Compost can be simply defined as decomposed organic waste. There are several benefits of using compost as organic manure for growing plants. Compost helps in improving the texture, water-retention capacity, nutrient composition and structure of the soil. It aerates the soil, provides micronutrients to plants and supports the growth of microorganisms that are important for the healthy growth of plants.
Compost is low-cost manure that saves money by decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers and other soil conditioners. Apart from all these aspects, composting provides a sustainable solution to dispose off all the garden and kitchen wastes.
A lot of things can be added to the compost pile such as leftovers in the kitchen, spoiled vegetables, fruits, eggshells, leaves, plants, hay, grass clippings, manures, straw, weeds, garden wastes, wood chips and sawdust. There are also certain items that should not be added to compost including chemically treated wood products, diseased plants, human wastes, meat, bones, fatty food wastes, milk products, pernicious weeds and pet wastes.
There are several composting devices available in the market. However, one can just utilize a simple broad bin of any shape that is made of wood for starting the process of composting. However, the bin should have a width of four to five feet and a height of three fit. The bin should first be filled with leaves and other degradable materials to a height of one to two feet. Over this pile, a layer of fertilizer needs to be spread so as to activate microorganisms. On top of this fertilizer layer, another layer of garden soil should be placed. Soil contains microbes that initiate and carry on the process of decomposition. The pile should be regularly watered so as to keep it moist. As and when garden waste builds up, it can be just added on top of this pile. Over a year, the entire material would turn into dark-brown colored humus.