Composting can save the world.
Composting represents a small yet impactful action that significantly contributes to the well-being of our planet. Its benefits extend well beyond waste diversion from landfills. In the face of contemporary agricultural practices and unsustainable human activities, we are witnessing an alarming depletion of fertile soils at a staggering rate - estimated at 24 billion tons per year. Researchers have predicted that there are only 60 years of fertile soil remaining. The intrinsic value of composting lies in its capacity to function as a microbial and nutritional inoculant, acting as a remedy to rejuvenate and revive depleted soils.
In essence, composting is a transformative practice that not only mitigates waste issues but also holds the key to nurturing the foundation of life itself—our soil. This process sets in motion a positive chain reaction where healthy soils foster robust plant growth, leading to nutrient-dense plants that, in turn, contribute to human well-being. The equation "Soil Health = Plant Health = Human Health = Environmental Health" encapsulates the profound and interconnected impact of composting, offering a tangible solution to counteract the consequences of modern agricultural practices and unsustainable human behaviors.
When we look at ecological impacts of chemical farming and unsustainable human activity we see erosion, flooding, run-off pollution, wildfire, desertification, loss of soil quality, water pollution, air pollution, elevated co2 levels, extreme weather conditions, species loss, and food insecurity. Composting emerges as a powerful tool to counteract the environmental and health crises caused by poor soil and waste management practices. By revitalizing soils with microbial life, composting offers a hopeful solution to the challenges we face.
The beauty of compost does not lie in its physical appearance but in its ability to heal and benefit all life on Earth.
- Alexa Kipper
For a deep dive on the benefits of composting and why I believe compost can save the world click the link to read my blog post: “The Beauty of Compost”
Not all compost is made equal
The quality of a compost is determined by its capacity to restore soil fertility and plant health. This relies on two primary factors: the concentration of humic acid and the diversity of microorganisms present. As microorganisms break down organic matter, humic acid is made, as it is the final product of decomposition.
Humic acid plays a crucial role in soil health as it supports plants in the uptake of nutrients, improves water retention, and helps to break up compaction. By observing the water runoff from compost, one can gauge the amount of humic acid present —a high-quality compost yields a deep dark brown color. Some composts may visually look decomposed however may lack high levels of humic acid if they also lack a diverse microorganism population capable of producing it.
Compost, being an ecosystem in itself, provides an ideal habitat for a wide array of microorganisms. A quality compost should house bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and macroorganisms such as microarthropods, worms, springtails, centipedes, rove beetles, and isopods. A diverse microorganism population not only contributes to nutrient cycling and humic acid production but also establishes a resilient ecosystem that reduces the likelihood and severity of pest and disease outbreaks.
Certain composting processes can disrupt and degrade microbial communities. Using microscopy, I have developed various methods to enhance microbial diversity in compost while achieving elevated levels of humic acid through optimized microbial digestion. This approach aims to create high-quality compost that not only enriches soil fertility and plant health but also fosters a robust and balanced ecosystem resilient to biotic and abiotic stress.
Composting is a Revolutionary Act
Waste is a human made problem because in nature nothing is wasted. All organic material is recycled into fertile humus with the help of microorganisms. Waste is a product of a broken system, and composting completes the broken waste cycle. Through composting we can achieve reciprocity with nature.
I can help turn your waste into GOLD!
Consulting Services Include:
Compost System Design
The easiest way to compost is to connect organic matter with the Earth and let the microorganisms do the rest! However, this method will take a very long time and may not produce the highest quality compost as a result. There are many ways to speed up the composting process while retaining the quality of the compost. I am experienced in many forms of composting including thermophilic composting, cold composting, vermicomposting, bokashi composting, water composting, and johnston-su composting. The best method to compost will depend on your unique goals and situation. In many cases, I combine multiple forms of composting to create the highest quality compost as quickly as possible. I will also provide you with homemade recipes for compost accelerant and bio-stimulants to improve the decomposition and microbial diversity in your compost.
Biological Microscopy Analysis
What determines the quality of a compost is the amount of microbial diversity present in the compost. This is important because due to chemical farming the microbial diversity in our soils has been decimated, and it is the microorganisms in the soil that maintain long term soil fertility. Many methods of composting such as hot composting, pasteurize the material and as a result much of the microbial life is lost. When we are looking to regenerate our soil health with compost it is crucial to have a high diversity of microorganisms in your compost. I have utilized microscopy to develop composting systems that support the diversity of microorganisms needed to restore the fertility of our soils. For my clients, I take samples of the compost at different stages of the process to ensure we are creating the highest quality compost. If the compost is lacking microbial diversity I will help culture biological inoculants to add the missing organisms to the system
Compost Application and Soil Regeneration
The main purpose for making high quality compost is to use it to restore soil health and fertility, which will in turn improve the health of your plants and your body. It can be difficult to make enough high quality compost to spread over your land. In my work, I have developed many ways to extend the use of compost by making compost extracts and teas. By making these liquid biological inoculants you are extracting the humic acid, minerals, and microorganisms from your compost and multiplying them to increase the area that can be improved from the work of the microorganisms. I will help you improve the health of your soil and plants using the “waste” on your land!
Contact
Whether you are looking to improve the quality and efficiency of your current composting process or want to start from scratch, I am happy to assist on your composting journey! Please fill out the inquiry with a detailed description of your project, questions, and ideas. I look forward to connecting!!