Compost - Permaculture

8/10/2019 Compost - Permaculture

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Compost and Composting


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What is Composting ?

Composting is Nature s way of

recycling nutrients. Natural recycling

occurs on a continuous basis in the

natural environment.

Composting is the controlled

decomposition or breakdown of organic

matter by a large number of mixed

populations of microorganisms in a

warm, moist, aerated environment.

Composting is a process of

transformation of raw organic materials

into biologically stable humussubstances, suitable as plant nutrients .


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forms of plant and animal life such as

leaves, grass, wood, garbage, natural

fiber, bones or any natural bio massmaterials.

Those organic materials are composted

by time, water, micro

organisms, sun andair, producing a substrate improved in

structure and nutrients , easily utilized by

plants for their growth.

What is Compost ?

Compost

is

the

residue

created

from

the

decomposition

and

recombining of

various


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In the forest, composting happens as leaves

pile up on the forest floor and begin to

decay. Eventually, the decaying leaves are returned

to the soil where living roots can finish the

recycling process by reclaiming the

nutrients from the decomposed leaves.

Nature has its own way of composting Composting is not a new idea. Nature teaches us composting principles.


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What is the Value of compost

1. Compost contains plant nutrients

2. Compost improves the physical condition of soils

3. Compost increases the water holding capacity of soil

4. Compost privileges plant root penetration

5. Compost prevents soil erosion


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6. Compost concentratesfarm residues

7. Compost promotes soilhealth and plantproductivity

8. Compost help tocombat plantspathogens and weedseeds

9. Compost releases nutrients slowly


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AnnadanaComposting principle

For the farmer, composting consists inmanaging his farms bio mass and animalmanure and to process them in a waythat the decomposition will be optimal,

giving him in return, an improvedhomogenous, black, soil like substraterich in plant nutrients , adequate tosustain crop growth.

All organic matters like straw, leaves,grasses, kitchen waste, coconut fiber,

wood chips, weeds, algae, old thatchroofanimal manures can becomposted.

Composting is farmingmicroorganismsand feeding them with farm residuesand available bio mass.


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To optimize the animal manure and the bio massavailable to the farmer, it is best to build a compostpile by altering layers of DRY carbon rich material(coconut fiber, trees leaves, straw, old thatch roof)with GREEN protein rich material ( greens, weeds,

kitchen waste, water hyacinth) and ANIMALMANURE ( cow, dunk, buffalo dunk, horse dunk,chicken manure)

By following this technique the farmer can create4 times more enriched compost , than by the traditionalway which consists in piling cow dung withoutadding extra bio mass to the pile.

It is not the decomposition of cow dung witch createscompost but the decomposition of BIO MASS . Themore diversity of bio mass into the pile, the more rich bio active end produce we get. Cow dung acts only as

an inoculants, providing billions of microorganisms tothe pile, accelerating the decomposition andcomposting process.

Enriched Composting


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1. Compost pile should be made ideally under a tree shade to avoid moisture

loss.

2. Compost pile should be always made near a water source.

3. Dry and green organic materials should be mixed alternately with animal

dung to balance the Carbon/Nitrogen ; Dry/ Green ratio of the pile.

4. The more diverse dry bio mass and green bio mass are used to build the

pile, the more rich and bio active will be the compost end produce

5. Compost pile should be done in upper ground area to avoid water

stagnation during rainy seasons.

6. The pile should be ideally 4 feet large by 5 feet high, to promote a good

heat build up and metabolism. Estimate the length of the pile according to

the organic materials that are available for composting.

Precautions for compost pile preparation


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Inputs used for compost preparation

Coconut fiber Water Hyacinth Green leaves Fresh cow dung

Dry

leaves Ash Panchagavya EM


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Water

HeatCarbon di oxide

(CO2)

Organic matter

VitaminsMineralsNutrients

Micro organism

Coconut fiber

Water

hyacinthGreen leaves

Fresh Cow

dungWater

Ashes

PanchakavyaEM

Oxygen (O2 )

Inputs

Raw Inputs Processing

Fresh compost pile

Final End Produce


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Proteinaceous

All fresh animal manures from

cow, sheep, pig, horse. Fish waste All green plant materials Fruit wastes Kitchen wastes Seaweed meal Fresh seaweed

Carbonaceous Hay & straw Saw dust & wood chip Bark clips Seaweed dried Dry crops such as rice, corn, maize stalks Dried leaves

Coconut fiber

Minerals Lime power Tank silt Wood ash Old compost Bone meals Egg shells Bore well soil

Suitable materials for composting


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Unsuitable

material

for

composting

1. Plants, which have been recently sprayed by pesticide or herbicides

2. Meat

scraps,

as

they

may

attracts

rats

and

other

pests.3. Diseased plant materials.

4. Hard wood and hard plants stems.

5. Stones.6. Persistent perennial weeds.

7. Metals

8. Plastics9. Glasses


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The

Composting

techniqueLand Selection1. The composting area should

be under tree shade and

upper ground area.

2. Clean the ground with a

local tool from all weeds,

thorns.

3. Level the surface where the

compost heap is to be build.


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Marking the pile size1. Mark the area of the heap

with a rope or spade.

2. The pile should be minimum

4 ft wide , and up to 30 ft long,

or as long as it is practicable.

3. The height of the heap should

reach ideally 5 feet high.

4. These dimensions allow the creation of a body where the biochemical and

biological process can happen


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First layer Dry matter

The Dry layer can be made withforest leaves, straw, dry weeds,coconut waste, old roof materials,woodchips virtually any drybiomass of relatively small particle

size.

The First layer should be filled withDry Bio mass @ o f 1 5 c m o r 6inches. The Dry layer representinput into the pile of carbon ,

cellulose and lignin materials.

Water the dry layer until saturationand before the water leaches out ofthe pile.

d


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Ashes bring in phosphorus which

prevents pest. EM act as a microbial

decomposer and speed up the break

down of the pile and Panchagavia

enriches the pile of growth promoting

substances.

Ashes

Panchagavya + EM

Spread on top of the dry matter,

ashes & organic growth promoters

like panchagavya and decomposers

like Em @ 2 cans. Each can contain 10

liters water plus 300 ml panchagavya

and 500 ml of Em per can.

A d


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Second layer Cow dung

Spread

the

Cow

Dung evenly

on

top

of

the

dry

matter

@

5cm

(2).

Water the cow dung if it is not fresh.

Cow dung represents the nitrogen and the microbial input into the pile.

A d


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AnnadanaThird layer Greens

The Third layer should be prepared with Greens @ 15 cm ( 6 inches).

Greens can be weeds collected on the side of the road or on the fields , kitchen waste, water hyacinth, seaweeds, green tree leaves

The more variety of greens , the greater the number of chemical compounds in the final produce.

If fresh, the green layer does not need watering.

A d


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Fourth layer Cow dung Spread the Cow Dung evenly on top of the green layer @ 5cm (2).

Water the cow dung if not fresh.

Cow dung represents the nitrogen and the microbial input into the pile.

A d


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Fifth layer Dry matter

Repeat the process of altering Dry Manure Green layers until the

heap reaches the recommended height of 5 feet

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Sixth layer Cow dung

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Seventh layer Greens

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Eight layer Cow dung

Move on, following the same sequences : Dry Cow dung Greens Cow dung Dry

until the compost pile reaches the height of 5 feet minimum or more.

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1/2 completed compost pile 3/4 completed compost pile

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The last layer Soil

For the last layer, we should add 5 cm (2) of soil, to prevent the

top layers to fly away in case of strong winds.

AnnadanaO ll f i


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AnnadanaOver all process of compost preparation

Pile size First layer Dry matter

Fresh Compost pile

Last layer - Soil

Fourth layer Cow dung

Second layer Cow dung

Third layer Greens

compost pile compost pile

Compost turning & rebuilding

Ready Compost after 90 days

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Natures miracle!

Happens

right

in

front

of

your

eyes

!

Black, good smelling, homogenous, fine particle, humus like,material- substrate is obtained

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The centre of the heap should getvery warm , possibly hot enough to burn a bare hand (check bymaintaining a stick in the pile).

If this fails to happen, commonreasons includes the following :

The heap is too wet excluding theoxygen required by the compost bacteria, in that case add dry material.

The heap is too dry the bacteria donot have the moisture needed tosurvive and reproduce, in that case

just water the pile. There is insufficient protein (nitrogen rich material), in that case add greens,manure ( protein rich materials)

Not enough air will result in slowingdown the composting process Turnthe heap once a month .

Aftercare and attending the compost pile

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When the high temperature of the pile begins to drop , indicating that the foodsource for the fastest acting bacteria (inthe center of the pile) has been largelyconsumed, the pile should be turned.

Turning the compost pile

To turn the pile 2 labors shouldmanually dig out the compost fromone width of the pile and pile it behind them where it gets rebuilt.

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It takes about 4 hours with 4

labors to turn and build back a

pile of 6 to 8m long.

When turning the pile does not

result in a temperature rise, there

is no reason to turn the pile again.Moistening the compost pile,

while turning

Inoculating the compost

pile, with decomposers, while turning

Rebuilding the compost

pile, after turning

Rebuild compost pile, after turning

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Cooler temperatures

Inner thermophilic

zone

Speeds up decomposition

Aerates the pile

- Redistributes micro organism

The pile warms up

Mixes the bio mass ingredients of the pile

Compost turning facilitates

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Soil & Seed SaversWhen is the compost ready?

After the heating cycles stop( after about 3 months)

When the compost pile has

turned into an homogenous, black, fine particles, humus like

appearance

Earthy smell

homogenous, black, fine

particles, humus like appearance

Ready Compost

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When is the compost ready?

How can compost be used?

1. After heating curing stop.

2. Check for homogenous, fine particle, humus like appearance.

3. Earthy smell.4. Maturity tests.

1. As a soil amendment to increase soil organic matter, fertility, water holding

capacity and infiltration rate.2. Used as basal application for cash crops and horticultural crops.

3. Use as top dressing for lawns, gardens, shrubs and trees.

4. Make compost tea (new area).

Soil & Seed SaversWhere can compost be used? As a soil amendment to increase soil

organic matter, fertility, water holding

capacity, plant growth and yield.

Use as basal application for cash crops

and horticultural crops.

Use as top dressing for lawns, garden,

shrubs

and

trees. Pot mixture for nursery

Pit mixture for transplanting vegetable seedling

Basal application in paddy field

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The Composting process factors

5. Nutrients

1. Moisture 2. Aeration 3. Particle size

4. Temperature

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All organisms require water for life. The

optimum moisture content of theingredient for composting is 50 to 60%.

For practical purposes, the materialsshould be as damp as a squeezed out

sponge. Wet the mixture and ingredients initiallyor conveniently during the pile buildingprocess.

Moisture of the compost pile

Moistening materials while compost preparation

Moistening while turning the compost pile

Moisture content should be as damp as a squeezed out

sponge

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An adequate supply of air to all parts ofa compost heap is essential in order to

supply oxygen for the organisms at

work.

Aeration of the compost pile

Aeration is achieved by : mixing initials bulky bio mass elements

which have trapped air in their structures( fibers, dry leaves) avoiding compacting the bio mass mixing materials of different sizes andtextures to create air gap. turning the heap once a month to re

oxygenate the pile.

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The smaller the size of the

particles of organic material, the

greater is the surface area

available for attack and

decomposition by the micro

organisms.

Particle size of the compost materials

The ideal particle size must range

from 2 inches and up to 1 to 2 feetlong and to 1 inch thick.

If your bio mass materials are too big,

just chop it with a sickle, before

integrating it in the compost pile.

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Some of the energy released by the breakdown of the organic material is

given off as heat.

In the first stage,

The micro organisms multiply rapidly and the temperature rises (Warming

up).

During this period sugars, starches and fats are broken down. When the

temperature reaches 60 c, the fungi stop working and the breakdown is

continued by actinomycetes.

A high temperature is necessary to kill all weeds and disease causing

organisms (pathogens).

When

the

heap

has

been

through

the

temperature

peak,

the

material

is

no

longer attractive to flies and vermin.

Temperature of the compost pile

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In the second stage,

When cooling down, the straws, leaves, fibers and stalks are decomposed

mainly by the fungi, which reinvades the heap from its cooler regions.

This breaks down the lignin and cellulose into simple sugar. Then antibiotics are released and the larger soil creatures , especially the

worms move in.

Temperature is directly proportional to the biological activity within thecomposting system.

As the metabolic rate of the microbes accelerates, the temperature within the

system increases and visa versa. Maintaining a temperature of 70 c or more for 3 to 4 days favors the

destruction of weed seeds, fly larvae and plant pathogens.

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Temperature phases

Mesophilic Phase

Thermophilic Phase

Curing Phase

50 75Cafter 7 days until

45 days

Cooling & maturation several months

20 40C,a few days

Time

T e m p

Fumes emerging, while turning the compost pile, indicates high

temperature

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Distribution of temperature in the

compost pile

Cooler temperatures

Inner thermophilic

zone

1. Internal temperatures can be as

high as 70 to 80C

2. Center of the pile is dominated by

the most heat tolerant bacteria e.g.

Bacillus)

3. Edges of pile support diverse

populations of mesophilic

bacteria and fungi

AnnadanaIncreased benefits of compost


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Soil & Seed SaversIncreased benefits of compost

1. Reduces the need of fertilizers

2. Increases the crop yield and plant quality3. Better plant establishment, survival & growth

4. Improves water conservation, reduces watering requirements and

promotes moisture conservation5. Reduces incidence of plant disease and so pesticide usage

6. Reduces soil erosion & leaching of nitrate into groundwater

Compost and nutrients

1. Compost contains a full spectrum of essential plant nutrients.

2. Compost

contains

macro

and

micronutrients

often

absent

in

synthetic

fertilizers.

3. Compost releases nutrients slowlyover months or years, unlike synthetic

fertilizers.

4. Compost

buffers

the

soil,

neutralizing

both

acid

&

alkaline

soils,

bringing

pH

levels

to the optimum range for nutrient availability to plants.

AnnadanaCompost effects on crop growth


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Soil & Seed SaversCompost effects on crop growth

Crop growth is

excellent in

composted field

Paddy Ragi

Sugarcane

Cumbu

Cereals & Sugar cane

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Compost promotes excellent taste, sweetness,

nutritional quality and plants health in vegetable crops

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They are

Mesophiles medium temperature microbes

Thermophiles high temperature microbes

Generally,

Composting begins at mesophilic temperatures and

progresses into the thermophilic range.

Classes of Microorganisms involved in the composting process

l d

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Mesophilic microbes

Bacteria and Fungi are key players

Fauna and protozoa are also important

Decomposition of readily available substrates, like sugars, proteins and

starch

Excess energy is released as heat, causing the pile temperature to

increase

Thermophilic microbes

Heat loving bacteria , actinomycetes and some fungi are key players

Heat intolerant organisms go dormant or destroyed like human and

plant pathogens.

High temperatures accelerate breakdown of proteins, fats, and

complex polymers

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Protozoa

Active in the early

phases

of

composting

Process smaller bits

of

organic

matter Prey upon microbial

populations

Recycles

nutrients

[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]

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Bacteria

Single celled prokaryotes

Smallest living organisms

Most numerous group in

compost

Responsible for most of the

decay and heat generation

in compost

Nutritionally diverse


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Actinomycetes

Filamentous bacteria

Produce geosmin

Degraders of cellulose,

hemi cellulose and lignin

Important during the

thermophilic

and

also

the

cooling stages


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Fungi

Multi

cellular

eukaryotes

Include mushrooms, molds

and yeasts

Usually

filamentous Decomposers of complex

plant polymers (cellulose,

hemi

cellulose

and

lignin)


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Fauna

Important in the beginning of the compost process

Grinds coarse materials into smaller bits

Increases surface area : volume ratio

Improves access of organic substrates to microbes

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Earthworms


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Earth worms come last, when the materials have been partly degraded by

the microbes They thrive on rotting vegetation, manure and microorganisms

They concentrate further, in their cast, some precious nutrients

They generate mucus and other execrates which enriches the compost end

produce

Earthworms

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Micro

organism Mesophilic

phase Thermophilic

PhaseBacteria Pseudomonas,

Bacillus, Flavobacterium,

Clostridium

Bacillus,

Thermus

Actinomycetes Streptomyces Streptomyces, Micropolyspora, Thermoactinomyces,

ThermomonosporaFungi Alternaria,

Cladosporium, Aspergillus,

Mucor,

Humicola,

Penicillium

Aspergillus, Mucor,Chaetomium,

Humicola, Absidia, Sporotrichum,Torula(yeast), Thermoascus

Microorganisms associated with composting


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N t i t t k i th


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The simplest method of adjusting the Carbon / Nitrogen ratio is to mix

together different materials of high and low carbon and nitrogen contents.

For example, straw, woody and fibrous materials which have a high C/N

ratio can be mixed with materials such as manure, dung, kitchen waste,

greens, which have a low C/N ratio.

The composting process depends upon the action of microorganisms,

which require:

a source of carbon to provide energy and nitrogen to provide protein for their cell development.

Nutrient at work in the compost pile

It is desirable that the ratio of carbon to nitrogen, C/N ratio, is in

the range of 25 to 35 part of carbon for 1 part of nitrogen.

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Carbon to Nitrogen ratio C/N ration


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Accordingly, the ideal ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) is 30 to 1 (measured

on a dry weight basis).

This ratio governs the speed at which the microbes decompose organic waste.

Most organic materials do not have this ratio and, to accelerate thecomposting process, it may be necessary to balance the numbers which is

achieved by mixing different Dry and Green bio mass and manure materials.

The C : N ratio of materials can be calculated by,Example,

If you have two bags of cow manure (C : N = 20 : 1)

One bag of corn stalks

(C : N = 60 : 1)By combining you have a C : N ratio of = (20 : 1 + 20 : 1 + 60 : 1) / 3

= (100 : 1) / 3

= 33 : 1

Carbon to Nitrogen ratio C/N ration

Soil & Seed Savers

AnnadanaVegetable wastes 12 20:1


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Vegetable wastes 12 20:1

Alfalfa hay 13:1

Cow manure 20:1

Apple 21:1

Leaves 40 80:1

Corn stalks 60:1

Oat straw 74:1Wheat straw 80:1

Paper 150 200:1

Sawdust 100 500:1

Grass clippings 12 25:1

Coffee grounds 20:1

Bark 100 130:1

Fruit wastes 35:1

Poultry manure (fresh) 10:1

Horse manure 25:1

Newspaper 50 200:1

Pine needles 60 110:1Rotted manure 20:1

C/N ratio of different

organic

elements

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Matured compost has the following properties

Property Value

pH 6.0 8.4

Soluble salts 0 10 m mhos/cmNutrient content 2 5 %(N+P2O5+K2O)Organic matter 30 70%

Moisture content 40 50%

C:N ratio < 12:1


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Physical and biological qualities of Compost

1. Physical Benefits improved soil structure reduced soil density increased soil permeability resists compaction minimize erosion increase water holding capacity

2.

Chemical

Benefits modifies and stabilizes pH increases cation exchange capacity enables soils to retain nutrients longer reduces nutrient leaching provides nutrients

3. Biological Benefits provides soil biota

promote

soil

health suppresses plant diseases

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Physical Benefits


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Improved soil structure

Greater water holding capacity

Compost

effects

on

soil physical

properties

Physical Benefits

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Increased soil porosity

Reduced soil density

Increased gas exchange and

water permeability

Greater water holding

capacity

Compost effects on Soil structure

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AnnadanaCompost effects on Root zone environment


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Improved root zone environment

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Compost resistance to Erosion

Reduces wind and water erosion

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AnnadanaCompost effects on soil cation exchange capacity


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Compost effects on soil cation exchange capacity

Increases cation exchange capacity


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Compost effects on soil nutrients


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Compost effects on soil nutrients

Source of N, P, K and micro nutrients Organic nutrients are mineralized

over time

NH4+

Organic N

NO3

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Biological Benefits


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Stimulates

microbial

growth

and activity Induces change of

microorganisms

species

in

soil composition Promotes earthworms

Suppress some plant diseases

Compost effects on soil biological properties

Biological Benefits

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Our experience in large scale compost


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`

Tsunami land rehabilitation project , in this project, we rehabilitated 500 acres oftsunami affected paddy land by using organic agricultural techniques, benefiting2600 direct beneficiaries ( 525 farmers and their family) and 1,250 land less labor

beneficiaries.This project included 5 different tsunami affected villages in Marakanam block,Villupuram district, Tamilnadu and was funded by the French red cross , France.

Our experience in large scale compostproduction

We implemented a package of different organic techniques from which compostwas one of the important component.

The farmers were donated 3 tones/per acre of enriched compost, as agricultural

inputs for their main field preparation.

The compost was prepared by trained women land less labor from each particularvillage, through a cash for work program.

We achieved 2,200 tones of compost and provided 15, 000 paid work days forwomen land less laborers.

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2200 tones of enriched compost prepared with local organic materials in large scale by land less labor beneficiaries to rehabilitate tsunami affected agricultural

paddy

land

in

5

different

villages.

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AnnadanaSourcing out


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gmaterials for compost

preparation in local

area

by

land

less

labor

beneficiaries

Green Leaves

Weeds

Water hyacinth

Compost preparation

This compost produced by the land less labor

beneficiaries was

distributed

to

the

farmers

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The compost


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Women receiving

cash

for

work

Compost making contributes to local

income

The compostpreparation provided working opportunitiesfor poor people in the

local village itself

15 000 paid work daywere generated form

the compost

preparation

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Compost provided to the farmers Compost transferred from

compost yard to paddy field

Broadcasting compost in paddy fieldCompost ready for broadcasting

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A good crop stand is recorded in all

important stages like: tillering, flowering,

panicle initiation, milky and maturity

stages

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Results obtained from this project


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p j

By implementing the package of organic nutrient management,

the average paddy yields increased by 45%, in comparison to the last 15 years

yields records .

In average the farmers are harvesting 25 bags of paddy (1.9 ton/ acre) against

15 bags (1.1 tone/ acre) previous to the project organic rehabilitation .

(Sources : social survey of beneficiaries previous tsunami yield ; government records

for the area ; our own documentation of yield during the project) Beneficiaries cost of production was reduced by 60% through

the rehabilitation program by donations of organic agricultural inputs.

Beneficiaries learnt new high yielding sustainable cultivation techniques.

The paddy yields were increased due to the implementation of an organic

system of cultivation, which compost application is one of the major

important parameters.

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Compost for everyone!


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Compost at the Auroville Botanical Garden TN

Compost in private farm (Dune) Pondicherry

Compost at Tara farm PDY

Compost at community farm Sirghazi TN

Compost for everyone!

At Annadana we

promote composting of local natural

resources in many different farms and

locationsCompost have been

made under our guidance by many

divers people using divers bio resources

Composting is recycling natures

wealth !

Have a great

composting session !

Compost at village level Koonimedu TN

Compost at Annadana Farm Kodaikanal TN

Soil & Seed Savers

Annadana

For f rther enq iries contact s at :


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For further enquiries, contact us at :

Annadana Seed Bank

Auroville Botanical Garden

Auroville, Villupuram dist, Tamilnadu 605101.

Email : [email protected] : 0413 262 2667

For more information log on to our websitewww.annadana.com

Thank you


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Documents

Compost - Permaculture