Composting is the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter under aerobic conditions. Organic matter decays naturally, but slowly. Composting involves human intervention to speed up the decay process by manipulating various materials and conditions.
Composting is one form of recycling. Organic, compostable material comprises 68% of MSW (Municipal Solid Waste.) Most communities can implement some form of composting in order to reduce the amount of waste going into their landfills.
Compost can be used in many ways. It can improve soil conditions and plant growth, and reduce the potential for erosion, runoff and non-point source pollution. Compost has also been found to be useful as a medium in plant disease suppression and in biofiltration. Through these uses, compost can be used to remediate or prevent the pollution of soil and groundwater systems.
| Methods of composting | How composting works | Traditional uses of compost | Using compost for the remediation of soil pollution | References | Back to main page |
Email: Sean Buchanan, Paul Moser or Kristi Neptun
Faculty Advisor: Naraine Persaud, npers@vt.edu
Copyright © 1998 Naraine Persaud
Last Modified: January 1, 1999
