Compost is decayed organic matter that provides nutrients to plants. It is produced through decomposition by microorganisms in a warm, moist, aerobic environment. The document describes different methods for selecting a compost production site and collecting raw materials, and outlines four common methods for compost production: heap, cage, pit, and barrel. The benefits of using compost include increased yields, improved soil fertility, and providing nutrients in a readily available form.

1. Compost Preparation
M.M.B.S.Silva
Uva Wellassa University

2. Compost
• Compost is a mixture of decayed organic materials decomposed by
microorganisms in a warm, moist and aerobic environment releasing
nutrients into readily available forms for plant with involve of humans

3. Site Selection for Compost Production
 Raw materials should be available
 Water should be available
 Should not be in the close vicinity to drinking water well
 Should not be close to the home
 Should be well drained soil
 Should be clean site
 Should be shaded area

4. Raw Matterials
 Green leaves
 Weeds
 Banana leaves
 Banana trunk
 Salvenia
 Sow dust
 Vegetable peelings
 Crop waste
 Animal waste ( Cow-dung, Poultry manure)
 Incubator ( Old Compost)

5. Methods of Compost Production
1. Heap method
2. Cage method
3. Pit method
4. Barrel method

6. Heap Method

8. Pit Method

9. Cage Method

10. Barrel Method

11. Benefits of using compost
• Increase yield
• Improves overall soil fertility
• Provides humus or organic matter
• Provides vitamins, hormones and plant enzymes which are not supplied by chemical
fertilizers
• Acts as buffer to changes in soil pH
• Compost is free from pathogenic organisms, weeds and other unwanted seeds
• Nutrients are readily available
• Easy to apply when compared to other organic manures