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Brenton Danielson, Lily Zevalkink, Lily Pennington, Isabelle Zinn
Welcome!
Welcome!
The Sustainable Agriculture Project is located at 4539 Luce St, Jenison, MI, 49428.
The SAP provides a location for individuals to learn about sustainable agriculture practices. The farm has two composters, both a smart and a traditional cold composter, as well as a variety of crops. Our research focuses on the composition and functionality of the traditional cold composter.
Introduction:
What is a Cold Composting System?
Cold composing is a simple composting process that doesn’t require heat or turning of the compost
You want to include a mix of greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials)
Aeration is important in compost, and since cold composting systems don’t get turned, it’s important to avoid compacting the compost too much and allowing there to be air pockets in the mix
Why is Composting Important?
It helps prevent unnecessary food waste
Promotes a healthy, flourishing garden by adding vital nutrients into the soil for plants
Reduces methane emissions from landfills and extends municipal landfill life by diverting organic materials
The EPA provides even more information on the impacts of composting and the best way to approach the process - EPA Composting
What is the Purpose of our Research?
We are assessing the user-friendliness, effectiveness, and potential for improvement of the cold composting system.
We want to encourage others to compost! Introducing them to and possibly improving this system will make it more accessible to others.
Background Research:
Information about Composting Science (Microbes, C:N Ratio, Moisture, Temp).
Carry On Composting discusses the microbes that are involved in the decomposition process. With a discussion of the levels of decomposers. The first level of decomposer is bacteria and fungi, the second level such as mold mites, springtails, and beetle mites. The third level includes ants, mites, slugs, spiders, flies, and even worms.
According to USEPA, the ideal temperature range for composting is 131-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cornell Composting states that moisture is best at 40-60% by weight. If your compost begins to smell bad, it most likely means that it is too wet.
Urban Worm Company states that the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is ideal when at about 25-30:1
Visit the National Resources Defense Council for further information.
Overview of Different System Types:
Cold Composter (traditional) - Often low cost, and relies on microbial decomposition. This is a standard composter that takes generally longer than a smart composter.
Smart Composter (advanced) - Mostly requires electricity to heat up and break down food waste. This process can be done much faster than a cold composter, but it may be costly.
System Evaluation:
System Evaluation:
What We Tested
What We Tested
We added compostable material to the top of the cold composter
We collected finished compost from the bottom of the cold composter and applied it to our garden beds
Observations Made
Observations Made
The process is very simple overall and quite hands off
It can be difficult to retreive the finished compost from the bottom of the composter
Strengths and Challenges:
Strengths and Challenges:
Strengths
Low maintenance - the system requires minimal ongoing effort or monitoring after setup
Simple to operate - the process is straightforward, making it ideal for beginners, busy individuals, or anyone with limited composting experience
Versatile implementation - can be adopted across diverse settings including households, community gardens, schools, or small businesses
Challenges
Slow decomposition rate - the breakdown of organic material occurs gradually and can take many months
Risk of pests - food scraps can attract insects or wildlife
Potential for odor - suboptimal conditions such as excess moisture and poor aeration may generate unpleasant smells
Limited process control - materials decompose at different rates making it difficult to achieve predictatble compost quality
Recommendations:
This specific composter at the Sustainable Agriculture Project is primarily used due to its practicality and easy access. However, after interacting with this particular composter, we noticed how much it could benefit from a few small alterations.
Securing slabs on composter
Promote air flow
Easy removal/placement
Easier composter interaction
Building a cover made of recyclable materials
Increase composter internal temperature
Protection from outside elements (snow, rain, etc.)
Would limit smell
Prevent wood slabs from swelling
Promoting educational access to GVSU students on how to better interact with this composter
Composter will get more use
Students will learn best way to interact with this specific composter
With student interactions having access to composter education, this leads to higher quality and quantity of compost
Conclusion:
In conclusion, traditional cold composting provides a simple composting method anyone can use due to the minimal setup, low cost, and minor ongoing maintenance and effort required. Having a composter that is easy to use at the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) is pivotal to optimizing composting usage and traffic. By keeping food waste and yard scraps out of landfills, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to protect the environment and combat climate change. To further enhance this system, we recommend stabilizing the composter with secured slabs, constructing a protective cover, and expanding educational materials to improve user experience and understanding.
If you're ready to reduce your environmental impact and implement your own cold composting system, follow this Cold Composting: Step-by-Step Guide
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