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Compost and Composting
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What is Composting ?
Composting is Nature s way of
recycling nutrients. Natural recycling
occurs on a continuous basis in the
natural environment.
Composting is the controlled
decomposition or breakdown of organic
matter by a large number of mixed
populations of microorganisms in a
warm, moist, aerated environment.
Composting is a process of
transformation of raw organic materials
into biologically stable humussubstances, suitable as plant nutrients .
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forms of plant and animal life such as
leaves, grass, wood, garbage, natural
fiber, bones or any natural bio massmaterials.
Those organic materials are composted
by time, water, micro
organisms, sun andair, producing a substrate improved in
structure and nutrients , easily utilized by
plants for their growth.
What is Compost ?
Compost
is
the
residue
created
from
the
decomposition
and
recombining of
various
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In the forest, composting happens as leaves
pile up on the forest floor and begin to
decay. Eventually, the decaying leaves are returned
to the soil where living roots can finish the
recycling process by reclaiming the
nutrients from the decomposed leaves.
Nature has its own way of composting Composting is not a new idea. Nature teaches us composting principles.
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What is the Value of compost
1. Compost contains plant nutrients
2. Compost improves the physical condition of soils
3. Compost increases the water holding capacity of soil
4. Compost privileges plant root penetration
5. Compost prevents soil erosion
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6. Compost concentratesfarm residues
7. Compost promotes soilhealth and plantproductivity
8. Compost help tocombat plantspathogens and weedseeds
9. Compost releases nutrients slowly
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AnnadanaComposting principle
For the farmer, composting consists inmanaging his farms bio mass and animalmanure and to process them in a waythat the decomposition will be optimal,
giving him in return, an improvedhomogenous, black, soil like substraterich in plant nutrients , adequate tosustain crop growth.
All organic matters like straw, leaves,grasses, kitchen waste, coconut fiber,
wood chips, weeds, algae, old thatchroofanimal manures can becomposted.
Composting is farmingmicroorganismsand feeding them with farm residuesand available bio mass.
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To optimize the animal manure and the bio massavailable to the farmer, it is best to build a compostpile by altering layers of DRY carbon rich material(coconut fiber, trees leaves, straw, old thatch roof)with GREEN protein rich material ( greens, weeds,
kitchen waste, water hyacinth) and ANIMALMANURE ( cow, dunk, buffalo dunk, horse dunk,chicken manure)
By following this technique the farmer can create4 times more enriched compost , than by the traditionalway which consists in piling cow dung withoutadding extra bio mass to the pile.
It is not the decomposition of cow dung witch createscompost but the decomposition of BIO MASS . Themore diversity of bio mass into the pile, the more rich bio active end produce we get. Cow dung acts only as
an inoculants, providing billions of microorganisms tothe pile, accelerating the decomposition andcomposting process.
Enriched Composting
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1. Compost pile should be made ideally under a tree shade to avoid moisture
loss.
2. Compost pile should be always made near a water source.
3. Dry and green organic materials should be mixed alternately with animal
dung to balance the Carbon/Nitrogen ; Dry/ Green ratio of the pile.
4. The more diverse dry bio mass and green bio mass are used to build the
pile, the more rich and bio active will be the compost end produce
5. Compost pile should be done in upper ground area to avoid water
stagnation during rainy seasons.
6. The pile should be ideally 4 feet large by 5 feet high, to promote a good
heat build up and metabolism. Estimate the length of the pile according to
the organic materials that are available for composting.
Precautions for compost pile preparation
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Inputs used for compost preparation
Coconut fiber Water Hyacinth Green leaves Fresh cow dung
Dry
leaves Ash Panchagavya EM
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Water
HeatCarbon di oxide
(CO2)
Organic matter
VitaminsMineralsNutrients
Micro organism
Coconut fiber
Water
hyacinthGreen leaves
Fresh Cow
dungWater
Ashes
PanchakavyaEM
Oxygen (O2 )
Inputs
Raw Inputs Processing
Fresh compost pile
Final End Produce
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Proteinaceous
All fresh animal manures from
cow, sheep, pig, horse. Fish waste All green plant materials Fruit wastes Kitchen wastes Seaweed meal Fresh seaweed
Carbonaceous Hay & straw Saw dust & wood chip Bark clips Seaweed dried Dry crops such as rice, corn, maize stalks Dried leaves
Coconut fiber
Minerals Lime power Tank silt Wood ash Old compost Bone meals Egg shells Bore well soil
Suitable materials for composting
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Unsuitable
material
for
composting
1. Plants, which have been recently sprayed by pesticide or herbicides
2. Meat
scraps,
as
they
may
attracts
rats
and
other
pests.3. Diseased plant materials.
4. Hard wood and hard plants stems.
5. Stones.6. Persistent perennial weeds.
7. Metals
8. Plastics9. Glasses
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The
Composting
techniqueLand Selection1. The composting area should
be under tree shade and
upper ground area.
2. Clean the ground with a
local tool from all weeds,
thorns.
3. Level the surface where the
compost heap is to be build.
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Marking the pile size1. Mark the area of the heap
with a rope or spade.
2. The pile should be minimum
4 ft wide , and up to 30 ft long,
or as long as it is practicable.
3. The height of the heap should
reach ideally 5 feet high.
4. These dimensions allow the creation of a body where the biochemical and
biological process can happen
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First layer Dry matter
The Dry layer can be made withforest leaves, straw, dry weeds,coconut waste, old roof materials,woodchips virtually any drybiomass of relatively small particle
size.
The First layer should be filled withDry Bio mass @ o f 1 5 c m o r 6inches. The Dry layer representinput into the pile of carbon ,
cellulose and lignin materials.
Water the dry layer until saturationand before the water leaches out ofthe pile.
d
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Ashes bring in phosphorus which
prevents pest. EM act as a microbial
decomposer and speed up the break
down of the pile and Panchagavia
enriches the pile of growth promoting
substances.
Ashes
Panchagavya + EM
Spread on top of the dry matter,
ashes & organic growth promoters
like panchagavya and decomposers
like Em @ 2 cans. Each can contain 10
liters water plus 300 ml panchagavya
and 500 ml of Em per can.
A d
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Second layer Cow dung
Spread
the
Cow
Dung evenly
on
top
of
the
dry
matter
@
5cm
(2).
Water the cow dung if it is not fresh.
Cow dung represents the nitrogen and the microbial input into the pile.
A d
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AnnadanaThird layer Greens
The Third layer should be prepared with Greens @ 15 cm ( 6 inches).
Greens can be weeds collected on the side of the road or on the fields , kitchen waste, water hyacinth, seaweeds, green tree leaves
The more variety of greens , the greater the number of chemical compounds in the final produce.
If fresh, the green layer does not need watering.
A d
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Fourth layer Cow dung Spread the Cow Dung evenly on top of the green layer @ 5cm (2).
Water the cow dung if not fresh.
Cow dung represents the nitrogen and the microbial input into the pile.
A d
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Fifth layer Dry matter
Repeat the process of altering Dry Manure Green layers until the
heap reaches the recommended height of 5 feet
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Sixth layer Cow dung
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Seventh layer Greens
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Eight layer Cow dung
Move on, following the same sequences : Dry Cow dung Greens Cow dung Dry
until the compost pile reaches the height of 5 feet minimum or more.
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1/2 completed compost pile 3/4 completed compost pile
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The last layer Soil
For the last layer, we should add 5 cm (2) of soil, to prevent the
top layers to fly away in case of strong winds.
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AnnadanaOver all process of compost preparation
Pile size First layer Dry matter
Fresh Compost pile
Last layer - Soil
Fourth layer Cow dung
Second layer Cow dung
Third layer Greens
compost pile compost pile
Compost turning & rebuilding
Ready Compost after 90 days
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Natures miracle!
Happens
right
in
front
of
your
eyes
!
Black, good smelling, homogenous, fine particle, humus like,material- substrate is obtained
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The centre of the heap should getvery warm , possibly hot enough to burn a bare hand (check bymaintaining a stick in the pile).
If this fails to happen, commonreasons includes the following :
The heap is too wet excluding theoxygen required by the compost bacteria, in that case add dry material.
The heap is too dry the bacteria donot have the moisture needed tosurvive and reproduce, in that case
just water the pile. There is insufficient protein (nitrogen rich material), in that case add greens,manure ( protein rich materials)
Not enough air will result in slowingdown the composting process Turnthe heap once a month .
Aftercare and attending the compost pile
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When the high temperature of the pile begins to drop , indicating that the foodsource for the fastest acting bacteria (inthe center of the pile) has been largelyconsumed, the pile should be turned.
Turning the compost pile
To turn the pile 2 labors shouldmanually dig out the compost fromone width of the pile and pile it behind them where it gets rebuilt.
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It takes about 4 hours with 4
labors to turn and build back a
pile of 6 to 8m long.
When turning the pile does not
result in a temperature rise, there
is no reason to turn the pile again.Moistening the compost pile,
while turning
Inoculating the compost
pile, with decomposers, while turning
Rebuilding the compost
pile, after turning
Rebuild compost pile, after turning
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Cooler temperatures
Inner thermophilic
zone
Speeds up decomposition
Aerates the pile
- Redistributes micro organism
The pile warms up
Mixes the bio mass ingredients of the pile
Compost turning facilitates
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Soil & Seed SaversWhen is the compost ready?
After the heating cycles stop( after about 3 months)
When the compost pile has
turned into an homogenous, black, fine particles, humus like
appearance
Earthy smell
homogenous, black, fine
particles, humus like appearance
Ready Compost
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When is the compost ready?
How can compost be used?
1. After heating curing stop.
2. Check for homogenous, fine particle, humus like appearance.
3. Earthy smell.4. Maturity tests.
1. As a soil amendment to increase soil organic matter, fertility, water holding
capacity and infiltration rate.2. Used as basal application for cash crops and horticultural crops.
3. Use as top dressing for lawns, gardens, shrubs and trees.
4. Make compost tea (new area).
Soil & Seed SaversWhere can compost be used? As a soil amendment to increase soil
organic matter, fertility, water holding
capacity, plant growth and yield.
Use as basal application for cash crops
and horticultural crops.
Use as top dressing for lawns, garden,
shrubs
and
trees. Pot mixture for nursery
Pit mixture for transplanting vegetable seedling
Basal application in paddy field
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The Composting process factors
5. Nutrients
1. Moisture 2. Aeration 3. Particle size
4. Temperature
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All organisms require water for life. The
optimum moisture content of theingredient for composting is 50 to 60%.
For practical purposes, the materialsshould be as damp as a squeezed out
sponge. Wet the mixture and ingredients initiallyor conveniently during the pile buildingprocess.
Moisture of the compost pile
Moistening materials while compost preparation
Moistening while turning the compost pile
Moisture content should be as damp as a squeezed out
sponge
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An adequate supply of air to all parts ofa compost heap is essential in order to
supply oxygen for the organisms at
work.
Aeration of the compost pile
Aeration is achieved by : mixing initials bulky bio mass elements
which have trapped air in their structures( fibers, dry leaves) avoiding compacting the bio mass mixing materials of different sizes andtextures to create air gap. turning the heap once a month to re
oxygenate the pile.
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The smaller the size of the
particles of organic material, the
greater is the surface area
available for attack and
decomposition by the micro
organisms.
Particle size of the compost materials
The ideal particle size must range
from 2 inches and up to 1 to 2 feetlong and to 1 inch thick.
If your bio mass materials are too big,
just chop it with a sickle, before
integrating it in the compost pile.
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Some of the energy released by the breakdown of the organic material is
given off as heat.
In the first stage,
The micro organisms multiply rapidly and the temperature rises (Warming
up).
During this period sugars, starches and fats are broken down. When the
temperature reaches 60 c, the fungi stop working and the breakdown is
continued by actinomycetes.
A high temperature is necessary to kill all weeds and disease causing
organisms (pathogens).
When
the
heap
has
been
through
the
temperature
peak,
the
material
is
no
longer attractive to flies and vermin.
Temperature of the compost pile
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In the second stage,
When cooling down, the straws, leaves, fibers and stalks are decomposed
mainly by the fungi, which reinvades the heap from its cooler regions.
This breaks down the lignin and cellulose into simple sugar. Then antibiotics are released and the larger soil creatures , especially the
worms move in.
Temperature is directly proportional to the biological activity within thecomposting system.
As the metabolic rate of the microbes accelerates, the temperature within the
system increases and visa versa. Maintaining a temperature of 70 c or more for 3 to 4 days favors the
destruction of weed seeds, fly larvae and plant pathogens.
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Temperature phases
Mesophilic Phase
Thermophilic Phase
Curing Phase
50 75Cafter 7 days until
45 days
Cooling & maturation several months
20 40C,a few days
Time
T e m p
Fumes emerging, while turning the compost pile, indicates high
temperature
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Distribution of temperature in the
compost pile
Cooler temperatures
Inner thermophilic
zone
1. Internal temperatures can be as
high as 70 to 80C
2. Center of the pile is dominated by
the most heat tolerant bacteria e.g.
Bacillus)
3. Edges of pile support diverse
populations of mesophilic
bacteria and fungi
AnnadanaIncreased benefits of compost
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Soil & Seed SaversIncreased benefits of compost
1. Reduces the need of fertilizers
2. Increases the crop yield and plant quality3. Better plant establishment, survival & growth
4. Improves water conservation, reduces watering requirements and
promotes moisture conservation5. Reduces incidence of plant disease and so pesticide usage
6. Reduces soil erosion & leaching of nitrate into groundwater
Compost and nutrients
1. Compost contains a full spectrum of essential plant nutrients.
2. Compost
contains
macro
and
micronutrients
often
absent
in
synthetic
fertilizers.
3. Compost releases nutrients slowlyover months or years, unlike synthetic
fertilizers.
4. Compost
buffers
the
soil,
neutralizing
both
acid
&
alkaline
soils,
bringing
pH
levels
to the optimum range for nutrient availability to plants.
AnnadanaCompost effects on crop growth
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Soil & Seed SaversCompost effects on crop growth
Crop growth is
excellent in
composted field
Paddy Ragi
Sugarcane
Cumbu
Cereals & Sugar cane
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Compost promotes excellent taste, sweetness,
nutritional quality and plants health in vegetable crops
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They are
Mesophiles medium temperature microbes
Thermophiles high temperature microbes
Generally,
Composting begins at mesophilic temperatures and
progresses into the thermophilic range.
Classes of Microorganisms involved in the composting process
l d
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Mesophilic microbes
Bacteria and Fungi are key players
Fauna and protozoa are also important
Decomposition of readily available substrates, like sugars, proteins and
starch
Excess energy is released as heat, causing the pile temperature to
increase
Thermophilic microbes
Heat loving bacteria , actinomycetes and some fungi are key players
Heat intolerant organisms go dormant or destroyed like human and
plant pathogens.
High temperatures accelerate breakdown of proteins, fats, and
complex polymers
S il & S d S
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Protozoa
Active in the early
phases
of
composting
Process smaller bits
of
organic
matter Prey upon microbial
populations
Recycles
nutrients
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
S il & S d S
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Bacteria
Single celled prokaryotes
Smallest living organisms
Most numerous group in
compost
Responsible for most of the
decay and heat generation
in compost
Nutritionally diverse
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
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Actinomycetes
Filamentous bacteria
Produce geosmin
Degraders of cellulose,
hemi cellulose and lignin
Important during the
thermophilic
and
also
the
cooling stages
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
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Fungi
Multi
cellular
eukaryotes
Include mushrooms, molds
and yeasts
Usually
filamentous Decomposers of complex
plant polymers (cellulose,
hemi
cellulose
and
lignin)
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
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Fauna
Important in the beginning of the compost process
Grinds coarse materials into smaller bits
Increases surface area : volume ratio
Improves access of organic substrates to microbes
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Earthworms
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Earth worms come last, when the materials have been partly degraded by
the microbes They thrive on rotting vegetation, manure and microorganisms
They concentrate further, in their cast, some precious nutrients
They generate mucus and other execrates which enriches the compost end
produce
Earthworms
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Micro
organism Mesophilic
phase Thermophilic
PhaseBacteria Pseudomonas,
Bacillus, Flavobacterium,
Clostridium
Bacillus,
Thermus
Actinomycetes Streptomyces Streptomyces, Micropolyspora, Thermoactinomyces,
ThermomonosporaFungi Alternaria,
Cladosporium, Aspergillus,
Mucor,
Humicola,
Penicillium
Aspergillus, Mucor,Chaetomium,
Humicola, Absidia, Sporotrichum,Torula(yeast), Thermoascus
Microorganisms associated with composting
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
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N t i t t k i th
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The simplest method of adjusting the Carbon / Nitrogen ratio is to mix
together different materials of high and low carbon and nitrogen contents.
For example, straw, woody and fibrous materials which have a high C/N
ratio can be mixed with materials such as manure, dung, kitchen waste,
greens, which have a low C/N ratio.
The composting process depends upon the action of microorganisms,
which require:
a source of carbon to provide energy and nitrogen to provide protein for their cell development.
Nutrient at work in the compost pile
It is desirable that the ratio of carbon to nitrogen, C/N ratio, is in
the range of 25 to 35 part of carbon for 1 part of nitrogen.
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Carbon to Nitrogen ratio C/N ration
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Accordingly, the ideal ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) is 30 to 1 (measured
on a dry weight basis).
This ratio governs the speed at which the microbes decompose organic waste.
Most organic materials do not have this ratio and, to accelerate thecomposting process, it may be necessary to balance the numbers which is
achieved by mixing different Dry and Green bio mass and manure materials.
The C : N ratio of materials can be calculated by,Example,
If you have two bags of cow manure (C : N = 20 : 1)
One bag of corn stalks
(C : N = 60 : 1)By combining you have a C : N ratio of = (20 : 1 + 20 : 1 + 60 : 1) / 3
= (100 : 1) / 3
= 33 : 1
Carbon to Nitrogen ratio C/N ration
Soil & Seed Savers
AnnadanaVegetable wastes 12 20:1
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Vegetable wastes 12 20:1
Alfalfa hay 13:1
Cow manure 20:1
Apple 21:1
Leaves 40 80:1
Corn stalks 60:1
Oat straw 74:1Wheat straw 80:1
Paper 150 200:1
Sawdust 100 500:1
Grass clippings 12 25:1
Coffee grounds 20:1
Bark 100 130:1
Fruit wastes 35:1
Poultry manure (fresh) 10:1
Horse manure 25:1
Newspaper 50 200:1
Pine needles 60 110:1Rotted manure 20:1
C/N ratio of different
organic
elements
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Matured compost has the following properties
Property Value
pH 6.0 8.4
Soluble salts 0 10 m mhos/cmNutrient content 2 5 %(N+P2O5+K2O)Organic matter 30 70%
Moisture content 40 50%
C:N ratio < 12:1
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
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Physical and biological qualities of Compost
1. Physical Benefits improved soil structure reduced soil density increased soil permeability resists compaction minimize erosion increase water holding capacity
2.
Chemical
Benefits modifies and stabilizes pH increases cation exchange capacity enables soils to retain nutrients longer reduces nutrient leaching provides nutrients
3. Biological Benefits provides soil biota
promote
soil
health suppresses plant diseases
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Physical Benefits
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Improved soil structure
Greater water holding capacity
Compost
effects
on
soil physical
properties
Physical Benefits
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Increased soil porosity
Reduced soil density
Increased gas exchange and
water permeability
Greater water holding
capacity
Compost effects on Soil structure
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Improved root zone environment
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Compost resistance to Erosion
Reduces wind and water erosion
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AnnadanaCompost effects on soil cation exchange capacity
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Compost effects on soil cation exchange capacity
Increases cation exchange capacity
[Mary Stromberger, Soil Microbiology, CSU]
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Compost effects on soil nutrients
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Compost effects on soil nutrients
Source of N, P, K and micro nutrients Organic nutrients are mineralized
over time
NH4+
Organic N
NO3
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Biological Benefits
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Stimulates
microbial
growth
and activity Induces change of
microorganisms
species
in
soil composition Promotes earthworms
Suppress some plant diseases
Compost effects on soil biological properties
Biological Benefits
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Annadana
Our experience in large scale compost
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Tsunami land rehabilitation project , in this project, we rehabilitated 500 acres oftsunami affected paddy land by using organic agricultural techniques, benefiting2600 direct beneficiaries ( 525 farmers and their family) and 1,250 land less labor
beneficiaries.This project included 5 different tsunami affected villages in Marakanam block,Villupuram district, Tamilnadu and was funded by the French red cross , France.
Our experience in large scale compostproduction
We implemented a package of different organic techniques from which compostwas one of the important component.
The farmers were donated 3 tones/per acre of enriched compost, as agricultural
inputs for their main field preparation.
The compost was prepared by trained women land less labor from each particularvillage, through a cash for work program.
We achieved 2,200 tones of compost and provided 15, 000 paid work days forwomen land less laborers.
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
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2200 tones of enriched compost prepared with local organic materials in large scale by land less labor beneficiaries to rehabilitate tsunami affected agricultural
paddy
land
in
5
different
villages.
Soil & Seed Savers
AnnadanaSourcing out
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gmaterials for compost
preparation in local
area
by
land
less
labor
beneficiaries
Green Leaves
Weeds
Water hyacinth
Compost preparation
This compost produced by the land less labor
beneficiaries was
distributed
to
the
farmers
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
The compost
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Women receiving
cash
for
work
Compost making contributes to local
income
The compostpreparation provided working opportunitiesfor poor people in the
local village itself
15 000 paid work daywere generated form
the compost
preparation
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
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Compost provided to the farmers Compost transferred from
compost yard to paddy field
Broadcasting compost in paddy fieldCompost ready for broadcasting
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
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A good crop stand is recorded in all
important stages like: tillering, flowering,
panicle initiation, milky and maturity
stages
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
Results obtained from this project
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p j
By implementing the package of organic nutrient management,
the average paddy yields increased by 45%, in comparison to the last 15 years
yields records .
In average the farmers are harvesting 25 bags of paddy (1.9 ton/ acre) against
15 bags (1.1 tone/ acre) previous to the project organic rehabilitation .
(Sources : social survey of beneficiaries previous tsunami yield ; government records
for the area ; our own documentation of yield during the project) Beneficiaries cost of production was reduced by 60% through
the rehabilitation program by donations of organic agricultural inputs.
Beneficiaries learnt new high yielding sustainable cultivation techniques.
The paddy yields were increased due to the implementation of an organic
system of cultivation, which compost application is one of the major
important parameters.
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
Compost for everyone!
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Compost at the Auroville Botanical Garden TN
Compost in private farm (Dune) Pondicherry
Compost at Tara farm PDY
Compost at community farm Sirghazi TN
Compost for everyone!
At Annadana we
promote composting of local natural
resources in many different farms and
locationsCompost have been
made under our guidance by many
divers people using divers bio resources
Composting is recycling natures
wealth !
Have a great
composting session !
Compost at village level Koonimedu TN
Compost at Annadana Farm Kodaikanal TN
Soil & Seed Savers
Annadana
For f rther enq iries contact s at :
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For further enquiries, contact us at :
Annadana Seed Bank
Auroville Botanical Garden
Auroville, Villupuram dist, Tamilnadu 605101.
Email : [email protected] : 0413 262 2667
For more information log on to our websitewww.annadana.com
Thank you
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