hasermasters.blogg.se - Microbe biocontrol agents

Below 15 it is likely to outgas a portion of nitrogen as ammonia. Above 30 the substrate is nitrogen starved. Rapid composting is favored by having a carbon:nitrogen ratio of ~30 or less. Hot container composting focuses on retaining heat in order to increase the decomposition rate thus producing compost more quickly. Ĭomposting is most efficient with a carbon:nitrogen ratio of about 25:1. The air/water balance is critical to maintaining high temperatures 130–160 ☏ (54–71 ☌) until the materials are broken down. Active management of the pile (e.g., turning) is needed to maintain sufficient oxygen and the right moisture level. Ĭertain ratios of these materials will allow microorganisms to work at a rate that will heat up the compost pile.

Water - in the right amounts to maintain activity without causing anaerobic conditions.

Aerobic bacteria needs oxygen levels >5% to perform the processes needed for composting.

Oxygen - for oxidizing the carbon, the decomposition process.

They can also include colourful fruits and vegetables. High nitrogen materials tend to be green and wet.

Nitrogen - to grow and reproduce more organisms to oxidize the carbon.

High carbon materials tend to be brown and dry.

Carbon - for energy the microbial oxidation of carbon produces the heat required for other parts of the composting process.

The process involves decomposing organic material into a humus-like material, known as compost, which is a good fertilizer for plants.Ĭomposting organisms require four equally important ingredients to work effectively:

It can therefore be used to recycle organic material. Ĭomposting is an aerobic method (meaning it requires air) of decomposing organic solid wastes. Composting is an important part of waste management since food and other compostable materials make up about 20% of waste in landfills and these materials take longer to biodegrade in the landfill. Aerobic bacteria and fungi manage the chemical process by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide, and ammonium. The decomposition process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water, and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture in a process that uses open piles or " windrows." Fungi, earthworms, and other detritivores further break up the organic material. However, composting can also take place as a multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air, and carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. Materials are wetted to break them down into humus, a process that occurs for months.

Browns are more woody materials that are rich in carbon, such as stalks, paper, and wood chips.

Greens are materials that are rich in nitrogen such as leaves, grass, and food scraps. Compost can also be used for land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and landfill cover.Īt the simplest level, composting requires gathering a mix of 'Greens' and 'Browns'. It also reduces expenses on commercial chemical fertilizers for recreational gardeners and commercial farmers alike. The benefits of compost include providing nutrients to crops as fertilizer, acting as a soil conditioner, increasing the humus or humic acid contents of the soil, and introducing beneficial colonies of microbes that help to suppress pathogens in the soil. Compost improves soil fertility in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, urban agriculture, and organic farming. The resulting mixture is rich in plant nutrients and beneficial organisms, such as worms and fungal mycelium. It is commonly prepared by decomposing plant and food waste and recycling organic materials. Community-level composting in a rural area in GermanyĬompost is a mixture of ingredients used to fertilize and improve the soil.