Compost report

Date        : 7 March 2011

Name      : Moira Cronje

Course    : Species care

Product  : Compost heap    SOP: E1   US: 113814   SO : 3    AC: 1

Definition:

Compost is partially decomposed matter. It is dark and easily crumbled and has an earthy aroma. It is created by biological processes in which soil- inhabiting organisms break down plant tissue.

The three types of compost heaps:

Static  : A static pile is a pile that does not get turned because it has a permanent airing system so the pile does not get to hot.

Thermal : This is a pile that gets turned because it must cool down for the bacteria to work effectively. The temperature must not go over 110 degrees Celsius.

Combination : This is a combination of the static and the thermal. It gets turned but not as often as a regular thermal.

Why do we make our own compost?

Byproducts from the garden can be turned into compost at home. Compost improves both the physical condition and fertility of the soil when added to the landscape or garden.

The heap must always have 80% moisture. This can be checked by squeezing a hand full of compost. There must be drops falling for it to be right.

 Organisms that decompose organic matter.

 

Plastic wrapping to prevent moisture loss.

  Proper layering in a compost bin.

 
Bibliography :  http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub