Compost: what is it for and what is it made of

HomeDirectory of a summer residentCompost: what is it for and what is it made of

There is nothing easier to fertilize the land, how to make compost – it is very economical, since it does not require financial costs for its preparation. In addition, you will get excellent organic matter, which will greatly increase the fertility of the soil. There is also a third plus – knowing what to add to the compost, you will get rid of unnecessary waste of time, effort and money on the tedious disposal of many household waste.

Why do you need organic fertilizer compost

So, what is compost, and how do you set up a compost heap to minimize the purchase of other fertilizers for your backyard ?

Compost is an organic fertilizer obtained as a result of the decomposition of various organic substances under the influence of the activity of microorganisms.

Every self-respecting gardener should have a compost heap. You can’t do without this humus “factory” in the garden. The purchase of manure also solves the problems of “nutrition” of plants, but money is needed for the “product” itself and its transportation, and then the laborious work of transferring the manure dumped on the road to a place convenient for you. There is also a real danger of bringing in uninvited guests, for example, a bear.

So why do you need compost in the garden? Compost is both a source of humus for your pets and waste disposal, so to speak, “two in one”. Humus is one of the most fertile soil elements, formed as a result of decay of organic residues. Heavy clay or light sandy soils can be greatly improved by the addition of humus. It absorbs water like a sponge and passes air well, as a result, the root system of plants develops better. In addition, the humus contains all the nutrients necessary for plants in the optimal ratio.

In organic compost fertilizer, millions of bacteria, earthworms, and a host of insects work around the clock to break down and transform organic debris.

How to make compost with your own hands and what to add to it (with photo)

In order for the “factory” not to spoil the view of the garden , it is better to place it somewhere in the corner, under hazel bushes or in the shade of a barn. You can disguise it with boards, plywood or synthetic materials, or plant climbing plants and creepers on two or three sides.

To prevent drying out, it is advisable to cover the compost from above and from the sides with turf, earth, grass .

The most active microbiological processes occur in heaps up to 1–1.5 m high and no more than 2.5 m in diameter at the base.

If the compost heap is too high or too wide, then the soil bacteria living inside it die from lack of oxygen and putrefactive bacteria begin to develop, resulting in an unpleasant odor.

In the place where the compost heap will be located, the top layer of soil is removed to a depth of 20 cm. A layer of peat (10 cm) or ordinary garden soil (5-7 cm) is poured as a foundation.

Such a layer prevents the leakage of dissolved nutrients into the ground and at the same time leaves wide access for earthworms.

Neither the film nor the roofing sheet can provide this. A layer of humus earth 25-30 cm high is laid on the foundation, various waste is placed on it as it accumulates, and then a layer of earth.

The quality of the compost will be better if wood ash is added through each layer in an amount of 1-2% by volume.

What is compost made from and what is better to add to it? You can put all household and garden waste of organic origin in the compost heap: mowed grass, foliage, tops, rotten fruits, weeds that do not yet have seeds.

You can also lay potato peelings, sawdust, cut cardboard, finely chopped branches.

Make sure that the compost heap does not include cuttings of couch grass roots, field bindweed , goutweed, as well as glass fragments, plastic items, rags, and tin cans.

Look at the photo “Compost with your own hands” – as you can see, there is nothing complicated in this:

How to water the compost and how much it should rot

The whole mass is laid as loosely as possible and constantly kept moist. How to water the compost to speed up the rotting process? In the summer, from time to time, a pile is watered with slop, urine, or just water. It is better to do this through special recesses or punctures.

And how much should the compost rot and why do you need to turn it? The compost ripening period lasts at least a year, sometimes more. In late autumn, the compost is thoroughly mixed for the first time with a pitchfork. This is done to ensure that decomposition processes occur evenly throughout the heap. Bacteria located on the surface decompose organic residues much faster than those that live in the inner layers and lack oxygen. As a result of mixing, bacteria are redistributed: those living on the surface of the pile and more active get inside, and vice versa. Before frost, it is better to cover the pile with earth, spruce branches, and leaves. Ready humus is a relatively homogeneous, usually brown-black crumbly mass. It can be applied to all soils and under all crops at any time.

Leaf and sod land will also help improve the structure of the soil. Leaf land is formed as a result of the decomposition of the leaves of trees and shrubs collected in heaps. Such earthen compost heaps should be shoveled several times, and in dry weather, moistened. Leafy soil, although poor in nutrients, significantly improves soil structure and helps retain moisture. Sod land is prepared by laying cut layers of sod into the compost. Most often, such land is heavy, clay or sandy-clay. It is characterized by a high content of organic substances and a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction.

Now that you know what compost is and how to make it, don’t delay and start building your compost heap as soon as possible.

Share with your friends

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Other flowers
Other people actively read

Saintpaulia care: watering the uzambar violet

Wasps with a bizarre flower shape and chimeras with a unique...

Brovallia (Browallia) american and magnificent – cultivation and care

Description: annual (some species are perennial ), flowering, shrubby plant of...

Flowers in an inexpensive hotel in Moscow: budget floral decor

It was Jack Trout, the world-class marketing guru, who said that...
Tuesday, November 7, 2023