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Created page with 'File:lighterstill.jpgright|frame ==Origin== Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ''compostum'', from Latin, neuter of ''compositus'', ''compostus...'
[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Compost_lower.jpg|right|frame]]
==Origin==
Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ''compostum'', from [[Latin]], neuter of ''compositus'', ''compostus'', past participle of ''componere''
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1587]
==Definition==
*1: a mixture that consists largely of decayed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter organic matter] and is used for fertilizing and conditioning [[land]]
==Description==
'''Compost''' is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter organic matter] that has been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodegradation decomposed] and recycled as a fertilizer and [[soil]] amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in [http://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 [http://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. [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrification nitrification].
Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in [[gardens]], landscaping, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horticulture horticulture], and [[agriculture]]. The compost itself is beneficial for the [[land]] in many ways, including as a [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biogas biogas] through [http://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.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost]
[[Category: General Reference]]
==Origin==
Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ''compostum'', from [[Latin]], neuter of ''compositus'', ''compostus'', past participle of ''componere''
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1587]
==Definition==
*1: a mixture that consists largely of decayed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter organic matter] and is used for fertilizing and conditioning [[land]]
==Description==
'''Compost''' is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter organic matter] that has been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodegradation decomposed] and recycled as a fertilizer and [[soil]] amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in [http://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 [http://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. [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrification nitrification].
Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in [[gardens]], landscaping, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horticulture horticulture], and [[agriculture]]. The compost itself is beneficial for the [[land]] in many ways, including as a [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biogas biogas] through [http://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.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost]
[[Category: General Reference]]