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Composting

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms, transforming them into nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil health and reduces landfill waste. It requires a balance of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich materials, and can be done through various methods like hot composting and vermicomposting. The benefits of composting include improved soil properties, reduced methane emissions, and support for sustainable agriculture, making it a valuable practice for waste management and climate change mitigation.

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15 views2 pages

Composting

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms, transforming them into nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil health and reduces landfill waste. It requires a balance of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich materials, and can be done through various methods like hot composting and vermicomposting. The benefits of composting include improved soil properties, reduced methane emissions, and support for sustainable agriculture, making it a valuable practice for waste management and climate change mitigation.

Uploaded by

Shiveshz Gupta
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Composting

Composting is the managed, aerobic (oxygen-required) biological decomposition of organic


materials—such as food scraps, yard waste, leaves, and woody trimmings—by microorganisms.
This natural recycling process transforms these materials into compost, a nutrient-rich,
biologically stable soil amendment that improves soil health and fertility, supports plant growth,
reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and helps combat climate change by reducing organic
waste sent to landfills where it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas [1] [2] [3] [4] .
Key points about composting include:
Process: Composting requires a balance of carbon-rich "brown" materials (e.g., dry leaves,
wood chips) and nitrogen-rich "green" materials (e.g., food scraps, grass clippings) with
adequate moisture and oxygen. Microorganisms digest the organic matter, generating heat
and breaking it down into rich humus over weeks to months [1] [5] [6] [7] .
Types: There are several composting methods. Hot composting maintains high
temperatures (>131°F) to kill seeds and pathogens by turning the pile regularly.
Vermicomposting uses worms to accelerate decomposition, often done on a small scale at
home. Anaerobic composting occurs without oxygen but is slower and can produce odors
and phytotoxic compounds, so aerobic composting is preferred [5] [8] [6] .
Benefits: Composting reduces landfill waste and methane emissions, enriches soil by
improving its physical, chemical, and biological properties, prevents soil erosion, conserves
water, reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and supports sustainable
agricultural practices. It also aids in local economic development by creating jobs in
compost processing [1] [9] [3] [4] .
Applications: Finished compost is dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling, and can be mixed into soil
or used as mulch in gardens, farms, landscaping, and horticulture to promote healthier plant
growth and build climate resilience [1] [2] [4] .
Composting can be done on various scales—from backyard bins and community gardens to
large municipal and commercial facilities—making it accessible to homeowners and institutions
alike [3] . Overall, composting is a powerful natural process that recycles organic waste into
valuable soil amendments while helping address waste management and climate change issues
effectively.
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1. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost
3. https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/composting
4. https://www.ecowatch.com/composting-facts-ecowatch.html
5. https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/homecompost/
6. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/composting
7. https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/approaches-composting
8. https://www.fao.org/4/y5104e/y5104e05.htm
9. https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/CompostBenefits

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