Composting Question and Answers
Q: What is composting?
Composting is a natural process by which organic materials decompose. Making compost is a controlled or managed version of the natural process. By concentrating the activity in one place and balancing food, air, and water, compost happens faster.
Q: What is compost?
Compost is the soil amendment product that results from proper composting. The end product of the compost process is a soil- or humus-like material that will increase the health of soil.
Q: How does compost benefit the soil?
Compost is like a multivitamin for your soil. It will aid in erosion control, promote soil fertility, and stimulate healthy root development. Compost improves soil structure by adding organic content and also increases the water-holding capacity of soil so that you will not need to water as much. Additionally, compost helps keep heavy-clay-content soil from compacting, meaning that the soil is easier to work and root systems will develop better. It also gives sandy soil needed structure.
Q: Is composting recycling?
Yes. Just like plastic beverage containers or aluminum cans, yard clippings and fruit and vegetable scraps are a valuable resource that can be recycled. Organic materials can be recycled into a soil amendment that will improve and maintain the health of your soil.
Q: How long does it take to produce compost?
Composting happens, but your level of labor dictates how quickly. Generally, it should take from three to six months to make a single batch of compost, depending upon the blend of materials, how often the pile is turned, and the moisture content.
Q: Why should I compost?
Backyard composting allows you to recycle your yard clippings and fruit and vegetable scraps into a valuable soil amendment right in your own yard. It is a great way to save money, reduce the amount of waste that is disposed or processed, and improve the quality of your urban environment.