Backyard Composting Sandra M. Frost BHB Area Educator – Crops

2 Advantages Reduces fertilizer use Alters soil pH Improves soil structure

3 Factors Location Size Water Microorganisms Air

4 Location Shade Out of wind Near a source of water Out of sight Near garden

5 Tips for Success Location out of wind and sun Ideal size = 1 cubic yard Water = wrung-out sponge Soil biota with soil Air – turn pile

6 Soil Biota Bacteria – smallest & most numerous –Purple bacteria –Actinomycetes Fungi – most biomass, dominant –Molds, mildew, rust, smut, yeasts Collembolans Millipedes Worms

7 Feeding a Compost Pile Microorganisms need food ! Carbon / Nitrogen ratio 25/1

8 Dynamics Early – bacteria and fungi Mid – high heat kills fungi Late – Fungi work –Cellulose, lignin, bacterial bodies

9 Feeding a Compost Pile Yes – garden debris, kitchen wastes, shredded paper, manures, leaves, hay, straw, grass clippings, sod, sawdust. No – bones, meat scraps, fats, dog and cat feces, human feces, polyester materials, plastics, diseased plants, toxic stuff.

10 Possible Problems Too wet Too dry Compost not working Offensive odor Leaves matted Flies

11 Cold-weather Composting Takes longer Cover pile with a sheet of black plastic Add more nitrogen-rich materials Add 1 foot higher / wider for insulation

12 Worms Tunneling = aeration & structure Castings = nutrients 1 lb / 1 lb garbage / 1 lb compost / day Reduce time for composting to occur Must turn pile weekly to moderate heat Indoors – worm box (Red Worms)

13 Humus Colloidal soil organic matter Highly charged with large surface area Dynamic role in soil –buffers pH, chelates cations (+ ions), pH Over time it releases N and S to soil

14 Compost uses Mix in garden beds Prepare soil for new lawns Add to flower pots Use as a mulch Give it away

15 Structures Not necessary

16 The End