Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to recycle organic material. It helps to decompose food scraps and yard waste, creating new soil that can help support plants and keep polluted air clean. By composting at home, you not only reduce your environmental impact, but also have control over what goes into your compost heap.
It is a process by which organic matter such as food scraps, leaves, grass, and other garden debris are turned into soil that can be used to grow plants. The process of composting is done at home by farmers and gardeners who want to reduce the amount of waste they produce and create nutrient-rich soil. Turning organic matter into soil is one way of reducing the amount of landfill that is created.
Composting at home is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. It also helps to improve soil fertility and keep pests and diseases under control. Composting also helps reduce the need for fertilizers and other materials that may harm the environment.
Food waste disposal can be considerably decreased with composting [1].
Degradation of solid organic materials is composting. In the process, we also get helpful byproducts such as fertilizers. It’s a ‘two-fer’, and we can all pitch in to make it happen.
A third of the waste we produce can be composted and added to the soil to benefit plant growth [2].
What is Compost?
Any organic material that has decomposed, such as trash, dung, leaves, grass clippings, dead plants, and animals, is compost. Due to how we treat them or how they appear, they are viewed as useless. They are a resource, though.
A Range of Compostings
The indicated composting changes depending on the organism. While some bacteria use oxygen to function, others do not. Even without oxygen, the organism in issue might survive. There are three distinct forms of composting.
• Aerobic
• Anaerobic
• Vermicomposting
Aerobic (Breathable) Composting
Air is necessary for this sort of composting in order for the components to break down quickly.
Procedures:
• Position scrapes in an area with good airflow.
• Include green stuff high in nitrogen, such as grass clippings.
• Pour water over it to moisten it and give it frequent turns.
Observation:
Aerobic bacteria are drawn to the scraps. Upon entering, these bacteria begin to affect it and the nitrogen in its green matter. Heat is produced during this procedure, which also catalyses the process’s acceleration.
Downside:
For aerobic composting, a lot of area and water are needed.
Anaerobic (Biological) Composting
The process of anaerobic composting is the exact opposite of that described above. It is the decomposition of composts without air.
Procedures
• Place any compost in a container that is airtight.
• Include a nitrogen-rich substance.
• Steer clear of water.
Observation
Due to it’s process, this culture attracts anaerobic bacteria and generates bad odors.
Downside
Those decomposers that are not well suited to this type of airless habitat risk suffocating to death.
Vermicomposting
Earthworms and other large-scale decomposers are used in vermicomposting. These organisms use oxygen and moisture to compose.
Procedures
• Place some non-acidic fruit or vegetable leftovers.
• Keep an eye out as the organisms approach it.
Observation
Little smell indicates the worm’s activity.
Composting’s value to the economy (more on that below).
Landfills
If the terrain of a particular area of land is uneven, materials may accumulate there during the composting process.
Generation of Methane
The smell coming from abandoned landfills [2] is a combination of various gases produced by decomposers. Methane can be found in hydrocarbons, one of which, for business uses, it can be removed and kept in storage.
Increases Land Fertility
Without the action of bacteria, fungi, and macro-decomposers like earthworms, composts have no impact on soil. Composts are consumed by these decomposers saprophytically once they are left on the soil surface. The critical elements (nitrogen, iron, sodium, and carbon dioxide) that can make the soil fertile are released during this process, which causes the compost to break down to its basic constituents.
The benefits of composting for the soil cannot be emphasized enough. Gardeners, farmers, and agricultural businesses therefore make sure that a significant amount of composts are included in the fertilizers they create. It provides to the major and minor nutrients that plants need for wholesome growth. This enhances the soil’s structure and texture. Additionally, farmers benefit from higher yields as a result of the soil’s improved ability to retain moisture, nutrients, and air.
Consequences Of Composting
Here are a few downsides that are unavoidable.
• Climate change
• Air toxicity
• Explosion
Greenhouse Gases
We are aware that a composting matter’s effluent is a combination. Released carbon dioxide builds up in the atmosphere. The ozone layer, a screen in the upper atmosphere that prevents intense solar rays from reaching the earth’s surface, is being destroyed faster as a result of this. Increases in carbon dioxide will provide a thermal effect on their own [2].
Air Toxicity
The smell is unpleasant and could make you sick.
Explosion
Methane can catch fire. An explosion could happen if the temperature in the area rises.
All of the negative consequences assigned to composting are possible, but can be minimized as well with efficient composting practices.
There is a lot of discussion about the environmental benefits of composting, but what about the potential environmental damages? One such potential damage is methane gas emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Some studies have shown that composting can increase methane emissions, particularly when done in an industrial setting. However, other studies have shown that the overall effect of composting on methane emissions is negligible.
Global warming is also caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is another greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting can actually help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by turning organic waste into a valuable resource. In fact, composting has been shown to be more effective at reducing carbon dioxide emissions than landfilling.
So, does composting cause environmental damage? The answer is complicated and depends on a variety of factors.
Composting as Big Business
Even though that might seem weird, composting is a serious endeavor. It is a field that requires creating a product, selling it, keeping workers and equipment in good condition, and following rules and regulations. Composting is no longer associated with a backyard pile of decaying earth and leaves.
How Much Is the Compost Industry Worth?
The global Compost market was valued at USD 5592.3 million in 2020 and it is expected to reach USD 7516.5 million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% during 2021-2027 (3).
How do composting facilities make money?
Conclusion
In conclusion, composting is a great way to reduce your waste, recycle materials, and improve your soil all at the same time. It is a fantastic eco friendly method to remove garbage from the environment or turn it into valuable minerals. Make sure you have a composter if you want to compost. After that, consider both the advantages and disadvantages of your choice.
If you are not currently composting, I encourage you to give it a try. It is a simple process that can be easily tailored to fit your lifestyle. And the benefits are numerous, so why not compost today? You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
References
[1] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Types of Composting and Understanding the Process
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Composting At Home
(3) Globalnewswire.com . Compost Market 2022 | Revenue USD 7516.5 mn | Growth