Unlike commercial fertilizer, compost in Connecticut provides the best organic solutions for the soil. Whether you are a full time food farmer or just starting a kitchen garden, compost is one of the best organic matters to use in improving the health of a plant.
How Compost is Made
Compost is made by recycling or decomposing waste materials, a process known as composting. Such materials include leaves, grass and food scraps which are collected in a pile, a silo or a compost bin. These holding units provide the best conditions (such as air and moisture) that will enable mature decomposition of the wastes. After a period of week or months, the wastes break down into humus which enhances moisture and nutrient retention in the soil.
The highest producers of waste or garbage are the homes we live in, with most organic wastes coming from the kitchen i.e. vegetables, raw fruits, corn cobs e.t.c. Garbage is a nuisance, especially when piled in bulk. Composting such wastes will reduce these piles of garbage that accumulate in homes.The types of composting methods include in-vessel, aerated static pile composting, windrow composting, vermicomposting, use of compost tea e.t.c.
Advantages and Precautions
Compost conditions the soil and thus enhances growth of plant. Depleted soil lacks enough nutrients to support healthy growth of crops or plants. When adequate amount of compost is added to the soil, the nutrients in the compost will condition the soil and hence rejuvenate the plants. Another advantage is that compost in Connecticut conserves the environment since the materials decomposed to make the compost are recycled from used wastes.
One notable precaution with regard to compost is that it releases green house gases such as methane which causes global warming. In addition, compost loses a large amount of oxygen while in the decomposition stage. Nitrogen is essential for plants to thrive since it is a basic component of chlorophyll (the green coloring in plants).
Dunning Sand and Gravel performs large scale composting of organic wastes which is then supplied to both commercial and domestic customers.