Earth Day Activity of Class 8-Composting

Composting is simply the process of breaking down the organic matter (food waste) in the presence of air and water, using micro-organisms and small insects present in nature. The end product is called compost which is rich in readily usable plant nutrients forming a part of healthy soil. Composting organisms require 4 conditions to create compost:

1. Carbon that comes from brown organic matter like dried leaves, sawdust, paper.

2. Nitrogen that comes from fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds.

3. Oxygen which comes from air.

4. Water in the right amounts.

Students of class VIII A Primus separated edible kitchen waste (fruits and vegetable peels) in a container and collected dry organic matter (dried leaves, sawdust) in a small container. A large earthen pot was taken and the bottom was lined with a layer of soil. The food waste was added in layers alternating wet waste (food scraps, fruits and vegetable peels) with dry waste (straw, sawdust, dried leaves). Finally the container was covered with a plastic sheet or a plank of wood to help retain moisture and heat. Every few days, a rake will be used to give the pile a quick turn to provide aeration and if the pile is too dry, sprinkling some water will make it moist. Within 2-3 months, the pile should start forming compost that is dry, dark brown, crumbly and smelling of earth.