2. Started with use of manure
in Mesopotamia
References in Bible and
Talmud
New England farmers: “10
parts muck to 1 part fish”
Early 20th century: Plant
nutrients were discovered –
chemical fertilizers replaced
composting
Sir Albert Howard wrote An
Agriculture Testament in
1943
J.I. Rodale – popularized
organic farming in the U.S.
Mesopotamia
3. Composting is an extension of
the natural process of
decomposition.
4. Aerobic bacteria (require O2)
◦ Psychrophilic – active between 55
and 70 F
◦ Mesophilic – 70 to 100 F
◦ Thermophilic – 113 to 160F
6. Actinomycetes –
◦Higher-form bacteria
◦Responsible for earthy smell
◦Decompose tough materials
(lignin, cellulose)
◦Populations rise during the later
stages
7. Prefer cooler temperatures
(70-75 F)
Prevalent during the late stages of
composting
8.
9. Food – carbon and nitrogen
Air - oxygen
Moisture – keep moist, not wet
Good drainage
10. Carbon for energy
◦ Dry and brown such as leaves, straw, and wood
chips
◦ Decompose slowly
Nitrogen for growth and reproduction
◦ Wet and green such as fresh grass clippings and
food waste
◦ Decompose quickly
2 parts carbon-rich to 1 part nitrogen-rich
11.
12. 40 to 65% moisture
Too dry – process is
slowed
Too wet – leads to
anaerobic (low
oxygen) conditions
13. Temperature – hot composting
occurs between 110 and 160 F
Particle size – 1/8 to 2 inches
Volume – 3 x 3 x 3 feet is
optimal
14. Appropriate length to
reach the center of your
compost pile
Clear, easy to read
display
Made of stainless steel
or other non-rusting
material
Temperature range
from 0-200 degrees
Fahrenheit
Display is hermetically
sealed, preventing
fogging
15. Fresh and colorful (“green”) materials
◦ Fresh lawn/garden waste
◦ Animal manure (from herbivores
only)
◦ Non-animal-based kitchen wastes
◦ Garden and canning waste
◦ Fruits and vegetables
16. Dry or woody (“Brown”) materials
◦ Dry leaves, cornstalks
◦ Wood chips (chipped fine)
◦ Weed-free hay or straw
◦ Sawdust
◦ Shredded paper
17. Meat or fish
Bones
Fats, grease, lard or oils
Large branches
Dairy products
Synthetic products
Plastics
Pet wastes
18.
19. Nitrogen
source
% Nitrogen Cups to apply
Urea 46 4
Ammonium
nitrate 33 6
Calcium
nitrate 15 13
Dried blood
meal 12 16
Fish meal 10 20
Source: Backyard Composting in Utah, Utah State University
20. Dark brown and crumbly
(fluffy) with an earthy odor.
Original materials should not
be recognizable.
Temperature same or a bit
higher than outside air.
Should not reheat.
May see earthworms and
insects.
Should not be hot, moldy or
smell like ammonia!
21. Leave finished compost in a pile for up
to one month.
Decomposition of larger hidden
particles may continue
Compost “stabilizes”
Ensures the process is complete
before you apply to planted areas.
22.
23. Problem Possible cause
Smells bad Compacted;
Too much moisture
Pile damp but won’t heat Not enough N;
Materials too wet
Dry and not composting Not enough water
Ammonia odor Too much nitrogen
Pile temperature too high Pile too large;
Insufficient ventilation
Pile temperature too low Pile too small; not enough
moisture; poor aeration;
lack of nitrogen
31. Compost tea is not the dark-colored solution
that leaks from the bottom of the compost
pile (do not spray this on food crops!)
Compost tea is the extract of compost made
suspending compost in a barrel of water
(aerated or unaerated) for a short period of
time (up to a week).
32. Provides nutrients (amounts and types
depend upon ingredients used to make the
compost)
Disease suppression (maybe?)
◦ 50% less powdery mildew on grapes
◦ Slight reduction of gray mold
◦ INCREASE in downy mildew
Rodale Institute and Pennsylvania State University, recent
unpublished work
33. Improve soil
structure
Help retain nutrients
Help retain moisture
Improve soil aeration
Lower soil pH
Compost does all of these things!
34. Use only potable water.
Sanitize all equipment.
Use only compost that has maintained a temp
of 131 F for 3 days (use hot composting
method).
Avoid additives (esp. simple sugars like
molasses)
Must be used within 24 hours of making it.
Editor's Notes
Other famous individuals that produced and promoted the use of compost include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington Carver.
“Double-digging involves removing the topsoil the depth of a spade, setting the soil aside and then loosening the subsoil another spade’s depth. Finally, the topsoil is returned with added amendments, such as compost, manure or fertilizers. This labor-intensive soil-preparation method provides an excellent rooting zone for plants.”
