Category: ‘Compost’

Compost Toilets

August 7, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost Toilets, also known as biological toilets, waterless toilets and dry toilets contain and control the composting of excrement, toilet paper, carbon additives and sometimes food wastes. Compost toilets work on the same principles as compost heaps where bacteria and fungi break down wastes. However, compost toilets rely on unsaturated conditions, that is, the material cannot be immersed in water. A compost toilet breaks down waste to 10 to 30 percent of its original volume; the resulting end product is akin to soil and known as humus. In the U.S. humus is to be legally buried or removed, but in other countries it is used as fertilizer in edible crops.

Components:
The main components of a composting toilet are :
1. a composting reactor
2. a screened exhaust system to remove odors, carbon dioxide and water vapors
3. ventilation to provide oxygen to the aerobic organisms in the compostor
4. drainage to manage excess liquid and leachates
5. an access door for removal of the end products.
The entire purpose of the composting reactor in the toilet is to separate the solids from the liquids and produce humus with 200 most probable number per gram of fecal coli form.

Types :

There are several types of Composting Toilets:

1. Self–contained versus Centralized: In the self-contained version the toilet seat and a small composting reactor are one unit. Whereas in the centralized or remote toilet, the toilet is connected to a reactor placed elsewhere.
2. Manufactured versus Site-built: It is easier to purchase a manufactured Compost toilet. A Compost toilet to be site-built requires permission from local health authorities.
3. Batch (Multi-chamber) versus Continuous ( Single- chamber) :
A Batch Toilet system utilizes two or more composting reactors whereas the Continuous system features a single chamber into which excrement is added to the top and the end product is removed from the bottom. Proponents of the Continuous system claim it is a simpler version that allows urine to speed up microbial activity. Whereas the Batch system is acclaimed for being more efficient and safe due to longer time period to transform excrement into stable humus. This cuts down pathogen survival.
4. Passive versus Active: Passive systems are where excrement is allowed to decompose in cooler environments. Passive toilets are also known as moldering toilets. Active systems are those that feature automatic mixers, thermostat-controlled devices, and fans. By making the process of decomposition active, composting efficiency is speeded up and volume reduced.

Whatever your choice in Compost Toilets may be, rest assured that you are making an ecological choice.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Toilet

August 6, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost toilet is a disposal system which is connected to a tank where human waste material is decomposed by aerobic bacteria and which, can be further used as compost. The main purpose of compost toilet is to destroy organisms that may lead to diseases and in the process, provide natural and organic fertilizers for the crops.

Types of compost toilets.

There are various ways of constructing compost toilets. They can be manufactured or constructed. They can be self-contained where there is only one unit or they can be centralized where the toilet is connected to the compost system in some other area. Compost toilets can also be multi-chambered or single chambered. Compost toilets also vary in many other ways. For instance, some compost toilets have electricity, while others do not. Some are large, while others are small. All compost toilets however produce the same result. I.e., good quality humus. The components shared by many compost toilets include a compost reactor, exhaust system to reduce odor, System accommodating ventilation and drainage and lastly, an access door for removal of waste products.

Compost toilets –pros

Compost toilets have several advantages and serve important purposes. They convert human waste into organic manure for plants. They save a lot of water, thus they can be used in areas facing problems of water scarcity Traditional compost toilets do not require power, meaning, that they are less heavy on the pockets. They are also considered more hygienic as compared to the average toilets. Another important advantage is that the nutrients and the pathogens found in human waste do not pollute waterways.

Compost toilets –cons

Improperly compost human faeces are hazardous to human health. There is an ongoing controversy considering the health issues about using human faeces as manure for edible crops. Some may find the use of toilets without water as highly aversive. If proper ventilation and exhaust systems are not applied, then there can be other problems like bad odour. Removal of end products can also be a nasty job where, the system is not proper. Too much liquid can pose problem if not drained properly. Sometimes human excreta are in plain sight, which can be aesthetically disturbing

However, if properly constructed and managed, the advantages can overcome most of the problems.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Tea

August 5, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost tea is an organic way of enriching any garden. It is nothing but soaked or steeped compost in water. Compost tea can be added to the soil or can also be sprayed directly on the plants.

Types and methods of compost tea

There are two main types of compost tea, anaerobic or passively brewed tea where no extra addition of food is given to the microbes. Aerobic or actively brewed tea where microbes are stimulated with different food additions. Basically, compost tea is prepared by using any available compost. The resulting compost tea is nothing but the liquidized form of this compost. It can be prepared by using either homemade equipment or can be purchased ready-made from the market. For effective compost tea, the original compost should be of a good quality. High salt concentration in the original compost for instance will lead to ill formed and ineffective compost tea. There are many different ways of making compost tea, however the basic procedure involves placing the compost in a burlap bag and placing it in a barrel. This is left to steep for a couple of weeks. The bag is then squeezed of all moisture and the remaining is used as compost tea or added back to the compost. The best form of compost tea consist 25% percent nitrogen wastes, 30%wood stuff and 45% green material. Extreme care should be taken at all stages of brewing tea. Also, this type of compost does not last long. It should be preferably stored in shaded area with good ventilation. The material required for making compost tea is easily available. It usually includes buckets, mature compost, aquarium pump, water and gang valve etc.

Advantages of compost tea.

If brewed properly, compost tea provides essential microorganisms that help the plant in disease suppressions. It releases soil minerals and can even build soil structure. This is in addition to having better quality plants in an environment friendly way.

Disadvantages of compost tea

There are certain disadvantages like for instance aerobic tea brewing requires expensive equipment which is also prone to breakage. On the other hand, anaerobic tea tends to smell bad and cannot be used in larger operations.

Regardless of this compost tea is considered as a healthy way of nurturing any garden

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: No tags
Categories: Compost

Compost Systems

August 4, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost making is an art, so is choosing the best system of making it. Good Compost systems keep compost confined so that they receive proper air and required temperature turning compost into a fertilizer.

Methods of composting

There are various methods of composting organic waste. They range from the most simple to highly complicated. The range also fluctuates between cheap and expensive. Also, while one system may work for a particular type of waste, the same may not do so for other type of waste. You can exclusively use one system of composting or can also try out a combination of different systems. Composting systems can be divided into two main categories, passive system, where your role is minimum. And turning system where you need to devote both time and money. Composting can be done in many ways like using compost heap, compost bins, trenching etc. Each method has its own strength and weakness, which needs to be evaluated before choosing any one or the other way. , You also need to consider the strategies of compost systems. There are four main strategies of compost systems, these are, Turned windrow system where material is arranged in windrows, static piles which are higher and wider than windrows, forced aeration which is useful for composting waste with manure or sludge, and lastly In-vessel bins where environment is controlled by partially or wholly closing containers. Possible composting system can also be home made or commercial.

Pros of compost systems:

The advantages and disadvantages of compost systems depend on the system you are planning to use, however, Good systems control weather conditions and foul odors. They can also lead to faster rate of composting. A good system allows you to have your compost in three to four weeks.
Besides using compost in your own home, a good compost system also allows you to sell it commercially by increasing its production.

Cons of compost systems:

But compost systems are not without flaws. Some compost systems are expensive and require more maintenance while some may work slower than the others. Also you may have to use a combination of compost systems rather than using exclusively using any one. This may add on to the cost.

However, with a little management and skill, you can find compost systems that work best for your garden.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Starters

August 3, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost is a living entity with myriad microorganisms that hasten the composting process. Composting has existed for centuries, and provides a thriving environment for beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microbes. In recent times, however, gardeners are advised to use compost starters or activators to speed up the beneficial microbial activity. A range of compost starters or activators is available commercially. Commercial compost starters claim their products are superior for containing billions of microorganisms specially cultured for composting plus numerous energy sources and ph balancers to assure composting success.

Organic Alternatives:
Avid gardeners however, beg to differ. They claim that a few shovels of garden soil is the best activator or starter that your compost needs. They dismiss these starters as another commercial gimmick to make you spend your money. They claim the same useful bacteria and fungi reside in your garden soil and are freely available in startling plenitude. Simply adding a few shovels of garden soil will garner you the best soil activator or compost starter; this soil is saturated with a complex range of bacteria and fungi.

Ecologically, the best compost starter is fresh stable manure. Procuring fresh manure may, however, prove troublesome. In the absence of fresh manure, other effective organic alternatives are blood meal, and surprisingly, finished compost itself. As gardeners proclaim, adding shovels of finished compost to the compost heap reintroduces friendly bacteria and fungi to the cooking compost heap, thereby completing an ecological cycle.

Commercial Activators:
Increasingly, garden suppliers are selling compost starters with high nitrogen content; sometimes inoculants of dehydrated bacteria also come under the banner of compost activators. However, though high nitrogen content may prove useful in heating up the compost, it has the disadvantage of nitrogen excess which may leach or escape as ammonia in the air. Again, deep doubts exist about the efficacy of adding more bacteria from a package. As the skeptics point out, all the bacteria you need are present in your soil or your finished compost.

Whether you opt for Commercial Activators or Natural Alternatives, another infallible route to introduce a range of friendly microorganisms is purchasing a bag of Worm Compost. All the above mentioned compost starters are fashioned to create a friendly environment for fungi and bacteria to flourish in your living compost heap.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Soil

August 2, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost Soil is another term for mature compost. Compost is a complex organic material that has been transformed into stable humus by the actions of countless microorganisms. Compost is the end product of a process by which organic waste – usually household and garden refuse – is allowed to accelerate into its constituent parts. This is achieved by the breaking down action of bacteria, fungi and other friendly microorganisms. Compost soil is a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer that is reintroduced into your garden’s ecosystem for healthier plant growth.

Advantages:

There are several advantages to using mature compost in your garden.
1. Mature compost improves soil structure; and
2. Reduces soil compaction.
3. It increases the water retention capacity of the soil, thereby
4. Increasing drought tolerance.
5. It improves the nutrient holding capacity of the soil, therefore
6. leading to healthier root systems and overall plant health; and
7. Higher yields.
8. By being nutrient-rich, it reduces artificial fertilizer requirement.
9. By encouraging microbial growth, it increases microbial activity.
10. Again, it binds heavy metals in contaminated soils.
11. It degrades several pesticides.
12. It absorbs odors and degrades volatile organic compounds.

Mature quality compost is an excellent organic soil amendment. It is easy to make and an excellent substitute to commercial fertilizers. Furthermore, any organic material can be used for compost making. All you need is a 30:1 proportion of browns or carbon-rich materials and greens or nitrogen-rich materials. Just dump this mix in a pile or heap and you have inadvertently created conditions for compost formation. This mix will cook at high heat, thereby breaking down all waste material into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. The time period may vary from a paltry 3-4 weeks to an extended one year period but the finished compost will be a gardener’s delight.

Compost soil or mature compost is a dark, friable mass that can be used as instant fertilizer for garden and houseplants. The greater your compost output and application, the higher your plant growth and yield. Compost soil is the friendliest garden additive; it is easy to make and best of all, it is cost-free.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Quilt

August 1, 2011 Posted by admin

The term Compost Quilt refers to early frontier experience of American pioneers who colonized the United States of America. The quilt was a symbol of their hardscrabble existence, for it was composed of leftover cloth scraps. Food was also hard won and not a scrap went waste. Leftover food either found its way into soups or into the compost pit. No item of existence was wasted; everything was recycled. However, this phenomenon is not unique to the early American settlers. Similar thrifty behavior is observed among people on African, Australian and Asian Continents. Fabric scraps were fashioned into quilts that reflected the natural world. The quilt became a social register that recorded nature’s seasons and nature’s bounty.

Social Practices:

As the quilt emerged as a social and cultural activity that wove a community together, it shrank the vast distances between frontiersmen on the North American continent. Quilting has continued to mirror the social conditions of the times; for instance the AIDS quilt is the symbol of modern times. Quilting was an activity undertaken to utilize scarce resources and transform them into useful warmth-giving bed coverings. Maximizing scarce resources was the only certain way to survival in harsh conditions. Hence food leftovers were prudently saved to be recycled into nutrient-rich compost which fertilized the early small farms of the American settlers. Composting as an integral adjunct to survival came into existence in response to scarce resources. Everything was reused and recycled to maximize resource use.

Composting has therefore existed for countless generations. It has been passed down as a useful social practice and has survived to modern times because of its intrinsic merits. Composting simply relies on nature to break down organic material into nutrient-rich fertilizer for reuse. Earlier this compost was used on small farms, now it is every gardener’s delight. It is instructive to remember that composting is now seen as an answer to mounting human waste and landfill shortage problems. Composting diverts this waste, even human feces, into a usable commodity. Compost is proving to be more nutrient-rich and infinitely more nature-friendly than commercial fertilizer. Quilting and Composting have proved to be of positive value for humankind; therefore they are still in vogue and extensively practiced.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Piles

July 31, 2011 Posted by admin

A Compost Pile is simple to make and maintain. For aeons a simple compost pile was used by gardener’s to make compost. All you require is a well-chosen site in your garden and you can start your own Compost Pile. Aim for a spot that is level, well-drained and sun-lit. If you plan to use kitchen refuse, locate it near the kitchen window or door. Build the pile over soil or lawn rather than concrete; this allows worms, microbes, bacteria and other decomposers to work in your pile. Soil also allows better drainage and aeration for quicker composting. A freestanding Compost Pile should also be placed in an unobtrusive discreet spot to avoid discomfiting the neighbors.

A freestanding Compost Pile is exactly that; you just pile up all household and garden refuse and let it rot. The first rule of thumb is that any organic material that rots can be added to this pile. A second corollary is to keep the pile as large as possible to generate maximum heat for decomposition.

Your Compost Pile can be either passive or Active. A passive Compost Pile involves minimal effort on your part. You just keep adding layers of organic material in equal parts of brown and green until nature’s forces break it down into finished compost. This may take a year or more.
An active Compost Pile needs frequent intervention; it is highly managed labor-intensive periodic turning that yields compost in 3-4 weeks.

Compost piles should achieve a good balance of carbon and nitrogen: a 30:1 ratio is ideal. The speed with which a pile decomposes depends on mixing of material and shredding of material.
Layering is a tradition with piles; new materials are added to an established pile on an ongoing basis. The initial pile is thus pushed downwards while new ingredients are placed on top.

You can use a compost thermometer to gauge the decomposition rate of the compost pile. High temperature indicates a smooth decomposition rate; if temperature is low, add greens to heat up the process.

Compost piles are perfect for price-conscious households for they require low monetary investment. However, freestanding Compost piles demand greater attention and work for they are prone to the vagaries of nature; they may also look untidy, emit a foul smell and attract pests. Despite these drawbacks, a freestanding compost pile has survived for generations.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Pile

July 30, 2011 Posted by admin

The first thing that comes to mind while talking about compost is the compost pile. Technically speaking compost pile is the heap where organic waste like vegetables and manure are decayed for making compost.

Getting Started:

Unlike the fancy equipments used for composting like compost bins and tumblers, compost pile is the cheapest and simplest way of turning organic waste into compost. The material required for compost lies in your backyard. You can start your compost pile by first deciding the location. Compost piles can be placed in shady areas; you may also want to place your pile away from plain sight. The bottom of the pile should consist of three to four inches of straw or any other plant material. Then, alternately wet green material like garden waste and brown dried material like straw, dry leaves etc can be added. Preferably, uncooked fruits and vegetables should be placed on the green layer followed by soil to prevent flies and odour. However, material like meat, animal litter should be strictly avoided in the pile. The only investment you require here will be the pitchfork, with which you may need to mix the pile occasionally. Traditionally the size of the pile is three feet, though sometimes it may go up to five feet tall to five feet wide.

Management:

Simply making a pile is not enough; if care is not taken, it may quickly turn into a garbage area. For actively maintaining the pile, you have to control the water content and pitch in with your garden fork to turn the pile well. Doing this increases the temperature leading to better compost.
The compost is ready when the pile cools down reducing it to one third of its original volume. This type of compost is crumbly, dark and gives a relatively pleasant odour.

Advantages:

Compost pile system works best in areas of heavy rainfall. It is preferred over other systems because it costs less and requires no fancy or bulky equipment. It is the most simple of all methods and you do not require any exceptional skill to make it. It also takes care of your garden waste very effectively.

Disadvantages:

However, a badly managed compost pile is definitely going to cause some problems. It will not add to the décor of your garden. Besides, it is the slowest of all composting processes. But, most of these difficulties can be managed with planning and care on your part.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: , ,
Categories: Compost

Compost Making

July 29, 2011 Posted by admin

Compost making has existed for centuries. However, compost making has acquired meaningful connotations as waste generation reaches catastrophic levels while landfill sites shrink alarmingly. In this context, turning household and garden organic waste into nutrient-rich compost is an ecologically sound initiative. Compost is one of nature’s best soil amendments; it improves soil structure, texture and aeration while boosting its water-retentive capacity. For this reason more gardeners and households are taking up composting activity on a regular basis.

Compost is the end product of a process by which myriad microorganisms break down decaying organic material. This is mimicking nature’s own system of disintegrating materials on the forest floor. The resultant humus is a dark, nutrient-rich, friable mass.

Compost Making:
1. Compost making is easy; almost any organic material can be composted. All the organic waste generated by your garden and household can be added to a compost pile. The only rule is that they should be in a 30:1 ratio of browns or carbon and greens or nitrogen material. This balanced proportion creates the right environment for the pile to heat up in the center. Any imbalance will distort the process: too much carbon slows decaying while excess nitrogen will give off ammonia.

2. The list of organic material that can be added to the compost pile is endless. Kitchen refuse like egg shells, vegetable and fruits peelings, leftover food, coffee grounds, tea leaves; garden waste as leaves, dead plants, shrub clippings, mowed grass, manure and bone meal can all be dumped in your compost pile.

3. Care should be taken to place the compost pile on bare earth to take advantage of friendly microorganisms.

4. Shredding and layering the material while turning it often will also speed up the composting process.

Obviously then, Compost making can either be passive or active. In the passive mode, compost making requires just mixing the material and waiting for the results over a longer time period. In the active mode, Compost making demands frequent intervention in the form of turning the pile often to acquire finished compost in as short a time period as 3-4 weeks.

Compost making is easy and fun. Rules for making compost are straightforward and easily implemented. In this era of environmental awareness, there are countless reasons to embrace this practice.

Read full article |Leave a comment
Tags: ,
Categories: Compost
« Older Entries