Compost Principles
What is composting?
Composting is the manipulation of the natural process of decomposition, changing organic waste into valuable humus material.
Decomposers require ________________to effectively break down the organic material. This is most commonly achieved by turning or tumbling a pile and adding materials that don’t mat down.
Oxygen
True/False: the surface area of the biodegradable materials impacts the rate at which those materials decompose.
True
True/False: The composting process has to reach temperatures of 130-160 degrees F for the finished product to be considered compost.
False
What is soil tilth?
The state of aggregation of a soil especially in relation to its suitability for crop growth
True/False: Biodegradable material will ultimately break down into the new substance known as finished compost. Your decomposers will thrive on a balanced diet of both carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich materials.
True
Greens are considered ______________-rich materials whereas browns are considered______________-rich materials.
nitrogen, carbon
True/False: Fallen leaf litter in the autumn is considered a carbon-rich material.
True.
1. How is compost similar to fertilizer?
2. How is it different?
Fertilizer and compost both contain nutritional components needed for plant development, however fertilizer focuses exclusively on providing a nutritional boost whereas compost changes the structure and composition of the soil as a conditioner.
What are the four variables necessary for the process of creating compost that we can manipulate/alter?
Oxygen, moisture levels, biodegradable materials, temperature.
If ______________________ (greens or browns) are composted alone, they tend to create a sludgy, foul-smelling result.
Greens
Are kitchen scraps considered nitrogen-rich or carbon-rich materials?
Nitrogen-rich
Based on your knowledge of the soil in our garden beds, list three specific ways you would expect our addition of compost to alter the soil and its growing potential.
Answers will vary.
Describe in detail the difference between physical and chemical changes.
Physical changes do not form a new substance; they alter the appearance or form of a substance and are reversible. Chemical changes result in a chemical identity that is different than the previous substance and is irreversible.
Are coffee grounds considered a green or brown material for composting purposes?
Green. Although they are brown in color, they are rich in nitrogen.
What do higher temperatures in a compost pile indicate?
That the pile is highly active with various decomposers breaking down the organic matter.
We discussed 9 different benefits compost adds to the soil. Give me 5.
Supplies OM to soil
Attracts earthworms
Stimulates beneficial microorganisms
Increases water holding capacity
Breaks up clay soil
Increases nutrient retention
Improves soil drainage
Suppresses soil-borne pathogens
Improves soil tilth
Is composting a physical or chemical change? How does that answer shape our understanding of the final result of finished compost?
Chemical. The resulting chemical composition is different than the original materials, and the process is not reversible. What was is no longer; it is something new.
List at least 3 items that you wouldn't want to put into a residential-level composting setup.
We spent several days working in our garden beds outdoors. What are 3 benefits we can expect from doing so? (can be individually, for the horticulture program, the soil, etc.)
Answers will vary.