Should You Start Composting and is it Beneficial - Composting conditions
Why is Composting So Beneficial
Compost is a very environmentally safe source of nitrogen because compost-nitrogen is in organic form and must be mineralized before it has the potential to leach and to contaminate water supplies (such as groundwater).
Mineralization (the conversion of organic forms of an element into inorganic forms) occurs slowly in natural systems. That is just one reason why compost is so much better than chemical fertilizers.
Why is Compost Called “Black Gold”
Compost is sometimes referred to as “black gold” because it recycles leaves, food scraps and grass clippings into a perfect food and organic mulch for all our plants.
Compost is the only “black gold”, manure is also a source of plant nutrients but good quality compost is always far better.
-------Conditions That Affect Composting
Soil with 7.7 percent organic matter contains 2.5 pounds of carbon per square foot, this holds the carbon out of the atmosphere. If everyone did this it would help counter the build up of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
What is the Ideal Compost pH? - Ideally, good compost should fall within a pH range between 7-8.
Make The Most of Your Garden
If you are new to composting, you want to make the most of the facilities in your garden. Why make compost if you're not going to use it in your garden? The starting point for many people will be a clear out, de clutter your garden and throw out anything taking up space. If you have a lot of garden waste that you need to get rid of at a reasonable price, contact Rubbish Clearance Ltd and get a same day quote.
How Conditions Can Affect the Rate of Deterioration
The conditions that surround your garden and home can affect the rate in which your green waste deteriorates and creates a compost. The elements have a great impact on both the waste and your property.
If you live near water the waste will be around a damp environment which is beneficial as this greatens that pace of deterioration, although this may not be beneficial for your property. If you are composting in the home such as a utility room or garage, you must have correct air flow systems in place to avoid the risk of damp reaching the walls and structure of your property.
Mild cases of condensation can be alleviated by the occupants managing the moisture production, ventilation and heating. Simply covering pans when cooking, opening windows and avoiding drying clothes indoors can be helpful.
Providing a mixture of high and low C:N materials usually results in better or faster decomposition than too much of either material. Providing “heavy feeder” plants such as tomatoes, broccoli, corn, and squash monthly with half an inch of compost results in great produce.
Turning your compost also prevents the growth of mildew. You should strive to turn your compost about once a week, but it’s not a big deal if you can only manage it every two or three weeks. Turn the pile or use a mechanical aeration system to ensure ventilation. Narrow, short piles generally are the exception and have adequate ventilation.
Make your garden compost pile by adding layers of green waste, which gives your compost nitrogen, and then a layer of brown waste (wood material and leaves) to give your compost carbon. A good rule of thumb for adding your layers of material is 2-3 parts brown waste to 1 part green waste.