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Composting

Compost is created from decaying plant and animal waste, with specific materials that can and cannot be composted. There are four composting methods: using a compost bin, compost pit, compost shed, and vermiculture, each with unique processes for decomposition. The compost bin is the most common method, utilizing bacteria and fungi for breakdown, while vermiculture employs earthworms to convert organic materials into simpler forms.

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21 views2 pages

Composting

Compost is created from decaying plant and animal waste, with specific materials that can and cannot be composted. There are four composting methods: using a compost bin, compost pit, compost shed, and vermiculture, each with unique processes for decomposition. The compost bin is the most common method, utilizing bacteria and fungi for breakdown, while vermiculture employs earthworms to convert organic materials into simpler forms.

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aksayeramsahye
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Grade 9 Chapter 4 - Composting

What is compost?

Compost is obtained from decaying plants and animal wastes.

Materials for composting

Materials that can be composted Materials that cannot be composted

 Kitchen waste (peels from fruits and  Food containing fats and oil
veg – avoid pest and disease
materials)  Milk or cheese

 Garden waste (grasses, leaves,  Meats and bones


branches)
 Newspaper (ink can be toxic)
 Wood ash
 Plastic and metal objects
 Plain paper
 Pet/human feaces
 Recycled tissue paper
 Chemically treated wood
 Manure
 Weeds
 Egg shells

There are 4 methods of composting:

1. Using a compost bin


2. Compost pit
3. compost shed
4. vermiculture

1. Using a compost bin

 The most common method of composting in Mauritius is the compost bin.

 A 200L plastic drum is mounted on a metal stand so that it can rotate freely.

 Opening is made to add the composting materials

 Small holes are added for aeration.

 The decomposition of organic material occurs by the help of bacteria and fungus.

 They are introduced inside the bin by adding a small amount of soil or manure.

 Bacteria will cause decomposition of the organic material

 Carbon dioxide and heat produced will be evacuated through the holes and
replaced by cool and fresh air.

 Rotating the bin will help in the aeration of the materials as all microbial
activities need oxygen for respiration. This also prevents bad smell.
2. Compost pit (pg 52) – a hole is dug in the ground (1mx1mx1m) dry material and wet
materials are added. A pipe is inserted for aeration.

3. Compost shed (pg 52) – composting is done under a constructed shed made with metal
sheet.

4. Vermiculture/ Vermicomposting.(refer to book diagram)

 Vermiculture uses earthworm to breakdown the complex organic remains


into simpler forms.

 The materials used in vermiculture consist of green materials (provide


nitrogen) and dry material (provide carbon).

 Rain fall should not interfere with the process.

 A plywood can be used to separate the 2 compartments

 1st compartment contains composting materials; as it is full the earthworms


are introduced.

 By the time, the 2nd compartment is then filled with composting materials.

 When the 1st batch is fully decomposed, the plywood is removed to allow the
earthworm to escape into the 2nd batch.

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