Composting

As part of the course we are working with composting. This forms an essential part of sustainable development with as little effect on the environment as possible. it is a good way to replace nutrients back into the ground.
i learnt that there are three basic compost heaps

• Static-A heap that does not get turned
  
• Thermal-a heap that is turned often and as a result is a hot heap.
• Combined-a mixture between the two.

There are other types of composting that we use that are not really composting like

• EM-essential micro-organisms
• Compost worms-these eat the plant matter and produce an easily plant absorbed form of nutrients.

The important thing to remember about both of the above mentioned is that they should not stink. if it stinks then it is rotting and rotting is not good. Let me explain there are three basic elements that you find when working with compost.

• Bacteria
• Fungus and
• pathogens (bad bacteria)

a good compost heap

• has both bacteria and fungus but if a compost heap stinks then you probably have pathogens and they are bad.

• When making a compost heap you must remove all unwanted and inorganic matter from the heap.
• has leaves grass and woody elements
• is turned and the temperature is checked regularly.
• the visible presence of fungus is a good sign.