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RRL Oct.3 (Decomposition and Fertilizer Production)

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21 views3 pages

RRL Oct.3 (Decomposition and Fertilizer Production)

Uploaded by

IMELDA ESPIRITU
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF TEMPERATURE IN DECOMPOSING:

If the organic material is in a pile or is otherwise arranged to provide some insulation, the temperature
of the material during decomposition will rise to over 170°F. If the temperature exceeds 162°F to 172°F,
however, the bacterial activity is decreased and stabilization is slowed down.

Initially, mesophilic organisms, which live in temperatures of 50°F to 115°F, colonize in the materials.
When the temperature exceeds about 120°F, thermophilic organisms, which grow and thrive in the
temperature range 115°F to 160°F., develop and replace the mesophilic bacteria in the decomposition
material. Only a few groups of thermophiles carry on any activity above 160°F.
Oxidation at thermophilic temperatures takes place more rapidly than at mesophilic temperatures and,
hence, a shorter time is required for decomposition (stabilization). The high temperatures will destroy
pathogenic bacteria, protozoa (microscopic one-celled animals), and weed seeds, which are detrimental
to health or agriculture when the final compost is used.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFICIENT DECOMPOSITION:


Aeration/Oxygen
Mixing the pile once or twice a month provides the necessary oxygen and significantly hastens the
composting process. A pile that is not mixed may take three to four times longer to decompose. Raising
the pile off the ground allows air to be drawn through the mass as the material decomposes. Coarse
materials should be placed on the bottom as the pile is built or placed in the pile and removed after the
decomposition starts.

Oxygen levels should be kept at 5% throughout the entire pile. Typical oxygen percents range from 6% –
16% in the pile air spaces or in the exhausted air; and 20% at the exposed portions of the pile. Failure to
keep all parts of the compost pile above the 5% oxygen level will cause the pile to “go anaerobic”, with
the accompanying odor problems. The more oxygen, up to at least 10-12 percent, the more quickly the
biodegradation will take place.

Moisture
Adequate moisture is essential for microbial activity. A dry compost will not decompose efficiently.
Proper moisture encourages the growth of microorganisms that break down the organic matter into
humus. If rainfall is limited, water the pile periodically to maintain a steady decomposition rate. Add
enough water so the pile is damp but not soggy. Avoid over watering. Excess water can lead to anaerobic
conditions which slow down the degradation process and cause foul odors. If the pile should become too
wet, turn it to dry it out and restart the process.

Particle Size
Grinding the organic material before composting greatly reduces decomposition time. The smaller the
size of the organic refuse particle, the more quickly it can be consumed by the microbes. A shredder is
useful for chipping or shredding most landscape refuse and is essential if brush or sticks are to be
composted. A low-cost method of reducing the size of fallen tree leaves is to mow the lawn before
raking. Wind-rowing the leaves into long narrow piles one foot high will make the shredding process
more efficient. If the mower has an appropriate bag attachment, the shredded leaves can be collected
directly. However, grinding is entirely optional.
Temperature
Low outside temperatures slow the activity down, while warmer temperatures speed up decomposition.
The microbes that make up the bulk of the decomposition process fall into two categories: mesophilic,
those that live and function in temperatures of 50 to 113°F, and thermophilic, those that thrive at
temperatures between 113 to 158°F. A well-mixed, adequately working compost pile will heat to
temperatures between 110°F and 160°F as the microbes actively feed on the organic materials. These
high temperatures will help destroy weed seeds and disease organisms within the pile.
Chapter 1, The Decomposition Process - Earth-Kind® Landscaping Earth-Kind® Landscaping (tamu.edu)

METHANE GAS AND ODOR:


The aerobic process of composting does not produce methane because methane-producing microbes
are not active in the presence of oxygen. Composting is one method to reduce methane emissions from
organic waste currently stockpiled or sent to landfill. Composting practices that minimize anaerobic
conditions and maximize aerobic conditions will be the most effective at reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
Composting to avoid methane production – Western Australia | Agriculture and Food

FERTILIZER CONTENT AND QUALITY:


Conventional fertilizers usually contain only a few nutrients – generally nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
sulfur and sometimes micronutrients, either singly or in combination. These nutrients are in a form
generally more available to plants.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/heres-scoop-chemical-organic-fertilizers

Refined organic fertilizer besides to have three basic nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
it also has other various medium trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, zinc, iron,
manganese, boron, molybdenum and etc.
https://www.fertilizer-machine.net/solution_and_market/organic-fertilizer-material-selection.html

Nitrogen (N) essential for the growth of a plant


Nitrogen is an extremely important part of the diet for growing crops or plants. It ensures the build-up of
DNA and proteins and a plant needs nitrogen to grow properly. In addition, it gives the leaves and stems
their beautiful green color. Nitrogen is present in organic fertilizers in two ways, in mineral form and
organically bound. The mineral form is immediately available for the plant and the organically bound
form will gradually release due to degradation by soil life.

Phosphorus (P) for root development


The roots of a plant develop better when the plant receives phosphate. If the roots can develop better,
the plant will be able to extract more water from the soil and then the plant will grow better. In short,
phosphate plays an important role in the growth and development of a plant and therefore especially in
the early stages of growth. If the growth progresses smoothly in the beginning, this will result in better
formation of the roots, tuber and seed.
Potassium (K) focuses on the quality of the plant
Potassium ensures the firmness of a plant and offers resistance to fungi and diseases. The element is
important for the transport of, among others, nitrogen to the plant. It also makes a plant better resistant
to cold and drought. In addition, it ensures better fruitification and flowering formation. Potassium
actually influences the quality of the final crop, because it improves taste, odour, colour as well as
storage life.
https://www.komeco.nl/en/n-p-k-three-important-nutrients-in-organic-fertilizers/

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