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Composting is an art and a science. In this article, you’ll learn the very basics of composting and all its benefits. While the specifics can be overwhelming, we’ve narrowed down the most important aspects below.
Simply put, composting recycles organic material into nutrients for plants and soil. Mites, centipedes, snails, beetles, ants, earthworms, bacteria, and fungi are all examples of macro and microorganisms that turn organic material into fertile soil that can be used in agriculture and gardening.
To guarantee the highest quality compost, there needs to be a balance of sufficient moisture, air, and heat to cook up the perfect microbe feast. Once there is a balanced mix, micro and microorganisms break down the organic material and transform it into CO2, water, and mature compost.
The difference between biodegradable and compostable
All compostable products biodegrade, but not all biodegradable products are compostable. Why? For a product to be labeled as compostable, it needs to pass the ASTM D6400 standard, which requires a product to convert 90% of its material to carbon dioxide within 180 days.
Microorganisms feed on carbon and nitrogen, so each compost needs a balance of “green” organic materials1 and “brown” organic materials2.
As material decomposes, it rapidly loses its size. Macroorganisms and larger microorganisms are the first to enjoy the organic material and help shred and grind it down to smaller pieces.
The smaller the particle the more microgragnisms can feast. Smaller particles produce a more homogeneous compost mixture and improve pile insulation to help maintain optimum temperatures.
Water is a key component of a thriving compost. Microorganisms living in a compost pile need the right amount of moisture to survive and help organic matter decompose.
Organic material contains some moisture, but in some instances, moisture needs to be added through intentional water or may come from rainfall.
Aerating3 the pile allows decomposition to occur in aerobic4 conditions, resulting in decomposition at a faster rate than in anaerobic5 conditions.
To help increase oxygen flow, you can turn the pile manually, place the pile on a series of pipes, or include bulking agents such as wood chips and shredded newspaper.
Anaerobic composting creates decay which results in methane gas. While this is a form of composting, it requires methane capture equipment. When implemented properly, methane capture can be used to generate energy.
Composting at all levels has many benefits; it’s like a domino effect! These benefits include the following:
Plants need carbon to grow and thrive. Composting organic material creates a high-carbon fertilizer that becomes a food sources for the agricultural sector, both for the industrial agriculture industry and at home gardening!
The composting process will likely slow down and take a lot longer. Unbalanced components can also result in compost that smells. If the compost pile gets too hot it can kill off the right bacteria and microorganisms needed to complete the composting.
In the context of composting the difference lays in whether the organic material is breaking down with (decomposing) or without (decaying) oxygen. When organic material decomposes it produces carbon dioxide, when it decays it produces methane. While both are greenhouse gases, methane is significantly stronger.
Carbon sequestering removes carbon dioxide from the air so it doesn’t cause the atmosphere to warm.
We don't just talk the talk, at Smart Plastic we prove everything we say with credible third-party testing. Below you will find the corresponding tests that apply to all our claims.
