Decomposition of organic matter is called composting. It is a process used to recycle organic materials that are regarded as waste products but make very good soil conditioner. Organic compost is used in all kinds of gardening as it is rich in nutrients and benefits the land by minimizing erosion. A crucial element to composting is the presence of microorganisms. These tiny organisms thrive in compost because they have all the essential environmental conditions: warmth, moisture, oxygen, and nutrients.
How can you make the perfect compost to help your garden grow?
The easiest way to get the mix right is to have a perfect balance of ‘greens’ and ‘browns’. The greens are high nitrogen content so you can choose grass clippings, fruit or vegetable waste, and coffee grounds. The browns are rich in carbon so dead leaves, branches, and twigs work best. The ideal ratio is somewhere between 25 to 1 and 30 to 1 according to the University of Illinois. The compost will attract microorganisms, they will derive energy from the carbon and the nitrogen will provide additional nutrition for them to grow and reproduce. Another important factor is the moisture content which should be around 40 and 60 per cent. Dampness keeps the microorganisms from becoming dormant and you can add oxygen by stirring the pile. The compost will make your plants healthy and you can reuse waste with the help of this organic technique.
