The document summarizes the history and process of composting. It discusses how composting began in Mesopotamia and was referenced in religious texts. It then explains the key parts, materials, and microorganisms involved in the composting process. The document provides tips on building optimal compost piles and potential issues and solutions. It also discusses uses for finished compost and brewing compost tea.

1. Heidi Kratsch
Area Horticulture Specialist

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

5. Pile
heats
up
Temperature peaks
Pile
shrinks
160 F
Turn the pile

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

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

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

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.

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

27.  Tremorgenic
mycotoxin is
produced by a
mold that
causes
tremors.

28.  Tremorgenic mycotoxin poisoning
◦ Agitation
◦ Lack of coordination
◦ Panting
◦ Drooling
◦ Vomiting
◦ Tremors
◦ Seizures
◦ Untreated = death

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.