Did you know that one of the most valuable and natural things we can do in farming and gardening is compost? And Compost is prepared by the process which is known as composting. Now you have a question in your mind What is composting, and what is compost right? So, in this article, we will learn everything you need to know about composting and compost easily and simply. In this article, we explain what it is, how to do it, what to use, what not to use, and how to use the final compost in your field or garden.

What is Compost?

Compost is a dark and soil-like natural fertilizer that is made by decomposing organic waste like vegetable peels, fruit scraps, dry leaves, cow dung, and garden waste. Compost is reached in essential nutrients (like N, P, K) that help plants to grow better. Compost is prepared by the process of composting.

What is Composting?

Composting is a natural process where organic waste like vegetable peels, dry leaves, cow dung, and kitchen waste are broken down into dark, soft, and earthy-smelling material with the help of small organisms like bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. This process changes the organic waste into dark, soft, and earthy-smelling material, which is called compost.

This compost is full of essential nutrients that help to improve the soil structure and enhance the soil fertility. It also increases water-holding capacity in the soil and supports the growth of healthy plants.

Why Should You Do Composting?

There are many reasons why composting is a good practice, especially for farmers and gardeners in India:

Reduces Waste: Instead of throwing out kitchen and garden waste, you can use it for something useful, like composting.
Saves Money: You don’t need to buy expensive chemical fertilizers when you have compost.
Improves Soil: Compost is a natural fertiliser that makes the soil loose, rich, and healthy, which supports better plant growth.
Safe for the Environment: Compost reduces pollution and also reduces the need for chemical inputs.
Supports Natural and Sustainable Farming: Compost is prepared organically and naturally, which supports natural and sustainable farming practices.

Types of Composting

India has many ways of composting. You can choose based on your space, time, and available materials.

1. Traditional Composting (Pit or Heap Method)

Traditional Composting (Pit or Heap Method) is the most common and traditional method for the preparation of compost, especially in Indian villages and farms. It is an easy, simple and natural process that does not require any machine or special setup for the preparation of compost.

In this method, organic waste like dry leaves, kitchen waste, cow dung, and crop residue is collected and decomposed either in a dug pit or a heap (ढेर) on the ground. The waste breaks down naturally with the help of air, moisture, and microbes (microbes are tiny organisms that are already present in the soil and organic waste).

Two Common Ways to Do It:

1. Pit Method:

A pit (usually 3–4 feet deep) is dug in the ground.
Waste is added in layers inside the pit.
Dug is covered with soil or dry leaves.
This method is good for those places that have enough land.

2. Heap (ढेर) Method:

Waste is heaped in an open area.
Dry and wet material layers are created on the ground.
The top of the heap is covered with jute sacks ( बोरी) or soil.
This method is easier and useful for small farms or backyards.

Process:

Dig a pit in the ground or make a heap in one corner of your field.
Add layers of dry and wet waste.
Turn the waste every 15–20 days.
Compost is ready in 2–3 months.

2. Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is the process in which earthworms can eat organic waste like kitchen waste, cow dung, and dry leaves and convert it into black, fine, and nutrient-rich compost which is known as vermicomposting. In vermicomposting, a special type of earthworm (usually Eisenia fetida) is required for preparing the compost.

How to Do Vermicomposting? (Basic Steps)

Prepare a container, pit, or vermi bed in a shady area.
Make the first layer using dry leaves, straw, or shredded paper.
Add organic waste like vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and cow dung (avoid oily or spicy food).
Add earthworms to the top.
Keep the compost slightly moist; it should feel like a damp sponge.
Cover the pile using a jute sack ( बोरी) or dry leaves.
Gently turn the compost every 7–10 days for proper aeration.
In 45 to 60 days, the compost will be ready—it will look black, smell like soil.

3. Compost Bin Method

A compost bin is a container or structure used to collect and decompose organic waste like vegetable peels, fruit scraps, dry leaves, garden waste, and cow dung to make compost. It helps to manage waste in one place and speeds up the composting process by maintaining the proper moisture, air, and warmth.

What Materials Can You Use for Composting

There are two kinds of materials required in the composting process:

Green (wet) materials.
Brown (dry) materials.

Green (Wet) Materials are:

Vegetable and fruit peels
Tea leaves
Grass clippings
Cow dung
Fresh leaves
Kitchen waste (without oil and meat)

Brown (Dry) Materials are:

Dry leaves
Straw and hay
Paper (not glossy or colored)
Sawdust (in small quantity)
Small branches or twigs (chopped)

What Not to Use in Composting?

Some materials are harmful for composting and should always be avoided this materials:

Never use these materials for composting:

Plastic or synthetic items
Glass or metal
Chemicals or medicines
Oily food or cooked food
Meat, fish, or bones
Animal waste from meat eaters
These things do not break down properly, and they also spoil the compost and even attract pests.

Step-by-Step Process to Make Compost at Home or Farm

A simple and easy-to-understand step-by-step guide for compost preparation.

Step 1: Choose a Place

Pick a shady corner on soil, or you can also use a compost bin.
The place should not collect the rainwater.

Step 2: Collect Waste

Collect your organic waste (green and brown waste) daily.
Cut bigger items into small pieces for faster breakdown.

Step 3: Make Layers

Start with a layer of brown (dry) material at the bottom.
Add a layer of green (wet) material.
Repeat the process of layering.

Step 4: Maintain Moisture

Compost should always be moist, like a squeezed sponge.
If the compost is too dry, then sprinkle some water on it.
If the compost is too wet, then add dry material like leaves.

Step 5: Turn the Pile

Mix the pile every 15–20 days using a stick or fork.
Turning helps air reach inside and speeds up the process.

Step 6: Check Progress

After 2–3 months, the waste will look like dark brown or black soil.
Compost should smell earthy but not bad or rotten.

Tips to Make Composting Easy and Fast

Always keep a balance between the dry and wet waste.
Cut large waste into small pieces for easy breakdown.
Keep the compost slightly moist.
Cover the compost to avoid rain and pests.

How to Use Compost

Once your compost is ready, you can use it in different ways, such as:

Mix it with the soil before sowing the seeds.
Apply around the plants as a top dressing.
You can also use it in kitchen gardens in your flower pots, or crop fields.
For best results, use compost regularly in every crop cycle.
Use cow dung slurry or buttermilk to speed up the process.
Turn the pile regularly for a better air flow.

Why Composting Is Important for Indian Farmers

In India, all farmers have access to cow dung, crop residue, and kitchen waste. But most farmers in India heavily depend on chemical fertilizers. But composting can cut down this dependence and restore the natural health of the soil.

Indian states like Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are already promoting composting under the schemes of organic and natural farming. Small farmers can also gain the benefits of composting by making their own compost.

Conclusion:

Composting is not simply a means of waste decomposition; it is a powerful move towards healthy agriculture, improved soils, and a cleaner world. Whether you use the Traditional Composting (Pit or Heap Method),

Vermicomposting, or starting with a small compost bin at home, is a method that can turn your daily organic waste into black gold for your soil, which can boost plant growth and promote plant health.

By using compost, farmers can reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health naturally, and increase crop yield. Even in homes and gardens, composting can help to save money and protect the earth.

The best part of composting is that it is simple, doesn’t require any expensive machines or a big land. It requires just a little care, some basic knowledge, and a regular habit of collecting organic waste.

Composting Magic: Turn Waste into Nutrient-Rich Soil