Composting: Passive vs. Active

Passive Composting
Composing can be a passive process in which compostable refuse (organic waste) is stored in composting bins creating layered levels of decomposition. The bin, ideally, will have a lid to create an enclosed environment. You can also passively compost a pile in an open unenclosed space, allowing rain water and worms to affect decomposition naturally. Beyond adding to the bin every now and again, little more needs to be done. The pile will be virtually odorless, though an early disturbance will stir up an unpleasant odor.

Active Composting
Active composting is a process by which the compost pile is stirred infrequently to regularly. The pile should also be kept wet (having the consistency of a wet sponge) though not too wet sot that it's soggy. A pile can be left alone for a month or stirred every week at your discretion. The consistency of the stirring process will affect the rate at which it decomposes and the temperature which it reaches. Because the decomposition process is a chemical process, the compost pile over time will actually heat up to remarkable temperatures. If the pile reaches 131°F or more for a prolonged period of time, the pile will rid itself of diseases and weed seeds which might have otherwise been problematic.

Worms
By way of what is known as vermicompost (or vermiculture,) it's common to introduce worms into mulch, passive compost (active compost will like cook the worms until dead) or simply the topsoil. Worms will carry organic matter into the earth, burrowing it with them in the soil in the form of castings, aka worm excrement. The worms themselves through this process will turn the soil so that the humus layer finds its way to the root level and the topsoil is gradually cleared of debris. Worms will also help keep the soil aerated and loose. Common worms which are often implemented in a garden or lawn are Earthworms (which will balance their population size according to the quantity of compost or mulch,) eisenia fetida (aka redworms) or lumbricus rubellus (aka red wrigglers.)

Mulching
Mulching is simply a process of spreading matter (organic or synthetic) in a thin layer over the ground so that it may decompose naturally over time, to be converted into humus. It's common practice to lay down mulch in the beginning of the growing season (early spring) before weed seeds have had the change to germinate. It's important to apply the mulch, which will keep the soil warm, before summer or hot seasons, when it can assist in keeping the soil moist.

You need no more than three inches of mulch layering. If you apply mulch in excess, it will retain too much moisture which can lead to root rot and can become a barrier between plants and much needed water With trees and larger plants, you want to lay mulch down in what will look like a doughnut around the plant, keeping the mulch away from the trunk. This will also prevent root rot. You want the outer edge of the hole to create a circle under the trees canopy - the furthest point that the branches stretch to.

With mulch, again it's better to use organic materials rather than synthetic materials for the same nutrient releasing and microbiological reasons mentioned previously with fertilizers. Inorganic mulches include stones, rocks, synthetic rubber from recycled tires, plastic mulch and geotextile landscape fabrics - none of which break down over time

The organic mulch on the other hand will decompose over time, releasing a bounty of nutrients into the soil. Good mulch includes wood chips, shredded tree bark, sawdust, pine needles, compost, buckwheat hulls, peanut shells and shredded leaves. If purchasing mulch in store, shredded pine, cedar and hemlock bark are often reasonably priced for a large quantity.

The easiest way to mulch your lawn is to take the grass catcher off the lawn mower so that the grass clippings are released through the mowing process. Another easy to come by form of mulch is fallen leaves. Chop them, shred them or mow them up and spread them evenly over the lawn or garden to decompose. You will want to water the leaves or grass thoroughly, though not in excess.

Benefits to Mulching 

• Mulching deters weed growth by blocking the sun source and keeping weed seeds from germinating.
• Mulching cuts down on time spent watering the garden or lawn by in increasing the soils ability to retain water.
• Mulch helps the soil maintain a consistent temperature, allowing the soil to maintain heat in the cools seasons and cooling it down in the warm seasons.
• Mulch helps prevent soil compaction from rain.
• Mulch helps prevent against soils erosion.