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Make your own compost bin

Making your own compost bin is super easy. Compost is a common name for humus, which is the result of the decomposition of organic matter. Decomposition is performed primarily by microbes, although larger creatures such as worms and ants contribute to the process. Decomposition occurs naturally in all but the most hostile environments, such as buried in landfills or in extremely arid deserts, which prevent the microbes and other decomposers from thriving.  Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic matter. Rather than allowing nature to take its slow course, a composter provides an optimal environment in which decomposers can thrive.  All it needs is 4 ingredents : carbon, water, oxygen(air) and water.

 The goal in a compost pile is to provide a healthy environment--and nutrition--for the rapid decomposers, the bacteria. High-carbon sources provide the cellulose needed by the composting bacteria for conversion to sugars and heat. Some of these high carbon sources are dry, straw-type material, such as cereal straws, autumn leaves, sawdust and wood chips, and some paper and cardboard (such as corrugated cardboard or newsprint with soy-based inks) .High-nitrogen sources provide the most concentrated protein, which allow the compost bacteria to thrive. Some high-nitrogen sources are wilted green material (usually crop residues, or plants mowed for the purpose), animal manures (vegetarians, not meat-eaters) , grass clippings, and  ruit and vegetable trimmings, skins, and waste.

There are 3 types of compost bins. There are wooden compost bins where you can buy a kit and put it together. The sides are slotted to allow air circulation, and the front panel will life out. There is a plastic barrel compost bin. You get a large plastic drum barrel and cut the top and bottom off and drill holes in the side to allow air to circulate. Finally there is the wire and post compost bin. You get four post in a square and wrap chicken wire around it and it works really well. You can tie burlap to the inside of the wire to hold it all in and the air can still circulate.

 

compost

Posted: Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:28 PM by Patt M. Judd

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