Composting is nature's way of recycling, and it happens to all organic matter with no human effort involved. Breakdown of organic matter depends on temperature, oxygenation, and water/humidity. Carbon and nitrogen levels are also detrimental to composting. Nitrogen-enriched fresh vegetable scraps and fresh grass clippings, known as greens, and carbon-enriched dried leaves, bark, twigs, and hay, known as browns, are layered, with one part greens and three parts browns. Compost can be ready to use in as little as 2 months.
Overall, the amount of municipal solid waste (trash) created by Americans rose 60 percent in the 25 years between 1980 and 2005, climbing to 246 million tons of trash. That figure (computed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) refers to waste before recycling is taken into consideration; recycling and composting recovered 79 million tons of trash. Approximately 62 percent of yard waste is composted. In the 15 years between 1990 and 2005, landfill waste has decreased by 9 million tons, and it continues to decrease yearly. There are over 35,000 composting programs in operation in the U.S.
At every stage of decomposition, the organic matter in compost bins is full of productive living organisms that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Other members of this food web can be seen and are associated with later breakdown of waste in compost bins. Remove these dwellers, and the composting process is slowed down. But what can be done about critters that are a nuisance and not welcome?
One-third of waste from homes can be composted. By composting, the average family can eliminate up to a ton of garbage per year. Compost bins and rotating compost barrels are priced to sell. Composting, nature's way of recycling, is the healthy, economical way to fertilize gardens.
Hot compost piles quickly turn waste into humus through a balance of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water, and hungry microorganisms - nature's recyclers. Hot piles require a well-insulated compost bin, damp conditions, weekly rotations, and a temperature range of 110 to 140 degrees.
Until recent years, a compost bin was a corner in your yard where you dumped all your leaves, grass and whatnot. Modern compost bins look sharp, work fast, and return rich black earth that's as good as gold to your garden. Spherical rolling bins help you to properly mix the dirt, and newer compost tumblers are even easier to take for a spin. Worm composters put nature's little creepers to work for you, for the best results ever. That's a lot of options, and this guide will help you find the perfect compost bin for you, without a heap of trouble.
How to Make Compost |
Troubleshooting Your Compost Pile |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
