On World Environment Day…
HOW TO MAKE COMPOST
The compost It is a type of organic fertilizer that is prepared with different organic materials, which we can find in our home, providing nutrients and improving the quality of the soil. compost converts household waste into fertilizer and valuable organic matter for the soil.
Need:
- Organic waste
- Organic soil (common soil)
- Two containers that we will call composters (they can be 3 l mineral water containers open at the top)
- Sawdust that prevents the release of bad odors and absorbs excess moisture.
- Sieve to separate the already biodegraded product (which will be the compost), of the organic matter still in process. This sieve can be replaced by a fine mesh or tulle
- Stirring rod for organic matter.
Preparation:
- First step: A layer of sawdust is placed at the bottom of the composter. This prevents the release of bad odours, the breeding of insects and absorbs excess moisture.
- Second step:
- (A) A second layer is placed with food waste,
- (B) If these are very dry, add a little water to maintain humidity. The following layers are always interspersed with a layer of sawdust. Before depositing the next layer of food waste, it is advisable to stir and moisten the previous ones.
- (C) It will always be finished with a layer of dry sawdust.
- Third step: Even if there is no food waste to add, it should be aerated every third day to allow the release of gases, products of decomposition, and to provide oxygen to the system. Aerate by emptying the contents into another container, stirring with the rod and spraying with a little water, just to maintain humidity. If a bad smell appears, add more sawdust. When it is almost full, finish with a last layer of sawdust and start filling another composter. Every three days, uncover it to stir the contents.
- Step four: Food waste will become compost within 60 to 90 days, depending on the nature of the waste. This will be when the product appears homogeneous (dark brown and crumbly). It is recommended to sift this compost after two months. compostThe sifting product can be used, and what remains in the sieve can be incorporated as organic matter into another composter. The resulting product (the compost), is used as a fertilizer, as it contains all the nutrients needed to help plants grow. It can be used in pots or gardens, mixing it with the soil.
What do we reuse from home?
We can use fruit peels, vegetables, grass, coffee, egg shells, we cannot put bone proteins, meat waste, such as chicken, fish, pork or red meat.
Bachelor of Nutrition
Gianella Pedemonte
Gianella Pedemonte
