B-974R

Composting is the process by which organic materials, such as yard and kitchen wastes, decompose into a dark-colored, nutrient rich, soil building condition called humus. By establishing a backyard compost pile, the biological process can be accelerated with minimal effort by controlling temperature, oxygen, and moisture contents.

Backyard Composting: Simple, small-scale methods discusses the advantages, nutrient requirements and sources, ideal locations, and potential problems of composting. The seven-page bulletin explains that composting reduces dependency on manufactured chemical fertilizers and improves soil structure.

According to the authors, “The amount of time necessary to produce compost varies, but if you are determined to be successful, the time it takes to produce nutrient-rich compost is well worth the effort.”