The Art & Science of Composting

2015 Residential Environmental Program Series - Natalie Yoder from Colorado State University’s Organic Agriculture program will give insights on the best ingredients for making compost, how to choose the right bin and tips on troubleshooting potential problems.

[@len10ten]

She is a really good teacher! Learned a lot.

[@billiebruv]

Can you send nice photos of yourself?

[@oscarstuart9558]

She did made it sound more simplistic them all the others I've listened too..

[@MichelleHernandezcraftymaven]

I am having such a hard time making it through this presentation but I LOVE that it took place and I'm appreciating the amount of info imparted- bravo City of Fort Collins for putting these on KZbin.

[@oscarstuart9558]

I live in The Bahamas,I absolutely enjoyed your presentation. I think it was very information and explained in laymen's simplicity!! I did a few composting workshops and in addition with this discourse I should do a bit better!! Thanks for the video. Edited: Love how she kept the science in the presentation without all the scientific terminologies 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tj11240]

You're a pleasure to listen to. Great, comprehensive information. Glad you mentioned actinomycetes, they are the unsung heroes of compost.

[@albrown1388]

I'm from Odessa Texas and I attended a Veggie Food Growers outfit back in the early 80' we were able to buy a nice wire compost unit that has a pleasant green coating for $7.99 each. I at the present still using it Now and It has a wire square center post that helps airate the compost. I grow many things here on my farm Fruit Trees, (Japanese Fuyu Persimmons)my favorite. All vegies we can eat. I also work with Grafting, Layering, and trying to learn all I can to grow whatever will keep me going. I own 11 acres here in East Texas am 78 years young and plan to stay that way. Thank you for the Great Info.

[@k.ganesanganesan6825]

Fix cost.

[@atticusalexander2101]

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[@juliustate2248]

@Atticus Alexander Instablaster ;)

[@atticusalexander2101]

@Julius Tate Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@atticusalexander2101]

@Julius Tate It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much, you really help me out !

[@christophedelamusiquedesar7878]

I found this whole presentation incredibly valuable and even took screenshots of your PP slides for ongoing reference, which I hope you don't mind. I now have a large garden to look after where I live in mixed Sheltered Independent Living accommodation for the over 60s. It consists mainly of shrubs and lawn with a few perennials in borders, with lots of trees, and a large lawn. I am researching / establishing an appropriate composting system utilising all of the organic matter naturally available of both types (C & N) and some kitchen waste, mainly mine. I am vegan so not a lot gets wasted anyway, mainly fruit matter and some veg peelings. One or two of the other residents occasionally add their kitchen waste, none in large quantities. The only animal waste is eggshells, hardly any. I have been aware that I need to be mindful about how much compost I add to the garden based on plant type and soil composition so am very interested in studying / examining this to develop a practice that is only beneficial. Finding out how to compost, and understanding the science involved has been on my agenda for a while, too. So finding this presentation is giving me some confidence to get stuck in and start composting with better insight as to scale and methods. For all that, it only remains for me to say thank you so much. Kind regards.

[@EclipseVisualSystems]

Great information. I learned what I needed to know to move forward with composting. Thanks

[@jamesramon7242]

Carry on with the good work. Also, my greetings to my son JR Ramon and his lovely wife Rosalie. Both of them are work as registered nurse in Junction area, Colorado.

[@billiev8705]

This was so great, detailed and in-depth!

[@peterhenry2240]

Wow this is absolutely perfect. Was looking for a video that gave a technical overview of compost. Thanks a lot!!

[@DancerMandy123]

Wow you are fabulous! Thank you so very much for the education. I've been trying to get some of this information - finally I have it from someone who is scientific.

[@James-bu2rm]

Great video! Very comprehensive. Thanks

[@harmonyhomeandgarden]

Great video! So clear and concise.

[@seetheforest]

I have been composting for my entire life. My grandparents composted, or they ate least buried scraps back into the garden. I will pick up a load of pony manure in a few days for my first manure compost. I started mushroom farming and composting whole oak logs. Mesh grow bags is a vermiculite system I made by throwing everything in a vinyl mesh bag. Best tomatoes I ever grew. But it is a high performance system that requires a lot of water and food to maintain and feed the worms.

[@PhilipCockram]

Wow like 475 . And 56 k view. Out of the park my friends . Keep up this great work .

[@billwilson7383]

So I have heard adding non fully-cured compost could rob nitrogen from your soil if you mix it into your soil. I believe in no till, not to destroy soil structure, so you would add the compost as a top layer to your soils and let it leach in as it break down as a slow release fertilizer. I believe mother nature has been doing it that way for a long time and forests seem to be lush and healthy.

[@alexkregel8915]

You must not have ben In a forest recently, they look like a rotting corps.

[@RobBertholf]

Really informative, nice work!

[@lisagaedike741]

Great talk! I wonder what would be a good way to get young people to show up for events like this!

[@tadessemoges6009]

I am interesting such kind of information because i am soil scientist so, organic fertilizer very important for organic crop production for both economical and health aspects thnak you very much for your interesting idea.

[@dauntae24]

Just started to compost this summer. Three wood pallets attached with some large zip ties. Going to add a couple more.

[@evelyndill5688]

I found this way more wachable at 1.5 speed, super helpful vid

[@MatBat4305]

Thanks from Australia! (compost addict)

[@kingdomofashes]

Another thanks from Australia. Looking at composting for the first time and this was super helpful

[@JennySimon206]

I just built a 4 bay huge compost bin. It's almost done. I live on the beach in Ocean Shores WA on the coast in sand so I hugelkultured underneath (buried half rotted wood under it) to hold water and nutrients as sand leeches nutrients and water I hear. Going to do the same when I make the beds next. Then composting in all the space I got. I live 5 min from the beach and just got an Earthwise chipper shredder mulcher and it rocks! Gonna be taking my tarp material yard waste bags that fit in my pack basket and truck and going to the beach for seaweed. Then will mulch the rinsed seaweed and run thru the Earthwise. The lot next door sold and they cut down all the trees and scotch broom. Scotch broom is a nitrogen fixer but it leaches phosphorus. I am using the beautiful scotchbroom wood chips for the ground around the garden, but I was wondering can I use the scotchbroom wood chips in my compost? Will seaweed offset this phosphorus problem? Can I mulch on top my beds with it? It's everywhere, invasive, grows strait for the shredder. Just got a compost thermometer. Not sure where my ph meter went. Need to go on a lookabout for it.

[@FrankEdavidson]

1:06:00 Our composting facility had a fire that lasted a few month in either their IVC or windrows.. That happened at c. 20k Tonnes (they were licenced and cleared for 50k Tonnes. It was advised to let it burn out to avoid ash release. Much of the waste they take is nitrogenous i.e. grass clippings and food waste from households and businesses from throughout the county c. 250k population, but I understand the fire was in wood chips which I guess comes in from arborists.

[@FrankEdavidson]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-22001862

[@davisonthomas4697]

How would best store finished compost, if your not ready to use it? Is a garbage bag OK, to store it?

[@JoesWife1000]

Thank you very much. Very helpful! I had a pile cool off very quickly, which I thought was failure. However, after watching this, I realized that it may have been finished composting quickly because I had quite a lot of black soldier fly larvae in it. Do you think that may be why it stopped getting hot in less than 2 weeks? Also, how large should your chunks be? One website told me to not mulch leaves and put everything in in big pieces. I had 4 boxes of produce from the food pantry, and I chopped it large and layered it with unmulched large sycamore leaves. What a mess!! The leaves pancaked with the produce and we have a 30 gallon trash can (lots of holes for air and drainage) filled with anaerobic chunks of leaves and slime. We are dumping it out on a tarp to dry out and today I added a bit of shredded newspaper. Any other ideas? It is 20 degrees warmer than the soil, so something is happening.

[@fortcollinsgov]

Hi there. I would reach to Natalie Yoder at CSU - [e-mail]. She'll be able to answer your questions. Thanks!

[@rohitkhosla8110]

be careful as there are incidences of herbicides absorption from manure leading to crop failure. Herbicides were in animal feeds and exited that system as manure.

[@YHWHLOVESYOU2]

I am trying Yucca palms and food matter with soil and watering it once a week in a aerated trash can... Will that work or should I be adding more amendments?

[@fortcollinsgov]

Sounds like an interesting experiment! Most composters will tell you never to put food scraps directly into the soil where plants are growing because the heat produced during decomposition can actually burn plant roots. We would recommend composting food scraps and then using the finished product as a soil amendment (about 10% of the total soil by volume). Thanks Mike! Visit www.fcgov.com/compost for more information or to reach out to us!

[@tanchewleong2078]

Can ask if any gases especially Methane are produced during this manner of composting?

[@seetheforest]

You can also compost seafood shells like shrimp lobster and muscle shells. Muscle shells will actually break up and disappear in a few months. They produce Kitens that eat bad nematodes. You can buy crab shell supplement but it is pricey.

[@zairhenbinanatali7402]

Thanks for this video mm

[@michaelsteyer]

When you say a 3:1 ratio for brown and green matter for your compost. Should that be measured by volume or by weight.

[@fortcollinsgov]

Hi Michael, The brown-green 3:1 ratio is a volume estimate and it’s not an exact science - composting is equal parts science and art! For much more detailed advice and troubleshooting ideas check out: www.fcgov.com/compost Thank you!

[@MatBat4305]

@@fortcollinsgov If you put equal parts of coffee grounds 20:1 and leaf matter 60:1 wouldn't that make compost that is 40:1 ? Which would be too high? If I put equal parts fruit waste 35:1 and vegetable scraps 25:1 that would make 30:1 ? That's why I get so confused about the 3:1 ratio. It would need some really high nitrogen to balance it? (aware that this was last replied to over a year ago and I'm probably not going to get a reply)

[@chiraagshah269]

@@MatBat4305 the ratios you are referring to are the actual ratios of carbon to nitrogen in the fruits etc. In the lecture, 'carbon' means carbon rich, also known as 'brown' material.... these items have higher C:N ratios than fruits and vegetables. So in the lectures terms, you should use approximately 3:1 brown to green. Using your figures, I believe the ratio you would be looking for is about 50:1 Carbon to Nitrogen. In my experience, the system is forgiving enough (and easier) to just consider browns (twigs, paper, leaves etc) vs greens.

[@miguelpereira702]

great moment between the seconds 24:39 and 24:45

[@oldnuf4839]

Can you still fix or save a pile when it is not decomposing the way it should be? Example if mine is too smelly?

[@fortcollinsgov]

Thanks for your question! Our Environmental Service team recommends that you check out our composting site for more info, including a troubleshooting chart which may help identify and solve your issue: www.fcgov.com/recycling/composting.php You can also reach out to CSU Extension’s Master Gardener Program, as they have a wealth of information, too. Best of luck!

[@toddfriley9373]

When you talk about 30:1 ratio you mentioned by volume but I’ve heard it’s by weight.....so is it by weight or volume?

[@fortcollinsgov]

[e-mail] is the compost expert and will be able to answer your question. Please contact her directly. Thanks!

[@jacklegminercanada3866]

I have friends who have farms, their compost burns to ash if left alone.

[@TmTNaturalFarming]

1) wheat straw has CN ratio about 80:1 and if we keep these straw in land, the microbes will consume additional Nitrogen from soil itself. Hence soil will be undergoing through temporary deficiency in Nitrogen. 2) This will affect the next season crop yield if it's not from legumes. 3) Does this mean we should not decompose the wheat in land itself. Or we should collect it from land and use for some other purpose such as mulching or feeding the animals? 4) if one want to decompose wheat straw in land without disturbing CN ratio, is there any way without adding urea? Or is there any organic way to provide nitrogen for microbes 5) How microbes decide whether to take nitrogen from soil or from reside. Kindly advise.

[@fortcollinsgov]

Hi Pramod, Natalie Yoder with CSU should be able to answer your questions. We recommend reaching out to her directly at [e-mail].

[@JohnDoe-xo9so]

Anyone have a link where a print copy can be downloaded or purchased?

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

John Doe www.fcgov.com/recycling/composting Maybe something here

[@tonioyendis4464]

Do compost piles need to be covered?

[@nikitaw1982]

I'm a beginner and have the same question. Covering may keep in moisture but limit aeration. Guessing the rising heat maybe what encourages air flow some how via convection and a lid might stop that.

[@robertobrien8290]

Tonio Yendis re MN

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

It depends on your environment is it too hot then yes if it rains loads then yes

[@edwardshepherd5275]

No

[@aquietplace5832]

When we lived in CA we had two dogs who pooped around our orange and lemons trees all the time. This fruit was SO GOOD! Now I'm hearing her say, we shouldn't do that and here I am 20 years later like 😑😔😯😕🤢🤮

[@123476565656]

She was referring to using it in actually making compost. If the temp didn't reach what it needs to be to kill pathogens and you were to apply that on your home garden you may be exposing your vegetables to those pathogens and then eating them. Even if you are applying infected compost around your trees, I think it would be much safer to consume that versus something like lettuce or some other low growing vegetable that might have rainfall splashing that compost onto the leaves that you will eventually eat.

[@belemsantillan826]

What can I consider dry grass clipping brown or green?

[@fortcollinsgov]

Hi Balem, Natalie Yoder would be your best contact for questions regarding this video. Please reach out to her at [e-mail]. Thank you!

[@LEMORTIS714]

home owner....wow great!

[@rohitkhosla8110]

grass clippings especially from lawns should be avoided as it could have been treated with 2,4-D which would destroy plants where the compost is used

[@tonioyendis4464]

Rohit Khosla - i use only the grass-clippings from my own yard, because i know what's on it.

[@cqammaz53]

What is the ratio for rabbit manure?

[@fortcollinsgov]

Hi, Carolyn. Thanks for your question. The City's Environmental Services Department brought in Natalie Yoder from CSU to speak to her expertise with composting. For your question, it would be best to contact Natalie directly. Her contact into is [e-mail]

[@tjchaka5343]

My understanding is that rabbit manure is the least “hot” compost. I’ve been told that it can be used immediately around plants. Not sure the ratio.

[@robertbrawley5048]

25:00 mark "how to compost"

[@k.ganesanganesan6825]

Katri bundle is to be scientifically done.

[@gillenzfluff8380]

I do composting and other and that is chop and drop! A few things I would say is turning compost is a waste of time nutrients and mass! And having the compost open to rain will wash away a lot of nutrients and if it rains a lot it can kill the heating reaction! And in my experience Of just adding anything and just keeping the moisture content right is the most important thing, I don't really bother with carbon nitrogen ratios or temperature as it is a continuous pile and I take the finished compost from the bottom!

[@tonioyendis4464]

Gillenz Fluff - are you saying that the rain diminishes the quality of the compost?

[@gillenzfluff8380]

Tonio Yendis Yes just like if you left a pint of beer or a cup of tea in the rain it would end up not being beer or tea and just be useless!

[@gillenzfluff8380]

Tonio Yendis After turning compost the oxygen becomes lower than before turning due to compaction so turning is another waste of time!

[@gillenzfluff8380]

Anyone watching this should research losses from turnimg compost!

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

It is true static piles left as long as possible it creates good results

[@garyparrish9297]

Regardless of your C/N ratio it will still compost with added water in this dry climate. Your presentation is interesting, but tailored for the small yard owner. Some theories about composting do confront other methods, but nature will always make it work. Maybe not in the timeline you wish for.

[@MW-xv1sj]

When i think composting, i definitely think of social equity.

[@timothyreilly8394]

Well then you are a Marxist dupe then. Think about Jesus & humble yourselves before the Lord God of Abraham. It's your only hope dupe.

[@pierpontscott9026]

Should you be worried about antibiotics, steroids or hormones used by factory farmed animal manure?

[@dafringe]

Maybe this will help: www.rootsimple.com/2013/05/compost-and-pharmaceuticals/ www.jenkinspublishing.com/messages/messages/1366/2167.html?1460557973

[@teshamiller6001]

Everything you mentioned is in tap water.

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Yes even hot compost allows herbicide to stay active

[@justinalexander4166]

20,000 tons is not 40,000 pounds it's 40 million pounds

[@truenorth7553]

How many of u have a garden ??? Hit like to be counted .

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

TRUE NORTH me

[@JennySimon206]

Building beds and just built a 4 bay compost bin. Fence posts in. Will be making seaweed and leaf compost ala home grown veg channel.

[@jordansme1234567]

Obviously a well educated man not just a govt talking piece

[@k.ganesanganesan6825]

Composting is lifescience Art and Culture. Need local body regulations. Try and approach Government.

[@timothyreilly8394]

It's not a culture, Marxist dupe. Find God. Believe in Jesus. Stop worshipping the Government. They are conceited, Godless Mo Ron's. They will be judged for their faithlessness.

[@LamneYokaMou]

This is so complicated it makes me want to give up. I just want simple instructions in 15 miniutes max.

[@JoesWife1000]

There are lots of shorter videos to choose from.

[@snoopylyn9065]

I got millions larvaes in my compost and I like it and now I feed them smelly stuff so they can breed again 👍🏼

[@MultiLeandrini]

Great talk! Just: 40 *million* pounds, not 40 thousand. (7:30)

[@pluckyfella7]

Would be great if you could be bothered to add subtitles for the hearing-impaired like me ; otherwise your video is useless to me. At least you have snapshots and illustrative points that I can read, thank you. Please could you be so kind to add subtitles for an otherwise interesting and fascinating class on composting?

[@dallastaylor5479]

Why is it ok to use cow, chicken and horse manure but not dog?

[@PlantObsessed]

Marcia W it has to do with vegetarian animals digestion and diseases. You can bury your dog waste in your yard. Just not too close to surface or close to young trees and plants.

[@patrickeneh9417]

dog manures and all other pet manures as well as all manures from carnivores should not be added to compost. This is because they feed on meats, fish and dairy products. these products tend to contaminate the compost since they attract pathogens and are way more difficult to compost when compared with manures from herbivores.

[@milesbranstrom4947]

@@PlantObsessed you its obsessed alright grow cannibas with dogshit it works great(the kind)

[@SimonWoodburyForget]

Nobody knows what's in your pet's food??? Nobody knows what's is your chicken's food either....

[@Mr71paul71]

load of rubbish its just greens propaganda