Composting is a process in which organic waste like food and yard waste are decomposed into rich soil-like fertilizer. It is a natural and renewable resource that reduces carbon emissions, saves money on municipal waste disposal, and protects the environment.
Microorganisms, such as worms, bacteria, and fungi, feed on the compost to break down waste into its basic elements. The result is a soil-like compost that can be used in gardens or anywhere people have plants.
Carbon
Composting is a process that recycles organic waste into a humus-like material. This helps improve the soil for growing vegetables and flowers.
The science behind composting is based on the fact that microorganisms are important in the decomposition of organic materials. The key is to provide the right mix of nutrients, moisture and warm temperatures for these microorganisms to thrive.
In the first stage of the composting process, bacteria known as mesophilic microorganisms begin breaking down waste. They require warm temperatures and plenty of oxygen to survive.
Nitrogen
Composting is the process of decomposition of organic waste by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This occurs naturally in nature and in a controlled environment, such as a compost bin.
Bacteria do most of the work by breaking down the materials into simple sugars, organic acids and carbon dioxide. They also oxidize the carbon to create heat.
Actinomycetes and fungi, the higher forms of bacteria, work best in moderate temperatures and can break down tough materials that thermophilic bacteria have left behind.
The microorganisms begin decomposing the material in a mesophilic stage and then enter a maturing phase as the high-energy compounds dwindle. As this phase ends, mesophilic bacteria once again take over. When the microorganisms reach the optimum level of activity, compost is ready for use.
Phosphorus
The science behind composting is incredibly simple, but the benefits of it are huge. It’s a naturally occurring process where microorganisms in the soil break down waste materials to create a stable substance that can be used as a fertiliser.
Phosphorus is the second most common element in the world, and it is present in almost all living organisms as an essential nutrient. It helps plants grow, but too much can cause harmful algal growth in water, or eutrophication.
Potash
The science behind composting involves bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, all of which consume organic matter for energy (carbon), to build proteins (nitrogen) and for a variety of other cellular processes.
These organisms also break down waste into humus-like compost that is perfect for your garden soil. They create a natural and healthy nutrient cycle.
In addition, the nutrient-rich material helps farmers and gardeners grow healthier crops, without the need for commercial fertilizers and pesticides. That means less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.
Composting also prevents greenhouse gases from being released into the air by diverting organic materials from landfills. These pollutants include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.
Calcium
Composting is an environmentally friendly way to reduce food and yard waste and recycle nutrients. It also helps to improve soil health, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of droughts.
There are a variety of ways to add calcium to your compost pile. You can add ground eggshell meal, calcium sulfate (gypsum), or calcium chloride (foliar spray).
Calcium is an essential element for plant health. It encourages the development of strong cell walls, which helps plants grow upright and makes them more resistant to pests and diseases. It’s also needed to form enzymes in the roots that help uptake other essential nutrients.
