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Biology of Composting
Home » Lawn & Garden » Composting » Biology of CompostingComposting is basically a vehicle for the natural process of rotting and decaying. There are several ingredients that are necessary for the process of composting. You need organic waste (newspaper, leaves, grass, kitchen waste), soil, water, and air. During composting, the microorganisms from the soil break down the waste into nutrient-rich humus. The humus is rich in fiber and carbon, and contains nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The materials are broken down through aerobic respiration. When you turn the materials in the compost bin, you supply the air (oxygen) required for this process. The microorganisms also need water in order to live and multiply. The microorganisms give off enough carbon dioxide and heat to bring the temperature of the pile to as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit. An actively managed compost pile can produce finished compost in as little as two or three weeks. Unmanaged, it can take months.
For balanced and efficient decomposition, the mixture should be turned every day or every other day. The mixture should be moist, but not soaking wet. It should contain the proper mix of carbon to nitrogen (a ratio of about 30:1). The particle pieces should be small, and there should be an adequate amount of soil so that there are enough microorganisms for the process.
A compost pile is home to a whole organization of living organisms. This organization is called a foodweb. The bacteria and fungi in the pile function to break down the organic matter in the trash. There are also protozoa, mites, and nematodes that feed on the bacteria and fungi. Predatory mites, predatory nematodes, and other invertebrates feed on the protozoa, mites, and nematodes. This delicate balance of creatures increases the efficiency of the process.
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