Compositing
Compositing is the biological decomposition process of organic matter which is controlled by human activities. This process of making compost is different from the natural decomposition process of organic matter. Compositing involves the control of the organic material through the regulation and optimization of conditions which increases the speed of the decomposition process and the quality of the generated product. Composting offers a natural way of recycling food stuffs and give opportunities to people to enrich the soil for the growth of plants and generally help the environment. Composting has direct and indirect benefits to humans, the animals and the planet at large. The composting process may take a few weeks or long periods depending on the temperature of the environment and the materials used in the compost.
Composting involves four components which are green matter for high concentrated supply of nitrogen, brown matter for high concentrated supply of carbon compound, and moisture which can be also in form of water and oxygen which is basically air. The four components for the compost which a favorable environment for the action of bacteria, fungi, worms and organism function to break down organic matter naturally in the compost. It is important to note that green matter is key in the decomposition process as it provides amino acids and proteins in the compost. Sources of green matter for composting include fruit and vegetable scraps, manure from herbivores, and herbs and spices as well as crushed eggshells.
Carbon is a very important component in the compost and can be obtained from dead leaves, tree branches, hay and fireplace ashes and shredded newspaper. These materials are important in the process of composting. Therefore, it is important to note that the materials to compost are suitable depending on where they originate. Food and other products that are sourced from the ground applicable safely in composting. The products involve fruits, vegetables and grains. Basically, materials that does not come from the ground are considered not safe to compost. Animal products and products from unnatural sources as well as oily foods are generally not safe to compost. These materials, negatively affect the composting process through disruption and also may introduce diseases in the compost. The materials that should not be involved in the compost include meat, bones, fat and skin from animals. Greasy foods and oils, milk, butter and generally dairy products should not be included in the compost. Onions and garlic are also not considered in the composition of the compost as they tend to repel earthworms in the compost and therefore, should not be added to the compost completely.
The degradation process of organic material is natural as it begins immediately when waste is generated. In a natural setting, the breakdown of organic materials into smaller particles is undertaken by soil insects lie mites, ants, beetles and other like the earthworm, nematodes. The breakdown of the particles into smaller particles increases the exposure of the material to microbiological degradation. In the urgency of composting, the controlled conditions by human increase the speed of the process through the use of composting operators to breakdown large waste particles through grinding and chopping of the waste materials.
The process of breakdown the particles establishes the optimal physical conditions for colonization of organic material and initiates the composting process. Microbes are involved in most of the decomposition as they are present in the waste initially. Soil microbes such as fungi, bacteria and protozoa get introduced to the waste material when the waste is mixed with soil. The source of energy used by microorganisms is present in carbon compounds found in the organic materials. The carbon compounds are transformed into carbon dioxide which is released into the environment. As a result of losing carbon to the environment, the compost pile becomes condensed and the air spaces in the pile become smaller. Consequently, the reminder of oxygen left in the pile is consumed faster by the present microorganisms. To prevent the decomposition from becoming anaerobic, that is without oxygen, the oxygen must be replenished.
Composting is basically, driven by the action of microbes. Therefore, like a living organism the microbes require right and favorable environmental conditions to thrive and survive. The best conditions for the action of the microbes leads to successful composting, which include food for nutrients, suitable moisture, pH, oxygen and temperature. The most critical elements for microbial decomposition are carbon and nitrogen as they affect the rate of composting process. Ideally, the favorable conditions for the higher rate of composting involve the right ratio of carbon to nitrogen which lies around C: N; 25 to 35:1, moisture content should range around 50% to 60% by weight, the pH should be 6.5 to 8.0 and the optimal temperature should be 130 to 150 F and available oxygen concentration of not less than 10%.
The main benefits of composting involve environment and personal health concerns. Composting is essential in the reduction of waste in landfills and allows the natural return of waste materials into the earth. The practice of composting also saves people money used on waste collection. The process of composting also enhances the nutrient content of soil through use of compost, humus and mulch in gardens. Furthermore, Scientific research show that the composting reduces, and in some cases eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting is associated with the reduction of methane, which greenhouse gas produced from landfills. Composting increases crop yields for farmers and is involved in the restoration of forests and wetlands as well as the improvement of poor quality of soil. The products of composting enhance the health condition of soil and reduces greenhouse gases. Consequently, this benefits human health indirectly.
In conclusion, the urgency of composting depends on the materials used in the compost. The right materials from waste and the most favorable conditions for the decomposition process should be involved in the composting. Carbon and nitrogen provide green and brown matter respectively, which are critical in the decomposition process. The right materials for the composting should involves organic matter from sources from the ground. Oily and greasy materials are not appropriate for the making of a compost. Composting is beneficial to humans direct and indirectly. Moreover, composting increases the farm yields for farmer and reduces the amount of fertilizers needed for farming activities as the products of composting enriches the soil conditions for the growth of plants. Composting makes use of most waste materials which reduces the amount of waste in landfills and also saves cost used to pay collection fees. Composting help in the reduction of chemical pesticides and fertilizers that have positive health effects to humans and the environments.
References
Chadar, S. C., Chadar, K., & Singh, M. (2019). Composting as an Eco-Friendly Method to Recycle Organic Waste. Progress in Petrochemical Science, 2(5).
Modderman, C. (2020). Composting with or without additives. Animal Manure: Production, Characteristics, Environmental Concerns, and Management, 67, 245-254.
Onwosi, C. O., Igbokwe, V. C., Odimba, J. N., Eke, I. E., Nwankwoala, M. O., Iroh, I. N., & Ezeogu, L. I. (2017). Composting technology in waste stabilization: on the methods, challenges and future prospects. Journal of Environmental Management, 190, 140-157.
Sanchez-Monedero, M. A., Cayuela, M. L., Roig, A., Jindo, K., Mondini, C., & Bolan, N. (2018). Role of biochar as an additive in organic waste composting. Bioresource technology, 247, 1155-1164.
Gonawala, S. S., & Jardosh, H. (2018). Organic Waste in Composting: A brief review. International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 8(1), 36-38.
