Composting

Composting is the controlled aerobic decomposition of biodegradable organic matter, producing compost. The decomposition is performed primarily by aerobic bacteria, although larger creatures such as ants, nematodes and oligochaete worms also contribute.

 Composting can be divided into home composting and industrial composting. Both scales of composting use the same biological processes, however techniques and different factors must be taken into account.

Home composting

 Home composters use a range of techniques, varying from extremely passive composting (throw everything in a pile in a corner and leave it alone for a year or two) to extremely active (monitoring the temperature, turning the pile regularly, and adjusting the ingredients over time). Some composters use mineral powders to absorb smells, although a well-maintained pile seldom has bad odours.

• Microbes and heating the pile

 An effective compost pile is kept about as damp as a well wrung-out sponge. This provides the moisture that all life needs to survive. Bacteria and other micro organisms fall into a variety of groups in terms of what their ideal temperature is and how much heat they generate as they do their work. Mesophilic bacteria enjoy midrange temperatures, from about 20 to 40°C (70 to 110°F). As they decompose the organic matter they generate heat, and the inner part of a compost pile heats up the most.

• Worm composting

 Worm composting or vermicomposting is a method of composting using Red Wiggler worms in a container. Food waste and moistened bedding are added for a period of time, and the worms and micro-organisms eventually convert the contents into rich compost. The worm excretes a soil-nutrient material called worm castings. Worm composting can be done indoors, allowing year-round composting, and providing apartment dwellers with a means of composting.

 Worms are at the bottom level of the food chain, and thus are critical to healthy soil. This is why farmers have historically wanted to have healthy worm populations living in their fields.

 Gardeners have developed a radical composting product, made through a brewing process which runs distilled water through red wiggler worm castings. The nutritious elements and micro organisms of the castings are captured in a concentrated liquid form, called worm tea. It is poured into the soil where the healthy micro organisms thrive and multiply, creating a healthy growing environment for plants.