Compost and Mulch

Compost steams because of the microbial activity breaking down organic matter. As microorganisms decompose the materials, heat is generated as a byproduct, causing the compost pile to emit steam when the temperature rises. This process is known as thermophilic composting.

Yes, both the rise in temperature and humidity in a compost bin are typically caused by the decomposition process. As organic materials break down, they release heat which raises the temperature inside the bin. This process also releases moisture, increasing humidity levels.

Oxygen is the gas that is needed for a compost heap. A compost heap serves as an example of aerobic breakdown through the interactions of air, heat, light, and moisture with carbon- and nitrogen-rich organic materials being broken down by beneficial bacteria and fungi. Without air, the breakdown will become the anaerobic decomposition which occurs in landfills and which releases greenhouse gases.

Mulch itself does not produce CO2. Instead, when organic mulch decomposes, it releases small amounts of CO2 as a byproduct of the natural decomposition process. The amount of CO2 released will depend on factors such as the type of mulch, its thickness, and environmental conditions.

Mulch provides a moist and organic environment that can promote fungal growth. When mulch is too thick or too wet, it creates a breeding ground for fungi to thrive. Additionally, using contaminated mulch or introducing fungal spores from surrounding areas can also lead to fungal growth in mulch.

Soil needs lime to adjust its pH level and make it less acidic. Lime also provides essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium that are necessary for plant growth. Additionally, lime can improve soil structure and increase the availability of other nutrients in the soil.

You cannot grow plants in sawdust because plants do not and will not grow in wood. They need top soil. Actually you can grow plants in sawdust, wood chips, gravel or polystyrene beads if you wish using a system called Hydroponics. The sawdust etc are just there as an inert substance to support the root structure of the plant, while all its nutrient requirements are added to its water supply. This system is used commerically for growing many plants, including tomatoes. It has the advantages of being totally controllable and the inert growing mediums can be rendered disease free.

You would need 1,260 cubic feet of mulch to cover an area of 28 x 45 feet. This is calculated by multiplying the length (28 ft) by the width (45 ft) to get the total square footage (1,260 sq ft) and then multiplying by the desired depth of mulch.

Matter compiled in the bin will decompose into compost provided the conditions are met for a healthy Eco-system to develop in the materials. The matter should have a healthy ratio of green to brown materials. The living materials contain microscopic organisms which struggle to survive within the soil.

The matter is recycled in the compost bin as the microscopic organisms evolve into more advanced, larger scale critters. They feast on the composting materials and propagate their race inside your Eco-system, i.et Your compost bin. As the materials pass through the insects body the materials become healthy soil.

Biochar is basically charcoal. It can be made from almost any biological substance rich in carbon, such as wood, straw, various kinds of plant material, compost and so on. It is usually made from wood because wood has a structure with various sized holes in it, mostly for conducting water or sap in the tree, and these form places where micro flora can live. When biochar is made, it is not processed at a high temperature, so the physical structure of the wood is not lost.

Biochar benefits the soil by providing places for micro flora to life, holding water, and holding various nutrients to prevent them from washing away. The nutrients and water are available to plants with roots in or near the biochar, so it provides fertility to the soil.

Biochar also has the benefit of providing for carbon sequestration, which is valuable for taking carbon dioxide out of the air and helping with global warming.

Soil with biochar added is called terra preta.

Carbon (from Brown Materials), Nitrogen (from Green Materials), and Oxygen (through Airflow) are the essential elements for the composting process. This is why the correct ratio of green to brown organic waste materials must be maintained so that the micro-organisms have enough Nitrogen and Oxygen to ingest the carbon in the waste materials. Without the proper ratio and airflow, decomposition will occur at a much slower rate.

The standard mix is 20% green and 80% brown.

Water is added to a compost column to maintain proper moisture levels for the decomposition process. It helps create the ideal environment for microorganisms to break down organic matter effectively. Consistent moisture ensures that the composting materials are not too dry or too wet, which can hinder the composting process.

Good compost should be dark, crumbly, and have an earthy smell. It should be free of any unpleasant odors, mold, pests, or pathogens. Additionally, it should be well decomposed, meaning that you should not be able to identify the original materials that went into making the compost.

Decomposition of vegetable matter is considered exothermic because it releases energy in the form of heat as organic compounds break down into simpler substances. This process involves chemical reactions that release energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules as they are broken apart, leading to an overall increase in temperature in the surrounding environment.

The hypothesis of composting is that organic waste materials will break down into nutrient-rich soil amendment through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This process is facilitated by providing the appropriate balance of green and brown materials, moisture, oxygen, and temperature.

Egg shells are acceptable candidates for compost, in organic production. They also control cutworms, slugs, and snails.

One (1) month, 25-40 years, 50-450 years, and 50 years are the time that it respectively takes a banana peel, a leather shoe, a plastic jug, and a styrofoam cup to decompose. But the length responds to access to proper levels of air, heat, light, micro-organisms, and moisture.

Composting is a natural process that has been around for centuries and was not invented by any one person. However, it has been used by civilizations throughout history to recycle organic material back into the soil to improve fertility and promote plant growth. The modern understanding and promotion of composting as a sustainable practice for waste management and soil health can be attributed to the work of early environmentalists and researchers.

Heat is generated in a compost heap through the microbial activity of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms breaking down organic matter. As these microorganisms consume organic materials, they release energy in the form of heat through their metabolic processes. The heat produced accelerates the decomposition process, helping to break down the organic matter into nutrient-rich compost.

Yes, kitchen scraps composting is a chemical change. During composting, the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms releases heat and results in the formation of new compounds through chemical reactions. This process transforms the original kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost.

A compost heap gets hotter when bacteria and other organisms multiply inside the heap, breaking down the rough matter into humus. There are both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which work at different times in the heap depending on how much air is present in the mix.

Yes, the pH of compost ingredients can affect the populations of microorganisms during composting. Microorganisms in composting thrive in a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0, with most being most active in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. If the pH is too low or too high, it can hinder the activity of certain microorganisms and impact the overall composting process. Monitoring and adjusting the pH of compost ingredients can help create optimal conditions for microbial activity and decomposition.

Yes, yeast can go into compost as it will break down naturally during the composting process. Yeast is a microorganism that helps in decomposition, so it can contribute to the composting process by breaking down organic matter. Just ensure that the compost pile has a good balance of browns (like dried leaves or paper) and greens (such as food scraps) for optimal decomposition.

Yes, I have been working on refining this process. We own a wedding reception hall and have a LOT of glass to recycle.

Soak the bottles and remove labels

Break the bottles into small pieces 1" to 2"

Place in CLEAN cement mixer (this is important!)

Tumble for 12 hours

Screen the material for size (I made a screen out of two by fours and metal mesh)

Wash, dry, use.

It is a lot of work, but beautiful results, I can pick up the mulch with my bare hands. I sort our glass by color.