Introduction to

composting
Module 1
Introduction

Definiciones y principales beneficios de la práctica del compostaje

Author:
Ing. Agr. Ana Muzlera

Department of Systems and Tools for Sustainable Development

Jefa de Departamento: Justina Garro

Operational Submanagement of Chemistry and Environment

Subgerenta: Adriana Rosso

Collaboration: Agricultural Engineer Violeta Silbert Voldman

Department of Analytical Chemistry and Solid Wastes
Regional Central Operational Submanagement

Didactic processing: Lic. Juan Millonschik and Prof. Francisco Ponce

Department of Labor and Distance Education
Operational Submanagement of Management and Knowledge Technologies
 Introduction to Composting - Module 1 - Page 1 of 10

Introduction
In this first module, we will learn some background on composting,
we will define some terms that we will use throughout the course and
We will present the main benefits of this practice.

Origins of composting
Composting dates back to times as ancient as agricultural practices.
Se sabe que pueblos asiáticos y de Medio Oriente acostumbraban a acopiar los
waste generated in their gardens and farms, even in some cases, guanos
and manures, to ferment them (a process different from composting) and use them
as soil improvers.

However, the large-scale composting technique dates back to the early

20th century in India, where an English botanist, Albert Howard, combined his
scientific knowledge with traditional agricultural practices. This
method, known as Indore, consisted of allowing a mixture to ferment
plant residues and manures, periodically wetting it.

The health of the soil, the plant, the animal, and man is
one and indivisible” –Sir Albert Howard

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What is composting?
Composting is a biological degradation process that is carried out with
presence of oxygen. Colloquially and in a practical sense of the term,
composting or making compost is to create the necessary conditions for
composting happens.

Compost is a hygienized, stable, and mature product that results from

composting process (Joint Resolution 1/2019 SCYMA-Senasa 'Framework
normative for the production, registration and application of compost). It is
mostly constituted by organic matter that shows little resemblance
physical to the raw material that gave rise to it.

There are various definitions of composting:

It is a biooxidative process that involves: an organic substrate

heterogeneous in solid state; a thermophilic stage and release
temporary phytotoxins; a maturation stage that ends in
stabilized organic matter and minerals (nutrients)" (Zucconi and de
Bertoldi, 1987

Biological process of decomposition of organic compounds until the

formation of a stable product” (Mustin, 1987)

It is the result of a complex biological activity carried out in

under certain conditions, it is not a single process, but a summation
of complex metabolic processes resulting from activity
integrated a set of microorganisms" (Negro et al., 2000)

Composting is a biological process in which organic materials

they transform into humus soil under the impact of microorganisms
(Röben, 2002).

Composting is a process where organic waste

biodegradables decompose through biochemical oxidation,
under controlled conditions, generating CO2 and H2O, thermal energy and
stabilized organic matter or compost (Nch 2880.Of2004).

The concepts that arise from them are:

A biological process because it involves living organisms, in

particular microorganisms.

Metabolic processes since during the process the different organisms

they transform waste and/or intermediate products through
chemical and biological reactions (feed on them) until the
obtaining the final product.

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The final product is safe, stable, and mature. Safe, because it does not cause
harm to health. Stable because it decreases organic matter
degradable and the microbial activity eliminating odors and,
consequence, the attraction of vectors. Finally, mature, since it is
free of phytotoxic substances for plant growth.

Transformation of waste into a soil enhancer, as

the product obtained is beneficial for your physical, chemical, and fertility
biological.

According to Joint Resolution 1/19 SCYMA-Senasa, it is a 'controlled process'

of biological transformation of organic matter under conditions

aerobic and thermophilic. Three stages must pass due to microbial action.
different, in the following order: a first stage that is mesophilic, a
a second stage that is thermophilic and a third stage that is mesophilic.

This definition adds some concepts:

Aerobic conditions: this is in the presence of oxygen differentiating from
other types of biological degradations that occur anaerobically
(in the absence of oxygen).

Thermophile: one that reaches a stage with temperatures above 45ºC.

Three stages occur due to microbial action: this means that the changes
Temperature should not be induced through heaters/coolers.
without being affected by the action of the microorganisms responsible for the process.

To consult Joint Resolution 1/19 SCYMA-Senasa,

that approves the regulatory framework for production, registration
and application of compost, click here

And what is it made of?

Organic waste separated at source.

We define 'organic waste' as all those waste originating from

biological (that were once alive or were part of a living being).
"Separated at source" means that, from their generation, they were arranged and
they were transported separately from other types or streams of waste.

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Nutrients, fertilizers, and amendments

Nutrients
Definition

A nutrient is an element or compound necessary for growth and

development of living beings. These elements vary among kingdoms, species and
even with the age of each organism.

Classification

If the living being cannot synthesize this nutrient, it is called a 'nutrient'.

essential or fundamental.

There are 16 elements that are considered essential for plants. Three of them
are obtained from the air: carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen (and, in some cases,
also part of nitrogen). The remaining 13 are obtained from the soil:
nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, iron, copper
manganese, zinc, boron, and molybdenum.

Of these last ones, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the ones that are
they are required in greater amounts and that's why they are called primary macronutrients.
Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) are also required in
amount, and they are called secondary macronutrients. In contrast,
chlorine, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, boron, and molybdenum are called
micronutrients, as they are needed in smaller amounts. The insufficiency of
Micronutrients (and macronutrients) generate a deficiency and negative effects.
about the development and growth of plants, but its excess produces toxicity.

Fertilizers
Definition

A fertilizer is defined as any organic or inorganic, natural or

synthetic, which provides at least one essential nutrient for plants. The
National Service of Health and Food Quality (Senasa) establishes in
according to Resolution 264/11, a chemical fertilizer must contain at least one
12% nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) or the sum of them, except for
those that only contain micronutrients or are used for fertigation. For a
organic fertilizer, the sum of N, P, and K must be equal to or greater than 6%.

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Classification by origin
Figure 1
Classification by origin

They can also be classified according to their presentation and denomination:

Figure 2
Classification according to its presentation and denomination

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Liquid fertilizers are often used to provide micronutrients.

both in substrates and in hydroponic crops. Although in growth, still
less commonly used, there are also organic fertilizers available in the market
liquids.

Amendments
Definition

An amendment is defined as any substance or mixture of substances of origin

inorganic, organic or biological capable of modifying or improving properties
and the physical, chemical, biological or mechanical characteristics of the soil without having
consider its value as fertilizer. The most well-known organic amendments and
used are compost, worm compost, peat, and pine needles.

It is worth noting that organic amendment is not synonymous with fertilizer.

organic. Although both products are of organic origin, the amendments
their main benefit is improving soil properties, while
that fertilizers (also sometimes called manure) aim to
provide nutrients to the plants.

To consult the 'Manual for the registration of fertilizers,

amendments, substrates, conditioners, protectors and
raw materials in the Argentine Republic," approved by
Resolution 264/11 Senasa, click here

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Is it better to use an amendment or a fertilizer?

The unequivocal answer is: it depends.

As we mentioned earlier, they have different properties and, therefore,

both make different contributions to the soil-plant system. The fertilizers of
Chemical synthesis has a specific and fixed concentration of certain
nutrient, generally easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the
plantas, por lo que los resultados son casi inmediatos.

Natural origin fertilizers are more variable in terms of

composition of nutrients. Furthermore, the nutrients they provide are usually not
instantly available to plants.
The amendments improve the physical, chemical and/or biological properties of
ground. A better scenario of these properties has beneficial effects for
the plants favoring, among other things, the oxygenation of the roots, the retention
water management and the utilization of nutrients present in the soil. Furthermore,
The organic amendments, when decomposed, release nutrients that can be
exploited by the plants.

Organic amendments, in particular, provide the soil with matter.

organic, which has positive effects on the physical properties of the soil.
Reduces its degradation and improves water retention.

Compost is an amendment because it improves soil properties.

specifically, it is an organic amendment, as it has more than 15 % of
organic matter. It also provides nutrients as organic matter
It is degrading but, generally, it does not meet the percentage of nutrients.
indicated by Senasa (which is the national certification body) to be
referred to as fertilizer.

Is chemical the same as synthetic?

No. Speaking of amendments and fertilizers, chemical means that it is not
organic. That is to say, it has no more than 15% organic matter.

Synthetic means that it was synthesized by humans. For example: plaster is

a chemical amendment. If gypsum from a quarry is applied to the soil, it is a
natural amendment (was not synthesized in an industry) but is not organic.

Urea is a chemical synthesis fertilizer. In the case of urea (a

nitrogenous fertilizer widely used) there is a synthesis process. It takes
air nitrogen and it is chemically modified to transform into
urea.

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Why compost?
Composting, in its various scales of production, is a simple option and
more or less economical that allows improving soil properties, contributing
nutrients and decrease the amount of nutrients that are sent to sites of
final disposition.

If the residues and substrates that gave rise to the compost are organic and
free from potentially toxic elements (PTE), the obtained compost can
to be used for organic or chemical-free crops, which is a
growing demand.

Por otro lado, los residuos son un problema en el mundo en general y en

Latin America in particular. According to the report National Strategy for the
Comprehensive Management of Urban Solid Waste (Engirsu, 2005), Argentina had
a daily national generation of 0.91 kg per person, of which, in
On average, 56% are organic waste. Despite what usually resides in the
popular imagination, organic waste (food scraps, pruning, etc.) often
are more problematic than inorganic ones (plastics, glass). The waste
Organic ones are those that generate bad odors and attract insects and other types of
vectors and generate leachates that can cause contamination.

Municipalities often seek solutions to waste disposal issues.

waste and degradation of productive soils. Composting is an option
positive and possible for these problems.

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The importance of composting at home

The importance of home composting lies in the fact that it helps reduce the
waste at source and is an effective method to make use of it. Its
implementation minimizes the environmental problems related to the
transport and treatment of waste and also the costs involved
associates.

The collection, accumulation, and eventual treatment of waste are very tasks.
costly that if not done properly produce pollution,
such as gas emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect or leachates
(liquids that leak from accumulated waste and contaminate soils and
household composting allows for the reduction of
waste generation and, therefore, the work, difficulties, and costs
associated with its collection, transport, and final disposal. It is worth noting that, when
receiving less waste, the lifespan of the final disposal site is extended
significantly.
Let us remember that environmental problems are a matter of public interest and this
practice allows citizens to participate in environmental protection of
active way.

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References
Engirsu. 2005. National Strategy for Integrated Solid Waste Management
Urban (Engirsu). Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development.

Mustin, M. 1987. The compost - management of organic matter. François Editions

Dubusc. Paris.
NCh 2880.Of2004 [National Institute of Standardization (Chile)]. Compost -
Classification and requirements. 2005.

Black, M. J.; Villa, F.; Aibar, J.; Aracón, R.; Ciria, P.; Cristóbal, M. V.; Benito, A.
de; García Martín, A.; Garcia Muriedas, G.; Labrador, C.; Lacasta Dutoit, Carlos;
Lezaún, J. A.; Meco, R.; Pardo, Gabriel; Solano, M. L.; Torner, C.; Zaragoza, C.
[Link] and management of compost. Technical information of
Department of Agriculture of the direction in general of technology the agrarian.
Government of Aragon. 88, Zaragoza.
Joint Resolution 1/19 [Senasa and Ministry of Environment (Argentina)]. Framework
regulatory framework for the production, registration, and application of compost. 2019.

Resolution 264/11 [Senasa (Argentina)]. Regulation for the registration of

fertilizers, amendments, substrates, conditioners, protectors and materials
primas. 2011.

Röben, E. 2002. Composting manual for municipalities. DED/Ilustre

Municipality of Loja. Ecuador.

Röben, E. 2002. Composting Manual for Municipalities. DED/ Loja. Ecuador.

68p.

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