Composting : A Basic Guide To Composting
Author: RayLam Total views: 18 Word Count: 559
There's a lot of materials out there about composting and compost and the last thing you need is another one that explains the technical aspect of the process and the scientific basis behind the importance of using composts.
Although, I'm not denying the fact that technical explanations such as those are necessary as well, but it would be nice to hear or read something more of layman's approach on the subject. Well that's something that this article would like to do, anyhow.
Basically, compost plays more that one role than just being a fertilizer to soil. Compost is mulch, a soil conditioner and also something that helps give the soil the best nutrients and minerals plants require. Besides adding nutritional value to soil, compost is also able to contain more water, which is key to all plants. .
There are several composting methods which you can employ or use. The so called "no-turn" composting method seems to be the easiest. Like what the title of the method indicates, you don't need to turn the pile of compost at least once every week to quicken the process of decomposition. In this "no-turn" technique, all you need to do is add a lot of coarse materials to your compost.
You will do just fine by adding a large quantity of straw. The role of straw is to create air pockets and also to aerate the pile. The compost will develop at the same rate as when you use the traditional "turn-over" composting technique. When using this technique, make sure you get your compost from the bottom pile. Do not forget to add some coarse materials together with your organic materials.
If the only available composting materials in your yard are piles and piles of leaves, then don't worry. Creating composts from leaves alone can be done. You just need a couple of things, and some very simple techniques. Select a place where you will make your compost pile. For the leaves, the place ideal would be a well shaded area which will help keep the pile damp or moist. Also keep in mind that the pile should not be packed tightly. Keep it loose to allow the air to circulate.
In about four to six months, the compost from leaves should be finished and ready to be added to the soil. Do not forget that the compost created from the leaves does not contain enough nutrients and microorganism to function as a fertilizer. The finished compost, however, is great as soil conditioner.
When composting, you will need materials rich in carbon and nitrogen namely fruits and vegetable scraps and other table scraps except left over bones because they attract a number of pests and animals. Other products include eggshells, grass or shrub clippings, pine needles, seaweed and kelp, coffee grounds, wood ash, tea leaves, cardboard and shredded paper, corn stalks, wood chips, and sawdust.
To keep fruit flies and other pests at bay from your compost pile, it is advisable to cover the compost pile and to add some lime or calcium whenever you add new materials to your compost. The lime and calcium also function as an odour eliminator for your compost pile.
I hope you were able to have a simplified view of the composting and got some useful and simple tips from the article. Just remember that composting is difficult only if you want it to be.
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Learn more about How to Go Organic in Composting by visiting http://compost-composting.info, a popular website that provides free compost making tips, advice and resour
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