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FROM A TO Z
BEIRUT 2011
INDEX
What is Compost 2
References 27
WHAT IS COMPOST?
FACTORS AFFECTING
THE ORGANIC BREAKDOWN
The process of fermentation and
decomposition of organic material took Several factors have been identified as important for microorganisms in the
place in nature on an ongoing basis compost pile to work at their best. It is helpful to keep these factors in mind as you
and easily without any human build and maintain your compost pile. Each of these factors has the potential to
intervention. This is done since many significantly affect the composting process. Some of the important factors in the
composting process are shown in the following Table with their acceptable ranges.
of the worms and micro-organisms like
bacteria and fungi decompose and
transfer all organic material on the
ground. Humans can benefit from this Table 1: Factors affecting the composting process and acceptable ranges
process in many ways to get rid of all
the organic waste instead of burying or
FACTOR ACCEPTABLE RANGE
burning them.
WHY COMPOSTING? Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C:N) 25:1 - 30:1
The process of decomposition of
organic materials (animal manure, There are many benefits to Moisture content 50 - 60%
human house waste and garden composting. It is the most practical,
waste, etc.) is called "compost." simple and inexpensive way to dispose Aeration, percent oxygen > 5%
So Composting is the process that is of and recycle food scraps and yard
Temperature 54 - 60°C
carried out by humans in order to waste. The process of composting
decompose the organic materials in doesn’t constitute only an alternative Porosity 30 - 36
the presence of oxygen and relatively in solution to get rid of waste, but can be
a fast way to convert contaminated also used to several purposes. The pH 6.5 - 7.5
waste into organic fertilizer (soil compost helps to improve the health
improver), free from plant diseases and quality of soil that is added to and
and weed seeds. improves and maintains the However, it is up to the farmer to decide how much time he wants to put into pile
environment. maintenance as well as how fast he desires finished compost.
2 3
A. WHAT CAN BE COMPOSTED?
I - CARBON/NITROGEN (C/N) RATIO
Leaves, Twigs, Pine Needles, Wood
Two types of material are needed for a compost pile: those high in carbon and Chips & Sawdust (Source of Carbon)
those high in nitrogen. Microorganisms in the compost pile use carbon as an
energy source and nitrogen for protein synthesis. A good C/N ratio to ensure Olive cake, Straw & Cornstalks
efficient decomposition in 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen by weight. When too (source of Carbon)
little nitrogen is present, decomposition will occur more slowly; if too much
nitrogen exists, it can be lost to atmosphere as ammonia gas (which can cause Cardboard, Paper Towels, Napkins,
your pile to become smelly). & Tissues (source of Carbon)
If you are a small-scale home composter, it is more difficult to achieve the ideal
30:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio with readily available materials. Therefore, use this Tea bags and coffee grinds (source
rule of thumb: add 2 parts nitrogen-rich materials to 1 part carbon-rich material by of Nitrogen)
volume.
Any vegetables and fruits scraps,
breads and grains, crushed egg shells
(source of Nitrogen)
Table 2: Carbon to Nitrogen Ratios in various materials
Manure from Farm Animals
ORGANIC MATERIALS C:N (sources of Nitrogen)
4 5
II - PILE MOISTURE III - AERATION
Moisture plays an essential role in the metabolism of microorganisms. The Like most living creatures, the decomposer need oxygen to survive. Aeration, or
microorganisms work faster when thin liquid films are present on the surface area air movement through the pile, is necessary for efficient decomposition.
of the compost pile. Optimal decomposition occurs when moisture content is The minimum desirable oxygen concentration in the composting material is 5%.
between 40 to 60%. If the pile’s moisture content is below 40%, microorganisms Greater than 10% is ideal to avoid anaerobic conditions and potential high odor.
will work more slowly or become dormant. If moisture content goes above 60%, Rapid aerobic decomposition can only occur in the presence of sufficient oxygen.
nutrients are leached and the pile can become compacted. When compaction Good aeration during composting will encourage complete decomposition of
occurs, decomposition is slowed and anaerobic bacteria may become active in the carbon (C) to carbon dioxide (CO2) rather than releasing carbon as methane
pile, which can create unpleasant odor. (CH4). Too much aeration, however, can actually reduce the rate of decomposition
by cooling the composting material.
The best moisture content could Figure 1: The Basic Composting Process
be felt when pile material is squeezed
tightly in hand, and you feel the
compost like a wet sponge with only
one or two drops of liquid expelling. Manure and other Compost
agricultural wastes Microbial + Water
If the compost is too dry it will + Water Decomposition + Heat
crumble in your hand. The pile should + Oxygen + Carbon Dioxide
be also turned with slow addition of
water during the process. CASE STUDY
If it is too wet it will drip, the Problem: One of the Bekaa Farmers
pile should be turned and/or dry has been faced with a surplus of water.
material absorbent added. This problem occured because the pile
Excessive air flow can remove a lot of moisture. Another consequence of excessive
hadn't been covered during heavy rain.
aeration is ammonia loss, especially with high nitrogen (low C:N ratio) mixes. As
the material dries out, more ammonia volatilizes and consequently, more nitrogen
Results: Slow rate of aerobic
is lost.
decomposition, compact pile and some
If the supply of oxygen is limited, the composting process slows and the
unpleasant odor
temperature begins to fall. In this case the composting materials should be turned.
Solution: The pile has been turned while
adding some dry materials
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CASE STUDY
IV - TEMPERATURE
Solution: After site visit by a field
Problem: Farmers reported that their engineer, it was clear that farmers
The temperature is a very good were mistaken and all what the piles
pile’s temperature is dropping
indicator of the process occurring need is to be turned. Once this has
within the composting material. The been done, the temperature climbs
Results: The farmers thought that the
temperature increases due to the again to continue its process.
decomposition phase is over.
microbial activity and is noticeable
within a few hours of forming a pile as
easily degradable compounds are
consumed. The temperature usually V - PARTICLE SIZE
increases rapidly to 50 - 60°C where it
is maintained for several weeks. Particle size affects the composting
Temperatures gradually drop to 38°C process by influencing aeration and
and finally drop to ambient air continuity of the interstitial air spaces.
temperature when the composting Microbial activity generally occurs on
process finish. the surface of the organic particles.
Therefore, the surface area should be
The highest rates of decomposition keep the temperature from reaching maximized by shredding and chipping
occur when temperatures are in the these damaging levels. If the moisture all clippings and waste into small
range of 43 - 66°C. There is a direct content falls too low it increases the pieces with a chipper/shredder (see
relation between temperature and rate chance of obtaining damaging high annex 1). The more surface area you
of oxygen consumption. The higher the temperatures. expose for microorganisms to attack,
temperature is, the greater the oxygen the faster the decomposition.
CASE STUDY
uptake and the faster the rate of The temperature should be maintained
decomposition. During the active at 55°C or higher for a minimum of 14 If a particle size is too large it will
days to destroy the viability of many cause large air pockets and the pile Problem: Shredder failure at one of the
composting stage, the temperature
pathogens and weed seeds. might not heat up. On the other hand, farmers in the south (Mrs. Amina Eid
may start to fall because of a lack of
Remember, the edges of the windrow when particles are too small and in Maarakeh)
oxygen. Turning the material
introduces new oxygen and the active are cool; therefore they must be compact, air circulation through the
turned into the center to kill the weed pile is inhibited. This may increase the Solution: Constructing a compost pile
composting stage continues. The
seeds. risk of anaerobic process due to with no shredded material.
temperatures can exceed 70°C but
many microorganisms begin to die, inadequate aeration and clogging of
The temperature can be measured the small air spaces with water. Results: Composting time was
which stops the active composting
with a 1 meter long dial temperature extended from 90 days as an average
stage. Turning the pile may help to
probe. to 120 days.
8 9
VI - POROSITY VII - PH OF MATERIALS BUILDING A COMPOST PILE
Porosity refers to the spaces between Composting may proceed effectively A - SITE CHARACTERISTICS B - BUILD THE PILE
particles in the compost material. over a range of pHs without seriously
These spaces are partially filled with air limiting the process. The optimum pH The best location for the pile is out Wet the ground of the pile
that can supply oxygen to the for microorganisms involved in of direct sunlight, which would dry it Put twigs or other un-shredded
organisms and provide a path for air composting lies between 6.5 and 7.5. out, and out of direct exposure to high carbon source on the bottom of the
circulation. Compacting materials The pH of most animal manures is winds, which would dry and cool the pile to provide some aeration at the
reduce the porosity. Excessive approximately 6.8 to 7.4. pile. base (not obligatory)
shredding can also impede air The site must have a slope rangnig Mix your shredded (5-15 mm) raw
circulation by creating smaller particles between 2 to 4 %. material, and add water while mixing
and clogging pores. Turning fluffs up The pile must be done on a Cover your pile with a
the material can increase its porosity. moderate to well drained soil surface semi-impermeable and not with a
Adding coarse materials such as straw which will help to avoid excessive thermal plastic cover, or with 5 to 10
or woodchips can increase the overall moisture of the pile. cm of soil for a better isolation from
porosity, although some coarse The pile would be placed near external aggression.
materials will be slow to decompose. available water, and where there is
enough room for temporary storage of
organic wastes.
Heavy metals such as manganese, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and lead could
be present and may be immobilized chemically prior to composting.
Compost Heap
10 11
Table 3: Troubleshooting Composting Problems
12 13
E - WHEN IS THE COMPOST READY? WHEN TO APPLY THE COMPOST?
Finished compost takes only 25 - 40% of the space occupied by the original pile. It is advised to put the compost at the end of February on order to take advantage
of the rain, thus the release of nutrients will be easier and available in spring time
When the individual materials can no longer be identified and the pile resembles when needed by plants.
dark rich soil, the compost is completed. It will smell sweet, woodsy, dark and
earthy. It will crumble through your fingers.
Composting process can take from 12 weeks to 2 years depending on how often
the pile is turned, what materials are used, the conditions, moisture, adequate air,
presence of insulation around the pile, size of the pile, etc.
14 15
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE COMPOST? SUCCESS STORIES OF THE PROJECT
STORY No 1:
1- 6-
Improves the soil Improves cation exchange
structure, porosity, and capacity (CEC) of soils and
density, thus creating a growing media, thus Mohammad Nehme known by Abu
better plant root improving their ability to Kassem. He is 46 years old, from
environment. hold nutrients for plant Zawtar, south region. He started
use. growing thyme years ago but his farm
has been certified organic since 2007.
Increases moisture
2- 7-
infiltration and permeability Improves and stabilizes He has 2 ha certified organic in
of heavy soils, thus soil pH. compliance with the EU regulation EC
reducing erosion and 834/2007 by LibanCert, one of the
runoff. Lebanese Organic Certification Body.
On practical agricultural
level, the compost is an He is married and has 4 children. Abu
3- 8-
Improves water-holding easy process, It saves kassem is a very motivated person. He
capacity, thus reducing money on disposal costs, was convinced to do an experiment on
water loss and leaching in in addition that reduces the his compost; Mohammad wanted to
sandy soils. need of the farmer for test the success of his compost, so he
chemical fertilizers. made a trial, which consists on
germinating the seeds of zaatar
Supplies beneficial (origanum syriacum) on different
4- 9-
micro-organisms to soils, On environmental level, the sowing beds which were: compost,
a variety of macro and compost reduces the animal manure and only soil.
micronutrients in addition volume of garbage.
to significant quantities of As a result, the compost gave a better
organic matter. germination in comparison to the other
two types of bed.
5-
May control or suppress
certain soil-borne plant
pathogens.
16 17
ANNEX 1
THE BIO-SHREDDER
STORY No 2:
18 19
TYPE OF CUTTING
J BLADES
20 21
BASIC SAFETY RULES
During the setting in motion, the use and the maintenance of the bio-shredder, we
recommend to follow these safety regulations:
The machine has to be set on a Use the bio-shredder only when its
level and steady ground. protection devices are correctly
assembled.
During the shredding it's absolutely
necessary to wear gloves and goggles Shredding-machines can be
and as sound exceeds the allowed connected to the electric-net only
levels during an uninterrupted use, you through a protected plug equipped with
have to wear an ear-protection too. an automatic security switch.
22 23
REFERENCES
WEBSITES:
1. www.compost.org
2. www.richmond.ca/.../composting/compost.htm
3. www.acer-acre.org/ClimateChangeCD/sec7/7412.htm
4. www.compost.org.uk
5. www.cambridgema.gov/.../recycle/basics.html
6. www.region18.com/composting.htm
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