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| GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE TECHNIQUE |
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| Technique: |
PRODUCTION OF COMPOST FROM WASTE, ASH, EXCREMENTS AND PLANTS |
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Definition characters description and diffusion
Composting is a natural process of turning organic material like waste, ash, excrements, and plants into a valuable plant food called humus. Humus is a blackish substance which gives a dark colour to the topsoil. It is a complex colloid preserved by tannins that break down relatively slowly. The material has a sponge-like capacity to retain water and cements soil particles together to give a crumb-like structur
General characters description and diffusion
Composting offers an additional avenue for nutrient management and by combining manure with plant materials, it can double the supply of organic materials available. It was first promoted by missionaries in the 1930s, but did not become popular then. Recently, it has been taken up again by NGOs promoting organic farming.
When properly made and applied, compost provides readily available plant food and does not contain as many weed seeds and pests as farmyard manure, because of the heat generated. Compost manure can easily be made on the farm using crop residues, garden weeds, kitchen and household wastes,hedge cuttings and any other vegetative material.
Advantages and sustainability
The production of compost from waste, ash, excrements, and plants are organic materials that are diverted from ending up in a landfill, which decreases the production of methane and other harmful greenhouse gases that landfills release into the atmosphere. Using and producing this compost reduces the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides, and promotes higher yields of agricultural crops.
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TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE DATA
| Technique |
| PRODUCTION OF COMPOST FROM WASTE, ASH, EXCREMENTS AND PLANTS |
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| Cathegory |
| B - Agriculture |
| Identification code |
| B9f |
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| Other authors: |
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| Reference: |
http://www.epa.gov/composting/benefits.htm
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