil and providing improved aeration and drainage. The composition of compost also improves the soils ability to hold water and can reduce the frequency of landscape irrigation. Compost has most of the nutrients plants require for growth and through regular use can greatly reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. This can help limit the potential risk of environmental contamination.
Making Compost:
Making compost can be easy!
Choose a structure and location for making compost. Any type of composting bin will do. Plans for different types of composting bins can be found on Texas A&M University’s Aggie Horticulture web site.
Place kitchen and yard wastes in the composting bin. Chop or shred these organic materials for faster decomposition. Spread soil or "already done" compost over the compost pile. This layer contains microorganisms and soil animals that do the work of composting. It also helps keep the surface from drying out.
Adjust the moisture of the compost pile. Add dry grass clippings or sawdust to
soggy materials, or add water to a pile that is too dry. The materials should be damp to the touch, but not so wet that drops come out when squeezed.
Allow the pile to "bake". It should heat quickly and reach the desired temperature of 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 60 degrees Celsius) in four to five days. Stir or turn the compost as it bakes to speed the decomposition process. The pile will settle down from its original height. This is a good sign that the organic matter is actively decomposing.
Thoroughly decomposed compost should look like dark crumbly soil mixed with small pieces of organic material, with a sweet "earthy" smell.
Mix or turning the compost pile every week will speed up the process. Under normal conditions it should be "done," or ready 1-2 months. Compost piles that are not turned generally require 6-12 months to complete the process.
With a little work, you can have a rich, inexpensive fertilizer for your gardens and flowerbeds in no time!
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