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What
is composting?
Composting is a natural phenomenon that occurs continuously
in soil. It is the safe, natural way to decompose grass
clippings, shrub and brush cuttings and leaves. Composting
is nature's way of recycling.
Why
is compost beneficial?
Compost contains essential nutrients and moisture that
help plants survive and thrive. Compost also:
- improves
the structure, drainage and water-holding capacity
of soil
- encourages
deep-rooting
- helps
suppress plant disease
- reduces
erosion
Composting differs from other types of
decomposition because it is a controlled
process. St. Louis Composting, Inc. strives to create and maintain ideal conditions for
microbial activity in the compost piles by
regulating the following factors:
-
Particle Size - Shredding raw material
increases the surface area of the certified matter exposed to decomposting organisms.
- Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio - Microorganisms can reproduce faster if they have an adequate mineral “diet” to munch on.
- Oxygen Levels - Like people, microbes respire, and composting material must be well aerated to break down quickly.
- Moisture Content - Microbes work most efficiently when they have enough water for their metabolism
No additional chemicals or cultures are
necessary for rapid composting, nor are these additives at all helpful to decomposing
organisms. If the process is carefully
controlled, compost goes from garbage to
garden in only three months. |
