Composting is a natural process that turns organic matter into a rich dark substance. This substance is called compost or humus or soil conditioner. Composting is defined as the aerobic biological (oxidative) process of degradation and stabilization of organic materials, which takes place under those physical and chemical conditions that favor the succession of specific thermophilic, heat-resistant and mesophilic microbial populations.
Why should I compost?
1. The needs of Greek soils for organic matter are huge, due to the very low content (1%). In Germany, for example, the soil content of organic matter is 7-8% and they compost to raise it to even higher levels.
2. With the extensive use of compost, the intensified soil erosion is addressed and many soil phytopathogens are suppressed.
3. There is a great need for rational management and protection of available water and especially its saving by implementing the use of compost in agriculture.
4. It is incomparably the most economical method of final management of organic materials.
5. It is the most environmentally friendly.
How composting is done
1. in piles
1. underground
2. superficially
3. in composters
Composting in piles
the material is concentrated in piles, which must have minimum dimensions of one meter on all sides, so that the necessary temperature can be developed inside, ie 60 - 65 degrees Celsius.
Underground composting
Another way of composting, with less cost and care, is the digestion of the materials in pits, ie underground. It's the best you can do to quickly improve poor soils and compost bad-smelling materials. Dig a pit 30 cm deep, about half a meter wide and as long as needed to bury all your available material. Fill the pit with the material, wet the material with water and cover with soil. The compost must be "digested" for 6 months. A planting saddle can then be formed just above it where carrots or other bulbous vegetables are planted. When you try them you will understand!
Surface composting
In surface composting, the digestion of plant materials takes place at the soil surface. That is: the material is spread on the surface of the vegetable garden in layers 10 cm thick.
Composting in a composter
The process is exactly the same, but it is done in the special bins that you will find in the trade. We may need to help the microbial activity with biozyme (accelerates the degradation of organic matter) and pH with stabilizer (changes pH from acid neutral). It is also important to stir the pile in the composter that ensures oxygenation. You will find all the materials where they sell compost bins.
Which materials can be used and which are not!
Appropriate
Paper rolls, Greens, Filter coffees, Sludge, Egg shells, Fireplace ashes, Fruits, Potatoes, Mowed lawn, Leaves, Sawdust, Vegetables, Tea bags, Vegetable residuesSuitable
Egg yolks (attracts vermin - rodents), meat/fish based (attracts flies and rodents), oils and greases (produces odor and attracts vermin), pesticides (can kill microorganisms), animal feces (can carry disease and attracts rodents).
Composting process
Bacteria, fungi and other germs are the "workers" of composting. They are assisted by many other larger organizations. During composting, these germs produce carbon dioxide (CO2), heat and water as they break down the organic matter in the pile. The end result is compost (rich, dark, grated and odorless), perfect fertilizer for the garden. For efficient composting you need:
- Organic mix of materials (in the right proportions)
- Ventilation
- Controlled maximum relative humidity
- Small size of materials
How much time is needed?
First we must mention that for the completion of the composting process there is no specific time period within which it is completed. The durations listed are approximate and depend on many factors. Usually, a batch of materials that will be taken to a compost bin and then no other materials will be added, matures in about 3-4 months. This means that if we use the bin daily, in 3-4 months we will have a mixture of mature compost and materials that are in all the intermediate stages of composting. We separate the mature compost by sifting the material of the bin. Of course, this duration can be longer as the time of composting depends on the temperature of the environment and on the correct choice or construction of the bin!
