Composting Methods

Composting

When it comes to composting, there is many ways to encourage nature to speed up decay so we can use it faster to reuse on our garden beds. There as well are many perspectives and arguments of the Best composting method, but lets try to go over this without bias. It seems composting techniques haver a lot to do with geological location and the culture surrounding it, all following set principles. Yet composting also follows natural systems and it is upon us to choose the naturally existing force of destruction to implement controlled decay.

In short it is the controlled alignment of natural elements to work in absolute symbiosis. It follows basic principles which can be influenced to make it work for the designs you chose.

The Basic Components of any Composting Systems

Aerobic/ Anaerobic – Aeration/Oxygen / Fermentation/Without Oxygen

Heat – created through nitrogen decay

Moisture – for ideal colonization of microorganisms

Aerobic Oder Control – Mixture of 25% Nitrogen (green compost) to 75% carbon (brown/black compost)

Anaerobic Oder Control – integration of Effective Microbes/Lactobacillus in the composting process

Nutrients – Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the primary nutrients required by the microorganisms involved in all composting methods.

Ph Control – Microorganisms need a Ph level between 5.5 to 8.5 to thrive well.

Time – The time required depends on many factors and the method chosen

https://seafood.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/snic/basic-principles-of-composting-lsu.pdf

https://sswm.info/sites/default/files/reference_attachments/HOLMER%20ny%20Basic%20Composting.pdf

Composter’s needs

– considerations before choosing a compost method

http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/fundamentals/index.htm

https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2056/2014/01/Backyard-Composting-handout.pdf

Composting Methods/Techniques

There is many methods and techniques of composting impossible to list them all. The main driver of the time it takes to compost is Heat and moisture in combination. Here an overview of a few.

Cold Composting- slow process of composting does not kill pathogens that may be transferred to grow beds when compost is spread

3 Bin System – In bin 1 new scraps and debris is collected until full, and then transferred into bin 2 to induce oxygen. Bin 2 decays debris further until full and get again transferred for aeration to bin 3. There it can be collected and reused as soil amendment on the bottom of it.

Lasagna System – Is the coordinated layering of different matters without turning it, and as such not inducing new aeration and therefore slowing down the decay.

Vermiculture-Compost – utilizes Worms to break down detritus producing nutrient rich worm casting compost

Trench or Pit Composting – describes a direct composting method, where a hole or trench is dug into the ground and the compost nurtures the soil over time, decaying in the ground turning to soil.

Green Cone Composting – In a Gren Cone, a wired basket is dug into the ground with a opening to fill the cone from the top. Debris decays over time, leaching into the soil continually through the basket.

Hot Composting – creates a environment of heat and moisture pathogens can’t survive in, and uses the principles of pasteurization or fermentation to produce healthy steril soil.

Pile Composting – Coordinated layering of organic matter with a higher nitrogen ratio to break down faster, creating heat in the process, eliminating all pathogens

Tumbler Composting – is a set up where compostable matter is collected in a tumbler with rotating function. the rotating of the compost induces oxygen helping break matter down faster. Located indoor or in a sunny spot the heat created inside induces pasteurization.

Garbage Bag or Bin Composting – Follows the same principle as tumbler composting where debris is decaying in an enclosed space, sitting in a warm/hot space.

Aerobic and Fermented Composting – In this method foods scraps and debris are collected in a double bucket with a strainer in-between. Through inoculation with beneficial bacteria/Lactobacillus, organic matter breaks down into a mush creating an anaerobic environment with a pickling effect where the bacteria can thrive. it is the only method where certain amounts of Meat scraps and fats are tolerated.

It is the only way to reduce pesticide and herbicidal element in a composting system. A study has shown the Biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by lactic acid bacteria during kimchi fermentation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19199784

All hot composting methods can be integrated into the cold composting process by feeding the cold based systems with pre-sterilized hot-composted matter.