Question

Discuss the processes and transformations occurring during composting and the effect of compost on soil properties.

Answer 1

ANSWER -

DEFINITON - It is the controlled biological decompositin of the organic materials in to the soil with the help of decomposers.

-compost contains

organic matter upto 70percent, in whichorganic carbon 33percent, nitrogen 2 percent, phosphorous 1 percent , potassium 1 percent, and other elements like fe, mn , zn and cu in very little amount

- para meter of compost

carbon : nitrogen ratio - 30:1

moisture - 50 to 60 percent

pH 6 To 8

temp - 55 to 75C

oxygen 5 to 15 percent

-MECHANISM - it is an biochemical process in which mdecomposers decomposes valuable manure called as compost

the inital stage is the organic matter which on comtinue heat of 55 to 60 degree is kept for several days with some moisture and gaseous exchange. a huge pile is made up of the same and in those piles favourbale conditions are given. this organic matter is then reach to mesophilic stage , where the temp is around 25 to 30C and here mesophilic bacteria are used for rapid decomposition . this total is called the inital stage and termed as mesophilic stage.

then there comes another stage which is called as therrmophilic stage , in which the tmeperature is considerably increasesed again and here the temp accelerates the breakdown of proteins fats and complex carbohydrates like cellulose and hemicellulose.

after this, the temp is gradually decreases and mesophilic microrganism once again take over for the final phase of curing.

- organisms involved - bacillus brevis, bacillus subtilis, actinobifida chromogena, aspergillus fumigatus,earthworms.

- the composting done by majority of earthworms is ccalled as vermincomposting. in hree earthworms are reared and used as decomposer on large scale and result into vermicomposting. thats why earthworms are called as ecosystem engineers.

-EFFECTS ON SOIL -

therre are numerous effects of composting on soil,

it increases the organic matter in the soil which is very very beneficial for crops and in agriculture.

also, stabilizes the soil ph, if the ph is high then it makes it suitable for plant growth and vice versa.

compost also provide the optimal conditions to fight for plant diseases by supplying various important nutrients and elements to the soil which later taken up by the plant.

also, it loosens up the tightly bond particles of the soil, so that the roots can be spread and water can go deep into the soil.

it increases the CEC, ie cation exchange capacity, ie the cycle of cations exchange across the layers of

soil increases,which makes the mobility of air water and nutrients more frequent in the soil.

these are the various benefits and breif introduction of composting.