One of the many greenest and most energy-efficient ways of improving soil quality is compost. It helps to avoid wastage of kitchen and garden refuse by transforming them into humus that is rich in nutrients. Such a by-product can be added to the soil that will provide nutrients, which plants need to grow and bear crops.
There are various methods being used to create organic compost, and here they are as follows:
Bin
Also referred to as in-vessel composting, composting in a bin is a method that uses a closed container. It is a technique suitable for balconies, courtyards, and gardens. With it, you can start composting all year-round. While it is not advised to turn what’s contained in the bin, the absence of aeration extends the composting process up to six months.
Pile
Pile composting is a mound of compost exposed to the open air. Usually, some gardeners make use of lumber or recycled bricks to build a containing wall around the three sides of the pile. Others construct a cage using chicken wires to stop the compost pile from spreading too much. Ideally, piles must be wider to retain heat better. But know that it can be used in whatever space that is readily available; it’s just that the composting process will take a bit longer.
Pit
Also called the trench method, it is primarily used for composting vegetables and fruit scraps from the kitchen. Such a method involves digging holes that are not too deep or trenches where the scraps will be placed and then covered back with the soil. What breaks the materials down are anaerobic organisms within the soil over the duration of six to twelve months.
The advantage of this composting method is that it keeps the compost out of sight and is great for establishing new garden beds. What will cost you is the labour of digging the holes, and having brown materials such as twigs are not suitable for such a method as it would take too long to break down.
Sheet
Very similar to mulching, sheet composting is a method of layering organic material to a garden bed allowing it to decompose on-site. The only difference is that while mulching uses a layer of single material such as straw or wood chips, the sheet method involves various types of materials such as leaves, garden debris, grass clipping, and kitchen scraps.
In most conventional gardens, the organic compost is usually tilled or dug into the topsoil. However, if aiming to minimise digging the soil, spreading the compost on the ground is feasible. Just add a layer of mulch over the top as this will increase the rate of decomposition, preventing the compost from being eroded by forces of nature such as wind or rain.
Turning Bin
An alternative to the bin method, turning bin composting allows you to quicken the process of composting by purchasing a container that can be turned. This speeds up the decomposition process as aeration is enabled. Within two months, it can produce usable compost.
There you have it–the different types of composting methods that will help you create usable organic compost. Let us know if there are other means of composting.