Unleashing Garden Potential with Biologically Complete Compost
by Doug AyersHave you ever wondered how some gardens seem to explode with life? Or perhaps you've noticed how some farms are far more vibrant and productive than others? It might just come down to one thing: biologically complete compost.
As a Certified Soil Food Web Consultant who tests for soil health, I know it is so easy to be intimidated and feel as if the answer is far off. As a tourist in Brown County, Indiana, I know you value seeing vibrant life and active gardens, just like me.
We'll uncover how active compost is made, what its components are, and where you can get your hands on some for your own plants. Let's explore this a bit deeper and see how we can make our plants thrive.
Table of Contents:
- What is Biologically Complete Compost?
- What’s in Biologically Complete Compost?
- The Benefits of Using Complete Compost
- How to Use Biologically Complete Compost
- The Home Composting Option
- FAQs about Biologically Complete Compost
- Conclusion
What is Biologically Complete Compost?
Complete compost goes beyond just being broken-down organic matter. Instead, it’s a thriving ecosystem packed with beneficial soil microbes. The term 'biologically complete compost' means that it contains the entire microbiological network for the soil to be regenerated and function as living soil.
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This compost acts more like a soil amendment than a traditional fertilizer. Think of it as an inoculant, jumpstarting the soil food web to support healthy plant growth. It’s important to start thinking this way to reach optimal soil health.
The Importance of the Soil Food Web
What exactly is the soil food web? It’s the interconnected community of organisms living in the soil. These organisms include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes. These organisms all work together.
These tiny workers break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and improve soil structure. A thriving soil food web also helps plants better resist diseases and pests.
That's right. With a flourishing soil food web, weeds and harmful diseases that plague plants are often not an issue.
Elaine Ingham and the Soil Food Web
Dr. Elaine Ingham is a renowned soil microbiologist. She is known for her work on the soil food web and its importance to agriculture. She has dedicated her career to understanding the complex relationships.
These relationships include soil organisms, plant health, and sustainable agriculture. I myself am working on becoming a Certified Soil Food Web Consultant and it was the training and experience that unlocked and grew my love and fascination for compost. Dr. Ingham's Soil Food Web School champions these principles of the underground ecosystem.
Dr. Ingham's research shows that we can create healthier soils by promoting the growth and balance of these microbial communities. You can find compost, extracts, teas, and compost-making workshops. By building this ecosystem, your garden will thrive.
What’s in Biologically Complete Compost?
Complete compost isn't just throwing kitchen scraps in a pile. It requires a balanced mix of ingredients. Following a specific composting process also helps ensure the diversity of beneficial microbes.
The exact recipe varies, but here are some common ingredients. They each have a purpose to feed the biology during the composting process. The point is to select inputs that maximize this.
- Green Waste: This includes grass clippings and vegetable scraps. These are high in nitrogen which is essential for bacteria.
- Brown Waste: This is things like wood chips, dry leaves, and cardboard. They provide carbon to feed the fungi.
- Water: Proper moisture is critical for microbial activity. Too dry, and the microbes die; too wet, and the compost becomes anaerobic.
- Air: Aerobic composting requires oxygen. Regular turning ensures the microbes have enough to breathe.
Reaching the Right Temperatures
Compost piles need to reach high temperatures to kill weed seeds and human pathogens. However, those high temperatures can't stay for too long, or you could kill the microbes. Most persistent herbicides are outlawed so plants that were sprayed don't enter the compost stream.
So what do you need to make sure you kill weed seeds and bad bacteria without affecting the nutrients?
| Compost Phase | Temperature | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermophilic | 131-170°F (55-77°C) | 3-5 days | Kill pathogens and weed seeds |
| Mesophilic | 68-104°F (20-40°C) | Several weeks to months | Decomposition and microbial growth |
These ranges, however, are typically seen more on a commercial scale.
Composting on a Commercial Scale
Municipal waste companies receive debris from many sources. Highway departments, garbage haulers, and residents bring a mix of yard debris to be processed on a massive scale. To stay safe for all of its customers, there are temperature regulations that commercial farms must meet.
Some facilities use anaerobic processing, which can lead to the destruction of both helpful and harmful microbes. Always be mindful of where the compost came from. Consider what materials are allowed to be composted in the area.
The Benefits of Using Complete Compost
So, why should you care about biologically complete compost? There are plenty of benefits for both home gardeners and commercial farmers. From environmentally friendly soil to food webs, what's not to love?
Here are just a few of the key advantages to expect:
- Improved Soil Health: The organic matter enhances soil structure, water retention, and aeration. It also helps to regulate the pH levels in the soil.
- Reduced Need for Fertilizers: The soil amendment provides essential nutrients, so reducing or eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers which improves water retention. You can't beat these long-term advantages.
- Disease and Pest Resistance: A healthy soil food web helps plants naturally resist diseases and pests. Therefore, the presence of more of the type of nematodes is welcome.
- Reduced Waste: Composting diverts waste materials from landfills. That's huge since it creates an environmentally friendly solution.
- Better Plant Growth: Overall, the soil amendment leads to healthier, more vigorous plant growth. These advantages all lead to increased yields.
With more benefits like these, I wouldn't ever want to miss out on the amazing advantages.
Complete Compost to Prevent Soil Erosion
Healthy soil is more resistant to erosion. When it rains, topsoil stays put, ensuring that vital nutrients remain in place. Erosion becomes a larger issue without living materials in the soil.
This will cause increased costs on replacements. Remember back in the day, seeing all the dry, barren landscapes of Indiana made my skin crawl. Ever since, I vowed to that all that I work with is teeming with life and biology. It feels good to be able to contribute this knowledge in the same community I reside.
How to Use Biologically Complete Compost
Getting started with active compost is easy. Whether you're a home gardener or a commercial farmer, there are several ways to incorporate it into your practices. You can easily make your own, you can get some premade, or you can find some locally. A great reference I love sharing is with the Institute for Local Self Reliance for helpful home composting resources. You also need to take care of what the ingredients are going into your backyard compost so you don't spread bad stuff.
Here are a few popular options to help make the right decision for your needs:
- Soil Amendment: Mix compost directly into the soil before planting. The University of Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation recommends this as an amendment.
- Top Dressing: Spread a thin layer of active compost around existing plants. This will allow nutrients to slowly release and feed the soil food web.
- Compost Tea or Extract: Brew compost tea or extract by steeping active compost in water. Then use this to water your plants. It's a simple approach to feed the soil.
- Seed Starter: Combine complete compost with some traditional seed starting medium. These are all great options to provide nutrients and microbes right from the start.
Where to Buy High-Quality Complete Compost
Finding a reliable source of complete compost is essential. This helps you to know that you’re getting a product that is tested. Look for suppliers that understand the principles of the soil food web and can provide information on the microbial content of their compost. You're not going to want to skip this step, especially as a commercial provider.
One option is Crescive Complete. This offers compost inoculum in various sizes to suit your needs. Another thing to consider is what Dr. Bush, a medical Doctor, is championing through the Soil Food Web.
The Home Composting Option
You can make your own biologically complete compost at home. While it takes a bit of effort, it's a rewarding way to recycle waste and create valuable soil. North Carolina State Extension even publishes Vermicomposting guides.
Here are the basics for standard home composting, so you too can get started at home. You will also have a solid understanding on composting grasscycling.
- Choose a Bin: Select a composting bin. Check what you should consider when composting at home and follow this process to choosing a bin type. This South Carolina Office of Solid Waste Reduction also recycles solid waste, further preventing excessive landfill output.
- Layer Materials: Layer green and brown waste materials. Use a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio of carbon-rich materials to nitrogen-rich materials.
- Add Water: Moisten the pile, so it’s damp but not soggy. This is a tricky line, especially with Indiana's weather changes.
- Turn Regularly: Turn the pile every few days to provide aeration. If it dried, it died, but if it's too wet there will be regret.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature. Aim for the thermophilic range initially, then let it cool.
- Be Patient: Composting takes time. It could take several weeks or months to fully decompose. Once ready, get to work putting it in your plants or as mulch.
By following these tips, I have always been able to create some biologically complete compost. I also use many other types to help. I hope you can, too.
FAQs about Biologically Complete Compost
How to make biologically complete compost?
You can create active compost by layering green and brown waste, adding water, and turning it regularly. This maintains temperature for beneficial soil microbes to thrive.
What is biological composting?
This involves using microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to decompose organic waste into a valuable soil amendment. This approach naturally enhances soil fertility.
What is complete compost?
This term signifies organic matter broken down aerobically. It meets the right balance of helpful soil microbes. At the same time, limits detrimental soil microbes for max functionality.
What is BioComp compost?
BioComp compost enhances soil health and plant vigor by infusing soil with helpful microorganisms and nutrients through the decomposition of organic materials. These active microbes not only enhance nutrient availability and promote robust root systems, but they also aid in defending against diseases, contributing to more resilient and thriving ecosystems.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits of using biologically complete compost. Its ability to reduce soil erosion, regenerate a yard and garden or small farm makes complete compost a needed component of any environmentally friendly landscaping strategy.
Consider the composting process to unlock the soil food. In addition, what ways will you start to grow and contribute toward a vibrant environment?