Compost is an eco-friendly biodegradable fertilizer which is organic in matter. The process of breakdown of natural waste like leaves, vegetables, fruits, flowers, bodies over a period of years is also compost which occurs in nature. Man made compost is the same process manipulating the mixture of water, air and material or waste and by controlling this equation, compost is made faster. Basically to breakdown the waste, heat needs to be generated to release the gases which will assist in breaking down material faster. The type of waste used usually tells one which element is more or required.
The ingredients to make an effective compost are carbon which generates heat, items such as dry leaves, paper, cardboard help in releasing carbon. Oxygen is necessary to assist in the degeneration, this is done by ensuring there is enough ventilation slits or holes in the compost holder. Nitrogen for growth of organisms that are an essential part of the breakdown process, items like green grass, green leaves, fruits, vegetables produce nitrogen when decomposing. Water to maintain humidity and a steady environment for the correct condition required for making compost. All these ingredients in the correct ratio create compost. A check has to be maintained, because if humidity becomes too much, it will eat into the oxygen which will kill the microorganisms which will bring the process of composting to an end. Or if there is too much heat, more water and air is needed to balance it out.
Compost Tea is nothing but compost steeped in water. Once your compost is ready, you take it and steep in water to make compost tea. It is extremely beneficial for the soil and plants. It works as a pesticide, fertilizer and fungicide combined all in one. It is also very eco friendly. There are no harmful side effects on the fruits or vegetables grown with the help of compost tea. It is very simple to make at home. All you need are a couple of gallon buckets or 4 liter buckets. Even the bigger empty paint buckets can serve the purpose. Fill one-half or two-thirds of the bucket with your compost and pour water on top till it reaches the brim. Soak it for eight hours if you are going to stir it regularly or for twenty four hour , if you are going to stir it just a couple of times. Some say it is better to stir it or aerate it regularly as this ensures the culture in it is maintained safely. In any case do not let the compost brew for more than a month. To know when your compost tea is ready, it should look light amber in colour or muddy brown just like tea. Once you are satisfied with the colour, strain the brew through a cheese cloth. The liquid that remains is called Compost Tea. Fill it up in a bottle with a spray nozzle. Spray it on the leaves of the plant, or decant it in the soil, so that the plant can absorb the nutrients. Ensure that you use gloves during the entire process and also when spraying or decanting.
It works as a pesticide, fertiliser and fungicide. It helps in prevention of soil erosion. It adds back lost nutrients to the soil making it helathy for plants to grow. It helps in better growth of plants and gives better yield as well. It eliminated green gases and other harmful toxic released in the atmosphere.
