Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Laurie Stuckey, Program Specialist at Excelsior Springs Senior Center (ESSC), recently led a composting workshop as a part of the Senior Center’s summer-long gardening education initiative.
Composting, according to Stuckey, is a natural process in which microorganisms like bacteria and fungi break down organic matter, including food scraps and yard waste, transforming it into a nutrient-rich material. Through this process, she noted, the organic material is recycled into a natural fertilizer that can enhance soil and help plants thrive.
“There are a lot of different ways to compost,” she said, “Some methods are fast and some are slow, but overall, it reduces landfill waste and improves soil health.”
Stuckey discussed several composting methods during the workshop, including traditional composting, vermiculture, the Johnson Su Bioreactor, and Bokashi.
Traditional composting, Stuckey explained, occurs through an aerobic process in which organic waste is piled up and decomposes with the help of oxygen. She noted that traditional composting requires regular mixing or turning, as the air needs to be incorporated to speed up the decomposition process.
Of the materials to be used in traditional composting, Stuckey said people can add fruit and vegetable waste, grass clippings, leaves, and coffee grounds. As well, she also noted that for traditional composting to be successful, there must be a “balance of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials,” while maintaining moisture.
The vermiculture method, unlike traditional approaches, utilizes live worms, such as red wigglers, for composting to break down organic matter like kitchen scraps, garden waste, coffee grounds, and crushed egg shells.
Stuckey suggested beginning this method by constructing a bin or container for the worms and adding bedding such as shredded paper or coconut fibers. Once completed, individuals can add the worms and their waste to start the decomposition process. She did note, however, that the bins will also need to be kept moist to ensure the worms remain healthy, alive, and thriving.
During the composting stage, she added that the worms will move upward toward the surface as they feed on the yard waste and food scraps leaving castings behind to add to garden beds.
Stuckey mentioned that “if you have kids, it is the coolest thing ever,” as children will be able to witness the lifecycle of worms while gaining hands-on composting experience.
Stuckey said that for a more hands-off approach, other methods such as the Johnson SU Bioreactor offer an alternative solution for composting due to their low maintenance style.
To use a Johnson SU Bioreactor, construct a structure featuring a central inner cylinder, typically made of wood or metal, surrounded by a larger outer cylinder composed of metal or mesh. This structure should be placed on a pallet rather than a solid base. Additionally, perforated pipes should be positioned in the center to facilitate airflow entering through the bottom of the platform and the holes in the pipes. After construction, organic material can be layered inside for decomposition.
The compost structure should be filled with a mix of materials, including dairy manure, yard waste, and wood chips. Throughout the decomposition process, the bioreactor must remain moist and should contain 70% moisture for optimal decomposition.
Stuckey mentioned that, unlike traditional compost piles, the bioreactor does not require turning or mixing; however, it can take a year or more to fully decompose into usable compost.
“This is one of the systems where you just kind of let it go for a year, or however long it takes,” Stuckey explained, “Since it’s an anaerobic process, it’s also not supposed to produce strong odors or flies, with food and other things in it.”
For those wanting to compost more quickly, Stuckey explained a fast and efficient composting method called Bokashi, which provides an anaerobic fermentation process to break down organic matter. Additionally, Stuckey noted that unlike other methods, it can also break down difficult materials, including bones, meat, and dairy products, along with all other types of food scraps.
Through this process, she said individuals will need to use an air-tight bucket or container while incorporating the Bokashi inoculant mixture into the layers of organic waste placed in the container.
While people place food scraps and other materials into the container, she recommends adding a layer of cardboard at the bottom before including a layer of compostable materials. Throughout the process, and after a few layers of waste, she emphasized that people should add a small handful of the Bokashi inoculate and punch down the scraps to eliminate any air in the bucket or bin, ensuring the waste breaks down efficiently.
Once the compost bin is full, Stuckey noted that another piece of cardboard can be placed on top before adding an airtight lid. During this time, the Bokashi mixture begins to work, decomposing the food waste.
“Long story short, it essentially makes a compost pickle,” she said. After 10 to 14 days, Stuckey mentioned the waste transforms into a nutrient-rich fertilizer along with liquid that can be applied directly to plants.
The liquid it creates, however, is “a probiotic for your plants, containing microorganisms, antioxidants, and enzymes,” she added. The remaining compost can also be added to garden beds, providing a viable source of nutrients to vegetation.
Unlike other composting methods, Stuckey explained that the Bokashi method produces no unpleasant odors, and when finished, it has a vinegar scent that eliminates the overpowering smell of decomposition.
In addition to the ongoing gardening education sessions at the ESSC throughout the summer, Stuckey also mentioned a new opportunity for further learning, such as the Garden Steward Program.
This new initiative, beginning in September according to Stuckey, is a five-week class led by the Missouri Extension Office and AmeriCorps in a continued effort to teach residents about health and gardening. Additionally, the initiative will provide free soil testing to seniors who wish to volunteer.
However, the program will emphasize soil health and gardening, with community volunteers assisting and educating participants on expanding gardening knowledge within the local community.
For information on all other gardening tips, courses, and programs in Excelsior Springs, including the local gardening club led by Mikki Bohannon, or to register for upcoming Senior Center gardening sessions, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112549589884062 or https://www.es-prcc.com/upcoming-events for a full list of meetings and events.
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