Composting with kitchen waste

Composting is basically breaking down of an organic matter. There are several kinds of composting and one of the composting procedures is aerobic composting.

Aerobic composting:
Aerobic composting is decomposition of organic matter using microorganisms. Aerobic compost requires oxygen.

Requirements for aerobic composting: The main requirements for aerobic composting are compost bin, Greens, browns and decomposer.

Container or compost bin:
Drill the holes all over the sides and at the bottom of the compost bin for air circulation. Around 10 to 15 holes based on the size of the bin.

The bottom holes will help to drain out the excess moisture from the organic matter in the form of liquid and we call it as leachate. Collect the leachate and dilute with water and pour it in the soil as it contains good nutrients.

Greens:
Greens are nothing but food waste which is not cooked like vegetable and fruit peels. Even egg shells, rotten vegetables and fruits can be used.
Any kind of uncooked food waste can be added to compost bin. Do not add meat or cooked food. Greens have more Nitrogen content.

Greens

Browns:
Browns are dry leaves, shredded papers, cardboard pieces or cocopeat. Browns have more carbon. It will help to retain moisture and helps reduce fruit flies in the compost.
I use dry leaves and coco peat as browns.

Dry leaves

Coco peat

Decomposer:
Microbes are required to decompose the matter fast. That is, bacteria or fugus is required which are available in buttermilk, panchagavya, diluted cow dung slurry or semi decomposed compost.
Any one of the decomposers can be used.
I use buttermilk and semi decomposed compost for my new compost.

Composting Procedure:

Step 1: Spread a layer of newspaper at the bottom of the bin to absorb the excess moisture

Step 2: Spread a layer of greens and browns in the ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 based on the moisture retention. If you take a handful of greens, then add 2 or 3 handful of browns

Step 3: Mix both greens and browns

Step 4: Add a few drops of butter milk to accelerate the process of composting which acts as decomposer

Step 5: Repeat the same process everyday till the bin is full

Step 6: Once the bin is full keep it aside and then add a little buttermilk and keep stirring every 4 to 5 days. This will help the air to circulate and speeds up composting

Step 7: Use another bin and follow the procedure to continue with composting.

Within 60 to 90 days the compost will be ready.

Important points:

• To accelerate the composting process, shred the greens and browns in to small pieces
• Place a plate at the bottom of the bin and collect the leachate
• Make the butter milk and keep it outside for 2 to 3 days and sprinkle on the matter that will generate microorganisms in composting process
• If there is excess moisture it leads to smell. To avoid this keep adding browns to absorb the moisture in it
• Do not keep compost bin in direct sunlight and protect it from rain.
• Do not add pest infected leaves in the compost bin.

Compost gives you a very good nutrients for the plants. You need not have to buy it if you start your own composting.

You can really reduce the waste going into landfills and can be a part of saving the environment.

Happy Composting 😊