#43. The Composting Process
Good compost will improve soil structure, providing it with high water retention ability and proper drainage. There is plenty of organic waste to be found in a garden, suitable for being turned into rich garden compost. Plants thrive in rich soil; add compost to sandy soil to improve water retention or to heavy clay soil to improve soil structure and give better drainage.
To achieve the ideal garden compost there are some important points to remember.
• Living organisms consist of large amounts of carbon and small amounts of nitrogen; the ratio of the two is important in determining how quickly bacteria will decompose organic waste.
• Ideal compost when squeezed tightly should not produce any moisture at all or probably just a drop at the most.
• The temperature of the compost should not exceed 70 degrees.
Building a garden compost pile
Decide on the area in which to make the compost pile and clear it of all debris. Start with a layer 15 centimeters high of chopped branches. The reason for this action is to allow the air to circulate at the bottom of the pile.
Add a ten centimeter high layer of grass clippings – this is low carbon organic waste. Top with a layer of high carbon organic waste like leaves or garden waste. The thickness of the layer should be a maximum of 15 centimeters. This is followed by a layer of either soil or finished compost about ten centimeters high. This will allow the introduction of micro-organisms into the compost pile, to break down the organic matter. Add a layer of mulch mixed with a little chook manure fertilizer.
Repeat the layering process until the bin or whatever receptacle you choose is nearly full. Over time, add paper, cardboard, kitchen scraps, broken bits of wood and leaves to the compost heap. Remember to moisten each layer as you add it to the pile.
Compost containers
There are several varieties of store produced compost bins available on the market. You can also make your own out of old tin or old pallets. Basically you need a three-sided container to start your compost heap in.
Compost process
Once the compost pile is made, the heat will increase rapidly to reach approximately 70 degrees. This temperature should remain constant to ensure that the process is active. The pile should be turned and reconstructed every week. Material on the top should go into the middle of the pile when it is reconstructed.
The process is complete when the temperature reduces and the volume is reduced to one-third the original volume. Ideal compost should be dark, crumbly, moisture free and produce an earthy aroma.