Composting for all

by Cristian Acosta

Agriculture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County

Probably you have heard about composting at least once in your life, do you know what is that about? is it just stuff that farmers do? "something" about recycling organic materials for the environment? is it a farming movement for a social cause?... well, let's see what composting really is and how important is for you it doesn't matter if you live in a city or rural area. The compost awareness week starts on May 8th, 2023, so let's talk about compost!

Composting is an essential practice for anyone who is looking to make a positive impact on the environment (or even if that's not your goal, it's something that can give you free organic matter for your plants and crops). It is the process of breaking down organic materials such as food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting is not only beneficial for the environment, but it is also a great way to reduce waste and improve soil health.

One of the most important reasons to compost is that it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Landfills are quickly filling up with garbage, and this is causing many environmental problems. When organic matter such as food scraps and yard waste are sent to landfills, they decompose anaerobically (not using oxygen), which means they release harmful greenhouse gases like methane. These gases are a major contributor to climate change, and they also have negative impacts on air and water quality.

Composting also helps to improve soil health. When organic materials are composted, they break down into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to nourish plants. Compost also helps to improve soil structure, which makes it easier for water to penetrate the soil and for plants to absorb nutrients. Another important benefit of composting is that it can help to reduce the amount of water you use in your garden. Compost helps to retain moisture in the soil, which means that you can water your plants less frequently. This is especially important in areas where water is scarce or during times of drought.

It doesn't matter if you're not a farmer, if you're a doctor, therapist, sports player, etc., you can produce your own compost and grow healthy plants, organic fruits in your backyard, or even if you're in the city, you can get small composters (or build your own composter) for your kitchen and produce your compost at home, without bad smells or insects around the place, and once you have more experience you can make different types of compost at home, farm, or garden.

In conclusion, composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste, improve soil health, and protect the environment, and produce your own fertilizer. It is an important practice that everyone can participate in, regardless of where you live or how much space you have. Whether you have a small balcony or a large garden, there is always a way to compost. By composting, you can make a positive impact on the planet and help to create a more sustainable future.

Last updated December 20, 2023