A page to shed some light on organic decomposition
Compost is the product of organic decomposition. The process starts with a mixture of organic waste, the more complex, the better. To have the most nutrient rich product, both "green"(food scraps, grass clippings, green leaves, etc.) and "brown"(dried leaves, newspaper, saw dust) are necessary because green provides nitrogen and brown provides carbon which are both essential to efficient decomposition as well as eventual plant growth. Microorganisms, with the addition of water and oxygen, decompose the waste and produce nutrient rich compost as well as carbon dioxide.
There are 2 methods of decomposition, anaerobic and aerobic. The difference comes from whether or not the microorganisms are exposed to oxygen.
Aerobic
Produces carbon dioxide
Achieved by turning or rotating the mixture to introduce oxygen
Creates enough heat to kill bacteria
Overall quicker and produces less odor
Anaerobic
Produces methane (a harsher greenhouse gas)***
Achieved by leaving a mixture stationary and increasing moisture content to 70%
Takes much longer to fully decompose and reach correct temperature
Produces slimy, odorous compost
*** A biogas that can be turned into energy
These 2 methods are used in both municipal and personal/commercial composting sites.
There are 2 methods of decomposition, anaerobic and aerobic. The difference comes from whether or not the microorganisms are exposed to oxygen.
Aerobic
Produces carbon dioxide
Achieved by turning or rotating the mixture to introduce oxygen
Creates enough heat to kill bacteria
Overall quicker and produces less odor
Anaerobic
Produces methane (a harsher greenhouse gas)***
Achieved by leaving a mixture stationary and increasing moisture content to 70%
Takes much longer to fully decompose and reach correct temperature
Produces slimy, odorous compost
*** A biogas that can be turned into energy
These 2 methods are used in both municipal and personal/commercial composting sites.