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» The farmers voice
Practical Tips | 15 Feb 2006
How to produce compost
Compost is a mass of organic residues (primarily from plants or a mixture of organic residues) that have been piled and allowed to undergo biological decomposition (decay) to form manure. Farmers are usually reluctant to carry out this activity with the available material around them. Even in the primary schools today composting is dying out
Importance of compost
-it supplies plant food to crops
-It improves soil structure ( helping soil to have good aeration and water holding capacity)
-It helps to minimise leaching of nutrients
-Composting narrows the C/N ratio of organic matter and therefore benefits the crops in the early stages of growth than if the decomposed are buried directly into the soil.
-Composting kills the seed of weeds, eggs and larvae of insects, pest in the decomposing material.
Conditions necessary for composting or decomposition of organic matter (OM)
1- Micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi) by addition of old compost, decayed kitchen waste, farm yard manure (FYM) and top soil.
2- Water (addition of water or natural rainfall)
3- Air (O2) turning
4- PH (alkaline) addition of liming material such as wood ash
5- Favourable temperature, warmth
6- Nutrients supply (addition N or NPK fertiliser or urine)
Location of the compost
1- Near the farm or garden
2- Near a water source
3- Under a shade
4- On fairly flat or gentle sloping topography
Methods or composting
1- Heap or stack method which is more suitable in the rainy season.
2- Pit method: (120 x 120 x 120cm) This is more suitable in the rainy season.
Procedure of composting
1- Peg the compost (120 x 180 x 120cm level)
2- Level the area and pin the tester at the middle
3- Water the soil if dry
4- Put a layer of grass (chopped to facilitate easy decomposition).Thickness of layer should be 15-30cm after being trampled to reduce air spaces.
5- Water well if material is dry. It is more preferable to water material if it is dry.
6- Put animal manure or old compost to a thickness of 3-5cm
7- Sprinkle fertiliser N or NPK ( a handful per layer). Sprinkle wood (approximately a bucket of 15 litres full per layer. Water the grass first before laying another grass.
8- Spread a layer of top soil or vegetable soil preferably dark in colour to a thickness of about 5cm.
-Animal manure introduces bacteria in the compost and it is good for bacteria
-Wood-ash reduces acidity
-Topsoil introduces bacteria, it holds water and conserves moisture within the layer.
9- Water well so that the top dissipate into the layer.
10- Continue with the next layer in the same way until a convenient height of 120cm as standard height.
11- Make a shade on top of the last layer of the compost. (This is to prevent drying out and loss of nutrients by rain and sun)
NB 1- Well made compost should begin to work in a few days. Feel the tester which is a long stick at the middle of the compost and it will be hot. If it does not heat within a week, then it should be remade.
2- Water the heaps once a week if it is dry or every two weeks during turning.
Turning the compost
When the compost starts heating, turn it after every two weeks. The turning aerates the compost, it ensures quick and uniform decomposition. Turning facilitates uniform watering of the compost.
Use of compost
Allow compost to decompose well before applying to the soil. Allow the compost to cool before applying it to the soil. Compost is ready for use in about 2-3 months if the materials are not too fibrous or woody and it is provided the ideal condition for decay. We need about 3-7.5kg/m_ of compost (30-75 tons/ha) spread about 2-5cm of compost on the soil and dig it well.
Dinga Joseph, Agric technician
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