Composting is the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter β such as food scraps, garden waste, and paper β into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. It returns organic material to the soil, improving structure, moisture retention, and microbial life.
Key Facts
- Converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment
- Requires a balance of carbon-rich (browns) and nitrogen-rich (greens) materials
- Moisture and aeration are key to maintaining an active decomposition process
- Finished compost improves soil structure, drainage, and water retention
- Suppresses certain soil-borne diseases and boosts beneficial microbial activity
- Reduces household and garden waste sent to landfill
- Can be done in outdoor piles, bins, or indoor worm farms (vermicomposting)