The Art and Science of Composting

Composting is controlled decomposition, the natural breakdown process of organic residues. Composting transforms raw organic waste materials into biologically stable, humic substances that make excellent soil amendments. Compost is easier to handle than manure and other raw organic materials, stores well and is odor-free.

Composting is an ancient technology, practiced today at every scale from the backyard compost pile to large commercial operations. There are Roman and biblical references to composting. The nation’s first president, George Washington, was also the nation’s first recognized composter. Washington recognized the degradative effects of farming on soil and he built a “dung repository” to make compost from the animal manures so he could replenish the soil’s organic matter.

This pdf document has 17 pages with pictures, illustrations and charts.