Composting: Allowing decomposers

(FBI: fungi, bacteria,

invertebrates) to break down biotic

(organic) material--weeds, food scraps, etc.--for nutrient

use.

I. Background:

• A. Ecology: Study of our home, interactions, cycles, energetics

I. Background:

• B. Cycles: Begin with sun and soil: provide nutrients and energy for producers which provide for consumers

• Producers (photosynthesis)•

• Decomposers (F.B.I.)Consumers

Nutrient loop/cycle

I. Background:• C. Applied ecology: Ecological knowledge helps gardeners: Improve the soil--it’s the basis of life.

•The best way to do this is by using what is already there: organic (biotic/once living) matter--AKA:

•COMPOST

II. Composting•A. Why compost?:• Reduces waste--MAKES BEST OF WHAT WE HAVE IN ENVIRONMENT!• Reuses waste• High in nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium)• Well aerated (air for plants and water)• Easy• Cheap

II. Composting• B. How compost: Support the decomposers who break down the organic matter-- give them what they need:

• 1. Food, • 2. appropriate environment, • 3. with water,• 4. and air.

Environment

II. Composting• 1. Food:• a. Browns: Carbonaceous waste (sticks, weeds)

• often involve weeding

II. Composting• 1. Food:• a. Browns: involve weeding• Weeding technique: often requires tools (weed wacker, hand weeder, pick, pruners) which must be used with care and knowledge.

• Weeds removed at the root are less likely to grow back

II. Composting• 1. Food:• b. Greens: Nitrogenous waste (kitchen waste)

II. Composting• 1. Food:• c. avoid stuff that decomposes slowly (it can attract pests)

II. Composting•2. Environment, Air and Moisture:•Dark, warm, with air and moisture for decomposers•Bins: Cuttings go in first bin and get rotated through periodically

III. Action• Learn the tools for TOOL QUIZ! You must pass to participate.

• Work days (Safety Contract must be signed and Tool Quiz passed. Your work in the garden will be given a participation grade). – Weed, Add soil to garden beds, Repair and fill compost bins, Collect topsoil and subsoil samples for Soil Testing

– Bring in some greens for composting (EX CRED), Wear yucky clothes for weeding