The composting process
The composting process is based on the decomposition process, which, in the environment of the accumulated organic material , under the influence of heat, humidity, , internal reactions of the interaction of substances and vital activity of microorganisms that are present in any organic substance. In the course of this process, not only does the organic mass decompose into separate constituents, but also new complex substances are formed-biologically active substances, humus. An increase in the temperature of the material indicates the beginning of the decomposition process.
The duration of the decomposition process depends on the desired quality of the final product, it can last up to 12 months. The decomposition begins very violently and slows down in subsequent stages. The compost must be interrupted to activate the decomposition process and to achieve its uniformity in all layers. After interruption, the temperature in the thickness of the compost first decreases, but then rises rapidly, which is explained by the activation of the decomposition process in connection with the inflow of oxygen.
The process of decomposition of an organic substance is aerobic, that is possible only in the presence of oxygen. With sufficient humidity and air access, microorganisms feed by decomposing organic material and receive life energy not from sunlight, but from the process of oxidation of carbon to carbon dioxide. The oxidation processes are accompanied by the release of a significant amount of thermal energy, both during combustion. During the maturation of the compost, huge energy transformations take place. Microorganisms live, splitting natural carbon compounds, in various forms of symbiosis, as long as there are substances necessary for their vital activity. Then they die, giving the organic substance of their organisms and the resulting decay products for the life of other microorganisms. Thus, in particular, nitrogen is supplied by intestinal secretions and organisms of dead bacteria.
Rotting is a process opposite to decomposition, since flows anaerobically, that is without oxygen access. Rotting is an unhealthy form of decay, one of the main signs of which is the appearance of an extremely unpleasant odor caused by fetid metabolic products: methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, indole and others. In addition, in the process of decay in the decay of organic compounds, toxic substances harmful to plant health arise, therefore the main task of any measures for the preparation of high-quality compost should be the elimination of stagnant rotting processes.
Compost is constantly changing during the process of decomposition in its physical, chemical and biological state. The process of decomposition of the compost goes through several phases and its duration is in dependence on the expected final product quality of 6-12 months, during the decomposition the volume of material is reduced by 20 %. Each of the phases of decomposition is characterized by special signs and the emergence of various forms of microorganisms.
1. Decay phase
Primary decomposition of raw material. The simplest soil microorganisms are involved: 1) mold fungus, 2) and 3) actinomycetes,
4) eubabacteria, 5) helical bacteria,
6) aerobic spirilla
. 2. Reconstruction phase
. Transition stage from the stage of pure decomposition. Increase in the number of microorganisms: 1) actinomycetes, 2) penicillium, 3) yeast fungus, 4) and 5) head mold, 6) spirillae,
7) spindle
3.
synthesis phase The onset of active creative processes, the formation of unripe compost. Increase in the number of complex soil organisms: 1) convecting mocrit, 2) yeast fungus, 3) head mold, 4) penicillium,
5) green mold, 6) head mold, 7) actinomycete, 8) compost worm,
9)10) oribatads or armor pliers, 11) larva of a scorpion fly,( 12) a centipede, 13) a vylochail, 14) a ground beetle, 15) a larva of a thick-footed mosquito, 16) a small housefly larva, 17 a convecting moccasin, 18) a fly larva
4. Maturation phase
Continuation of complex internal composting process, mature compost. The diverse and active life of the soil microfauna:
1) haymaker, 2) vylochail, 3) larva of the meadow long-legged duckling, 4) middle-bodied or woodworm plant, 5) and 6) ground beetle larvae, 7) dung worm, 8) mocrita, 9) oribatide10) Snail, 11) Mite,
12) Predatory tick, 13) Deadly larva,
14) Snail, 15) Ant, 16) Larva of May beetle, 17) Yeast fungus, 18) Pig, 19)ordinary, 20) penicill
5. Humification phase
Formation of stable forms of humus, formation of valuable compost soil: 1) spider, 2)4) nematode, 5) ground beetle, 6) cross-section of leaf with nematodes, 7) crack-grass, 8) mocryza, 9) garden shrew, 10) duckweed, I) earthworm, 12) oribatide or carapaceous tick,
13) algae, 14) May beetle
Decay phase, is essentially the primary decomposition of the material.
Rapid temperature increase in the thickness of the compost to 60-70 ° C.
Progressive decomposition of easily reversible organic substances.
-I - There are no developed microorganisms.
The simplest microorganisms feed on easily decomposing protein and sugar, cellulose and fats.
Destruction of causative agents of plant diseases under the influence of thermal reaction, reduction of germination of seeds of weeds.
Reduces the acidity value.
Reconstruction phase
Temperature reduction to 30-35 ° С.
Activation of fungal growth: yeast fungus, radiation fungus, green mold.
Improved gas exchange.
Ammonia forms organic compounds. The C: N ratio decreases.
Synthesis phase
The temperature drops to 20 ° C.
- * Significant colonization of the mass by soil organisms of a higher development: dung worms, mocrites, and vylochails.
Thanks to the activity of composting worms, intensive mixing of organic and mineral parts of the material takes place.
Organic substances are transferred to a form available to plants.
Compost acquires a dark color, it can be used as an immature product for mulching.
The immature compost can be used only a few months after laying the material, it is rich in nitrogen and contains a large number of nutrients.
The main value of unripe compost lies in its activating influence on soil microorganisms, that is, the process of decomposition of compost continues directly on the soil. In addition, immature compost contains biogenic stimulators of plant growth and promotes the formation of carbon dioxide in the soil.
Immature compost can not be embedded deep into the soil, so that rotting processes associated with oxygen shortage do not occur for the decomposition process that continues in the unripe compost.
Maturation phase
Compost temperature is compared with the natural soil temperature. Stop the processes of decomposition.
The oxygen demand is lowered;;: - The C: N ratio is set to approximately 20: 1.
; ;- Compost is characterized by a loose earthy structure with a healthy smell of forest land, caused by the vital activity of actinomycetes. Compost is ready for use.
The mature compost is the final product of the composting process and an exceptional value fertilizer product.
- The main advantage of mature compost lies in the formed close connections of nutrients inside humus compounds. Thus, mature compost can be considered a stable form of humus.
Mature compost is recommended for use on problem soils that are unable to complete the transformation process of immature compost, and to create substrates for growing seedlings, balcony and indoor plants.
Humification
There are stable humus forms with well-connected nutrients in their composition.
Dung worms are disappearing, compost is growing earthworms, which indicates the readiness of the product.
The fertilizing effect of compost is reduced, but the qualities that contribute to the long-term improvement of soil structure develop.
Compost water
. To reach a fast fertilizing effect, compost water is recommended. To make it, you need to put a full shovel shovel of mature compost in a bucket, fill with water, better rain, and let it stand. During this time, several more times to mix, wait for the suspension to settle, pour into the watering can and water the plants. Compost water quickly gives nutrients to plants and strengthens their defenses. Therefore, fertilization of crops with compost water can be considered as an action for the prevention of plant diseases.