|
|
        
|
 |
You know how wonderful a forest smells? That aroma of dense, healthy, thriving plants? That's naturally occurring compost.
Some people incorrectly believe compost to be a smelly, unpleasant pile in the backyard. Compost is actually organic matter that is no longer recognizable - what you are left with after decomposition is rich, dark, great-smelling, crumbly and soil-like. |
|
| |
|
 |
|
| Composting: putting your garbage to work. Part science, part art - it's all good! Composting is part of any complete household environmental strategy. You benefit the earth in more ways than one - not only are you |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| How does a load of garbage transform into a marvelous fertilizer? Easy. Under correct conditions, almost no work is required of you. Nature will reduce garbage into compost (that's garbage, by the way - organic matter - not trash).
Bacteria are vital agents in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What's in it for me, you ask? More than you'd think. Adding compost to your soil increases its softness.
Compost can also balance all types of soil, from clay to sand, and everything in between.
In sandy soil, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Not only are you not contributing to landfills, you're returning the goodness of nature back to nature! Compost improves the soil's structure through hydration and aeration, and by encouraging the formation of minerals.
Composting conserves water by allowing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Enough said? Maybe not. The heap composting process is similar to holding or turning units, but heaps require no structure. The heap should measure about 3 feet wide and 3 feet high; its length will vary depending |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Worms are fast workers on kitchen scraps. If you're squeamish, this option isn't for you! Worm composting is suitable for composting fruit and vegetable scraps. The worms eat kitchen scraps, turning the material into valuable organic matter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dig a proper hole and wait. It's as simple as that. Soil incorporation is the simplest method for composting non-fatty food waste. With time |
|
|
|
© copyright 2001
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
| |
 |
|
|
You can start a compost pile with leaves and debris from your yard.
Kitchen scraps make great compost.
You shouldn't use meat, bones or fatty foods for compost because it will attract animals.
Organic fertilizers, like compost and manure, are great for conditioning your soil.
|
|
|
|
|
|
