Chapter 06
COMPOSTING SPECIFIC MATERIALS
Composting a mixture of organic wastes makes decomposition easier and
produces a more balanced product. Sometimes there is a large quantity of
one type of material and there is little chance of this being mixed with
other materials. However, if dealt with properly these materials can make
good compost.
Composting water plants
Water weeds can be a considerable problem in lakes and waterways,
which are becoming more and more unbalanced and disturbed. Such
problems often arise when the surface water becomes enriched with
nutrients and the introduction of exotic plants, the water hyacinth,
Eichnornia crassipes, for instance.
Controlling these water weeds with
herbicides is harmful to the
environment, expensive, and a waste!
Indeed, they can become a valuable soil
improver if composted as follows:
1. Harvest water weeds and spread
them out for a few days along the
water’s edge to dry. until the
weight has about halved.
2. A compost heap can be made, using
wilted plants, soil, ash, animal
manure and household waste
(kitchen scraps).
3. Use the Indore method (Section 5.1)
of composting by placing twigs at
the bottom and building up Figure11: Water Hyacinth
different layers to form a heap.
This will help prevent the heap from getting too
wet. 4. Turn over the heap regularly; every two
weeks.
, Compost made with water hyacinth only may in some cases reduce
yields. Test the compost in small amounts before applying to a crop.
Composting seaweed
Seaweed has been used as a fertilizer for a long time. For those farmers
who are close to the sea, it can be very useful. Many species are known,
and it is found in most seas.
Seaweed is a potential fertilizer which is literally waiting to be ‘picked
up’. It contains many trace elements and growth regulating substances,
which are highly beneficial to crops.
Water surface
Figure12 : An adult Giant Kelp (Macrocystis) plant
(Source: Seaweed cultivation for renewable resources)
Removing the salt
The main requirement when composting seaweed is to remove most of
the salt. This can be done simply: In the rainy season seaweed is collected
seaweed and spread out or put in small heaps. After some time, the rain
washes out the salt.
Direct use of seaweed as a fertilizer
The simplest method of application of seaweed as a fertilizer starts with
the drying of the seaweed, after which it is ground. The powder thus
obtained can be used directly as a fertilizer.
COMPOSTING SPECIFIC MATERIALS
Composting a mixture of organic wastes makes decomposition easier and
produces a more balanced product. Sometimes there is a large quantity of
one type of material and there is little chance of this being mixed with
other materials. However, if dealt with properly these materials can make
good compost.
Composting water plants
Water weeds can be a considerable problem in lakes and waterways,
which are becoming more and more unbalanced and disturbed. Such
problems often arise when the surface water becomes enriched with
nutrients and the introduction of exotic plants, the water hyacinth,
Eichnornia crassipes, for instance.
Controlling these water weeds with
herbicides is harmful to the
environment, expensive, and a waste!
Indeed, they can become a valuable soil
improver if composted as follows:
1. Harvest water weeds and spread
them out for a few days along the
water’s edge to dry. until the
weight has about halved.
2. A compost heap can be made, using
wilted plants, soil, ash, animal
manure and household waste
(kitchen scraps).
3. Use the Indore method (Section 5.1)
of composting by placing twigs at
the bottom and building up Figure11: Water Hyacinth
different layers to form a heap.
This will help prevent the heap from getting too
wet. 4. Turn over the heap regularly; every two
weeks.
, Compost made with water hyacinth only may in some cases reduce
yields. Test the compost in small amounts before applying to a crop.
Composting seaweed
Seaweed has been used as a fertilizer for a long time. For those farmers
who are close to the sea, it can be very useful. Many species are known,
and it is found in most seas.
Seaweed is a potential fertilizer which is literally waiting to be ‘picked
up’. It contains many trace elements and growth regulating substances,
which are highly beneficial to crops.
Water surface
Figure12 : An adult Giant Kelp (Macrocystis) plant
(Source: Seaweed cultivation for renewable resources)
Removing the salt
The main requirement when composting seaweed is to remove most of
the salt. This can be done simply: In the rainy season seaweed is collected
seaweed and spread out or put in small heaps. After some time, the rain
washes out the salt.
Direct use of seaweed as a fertilizer
The simplest method of application of seaweed as a fertilizer starts with
the drying of the seaweed, after which it is ground. The powder thus
obtained can be used directly as a fertilizer.
