Some of the most popular projects on this blog have focused on applying technology to farming . Today, we bring you another article in that same vein, where you'll learn how to create your own compost using a solar composter . Everything is explained simply and step by step.
In this way, you can take advantage of many waste products and turn them into nutrients for your plants…
What is compost?
Compost is a natural, organic fertilizer obtained from the controlled decomposition of organic matter. This matter can be of plant origin (pruning waste, leaves, grass clippings) or animal origin (excrement from herbivorous animals), and through a biological process, it is transformed into a product rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for the soil. While this may seem very "trendy" now, it's something many in rural areas have been doing for centuries.
Composting is the process by which organic matter decomposes . During this process, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers feed on this waste, transforming it into a dark, earthy material with a pleasant, damp, soil-like smell. This material is very rich in all kinds of nutrients, making it beneficial for crops.
- Improves soil quality: increases water retention capacity, improves soil structure, makes it more aerated and facilitates root development.
- Provides nutrientss: Compost is a natural source of essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- Stimulates microbial life: It is full of beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic matter in the soil and protect plants from diseases.
- Natural fertilizer: Being an organic product, compost does not contaminate the soil or groundwater, as chemical fertilizers do.
So, if you have your own garden and want healthy, quality products, you will be interested in reading this tutorial…
What is a solar composter?
As you know, there are many types of composters on the market that you can buy to create your own natural compost. However, unlike conventional composters, a solar composter uses the sun's energy to accelerate the decomposition process , thus generating this natural fertilizer more quickly.
Thanks to the warming, the activity of microorganisms intensifies , since higher temperatures lead to greater activity of these tiny organisms. Keep in mind that these microorganisms are affected by low temperatures, and as the temperature rises, their proliferation increases.
Furthermore, the project could be improved by including solar panels to generate electricity and power auxiliary systems that can further enhance the process, such as using fans to introduce a constant airflow and improve aerobic decomposition . In some cases, users may even install a motor to rotate the composter and thus homogenize the process in all layers, although this is optional.
And, of course, it will be a sustainable process, since it works thanks to solar energy, without the need to consume electrical energy from other sources.
How to create your own composter step by step
To create your own compost with a solar composter , you can buy some inexpensive materials and assemble it with tools that almost everyone has at home.
How to use the composter
To start using your composter and creating your own natural compost from waste and biomass, simply follow these steps:
- Place the composter in a place protected from rain and outdoors. The ideal temperature inside should be between 55 and 65ºC and with slight humidity.
- Add the raw material you are going to use into the bucket.
- Let the microorganisms do their work, stirring and aerating. However, you also have things you can add to speed up the decomposition process if you want. You can also add a handful of worm castings or already mature compost from a previous batch to speed up the process by introducing beneficial microorganisms. You could even use dried baker's yeast for this process, since yeast, as you know, are bacteria.
- Wait between 2 and 6 months for it to be finished. It will all depend on the material added and the size of the pieces. If the materials are more difficult to digest, it could take up to several years.
- Once the compost is ready, it will have a dark color, a moist soil texture and a pleasant earthy smell. You can then use it immediately…
What can I use as raw material to create compost?
Finally, let me add something about using your solar composter . To start using it, you can add the following waste or organic garbage so that the microorganisms can work their magic and transform it into rich nutrients for your crops:
- kitchen waste: you can use fruit and vegetable peels, food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags and other infusions, nut shells (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.), etc.
- Biomass: garden waste such as weeds, grass clippings, dry leaves, small branches from pruning, fruits that have gone bad or are not fit for consumption, wood chips, dry straw, etc. However, it is important that what you add does not come from sick plants, as it could infect others.
- Other materials: Also use newspaper or similar, brown cardboard, paper napkins, egg cartons, and small amounts of dry manure from herbivorous animals (never fresh). Sweet things or sugar can also improve the process.
On the other hand, you need to know what to avoid , as it can cause problems in your compost, from attracting pests to generating unpleasant odors during decomposition, or adding harmful substances to your fertilizer. What you should avoid are:
- Meats, fish, and bones, since they attract rodents and other animals, and generate bad odors.
- Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., as they could also attract pests and generate bad odors.
- Oils and fats, since they can affect microorganisms and stop the decomposition process.
- Ashes and coal, since it would alter the pH of the compost.
- Urine and excrement of carnivorous animals or humans, as they could add harmful and dangerous bacteria to your crops.
- Others such as plastic, metals, glass, wipes, personal hygiene products, etc., as all of these add chemicals and can contaminate the compost and then pass on to your plants and food. In other cases, such as some plastics, glass or metals, they will not decompose and will remain, so your compost would be full of trash.
Finally, I advise you to create an ideal mix of compost additives. It is recommended that the mix contain:
- Humidity is necessary for decomposition, but avoid accumulations of water.
- Mix green materials (rich in nitrogen) and brown materials (rich in carbon) to obtain a balanced compost.
- If you crush the mixture it will be much better.
- Stir regularly to aerate and speed up composting.
- Maintain a high temperature.
Now all you have to do is enjoy your composter and the plants and their products…