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Basics of Composting
Biology
The compost pile is really a teeming microbial farm. Bacteria start the process of decaying organic matter. They are the first to break down plant tissue and are also the most numerous and effective composters. Fungi and protozoans soon join the bacteria. Then, somewhat later in the cycle, centipedes, millipedes, beetles and earthworms do their part.
Materials
Anything growing in your yard is potential food for these tiny decomposers. Carbon and nitrogen from the cells of dead plants and dead microbes fuel their activity. The micro-organisms use the carbon in leaves and woodier wastes as an energy source. Nitrogen provides the microbes with the raw element of proteins to builds their bodies. Every organic has a ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C:N) in its tissues, ranging from 500:1 for sawdust, to 15:1 for table scraps. A C:N ratio of 30:1 is ideal for activity of compost microbes. This balance can be achieve by mixing two parts grass clippings (which has a C:N ratio of 20:1) with one part fallen leaves (60:1) in your compost. Layering can be useful in arriving at these proportions, but a complete mixing of ingredient is preferable for the composting process. Other materials can also be used, such as weeds and garden waste. Though the C:N ratio of 30:1 is ideal for a fast, hot compost, a higher ratio (i.e., 50:1) will be adequate for a slower compost.
Surface Area
The more surface area the micro-organisms have to work on, the faster the materials are decomposed (similar to a block of ice in the sun Š slow to melt when it is large, but melting very fast when broken into small pieces). Chopping your garden waster into small pieces will speed their composting.
Volume
A large compost pile will insulate itself and hold the heat of microbial activity. Is center will be warmer than its edges. Piles smaller than 3 feel cubed (27 cubic feet) will have trouble holding its heat, while piles larger than 5 feet cubed (125 cubic feet) donÕt allow enough air to reach the microbes at the center.
Moisture and Aeration
All life on earth needs a certain amount of water and air to sustain itself. The microbes in the compost pile are no different. They function best when the compost materials are about as wet as a wrung out sponge and are provided with many air passages. Extremes of sun or rain can adversely affect this moisture balance in your pile.
Time and Temperature
The hotter your compost pile is the faster it will decompose. If you use materials will the proper C:N ratio, provide a large amount of surface area, a big enough volume and see that the moisture and aeration are adequate, you will have a hot, fast compost.
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