Difference between revisions of "Compost"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ''compostum'', from [[Latin]], neuter of ''compositus'', ''compostus'', past participle of ''componere'' | Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ''compostum'', from [[Latin]], neuter of ''compositus'', ''compostus'', past participle of ''componere'' | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1587] |
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
| − | *1: a mixture that consists largely of decayed [ | + | *1: a mixture that consists largely of decayed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter organic matter] and is used for fertilizing and conditioning [[land]] |
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | '''Compost''' is [ | + | '''Compost''' is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter organic matter] that has been [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodegradation decomposed] and recycled as a fertilizer and [[soil]] amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_farming organic farming]. At the simplest level, the [[process]] of composting simply requires making a heap of wetted organic matter (leaves, "green" food waste) and waiting for the materials to break down into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humus humus] after a period of weeks or months. Modern, methodical composting is a multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of [[water]], air and carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. The decomposition [[process]] is aided by shredding the [[plant]] matter, adding [[water]] and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. Worms and fungi further break up the material. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_bacteria Aerobic bacteria] manage the [[chemical]] process by converting the inputs into [[heat]], carbon dioxide and ammonium. The ammonium is further converted by bacteria into [[plant]]-nourishing nitrites and nitrates through the process of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrification nitrification]. |
| − | Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in [[gardens]], landscaping, [ | + | Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in [[gardens]], landscaping, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horticulture horticulture], and [[agriculture]]. The compost itself is beneficial for the [[land]] in many ways, including as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_conditioner soil conditioner], a fertilizer, addition of vital humus or humic acids, and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems, compost is useful for [[erosion]] control, [[land]] and [[stream]] reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover (see compost uses). Organic ingredients intended for composting can alternatively be used to generate [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biogas biogas] through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_digestion anaerobic digestion]. Anaerobic digestion is fast overtaking composting in some parts of the world including central Europe as a primary means of downcycling waste organic matter.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost] |
[[Category: General Reference]] | [[Category: General Reference]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:45, 12 December 2020
Origin
Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin compostum, from Latin, neuter of compositus, compostus, past participle of componere
Definition
- 1: a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land
Description
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. At the simplest level, the process of composting simply requires making a heap of wetted organic matter (leaves, "green" food waste) and waiting for the materials to break down into humus after a period of weeks or months. Modern, methodical composting is a multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air and carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. The decomposition process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. Worms and fungi further break up the material. Aerobic bacteria manage the chemical process by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide and ammonium. The ammonium is further converted by bacteria into plant-nourishing nitrites and nitrates through the process of nitrification.
Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The compost itself is beneficial for the land in many ways, including as a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, addition of vital humus or humic acids, and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems, compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover (see compost uses). Organic ingredients intended for composting can alternatively be used to generate biogas through anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion is fast overtaking composting in some parts of the world including central Europe as a primary means of downcycling waste organic matter.[1]
