Compost is well rotted organic manure prepared by decomposition of organic matter. Composting is largely a biological process in which micro-organisms of both types, aerobic (require oxygen for deep development) and anaerobic (functions in absence of air or free oxygen), decompose the organic matter and lower down the C:N ratio of refuse. The final product of composting is well rotted manure known as compost. It contains relatively higher quantity of major nutrients than that of FYM. Composed is prepared from waste materials like vegetable refuse, farm litter such as weeds, bhusa, sugarcane trash, sewage sludge and animal wastes. The waste material is collected and stored in a trench of 5m long, 1.6 m wide and 1m deep. Collected waste material is mixed well and spread in thin layers of 30 cm thick on the floor of the trench. The layers are moistened by sprinkling a slurry of cow dung and earth mixture. The process is repeated till the heap rises to height of 0.5 m above the ground level. The top is covered by thin layer of earth and dung. Left undisturbed for rotting (anaerobic decomposition) for 3-4 months. Well rotten compost is used in the same way as FYM. |
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