How does composting work?


How do the microorganisms in the compost break down the material in there? Do the microogranisms just appear in the compost if the environment of the compost is correct? What temperature should the compost be? How can I make my own compost? Would it work if I had like a small box or something and I add whatever I need to add in there. I’m doing a science fair experiment on it and I want an easy and inexpensive way to create some sort of mini compost bin/tumbler. Thanks so much if you have ANY information on composting and please help on telling me any information on MAKING a mini compost bin/tumbler.

Make two wooden structures, size depends on how much ground you have and how much material you will have to compost. If you can get horse manure or cow dung, put a small amount at the base, add almost anything to the second layer, then a layer of soil. Do not disturb it. Continue until it reaches the top of the structure you made. Leave that one and start on the second. It will take you probably a year before you can use the first by which time the second will be ‘cooked’ and ready. Do not use rhubarb leaves. Do not use rose cuttings. Use paper, cardboard, old cabbages including roots, all garden waste, kitchen waste but not including meats. Beware of silver paper and the tape on cardboard. Everything else goes in. It will generate heat but do not worry, it will not cause fire. Don’t forget the layers, each about six inches high. It will seem that the structure never fills but that’s the break down taking effect. Hope it helps, good luck. ps. If you have snakes in your area, they like to nest in compost heaps and curiously enough, depending on whether the female snake wants males or females, depends on where she lays her eggs!

Incoming search terms for the article:


Posted on October 31st, 2011 by Kitchen Compost and filed under composting | 2 Comments »

What is the role of Microorganisms in composting?


Composting – the role of Microorganisms

——————————————————————————–

Hi. It is known that so-called "microorganisms" help with composting by "breaking down" organic matter. Can anyone help me to understand what is meant, practically and physically, by breaking down? What kinds of creatures do these microorganisms consist of? How many are invisible? Do they eat the material and produce waste? Does their body heat help the material to compost quicker? What, practically, happens?

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. Composting biodegrades organic waste. i.e. food waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, wood, feathers, crop residue etc., and turns it into a valuable organic fertilizer.

Composting is a natural biological process, carried out under controlled aerobic conditions (requires oxygen). In this process, various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter into simpler substances. The effectiveness of the composting process is dependent upon the environmental conditions present within the composting system i.e. oxygen, temperature, moisture, material disturbance, organic matter and the size and activity of microbial populations.

Composting is not a mysterious or complicated process. Natural recycling (composting) occurs on a continuous basis in the natural environment. Organic matter is metabolized by microorganisms and consumed by invertebrates. The resulting nutrients are returned to the soil to support plant growth.

Incoming search terms for the article:


Posted on October 6th, 2011 by Kitchen Compost and filed under composting | 1 Comment »
|
  • Tags

  • Recent Comments

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Search Terms

  • Meta